Lorraine Williamson
Spain has the highest child poverty rate in the European Union, according to recent figures. More than one in three children in Spain are at risk of poverty or social exclusion—an estimated 34.6%.
This figure places Spain ahead of all other EU countries in terms of child poverty. It is part of a wider pattern of economic vulnerability affecting large parts of the population.
Economic hardship across the board
Spain also ranks highest on the European Misery Index, which combines unemployment and inflation. In December 2024, the index score for Spain was 14.7%, the highest in the EU.
According to Eurostat, 26.5% of Spain’s total population was at risk of poverty or exclusion in 2023—up from 25.3% in 2018. These figures reflect not just temporary hardship, but a deeper structural issue.
Teenagers and children most affected
Teenagers are among the most vulnerable. Data shows that 35.8% of young people aged 13 to 17 face the risk of social exclusion. Experts point to a lack of support during adolescence and the high cost of raising teenagers as contributing factors.
Children living in rural areas are also disproportionately affected. In 2023, 35.7% of rural children lived in poverty, compared to 32.8% of their urban counterparts.
Regional inequality worsens the problem
Poverty rates vary significantly between regions. Andalucia (44.4%), Murcia (43.9%), and the Canary Islands (38.6%) report the highest rates of child poverty. In contrast, Galicia recorded a much lower figure of 16%.
La Rioja experienced one of the sharpest increases, with rates rising by over 10 percentage points in just one year.
Migrant and single-parent families at higher risk
Some groups face a much higher likelihood of poverty. Among children from foreign families, 67.9% are at risk. For households with three or more children, the figure is 65.1%. Single-parent households also face increased financial insecurity.
Universal child benefit under review
A universal child allowance could help alleviate the crisis. Human Rights Watch has proposed a €200 monthly benefit per child. The organisation estimates this could cut the rate of extreme child poverty from 14% to 8%.
The Spanish government is currently considering the proposal, although no final decision has been made.
What organisations are calling for
Several NGOs and advocacy groups have urged the Spanish government to act. Recommendations include:
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Introducing a universal child benefit
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Improving access to the Ingreso Mínimo Vital (minimum income scheme)
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Increasing the budget for education-related costs to 0.44% of GDP
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Combating segregation in schools
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Preventing evictions that affect families with children
Time for action
Child poverty in Spain is not new. It is a long-standing problem that requires consistent and inclusive policy reform. With more than a third of children affected, tackling the issue is urgent. Without action, the cycle of poverty is likely to persist for future generations.
Also read: Spain allocates €200 million to combat child poverty