While the European Union continues pumping billions into Ukraine, record poverty rates and homelessness have spiked across its states, affecting more than 20 percent of their citizens. 

More than one in five citizens within the EU are now homeless, applying for emergency accommodation and seeking charities for hot meals, while legislators warn that fundamental human rights are being blatantly disregarded. 

German MEP Gabriele Bischoff urged the bloc to find and establish a strategy against poverty, saying, "We are talking about 100 million people who are affected by poverty and social exclusion here, on one of the richest continents in the world, more than one in five in the EU."

In the same context, Malika Sorel, the French MEP, blasted living conditions and crises within the bloc, revealing that 34% of EU citizens do not have healthcare benefits, while hospitals are unable to treat or look after patients. Meanwhile, poverty has struck every member state, risking transforming EU countries into "third world nations."

How 'Israel' and Ukraine exacerbated the problem

The phenomenon has prevailed over the past few years, but the EU insisted on providing Ukraine with 118 billion euros in military aid and on sanctioning Russia, exponentially increasing energy rates and inflation. 

Johann Weick, the EU policy consultant, said, "At some point, Zelensky and Vladimir Putin have to be together and figure out some kind of peace deal, because otherwise, the European Union will have more problems."

To further exacerbate the problem, Germany, considered the EU's economic powerhouse, opted to supply "Israel" with €94 million worth of military equipment. Other members of the bloc slammed the decision and called for sanctions instead. 

"What more will it take for the EU to sanction Israel? Israel has turned Gaza into a sea of rubble. It is engaging in the indiscriminate bombing of Lebanon," Irish MEP Aodhan O Riordan said, adding that the occupation has also been deliberately targeting UNIFIL peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, a clear violation of international law that should encourage sanctions. 

Is the EU digging its own grave?

Analysts warn that the EU's economy is at risk due to its leaders' blind adherence to US foreign policy.

Moreover, the expanding influence of BRICS could further weaken the euro. Currently, the lack of action to tackle rising inequality within the EU is leading to significant political fallout for the establishment.

Reuters reported on Wednesday that BRICS leaders are drafting plans to further expand the alliance amid concerns about the geopolitical and economic implications of rapid growth.

During the BRICS summit, chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazan, discussions focused on how to manage the growing interest from countries in the Global South and East in joining the bloc.

BRICS, which originally consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and later South Africa, now accounts for 45% of the global population and 35% of the world’s economy. More than 30 states have also expressed interest in becoming members.

Anti-EU feelings are growing as frustration builds among those who feel neglected by the system.