According to European Statistical Office (Eurostat) data of the population of 117.5 million people, corresponding to 23.4 last year on the continent was faced with the risk of poverty or social exclusion.

The said rate was 40 percent in Bulgaria, 38.8 percent in Romania and 35.6 percent in Greece.

The lowest rate of poverty or social exclusion was in the Czech Republic with a share of 13.3 percent, followed by Finland with 16.6 percent, Denmark with 16.7 percent and the Netherlands with 16.8 percent.

When the factors that constitute the risk of poverty or social exclusion are considered separately, 17.2% of the EU population has an income below the level of poverty.

According to the material poverty criterion, 7.5 percent of the population is unable to meet even basic needs such as paying bills, heating homes.

According to the latest announcement, the gap between the rich and the poor in Italy is deepening.

About 4 million people live in poverty in Italy.

In addition, 18 million people are at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Inequality in income distribution in Italy over the past 35 years has increased more than other OECD countries.

Between 2008 and 2014, average revenue declined by 11 percent. This percentage was 24 percent for those earning below average. According to the United Nations (UN) data, 11 percent of the world's people, or 767 million people, live below the poverty line.

ILKHA