Investitionen in das Sozialsystem 

Greece’s public social expenditure for 2022 was 24.1% of GDP, the lowest percentage since 2010, according to the OECD. This marks a 2 percentage-point decrease from 26% in 2021.[1] New welfare measures in 2023 and 2024 consisted primarily of the rebranding, replacement, or extension of existing or withdrawn initiatives, the NSG notes. In 2024, an 8% increase in welfare benefits was announced. However, during the first quarter of 2023, there was a decrease in the distribution of several benefits, such as the Minimum Guaranteed Income, family allowance, housing. allowance, and birth allowance, compared to the same period in 2022. [2] [3] [4]There were slight increases in disability benefits and social solidarity benefits for the elderly, while benefits for uninsured elderly individuals stayed nearly the same.

The European Anti-Poverty Network’s (EAPN) 2023 report highlights ongoing challenges in Greek welfare, such as restrictive residence requirements for national benefits and inadequate support for disabled individuals and single parents.[5] [6] The reduced capacity of the ESTIA Programme – a housing scheme for vulnerable asylum seekers – and the uncertain future of the HELIOS project – which is meant to help refugees integrate – are further straining EU-funded support for migrants and refugees. Greece’s heavy reliance on EU funding reflects a lack of long-term commitment to welfare, and challenges for refugees are exacerbated by restrictive legal requirements to access social rights. The "Jobs Again" law, effective since 2022, renamed the Manpower Employment Organization (OAED) to Public Employment Service (DYPA) and simultaneously reorganized and digitized the services to enhance employment through monetary incentives for people to find a job in a limited timeframe, support vulnerable groups including long-term unemployed, and offer vocational training. At the same time, this law introduces penalties such as 2-year removal from the unemployment registry for refusing 3 consecutive job offers. [7] However, it has faced criticism for not adequately considering practical and health-related aspects of employment, such as the availability of reliable transport from home to work, the impact of working conditions on health, and people’s responsibilities to care for dependents.[8]

Geschlechtergleichheit

Greece has made little progress in advancing gender equality, according to evidence gathered in the NSG’s fieldwork. The European Institute for Gender Equality’s (EIGE) Gender Equality Index also shows only modest improvements between 2020 and 2023, with Greece still lagging behind other EU countries.[9] The domain of work remains particularly problematic, as Greece scores poorly in the participation of women in the labour market, in job segregation, and in work quality for women. The EAPN 2023 Greece Report notes that, while some aspects of gender equality have improved, women's employment rate is still significantly lower than men's, and gender disparities in leadership roles continue – something also highlighted in the European Semester Country Report.[10] The continuous restructuring since 2019 of Greece's gender equality authority, the General Secretariat of Gender Equality, is particularly concerning. Most recently, in 2023, it became the General Secretariat for Equality and Human Rights under the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family. The frequent changes have drawn criticism from civil society and experts, who worry that they may hinder progress in gender equality, particularly the right to access legal and safe abortion, and reinforce stereotypes of gender roles and identity. [11] [12]

Since the approval of Act 4800/2021, which foresees mandatory joint custody for all children irrespective of critical family situations, in some cases forcing mothers to live in proximity of their abusers, there has been criticism of its failure to address gender-based violence.[13] This issue is particularly pressing given the sharp rise in femicides in recent years: media reported 104 cases from 2019 to 2023, although official data is not yet available.[14] In 2024, Greece's parliament passed Law 5089/2024, legalising same-sex marriage for the first time. However, this law falls short, as it does not fully recognise either non-biological parents’ rights vis-à-vis their children or non-binary identities. Also, it does not address the inability of transgender parents to update their children’s birth certificates with their new names.[15] Many existing laws and directives are discriminatory, including those related to parental leave. This is highly disproportionate, as fathers have the right to only 14 days of leave, compared to 119 for maternity leave. [16] [17] [18] Anti-bullying measures fail to address violence in an intersectional manner. In fact, anti-bullying measures do not recognise the specific discrimination that girls, women and femininities can be victims of “as gender-based violence, according to the Istanbul Convention.[19] Similarly, gender is not examined in connection with grounds to vulnerability due to race, disability, religious beliefs, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, family status and gender identity, gender expression or gender characteristics” essentially dealing with violence and bullying as a societal issue that exists because of individual wrongdoings.[20]

