A large portion of Greek households are unable to meet the cost of basic needs, according to Eurostat’s living conditions indicators.
Despite interventions in wages and benefits, as well as a partial slowdown in inflation last year, there was intense pressure on family budgets, even before the economic impact of the war in the Middle East on the Greek market. According to the relevant Eurostat survey on the main social and economic indicators in Europe, published on Thursday, just over one in two Greeks, or 50.5% of the population, could not meet unexpected expenses in 2025, such as repairs or doctors’ fees.
This marks a significant increase in financial insecurity compared to 2024 (43.9%) and constitutes the highest rate in the European Union. This is significantly higher than the bloc average, which stood at 29.2% in 2025.
In addition, for 46.6% of Greeks, even a week of vacation is beyond their financial reach, with this share having increased marginally compared to 2024.
This indicator, which is also considered a barometer of material deprivation, is among the highest in the EU, putting Greece after Romania (61.4%), while it is well above the European average of 27.5%.
