
The latest figures released this week by Greece’s statistics authority, EL.STAT, again raise concerns about the number of people in the country at-risk for poverty and economic inequity.
According to the statistics authority, 26.3 percent of the population in the east Mediterranean country is at-risk for poverty or social exclusion, or some 2.72 million people in absolute terms.
The ratio means that one in four residents in Greece face such a risk as of 2022, with results based on incomes for 2021.
The figures also precede a surge in inflation and the energy crisis – in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 – which led to a further decrease in households’ disposable income.
Ominously, Greece posted the worst showing, in terms of the at-risk for poverty category after Bulgaria, in a survey of nine European countries for which data is available.
Spain and Latvia followed, with a percentage hovering at 26 percent, while Finland fared the best, with a 16-percent showing.
Although the development is worrying, many analysts have pointed out that official statistics for Greece often do not figure the “off-the-books” incomes of self-employed professionals and craftsmen, as well as high rates of tax evasion and avoidance by SMEs.


Latest News

Newly Appointed Dep. Development Minister Aristos Doxiadis Resigns
His resignation has been accepted by the Prime Minister, and his replacement is expected to be announced in the coming days

Metropolitan Ioannis of Korce New Archbishop of Albania
Following the announcement of the election, church bells rang joyfully in Orthodox churches across Albania

Greece Faces Renewed Fears of Water Crisis Ahead of Summer 2025
Following a prolonged drought that began in 2024, fears of a water crisis highlight the urgent need for infrastructure improvements

Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and More Seek Collaboration with Greek Unis
Greece's former Minister of Education Kyriakos Pierrakakis announces an €82 million funding boost to support the partnerships

Greek Government Reshuffle Brings in More Young Technocrats
Greek PM Mitsotakis has brought in younger leaders and technocrats in a bid to accelerate the government's efforts at modernization and efficiency, according to New Democracy insiders

Greece’s New Government Members Sworn in at Presidential Mansion
Greece's new government members were sworn in on Saturday morning and head straight to work through the first meeting of the new cabinet.

Moody’s Upgrades Greece to Investment Grade, Ending Crisis Era
The rating agency raised Greece’s long-term credit rating to Baa3 from Ba1, with a stable outlook.

EFET on World Consumer Day: Humanity Faces New Challenges
This year’s message emphasizes the need for a transition to sustainable lifestyles while safeguarding consumers’ legally recognized rights. This means ensuring access to essential goods such as food and energy, as well as health and safety.

Athens Hotels Lead Europe in Value Growth for Third Year
Over the entire period from 2015 to 2024, the average annual increase in hotel value was 6.1%.

Unemployment Rate in Greece Down 8.9% in January: IOBE
The unemployment rate in Greece recorded a further decline in January 2025, reaching 8.9%, according to the latest Foundation for Economic & Industrial Research (IOBE) report.