These issues should be addressed by the National Action Plan for Gender Equality 2021-2025, but the ”individual actions of the different ministries, as well as clear, realistic and measurable objectives and indicators are absent, as well as reference to expected results and timetable“.[21] [22]

Allgemeine und berufliche Bildung und lebenslanges Lernen

Greece's education system lacks dedicated efforts to include migrant children, the NSG notes, due to the government’s policy of discouragement aimed at reducing migration by restricting access to rights and wellbeing. While there are some institutional initiatives and numerous activities by NGOs and civil society organisations, these are often short-term and insufficient to achieve a long-term impact on inclusion. Although schooling is compulsory for all children, including migrants and asylum seekers, the NSG notes that there is limited data on the inclusion of refugee children in schools.[23] “All children in education” (ACE) Programme, co-funded by the European Commission (96%)[24], offered non-formal education for refugee children in their transition to the  public education system up until June 2024; there is no guarantee that this programme will continue further. The NSG reports that parents who are uncertain if they will have to leave the country soon – because of the state’s policies of discouragement – do not consider education as a priority. The lack of stability and continuity in housing programs and overall integration efforts, such as Greek language lessons for both children and adults makes the situation even more precarious.[25] Therefore, it is crucial to build the political will necessary to implement an inclusion strategy to integrate these communities into society and uphold the right of all children to education.[26]

Support for children with disabilities remains inadequate, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas, and many are still segregated in schools for children with disabilities. The National Confederation of Persons with Disabilities (ESAmeA) has called for more-inclusive education, a better transition from segregated settings, unrestricted access to higher education, and the recognition of special vocational training labs, vocational schools for people with disabilities.[27]

In January 2024, Greece's parliament renamed Institutes of Vocational Training as "Higher Vocational Training Schools" and established Vocational Training and Education Centers, which are campuses that combine vocational schools, labs, and apprenticeship programmes for post-secondary learners. However, these changes mainly rebranded existing structures and had with limited impact on students and teachers (30). In early 2024, a new law allowing the establishment of private "non-profit" universities partially financed by the state led to widespread protests. Such a status conflicts with the constitutional mandate that higher education be provided exclusively by public institutions with full self-governance.[28] [29] [30] The NSG highlights that lifelong learning is more and more present in the public discourse, but this surge in attention is not coupled with quality framework and standards and a comprehensive public action to foster lifelong learning[31]

Inclusion of migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, minorities, and other vulnerable groups

Non-EU migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Greece face persistent issues with the reception system, which has normalised violence, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reports.[32] In June 2023, the Pylos shipwreck of the boat Adriana, one of the deadliest incidents involving migrants which caused the death of around 650 people, raised concerns about the responsibility of the Hellenic Coast Guard. Various reports highlight failures by the Greek authorities in the hours prior the shipwreck and serious allegations that a Hellenic Coast Guard patrol boat caused the trawler to capsize while attempting to tow it. Despite the seriousness of the matter, investigations have stalled, and justice for the victims is still far from being achieved[33] [34]. This tragedy is part of a troubling pattern of human rights abuses by the Greek state. Racist incidents are still common, and refugees, asylum seekers, and Roma are are frequent victims.[35] Other issues include inhumane living conditions in reception centres[36], illegal pushbacks at Greek borders[37], and restricted access to information about rights under immigration legislation, as well as limited application of those rights.[38] In December 2023, Greece's Parliament amended Law 5078/2023 to allow undocumented migrants who have lived in Greece for at least three years and have a job offer to obtain a temporary work permit. This can be renewed, and it comes with the right to family reunification.[39] [40] The NSG advocates decentralising integration processes to make them more manageable and to promote the inclusion of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers (MRAs) in local communities. It notes that Greek society has become more accepting of MRAs over the past decade, but that the centralised approach to migration and inclusion hampers progress and reflects a lack of political will to fully integrate migrants and refugees into society. This lack of integration contributes to MRAs seeing Greece as a temporary stop rather than a destination, which has an impact on their participation in education, work, and society.

The National Strategy and Action Plan for the Social Inclusion of Roma 2021-2030 was published in February 2022, and was criticised for inadequate involvement of the Roma community in its definition and implementation, as well as for its reliance on EU funds instead of national resources.[41] [42] [43]The National Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2024-2030 was adopted to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, but progress remains slow.[44] [45] The Borgen Project report [46] reveals persistent challenges for people with disabilities in Greece, including inaccessible buildings and transport, limited access to essential services, and high unemployment.

