Among EU countries, the highest share of people who faced severe material and social deprivation was recorded in Romania (17.2%), followed by Bulgaria (16.6%) and Greece (14.0%)

The severe material and social deprivation rate (SMSD) is an EU-SILC indicator that shows an enforced lack of necessary and desirable items to lead an adequate life.

The indicator, adopted by the Indicators’ Sub-Group (ISG) of the Social Protection Committee (SPC), distinguishes between individuals who cannot afford a certain good, service or social activities.

It is defined as the proportion of the population experiencing an enforced lack of at least 7 out of 13 deprivation items (6 related to the individual and 7 related to the household).

List of items at household level:

• Capacity to face unexpected expenses
• Capacity to afford paying for one week annual holiday away from home
• Capacity to being confronted with payment arrears (on mortgage or rental payments, utility bills, hire purchase instalments or other loan payments)
• Capacity to afford a meal with meat, chicken, fish or vegetarian equivalent every second day
• Ability to keep home adequately warm
• Have access to a car/van for personal use
• Replacing worn-out furniture

List of items at individual level:

• Having internet connection
• Replacing worn-out clothes by some new ones
• Having two pairs of properly fitting shoes (including a pair of all-weather shoes)
• Spending a small amount of money each week on him/herself
• Having regular leisure activities
• Getting together with friends/family for a drink/meal at least once a month