
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

New Electricity Subsidies for 1 Million Greek Businesses
Ministry of Environment and Energy has officially announced the framework for electricity subsidies targeting approximately one million businesses across Greece.

Eurostat: Women and Youth Most Underpaid in Greece
In the EU 18.2% of women are low-paid compared to men, against 23% in Greece. A staggering 43% of young Greeks are low-paid—the second-worst rate in Europe.

Public Services in Greece to Go Under Review with New Rating Tool
Public services will receive their evaluation scores and feedback directly, fostering a system of accountability and continuous improvement.

Istanbul Earthquake – Greek Prof. Concerned Major Quake Yet to Strike
Responding to concerns over whether a potential major quake in Istanbul could affect Greece, Papazachos was reassuring: “The fault extends as far as Lemnos and the Northern Sporades, but it doesn’t rupture all at once. An earthquake in Istanbul doesn’t have the capacity to directly affect Greek territory.”

Greece 4th Most Popular Summer Destination for Europeans
Southern Europe remains the top choice for Europeans at 41%, though down 8% from last year, likely due to rising temperatures and climate concerns.

Easter Sales Performance and the Source of €4–5 Million in Losses
Easter retail sales were relatively weak this year, with the only "real winners" being the livestock farmers who had lambs to sell.

Hotel Foreclosures Continue to Plague Greece’s Islands
A surge in hotel foreclosures across Greece’s islands threatens small tourism businesses, despite booming visitor numbers and record-breaking travel in 2024.

Athens Launches Task Force to Safeguard Historic City Center
The new municipal unit will ensure compliance to zoning laws, curb noise, and address tourist rental issues starting from the Plaka district.

WTTC: Travel & Tourism to Create 4.5M New Jobs in EU by 2035
This year, international visitor spending is set to reach 573 billion euros, up by more than 11% year-on-year

IMF: US Tariffs Shake Global Economy, Outlook Downbeat
IMF slashes global growth forecast to 2.8% as U.S. tariffs create uncertainty and ‘negative supply shock