The European Community confronts the persistent challenge of poverty within its member states. This work, authored by the Commission of the European Communities' European Social Policy Observation, Information, and Research unit, likely details the socio-economic landscape of poverty across Europe in the early 1980s. It probably examines the various policy responses and strategies being considered or implemented by the Community to address these issues. The book aims to provide an overview of the problem and the institutional approaches to its mitigation.

This publication, originating from a European Community commission, is likely intended as a technical or policy-oriented report rather than a widely debated public work. Its reception would primarily be within academic, governmental, and policy-making circles concerned with European social and economic affairs. The book's focus on poverty alleviation within the EC framework suggests it would be valued for its data and analysis by specialists in the field. Its authority would stem from its origin within the Commission itself, providing an official perspective on the issues.