Greece Ranks Second-Worst in EU for Living Conditions of People with Disabilities

In a troubling revelation, Greece holds the second-worst position in the European Union for the living conditions of people with disabilities, according to data from the National Confederation of Persons with Disabilities (E.S.A.meA). In 2024, one in two Greeks with disabilities aged 16–64 lives in poverty or social exclusion, while three in ten over 65 face similar challenges.

Alarming Financial Struggles

The data paints a grim picture: 44.5% of people with disabilities in Greece have overdue debts, the highest rate in the EU. Additionally, 33% of households with disabled members face excessive housing cost burdens. Eight out of ten individuals with disabilities have been forced to cut essential living expenses to afford healthcare, with 34.3% of health costs paid directly out-of-pocket, the second-highest rate in the EU.

Limited Workforce Participation

Employment opportunities for people with disabilities remain severely limited, with only 25.3% participating in the economically active population. This starkly highlights the barriers to social and economic inclusion faced by this group.

Marginalization Amid Crises

E.S.A.meA representatives attribute these dire conditions to the compounded effects of multiple crises and structural economic issues in Greece. "The impact of ongoing crises, combined with the economy’s systemic problems, has created a precarious and dangerous social reality," they stated. "Large segments of the population are marginalized, unable to cover basic living needs or participate fully in society."

Elderly with Disabilities at Risk

The situation is equally alarming for those over 65. Continuous pension cuts from previous years, coupled with soaring living costs, have put elderly and retired individuals with disabilities at risk of destitution. Rising housing costs, inflation in essential goods, energy, and fuel, along with the additional expenses tied to disability or chronic conditions, make it nearly impossible for many to meet daily needs. "A significant portion of people with disabilities are pushed to the social margins," E.S.A.meA noted.

This crisis underscores the urgent need for targeted policies to address the systemic challenges facing Greeks with disabilities, as the nation grapples with poverty and exclusion on a scale unmatched by most of the EU.