According to Eurostat figures released on Monday, Greece recorded the third-highest percentage of its population (14%) living in a state of severe material and social deprivation among EU member states last year, with Romania ranking first (17.2%) and Bulgaria second (16.6%).
Greece deprivation rates stand out in EU
These were the only three EU countries where more than 10% of the population faced such conditions in 2024, while the EU average stood at 6.4%, down from 6.8% in 2023. Although that share of the population dropped significantly in Romania and Bulgaria in 2024, it rose in Greece, up from 13.5% in 2023.
On the other hand, the countries with the lowest percentages of the population in material and social deprivation in 2024 were Slovenia (1.8%), Croatia (2%), Poland (2.3%), Luxembourg (2.3%), and Cyprus (2.5%).
According to Eurostat figures, young people under 18 were most affected by severe material and social deprivation (7.9%) throughout Europe, followed by those aged 18 to 64 (6.4%), and those 65 and older (5.1%).
Women had higher rates of severe material and social deprivation than men (6.6% compared with 6.2%). This pattern of higher rates for women was consistent across all observed age groups, except for those under the age of 18.
Millions in Greece are on threshold of poverty
In a report earlier this year, Eurostat found that more than one in four Greeks or 26.9% of Greece’s population is on the threshold of poverty or social exclusion. In absolute numbers, this translates to 2,740,051 people in a country of 10.4 million.
The report placed Greece behind only Bulgaria (30.3%) and Romania (27.9%) in the 27-member European Union, in terms of the highest proportion of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion. The EU average stands at 21%.
The figures from Europe’s statistical authority come just as the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) released data on deprivation in Greece, confirming the significant gap between the country and the EU average.
Related: Greek Pension Crisis Deepens: Average Pensions Fall Below €800
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