Beschäftigung von Jugendlichen

Reports from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) indicate a positive trend in youth employment in recent years.[47] However, the NSG notes that its methodology excludes young people who moved abroad for work reasons, potentially skewing the figures. Moreover, the overall increase in job opportunities contributed to this trend. Therefore the observed improvements may be more reflective of increased job vacancies  in the labour market and of brain drain rather than the impact of targeted youth unemployment policies, which are lacking and ineffective according to the OECD.[48] Eurostat data shows youth unemployment at around 26.5% between April 2023 and March 2024 [49] Voucher-like programmes, such as the Digital Greek Public Employment Service’s “continuous training opportunities for unemployed people,” only temporarily improve someone’s employment status. Participants are often considered employed during the programme skewing the figures on unemployment in the country but typically return to unemployment afterwards, as contract renewals are rare. In fact, there is no evidence of significant long-term benefits  from such programmes, and they have been criticised for providing inadequate support to enter the labour market and minimal meaningful work experience. The NSG criticises current policies and actions for failing to make a significant impact beyond the short term. The initiatives often exclude persons with disabilities and young Roma due to inadequate outreach, and opportunities for young migrants and refugees are minimal. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s incentives for retirees to return to work, which had attracted 75,000 applications by April 2024  further diminish the prospects of increasing youth employment.[50]

[1]  OECD Data explorer, Public and private social expenditure: https://data-explorer.oecd.org/vis?fs[0]=Topic%2C1%7CSociety%23SOC%23%7CSocial%20protection%23SOC_PRO%23&pg=0&fc=Topic&bp=true&snb=12&vw=tb&df[ds]=dsDisseminateFinalDMZ&df[id]=DSD_SOCX_AGG%40DF_PUB_PRV&df[ag]=OECD.ELS.SPD&df[vs]=1.0&pd=2010%2C&dq=.A..PT_B1GQ.._T._T.&ly[rw]=REF_AREA&ly[cl]=TIME_PERIOD&ly[rs]=EXPEND_SOURCE&to[TIME_PERIOD]=false

[2] Greek Antipoverty Network (2022), Report on poverty in Greece 2022: https://antipoverty.org.gr/

[3] Greek Antipoverty Network (2023), Poverty Watch Greece 2023: https://www.eapn.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/eapn-Povert-Watch-2023_final-graphs-in-english-5894.pdf

[4]  https://www.eapn.eu/

[5] Ministry of Migration & Asylum (2016-2024), HELIOS Project Regulations Handbook: https://greece.iom.int/sites/g/files/tmzbdl1086/files/documents/2024-07/english_bip_project-regulations-handbook_july-2024_v2.pdf

[6] Ministry of Migration & Asylum (2020-2024) Consolidated reports- overview: https://migration.gov.gr/en/statistika/

[7] Insider.gr (2022), Unemployed: Two new benefits in force from autumn - Deletion for those who refuse jobs: https://www.insider.gr/tax-labour/239933/anergoi-dyo-nea-epidomata-se-ishy-apo-fthinoporo-diagrafi-gia-osoys-arnoyntai

[8] Ombudsman (2023), Amendment: Rights and Obligations of the unemployed of the Public Employment Service (PSE) – Former OAED: https://www.synigoros-solidarity.gr/1372/tropopoiisi-dikaiomata-ypoxreoseis-anergon-dypa-proin-oaed

[9] Gender Equality Index (2023), Greece: https://eige.europa.eu/gender-equality-index/2023/country/EL

[10] European Commission (2024), 2024 Country Report - Greece: https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/document/download/a1f9c5fd-e785-4284-a727-1ff83e0d52cd_en?filename=SWD_2024_608_1_EN_Greece.pdf  

[11] European Equality Law Network (2023), Greece - Gender fell off the title of the General Secretariat competent for gender equality,: https://www.equalitylaw.eu/document?task=document.viewdoc&id=5926

[12] DIOTIMA (2023), The need to establish a gender equality body: https://diotima.org.gr/anagkaiotita-i-systasi-forea-gia-tin/

