New Eurostat data shows Greece ranks among the five poorest EU nations, with one in ten workers at risk of poverty and men faring significantly worse than women.

When it comes to travel budgets, Luxembourg leads the way. Its residents spend an average of 1,758 euros on foreign trips lasting at least four nights.

Specifically, 66.8% of Greek citizens reported difficulty making ends meet, compared with 37.4% in Bulgaria and 28.7% in Slovakia.

Among member states, the highest debt-to-GDP ratios at the end of Q2 2025 were recorded in Greece (151.2%).

Labor costs are driven by two main components: wages and salaries, and non-wage expenses such as social contributions

In Greece, the highest rate of material and social deprivation by age group is observed among young people aged 18–24.

Disparities are observed between the two sexes, as females have a life expectancy of 84 years compared to males’ 79 years across the EU.

The European Central Bank left its key interest rate at 2% and is expected to maintain that stance next month before reopening talks on possible cuts in the autumn.

The figures revealed that in 2024, Greek citizens were significantly worse off than those of other EU members, with 27.1% unable to cover dental costs.

Greece ranked fourth, with more than 30% of its population at risk of poverty—over three in ten people—unable to cover the cost of basic food.

Industry experts attribute the high alcohol prices primarily to Greece’s steep excise duties, combined with the value-added tax.

Out of 38 countries tracked by Eurostat, only Montenegro ranks higher in terms of the number of new businesses opened.

The Greek Ministry of Labour has challenged Eurostat figures showing the country leading the EU in long working hours, arguing that employees work fewer extra hours than reported

Meanwhile, Greece's booming tourism industry—surging since last year and maintaining high levels this season—has added upward pressure on prices, especially in the services sector.

Following the fifth increase in the statutory minimum wage since 2022, the monthly minimum rose to €1,027 as of April.

The majority (60%) of Greek holidaymakers intend to stay within mainland Greece, particularly in coastal areas, likely due to lower transportation costs and the ability to drive rather than fly or take a ferry

ELSTAT reported that employment rose to 4,346,499 individuals, reflecting an increase of 86,787 people (2.0%) compared to May 2024.

The latest figure marks one of the highest inflation rates in the European Union, ranking fifth among member states.

The lowest annual inflation rates in the European Union were recorded in Cyprus (0.4%), France (0.6%), and Ireland (1.4%), according to the latest Eurostat data.

To boost productivity, Greece must pursue both internal modernization and broader structural changes, argue prominent economists.