Finland has fewer poor people than the EU average. However, without the safety net of income distribution, that number would be higher than the EU average. In Finland, 29 percent of the population would be at risk of living in poverty without income distribution; the EU average poverty risk is just 26 percent.

In Finland young people, many of whom are unemployed and students, are particularly vulnerable to poverty. Institutionalised unemployment and displacement of vulnerable groups are particularly problematic in Finland.

Children at risk The report reveals that displacement of Finnish children and young people, as well as drug users, has risen. Unemployment rates among young people in Finland are higher than in other parts of Europe. In 2004, the unemployment rate among Finnish youth was over 20 percent, or two times that of the rest of the population. The standard of living among the elderly in Finland was close to the standard of living of the rest of the population. However their livelihoods were more dependent on social support than other Finns. Life expectancy in Finland is the same as the EU average, but healthy Finns live shorter lives than average when compared to healthy people in the EU. Furthermore, the Finnish population is growing older faster than populations in other EU countries. Finland's social security expenses are slightly less than the EU average. Finland spends nearly 27 percent of its GDP on social security. The average spending in the EU is 27.3 percent. EU Ministers of Labour are set to discuss the Commission's report next Monday in Brussels. YLE