[13] , European Equality Law Network (2023),  Greece - AFEM’s shadow report to GREVIO on mandatory shared custody for all children in breach of the Istanbul Convention: https://www.equalitylaw.eu/document?task=document.viewdoc&id=5859

[14] Femicide.gr (2024), (Quntitative data 2019-2023: https://femicide.gr/posotika-dedomena-2019/

[15]  European Equality Law Network (2023), Greece - Amendment of basic antidiscrimination legislation: https://www.equalitylaw.eu/document?task=document.viewdoc&id=6056

[16]   European Equality Law Network (2023),  Greece - New provisions on 'special leave for maternity protection' in breach of Directives 2006/54 and 2019/1158: https://www.equalitylaw.eu/document?task=document.viewdoc&id=5840

[17] Alfavita (2024), PESEEPEA for maternity allowance: "Injustice! Replacement mothers are not included":  https://www.alfavita.gr/ekpaideysi/445726_poseepea-gia-epidoma-mitrotitas-adikia-den-symperilambanontai-oi-anaplirotries

[18] European Equality Law Network (2023),  Greece - Extension of the 9-months paid ‘special leave of maternity protection’ to new categories: https://www.equalitylaw.eu/document?task=document.viewdoc&id=6058

[19] European Equality Law Network (2023), Greece - Legislation on school bullying and discrimination: https://www.equalitylaw.eu/document?task=document.viewdoc&id=5846

[20] European Equality Law Network (2023), Greece - Discriminatory conditions for a survivor’s pension granted by an occupational social security scheme (Part ii): https://www.equalitylaw.eu/document?task=document.viewdoc&id=5841

[21] Μinistry of labor and social affairs (2021), National Action Plan for Gender Equality: https://www.ynanp.gr/media/documents/2023/06/22/%CE%95%CE%A3%CE%94%CE%99%CE%A6_2021-2025.pdf

[22] DIOTIMA Center (2021) Comments on the National Equality Action Plan: https://diotima.org.gr/paratiriseis-gia-to-ethniko-schedio-drasis-isotita-ton-fylon/

[23] Refugee.info Greece (2024), Parents’ basic guide to Greek schools: https://greece.refugee.info/en-us/articles/4985629355287

[24] European Commission (2024), Over 25,000 migrant children in Greece benefited from “All Children in Education” programme:  https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/over-25000-migrant-children-greece-benefited-all-children-education-programme-2024-07-23_en#:~:text=The%20%E2%80%9CAll%20Children%20in%20Education,the%20lives%20of%20refugee%20and

[25] Greek Forum for Refugees (2023) The meeting of the Greek Forum of Refugees with the Minister of Migration and Asylum, Dimitris Kairidis: https://refugees.gr/the-meeting-of-the-greek-forum-of-refugees-with-the-minister-of-migration-and-asylum-dimitris-kairidis/

[26] Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports (n.d.), Refugees and Education: https://www.minedu.gov.gr/tothema-prosfigiko-m

[27] ESAmeA(2024) April World Autism Awareness Day: POSGAmeA's requests to the Prime Minister! #AutismNotInvisible:  https://www.esamea.gr/el/article/2-aprilioy-pagkosmia-hmera-enhmerwshs-gia-ton-aytismo-aithmata-ths-posgkamea-ston-prwthypoyrgo-autismnotinvisible

[28]In.gr (2024), The final battle inside and outside the Parliament for the private HEIs – The students are escalating the mobilizations, https://www.in.gr/2024/03/04/politics/epikairotita/teliki-maxi-entos-kai-ektos-voulis-gia-ta-idiotika-aei-klimakonoun-tis-kinitopoiiseis-oi-foitites/

[29] Syntagma Watch (2024), The operation of private Universities is unconstitutional: https://www.syntagmawatch.gr/trending-issues/antisyntagmatiki-i-leitourgia-idiwtikwn-panepistimiwn/

[30] 'Hellenic Parliament (2022), Constitution of Greece - Article 16: Education, Art, Science: https://www.hellenicparliament.gr/UserFiles/ebooks/ekdoseis/2019_THE-CONSTITUTION-OF-GREECE/18/index.html

[31] GSEE Labor Institute (2023), Lifelong learning: from the adventures of a term to the emergence of a paradigm: https://ineobservatory.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NEWSLETTER_14-1.pdf

