Romania leads EU in youth extreme poverty and school dropout as NGOs release child health guide

Eurostat data show that Romania has the highest share of young people living in extreme poverty in the European Union, with 15.1% of those aged 15‑29 affected in 2025. A further 24.2% of Romanian youth are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, and the country records the EU's highest early school‑leaving rate at 15.5% for ages 18‑24. These figures underline persistent material and social hardships among Romanian children and adolescents.

In response, the non‑governmental organization Casa Naturii has published a free "Community Health Intervention Guide" targeted at teachers, parents and other adults working with children in disadvantaged Romanian communities. The guide provides clear steps for identifying at‑risk children, simple intervention tools, and practical advice for fostering supportive communication and managing crises both at home and in schools.