Greece faces highest EU rate of leisure inactivity due to economic pressures

New Eurostat data reveals that leisure activities have become a luxury for a significant portion of the Greek population. In 2025, 27.3% of Greeks reported being unable to participate in regular leisure activities, the highest rate in the European Union and more than double the EU average of 12.1%. This marks the second consecutive year Greece has held the lowest position in the EU regarding leisure accessibility.

Several economic factors contribute to this trend, including low incomes, high costs, and long working hours. Greek workers averaged 39.6 hours per week in 2025, compared to the EU average of 35.9 hours. Furthermore, disposable income per capita in Greece is approximately 60% of the EU median, a figure surpassed only by Hungary and Romania.

Housing costs present a major burden, with 26.4% of Greeks living in households that allocate more than 40% of disposable income to housing, the highest share in the EU. Additionally, 35% of Greeks stated their households struggle to cover all essential expenses, significantly higher than the EU average of 6.4%.