Across the European Union, around 11% of people are unable to keep their homes warm, with single parents and single women among the most affected social groups, according to Eurostat research.
Spain and Portugal recorded the highest rates of households struggling with low temperatures, both at 20.8%, followed by Bulgaria (20.7%), Lithuania (20.0%), and Greece (19.2%). In contrast, Luxembourg had the lowest rate (2.1%), along with Finland (2.6%), Slovenia (3.6%), Austria (3.9%), and Estonia (4.1%).
Single parents are particularly vulnerable, with nearly 19% unable to heat their homes adequately. Mediterranean countries are the most affected, with alarming figures in Cyprus (42%), Greece (34.5%), and Spain (34%).
Single women also face significant challenges, with 14% struggling to stay warm. The highest rates were reported in Bulgaria (34%), Portugal (31%), and Lithuania (31%).
By contrast, couples with two children experience the lowest levels of heating difficulties, with only 7.6% affected. Switzerland reported the lowest rate for this group, at just 0.2%.
