Holiday poverty, or the inability to afford time away from work for rest and leisure, is a growing concern across the European Union. In 2023, 15% of employed people, around 42 million workers, were unable to afford even a one-week holiday away from home, according to Eurostat data published by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). While percentages vary by country, a distinct East-West divide is evident. Eastern and Southern European countries generally show higher rates, while wealthier Western and Northern countries report lower figures. Rising costs, stagnant wages, and economic inequality are major contributors.
Click on for a closer look at the 27 countries of the EU, ranked based on the percentage of workers who can't afford a vacation.