Greece appears third on the latest list of European Union countries faced with severe deprivation. Figures from the EU show 14% of the Mediterranean country’s population faced “severe material and social deprivation” in 2024.
The highest shares were recorded in Romania (17.2%) and Bulgaria (16.6%), according to the Eurostat figures released on Monday (September 15). These compare with the lowest rates of 1.8% in Slovenia, 2% in Croatia and 2.3% in Poland.
Material and social deprivation refers to an inability to afford a set of specific goods, services, or social activities considered by most people as essential.
The severe material and social deprivation rate is defined as the share of the population unable to afford seven or more of 13 items.
These include paying for a week’s annual holiday, keeping your home warm, having access to a car, replacing worn out clothes and meeting friends or family for a drink or meal at least once a month.
Overall, 6.4% of people in the EU faced severe material and social deprivation in 2024, down slightly on 6.8% in 2023, according to Eurostat’s figures.
Greece’s debt crisis of 2010 saw crippling austerity measures imposed on the country in exchange for a series of bailouts. As a result ,many Greeks were pushed into poverty.
Greece is Europe’s most indebted country. Disposable incomes are behind the EU average because of rising energy, food and housing prices.
Earlier this month, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced income tax breaks aimed at boosting households with children.
The Greek government is battling to revive its fortunes amid falling popularity driven by claims of corruption and a cost-of-living crisis.
Mr Mitsotakis said in his annual speech on the economy that strong economic growth, a higher budget surplus and enhanced tax collection would help finance the £1.4billion (1.6bn euros) package.
In 2024, Athens announced a multi-billion pound plan to halt Greece’s declining birth rate. The country’s fertility rate of 1.3 is well below the 2.5 required to grow its population and help maintain its workforce.