[32] Civic space watch (2023) , Greece - The MSF says that Violence Against Migrants is ‘Normalised’: https://civicspacewatch.eu/greece-the-msf-says-that-violence-against-migrants-is-normalised/

[33] ECRE (2023) Greece - Shipwreck Leaving Hundreds Dead and Missing Sparks National and International Outcry, EU Denounced over Complicity, Conflicting Narratives Emerge as Nine Survivors Are Facing Charges: https://ecre.org/greece-shipwreck-leaving-hundreds-dead-and-missing-sparks-national-and-international-outcry-eu-denounced-over-complicity-conflicting-narratives-emerge-as-nine-survivors-are-facing-charges/

[34] Reliefweb (2024), Greece: On Pylos Shipwreck Anniversary, Still No Justice: https://reliefweb.int/report/greece/greece-pylos-shipwreck-anniversary-still-no-justice

[35] European Anti-Poverty Network (2022), Poverty Watch 2022 Greece: https://www.eapn.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/eapn-PW-2022-Greece-5542.pdf

[36] European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (2024), Fundamental rights report: https://fra.europa.eu/sites/default/files/fra_uploads/fra-2024-fundamental-rights-report-2024_en.pdf

[37] Greek Council for Refugees (2024), Greece faces the European Court of Human Rights for the first time for alleged refoulements: https://www.gcr.gr/el/news/press-releases-announcements/item/2281-i-ellada-erxetai-gia-proti-fora-antimetopi-me-to-evropaiko-dikastirio-anthropinon-dikaiomaton-gia-feromenes-epanaproothiseis

[38] European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (2024), Fundamental rights report: https://fra.europa.eu/sites/default/files/fra_uploads/fra-2024-fundamental-rights-report-2024_en.pdf

[39] Generation 2.0 for Rights, Equality & Diversity (2023), Legalization of immigrants: a historic opportunity to live with dignity: https://g2red.org/el/ellinika-nomimopoiisi-metanaston-mia-istoriki-eykairia-gia-zoi-me-axioprepeia/

[40] Infomigrants (2023), Greece approves law granting undocumented migrants residency rights: https://www.infomigrants.net/en/post/54021/greece-approves-law-granting-undocumented-migrants-residency-rights

[41] Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (2022), National Strategy and Action Plan for the Social Inclusion of Roma 2021-2030: https://egroma.gov.gr/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ΕΘΝΙΚΗ-ΣΤΡΑΤΗΓΙΚΗ-ΚΑΙ-ΣΧΕΔΙΟ-ΔΡΑΣΗΣ-ΓΙΑ-ΤΗΝ-ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΚΗ-ΕΝΤΑΞΗ-ΤΩΝ-ΡΟΜΑ-2021_2030_.pdf

[42]  Pan-Hellenic Confederation of Roma Greeks (2022) RESOLUTION: YES TO THE SUBSTANTIVE DISCUSSION OF THE ROMA 2021-2030 VISION - NO TO THE DEVALUATION OF THE THIRD-LEVEL BODY OF GREEK ROMA: https://ellanpasse.com/2022/01/06/ψηφισμα-ναι-στην-ουσιαστικη-συζητησ/

[43] ELLAN PASSE (2022), NO TO THE DEVALUATION AND INSTITUTIONAL EXCLUSION OF ELLAN PASSE: https://ellanpasse.com/2022/01/07/οχι-στην-απαξιωση-και-τον-θεσμικο-αποκ/

[44] European Equality Law Network (2024), Greece - Adoption of a National Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2024-2030: https://www.equalitylaw.eu/document?task=document.viewdoc&id=6079

[45] Website of the Action "Observatory of Disability Issues" of ESAMEA (2023), 14th Bulletin of the ESAmeA Observatory: Shock data on the employment of people with disabilities: outside the labor force the vast majority!:  https://paratiritirioanapirias.gr/el/results/publications/93/14o-deltio-toy-parathrhthrioy-ths-esmea-stoixeia-sok-gia-thn-apasxolhsh-twn-atomwn-me-anaphria-ektos-ergatikoy-dynamikoy-h-syntriptikh-pleionothta

[46] The Borgen Project (2024), Disability and Poverty in Greece:  https://borgenproject.org/disability-and-poverty-in-greece/

