The COVID-19 crisis has increased social inequalities across Europe, from access to education, to work, medical treatment, and housing. The widening gap goes hand in hand with regional disparities, and this dangerous downward spiral is something the EU’s cohesion policy aims to put a stop to. EURACTIV Germany reports.
The annual
Call-to-Europe event organised by the Foundation for Progressive European Studies (FEPS) on Thursday (27 May) heard concerns from participants about the increase of these inequalities.
According to FEPS’ studies, social disparities mostly go hand in hand with regional inequalities.
The report states that regional inequalities like urbanisation, air pollution, overpriced living conditions, and social ones, such as lack of prospects, the rural exodus, poor education and healthcare, are caught in a vicious cycle.