Rising cost of living affects EU citizens’ fundamental rights, report shows

Brussels – 11 June 2026: The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) has published its annual report examining the impact of rising living costs on fundamental rights of EU citizens. According to the report, increases in the cost of living in many Member States have worsened social inequalities, affecting particularly disadvantaged population groups. This situation has made access to essential services more difficult and negatively affected citizens’ overall well‑being.

Another focus of the report is the rise in online hate crimes. The FRA points out that in recent years there has been a substantial increase in the spread of hate speech and discriminatory content on the internet. This situation poses a serious threat to freedom of expression and social cohesion, and the agency calls for strengthened measures against online hate crimes and the promotion of respectful dialogue in digital spaces.

The report also addresses challenges related to the integration of foreign workers. Despite various initiatives, many migrants are subject to precarious working conditions and have limited access to social rights. The FRA emphasizes the need to review integration strategies and to ensure that all workers enjoy equal rights and opportunities regardless of origin.

On the issue of living costs, the FRA recommends that EU Member States take measures to strengthen citizens’ social rights. Specifically, this includes raising minimum wages to at least 60% of the national average wage and setting price caps on basic food items. These measures aim to promote social justice and mitigate the adverse effects of rising living costs.

The agency stresses the importance of comprehensive preventive and responsive measures to effectively address challenges in the field of fundamental rights. It urges EU institutions and Member States to take the report’s recommendations seriously and to take concrete action to improve living conditions and promote social integration.

Finally, the FRA highlights the role of civil society and social partners in implementing the proposed measures. It states that close cooperation among governments, NGOs and the business community is essential to build an inclusive and fair society in which the fundamental rights of all citizens are respected and promoted.

The FRA’s report provides an important basis for political debate and decision‑making at EU and Member State levels, setting out in detail the current challenges to fundamental rights and offering practical recommendations for addressing them.

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights will continue its activities to ensure the respect and promotion of fundamental rights within the EU and to contribute to the formation of a fair and inclusive society.