100 million people facing extreme poverty as a result of the COVID-19 crisis

Question for written answer  E-006934/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Daniel Buda (PPE)

Representatives of the World Bank warn that 100 million people will be pushed into ‘extreme poverty’, living on less than USD 2 a day, as a result of the economic effects of COVID-19. The international financial institution had previously estimated that 60 million people would be facing extreme poverty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the most recent estimates reveal a figure of between 70 and 100 million people, and that could increase if the pandemic continues.

The United Nations defines ‘extreme poverty’ as having less than USD 1.90 a day to live on. The crisis caused by COVID-19 has resulted in a loss of jobs, with millions of livelihoods destroyed. Unfortunately, if the World Bank’s estimates become reality, the progress made in the last three years in reducing poverty will be undone.

What measures can the Commission take to help fight extreme poverty in the EU?