Family allowances in the EU: who spends the most and how the balance has changed

According to the latest Eurostat data, in 2022 the average amount spent by European Union countries on family allowances was €830 per person. This is an increase of 46.7 per cent compared to 2012, when the amount was €566. The figures cover non-medical assistance aimed at supporting families in connection with pregnancy, childbirth, adoption, childcare and other family members.

Luxembourg topped the ranking with €3,789 per person - twice as much as the next Denmark (€1,878) and Germany (€1,616). At the other end of the scale were Bulgaria (€211), Greece (€264) and Cyprus (€277), indicating a huge difference in the level of support for families across Europe.

The share of family benefits in total social protection expenditure in the EU has also increased, from 8 per cent in 2012 to 8.6 per cent in 2022. But here, too, there are significant differences between countries. In Poland, Luxembourg and Estonia, these expenditures account for the largest share - 15.6 per cent, 14.8 per cent and 12.4 per cent respectively. While in Cyprus, the Netherlands and Portugal, the figure varies between 4.6 per cent and 5.3 per cent.

Thus, despite overall growth, the distribution of support remains highly uneven. This reflects differences in both demographic priorities and social systems across the EU, and emphasises how important it is to adapt social policy to the real needs of families.