Romania tops EU list for citizens unable to afford regular meat meals and home internet
Eurostat data show Romania has the largest share of people in the EU who cannot financially afford a meat-or-vegetarian meal every two days, as well as the highest share unable to pay for a home internet connection.
Eurostat’s latest figures reveal that Romania records the greatest share of EU residents who cannot financially secure a meal with meat, poultry, fish or an equivalent vegetarian substitute at least once every two days. The data also highlight that Romanians are the most likely in the Union to be unable to cover the cost of a personal-use internet connection at home. By contrast, Cyprus shows the lowest share of people struggling with meal affordability, while Finland records the smallest proportion unable to afford home internet. These disparities underscore significant differences in living standards across member states, as detailed in Eurostat’s 2026 report on European living conditions.
Why it matters
The figures expose stark gaps in basic food and digital access across the EU, pointing to deep socioeconomic challenges in Romania.
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