EU Council Lists Programs for the Integration of Disadvantaged People

Hungary has a number of different work programs aimed at the social inclusion and integration of disadvantaged people living in segregated environments or in severe poverty, said the European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) in its annual report published on Wednesday.

The Strasbourg-based, 46-member Council of Europe’s expert body monitoring social rights said that its report examined measures taken in response to livelihood crises based on data submitted by the states party to the European Social Charter.

The financial crisis of the late 2000s and the COVID-19 pandemic was followed by the war in Ukraine in early 2022. It disrupted global markets, driving up food and energy prices and worsening inflation amid already rising living costs. While inflation eased in 2024, the cost of living continued to rise, severely affecting vulnerable groups who spend a larger share of their income on basic necessities.

Hungary provided information on measures aimed at the social inclusion of disadvantaged people living in segregated housing, which aim to increase the supply of social housing through new construction and the renovation or conversion of existing housing.

Most states that are parties to the European Social Charter implement minimum wage increases as part of their policy measures. Adjustments to the minimum wage are typically determined through annual or biennial reviews, conducted in consultation with social partners. These reviews take into account the cost of living, the consumer price index, and the overall economic situation.

There was positive real growth in the Hungarian minimum wage, increasing by 16% in 2023 compared to 2022. Public sector wages increased significantly (by 19.4%). It was also noted that between July 2019 and January 2022, the wages of healthcare workers increased by 72%.

Hungary’s measures to protect workers’ purchasing power included support for disadvantaged families and rural job seekers through the public works program. A notable positive step was the 2022 removal of the income threshold for child support advances, allowing more people to receive assistance. It was mentioned that the Hungarian government decided in 2020 to reintroduce the 13th month pension. In 2021, 25% of the 13th month pension was paid, and in 2022 and 2023, the full monthly pension was paid.

It was also reported that since 2012, pensions have been adjusted in Hungary every year in line with inflation. In 2022, the overall increase in pensions increased to 14%, while in 2023 it increased by 15%.

Regarding heating, it was reported that Hungary has launched a social firewood program, through which the state provides firewood to all applicants in need. It was also announced that the Hungarian government has set itself the goal of improving the participation of the adult population in education and training. Several programs are aimed at alleviating material deprivation, especially in the case of poor families with children.

Hungary also provides children from families fleeing the war in Ukraine with nurseries, kindergartens, primary and secondary school care, as well as free or subsidized meals and free institutional and recreational facilities.

Via MTI; Featured picture: Pexels