Nevertheless, Luxembourg found itself below the 29% EU average for people with disabilities risking social exclusion or poverty. Photo: Shutterstock.

Nevertheless, Luxembourg found itself below the 29% EU average for people with disabilities risking social exclusion or poverty. Photo: Shutterstock.

In 2020, almost 29% of the EU’s population aged over 16 with a disability were at risk of poverty or social exclusion, shows data by Eurostat released on 3 December marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

In Luxembourg, 26.4% of people with disabilities found themselves at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2020. This indicates a downward trend as that percentage stood at 20.5% in 2011.

However, the grand duchy remains one of EU member states that performed better according to Eurostat’s data. It found itself below the 29% EU average for people with disabilities risking social exclusion or poverty. Top of the list was Bulgaria with just over 52%, with Estonia appearing to be the second least prosperous environment (40.4%) for the differently abled in the bloc.

On 3 December Luxembourg’s capital was and received a €150,000 prize for its initiatives towards creating an improved environment for people living with a disability.

“The City of Luxembourg has been recognised for its high commitment to improving accessibility for public awareness campaigns and a comprehensive design-for-all approach,” stated the European Commission’s employment, social affairs, and inclusion branch.

To accommodate the differently abled Luxembourg City has elevators installed around the central train station and lowered pavements at crossings remodeled to facilitate the mobility of wheelchair users.

The country had already been  for disabled travellers in 2019.