[47] Hellenic Statistical Authority (2024), Labour force (Monthly data): https://www.statistics.gr/en/statistics/-/publication/SJO02/-

[48] OECD (2024), Impact Evaluation of Training and Wage Subsidies for the Unemployed in Greece: https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/docserver/16c1b234-en.pdf?expires=1727454816&id=id&accname=guest&checksum=A47E467E280E14678C5645FDC5BCDEFB

[49] Trading economics (2024), Greece - Youth unemployment rate: https://tradingeconomics.com/greece/youth-unemployment-rate-eurostat-data.html#:~:text=Greece%20%2D%20Youth%20unemployment%20rate%20was,EUROSTAT%20on%20September%20of%202024.

[50] Ministry of Labour and Social Security (2024), P. Tsakloglou: 75,000 people have already registered on the pensioners' employment platform: https://ypergasias.gov.gr/p-tsakloglou-stin-platforma-apascholisis-syntaxiouchon-echoun-engrafei-idi-75-000-atoma/

Angemessene Löhne

The NSG notes that, despite reduced unemployment and improved work productivity, wages in Greece are not increasing significantly, and the ratio of employment compensation to GDP might hit its lowest level since the 1960s.[1] In April 2024, the minimum wage in Greece was raised by €50 per month for a 40-hour workweek[2], a 6.4% increase. This increase fell short of the 16.4% recommended by civil society organisations and workers’ unions.[3] Greece has regularly updated its minimum wage in line with the EU "Adequate Minimum Wage Directive," approved in 2021. However, the country falls short in promoting collective bargaining to determine wages. The dominance of SMEs, which employ a large portion of the workforce and often face organisational challenges in unionisation, is likely to have influenced recent legislation, leading to a preference for individual contracts over collective agreements, further weakening collective bargaining efforts.[4] Furthermore, the effectiveness of minimum wage protection is questionable due to drastic changes in and the downsizing of the labour inspectorate.

Berufssicherheit

Based on the 2023 Nikos Poulantzas Institute survey, 21.9% of respondents fear they might lose their current job within the next year. [5]Similarly, 32% of Greek respondents expressed uncertainty about the possibility of keeping their jobs over the next three months, according to a report by the NSG member INE GSEE, which gathered data from Eurostat (2024) and Eurofound (2021) surveys on unwanted types of informal employment and job precariousness.[6] The NSG highlights that the new labour law, despite aiming to transpose the "Adequate Minimum Wage Directive," lacks provisions for long-term job stability, protection from layoffs, and economic downturns. For platform workers, it vaguely addresses the right to disconnect, but this measure is easily outweighed by overtime (such as unpaid stand-by time) and provisions for a six-day workweek.[7]

Gesundheit und Sicherheit am Arbeitsplatz

There is a notable lack of updated data on workplace accidents, sickness, and deaths for 2023, the NSG reports. Greece has been criticized by the European Organization for Safety and Health at Work and international organizations for not reporting on occupational diseases to Eurostat. Instead, the country promotes a false narrative of "ideal working conditions" with zero reported occupational accidents and diseases, despite estimates suggesting around 2,500 deaths from occupational diseases annually.[8] [9] International Labour Organization (ILO) statistics indicate that Greece has 117 annual non-fatal occupational injuries and 0.6 occupational fatalities per 100,000 workers, but it has no data on the number of inspectors.[10] Furthermore, a 2024 report by ELSTAT revealed that occupational accidents increased to 4,999 in 2022, up 11.7% from 2021. The majority of these accidents involved men, and the most affected groups were aged 45-49 and 40-44.[11]

Sozial- und Solidarwirtschaft

Legislation on the social and solidarity economy in Greece – mainly represented by social cooperative enterprises – has not been updated since 2016. The “Social and Solidarity Economy Bodies” (KALO) networking platform – a collective platform of member-managed entities focused on equitable remuneration, profit sharing, and social benefit – remains active and regularly updated by some members from civil society.[12] But the Ministry of Labour’s Directorate of Social and Solidarity Economy has posted only one public update for 2024. This lack of activity suggests a potential closure or merger of the directorate or its transfer to another ministry. Despite being part of the Ministry of Labour’s, the related page of the official website is no longer functioning.

