Minimum subsistence level - how basic needs are assessed in Ukraine and the EU.

The minimum subsistence level is an important indicator that determines the poverty line. Ukraine has this indicator far from reality compared to the countries of the European Union, where real expenses for housing, food, transport, and medicine are taken into account.

In Ukraine, in 2025, the minimum subsistence level is 2,920 hryvnias (59.61 euros). This amount should satisfy the basic needs of a person. The indicators of the minimum subsistence level are used to determine social benefits, taxes, and other standards.

Minimum subsistence level in EU countries

The minimum subsistence level exists in several EU countries such as the Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland, Slovakia, Latvia, Sweden, Germany, and Italy. Other states use different indicators to determine the standard of living.

It is also worth noting that modern social standards in Ukraine do not meet the needs of citizens and do not ensure a decent standard of living. The head of the parliamentary committee, Danilo Hetmantsev, believes that there are currently not enough funds in the budget for a significant increase in the minimum subsistence level.

Compared to the countries of the European Union, where the minimum subsistence level is determined taking into account real expenses for housing, food, transport, and medicine, Ukraine lags significantly in this indicator. Modern social standards do not meet the needs of the country's citizens, and the issue of the low minimum subsistence level remains relevant. The main task is to ensure people with decent living conditions, and for this, it is necessary to address the issue of increasing the minimum subsistence level.