Belgium scores average marks in European social study

Belgium is one of the most egalitarian countries in Europe but only manages a very average rating when it comes to integrating the poor, the unemployed and children into its society, a study by the German think-tank Bertelsmann Stiftung has found.

Scandinavian countries scored top marks for integrating the poor, the unemployed, children, migrants and sick people into their societies, followed by the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany.

Belgium’s appearance in the middle of the European countries surveyed is due to its lacklustre fight against poverty, inequality in the teaching sector and a stagnant labour market.

Belgium gets excellent marks, however, in the healthcare category. Only three countries – Sweden, Luxembourg and the Netherlands – scored higher in this category.