摘要：This paper attempted to identify the population at risk of material deprivation. The deprivation itself was treated as a consequence of insufficient satisfaction of needs such as: a weeklong leisure trip for all household members once a year, heating, a car, and funds for unexpected expenses. EU-SILC (European Union-Survey of Income and Living Condition) results were used in the analysis. Material deprivation was the sole focus in the evaluation of financial situation. Four EU member states were investigated: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Greece. An attempt was made to define the term, followed by the indication of material deprivation levels in these countries with the use of ratio analysis. It was stated that the inhabitants of Bulgaria have the greatest problem with satisfying their elementary needs. It was noted that the period of membership in the EU does not correspond to the material deprivation level. The research results lead to the assumption that the risk of deprivation depends on the socio-economic development of the given country.
关键词：material deprivation; social exclusion; European Union