Work-Life-Balance

The new labour law 5053/2023[13] that came into force in July 2024, introduces several changes to employment relations, which have been heavily criticised for their potential negative impact on work-life balance and the overall fairness of working conditions. Provisions include allowing employees to work for multiple employers, provided their total working day does not exceed 13 hours, and introducing flexible zero-hour contracts, which require employees to be on unpaid standby to meet employers' needs at any time. The bill also criminalises the obstruction of work, so strikers who prevent colleagues from working can be fined or imprisoned.[14] [15] The new law also introduces a six-day working week for public sector employees, banks, and private sector businesses on a voluntary basis and in case some criteria are fulfilled, such as an increased workload. Employees working sixth day receive an extra 40% of their daily pay, and an extra 115% for working on a holiday. However, working on the sixth day does not lead to a replacement rest day except under specific circumstances.

The introduction of the six-day working week and 13-hour working day is considered problematic, as many employees already find it hard to balance the standard five-day workweek with their private lives, and there is growing interest in a four-day workweek.[17] The new law appears to aim for increased wages through longer legal working hours and days.

Concerning provisions regulating parental leave, the extension of the 9-months paid ‘special leave of maternity protection’ to new categories introduced in March 2024 extends the nine-month paid maternity leave to all female employees in the private sector. This is effective from 2024 and applies retrospectively to all newly recognised beneficiaries (such as liberal lawyers) from 1 January 2017 .[18]

[1] INE GSEE (2024), The Greek economy and employment: https://www.inegsee.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ETHSIA_EKTHESH_2024.pdf

[2] Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Minimum Wage,: https://ypergasias.gov.gr/en/labour-relations/collective-employment-relations/minimum-wage/

[3] Ministry of Labour and Social Security (2024), Minimum Wage - Consultation on the determination of the minimum wage for the year: https://ypergasias.gov.gr/ergasiakes-scheseis/syllogikes-ergasiakes-sxeseis/katotatos-misthos/

[4] Journal of EFSYN Editors (2023), Downgrade Labor Inspection: https://www.efsyn.gr/oikonomia/elliniki-oikonomia/373904_ypobathmizoyn-tin-epitheorisi-ergasias

[5] Ινστιτούτο Νίκος Πουλαντζάς (2023), Έρευνα “Συνθήκες εργασίας στην Ελλάδα. Εμπειρίες και στάσεις γύρω από την αγορά εργασίας: https://poulantzas.gr/yliko/erevna-synthikes-ergasias-stin-ellada-ebeiries-kai-staseis-gyro-apo-tin-agora-ergasias-4o-kyma-2023/

[6] ΙΝΕ ΓΣΕΕ (2024), Η ελληνική οικονομία και η απασχόληση: https://www.inegsee.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ETHSIA_EKTHESH_2024.pdf

[7] https://www.statistics.gr/documents/20181/55476328-3d80-4779-bd49-3f7983cedb11

[8] Greek Institute for Health and Safety at Work (2024) OHS Issues: https://www.elinyae.gr/themata-yae

[9] Efsyn (2024), Internationally resiliency with the absence of data on occupational accidents: https://www.efsyn.gr/oikonomia/elliniki-oikonomia/431274_diethnos-rezili-me-tin-apoysia-stoiheion-gia-ergatika-atyhimata

[10] ILO (2024), Statistics on safety and health at work: https://ilostat.ilo.org/topics/safety-and-health-at-work/

[11] Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) (2024) Investigation of accidents at work 2022:  https://www.statistics.gr/documents/20181/afcfebdf-7fff-8c3a-28c5-214634281858

[12] Networking platform of K.A.L.O. (2024), News from KALO: https://foreis-kalo.gr/kalonews

[13] TAXHEAVEN (2023), Law 5053/2023 - To strengthen work - Incorporation of Directive (EU) 2019/1152 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 - Simplification of digital processes and strengthening of the Work Card - Upgrading the operational function of Ministry of Labor and Social Security and the Labor Inspectorate: https://www.taxheaven.gr/law/5053/2023

[14] e-forologia (2023), New Labour Bill. The big changes – the good and the bad – the technical improvements! :  https://www.e-forologia.gr/cms/viewContents.aspx?id=229986

[15] Economic Postman (2023), Labour Bill: The 'second reading' and key changes: https://www.ot.gr/2023/08/26/forologia/ergasiaka-asfalistika/ergasiako-nomosxedio-i-deyteri-anagnosi-kai-oi-allages-kleidia/

