Overall, recent information, including survey data available for July, remains consistent with our expectation of a continued moderate and uneven recovery of the euro area economy. Looking ahead, domestic demand should be supported by a number of factors, including the accommodative monetary policy stance and the ongoing improvements in financial conditions.
As percentages of the total population, the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion edged down slightly, while the number of people suffering from material deprivation has risen. The fact that the largest increase was recorded among children under 17 years is a serious cause for concern.