Complex assessment of poverty using composite indicator

The article deals with measuring poverty whereas poverty is considered to be a multidimensional phenomenon and is represented by various dimensions. It aims to propose a methodical instrument for complex evaluation of poverty and the differences in poverty among the EU Member States. This instrument is also appropriate for regional comparison among the regions of Czech Republic. Methodical instrument on the basis of composite indicator has been suggested and it has been verified on selected poverty indicators. Using the composite indicator the development of the EU countries in the period 2004 – 2009 is described. While Denmark, Netherlands and Luxembourg made a huge improvement between the two years, the smallest progress was accomplished in Latvia, Hungary and Bulgaria.