[17] STARTUPPER (2024) Greek workers seek 4-day work for work-life balance:  https://startupper.gr/news/132427/kariera-gr-oi-ellines-ergazomenoi-epizitoun-tin-4imeri-ergasia-gia-exisorropisi-epangelmatikis-prosopikis-zois/

[18] European Equality Law Network (2023),  Greece - Extension of the 9-months paid ‘special leave of maternity protection’ to new categories: https://www.equalitylaw.eu/document?task=document.viewdoc&id=6058

Gehäuse

The Greek government offers a standard housing allowance to cover part of the rent of low-income households.[1] The 2024 Fundamental Rights Report (91) refers to housing support measures specifically targeting people with disabilities, as well as measures to support tenants at risk of eviction or otherwise losing their apartments. In 2023, the government launched the "My Home" project to help young people and couples purchase their first house by providing subsidised housing loans to 10,000 individuals.[2] However, fewer applicants presented their application to join the programme (9776) than there were available positions (over 10,000), with even fewer actually benefiting from the programme(only 2.596 )[3] The programme was expected to be updated in 2024 to allow more people to benefit. In addition, the "Home Loans" programme offers young individuals and couples aged 25-39 low-interest or interest-free loans granted through partner banks, so that they can purchase their first homes. The NSG also takes note of the “Social Housing Benefit” project launched by the Public Employment Services, which aims to construct social housing through public-private collaborations but has not yet been implemented. Similarly, the "Renovate – Rent" programme also managed by the Public Employment Services, which subsidises the repair of residences to make them available for rent, has also not yet been implemented.

Housing issues have arisen from policies that promote gentrification, leading to extreme increases in rent in urban centres, which have risen by up to 50% since 2018 without a corresponding rise in wages. The NSG notes a need to renovate older buildings to make them more liveable and environmentally sustainable, as the current approach relies on individual investments catering to the needs of investors rather than those of local residents.[4] [5] [6] The EAPN 2023 Report for Greece highlights severe housing issues. About 830,000 people live in extreme poverty, according to Eurostat, and housing conditions are deteriorating due to rising rents, foreclosures, energy poverty, and the privatisation of energy companies. The government has not controlled skyrocketing rents or created a social housing stock, making housing costs a major concern, particularly for young people. The number of young people worried about housing has increased significantly, according to a Nikos Poulantzas Institute survey, and rentals are becoming increasingly unaffordable due to their high costs relative to wages. This problem is especially pronounced in Athens and other major urban centres and tourist areas, as well as in cities with student populations or seasonal workers. Renters face the greatest challenges, exacerbating inequalities: 79.2% of renters are burdened with excessive housing costs, compared to 21.15% of homeowners, according to ELSTAT.

Armutsbekämpfung

Despite the annual publication of concerning data on poverty and social exclusion, the government has made no targeted efforts to address these issues, the NSG notes.[7] Although the risk of income poverty decreased between 2015-2020, it increased significantly in 2021 and remained high in 2022-2023 at around 20%, likely due to the pandemic and higher living costs.[8] A similar number occurs in households with dependent children (around 22%), which underlines a higher incidence of child poverty. For adults, the risk is around 18%, and it is notably higher for people with low educational levels. These trends highlight the significant social costs of the Greek economy's underperformance, and they point to a need to integrate employment protection into European economic policy.

While poverty in Greek households is not new, a significant accumulation of crises has pushed many people into what is termed "hidden homelessness", members of the Greek Anti-Poverty Network note.[9] This refers to people living in unsuitable or precarious conditions and struggling with utility and rent payments, though their plight is not visible on the streets or widely discussed. The report reveals that the poorest 10% of households had to spend 14% more on food and energy in 2023 than in 2022, whereas the increase for wealthier households was only 5%. The impact of rising food costs on poorer households was particularly dramatic from early 2022 to mid-2023 and led to a steep rise in the number cutting back on food or opting for lower-quality, less nutritious products.

Zugang zur Gesundheitsversorgung

The national healthcare system in Greece has been under significant strain, especially during and after the pandemic. The pressure has caused working conditions to deteriorate, with many staff having to work overtime to cover vacant positions. One result has been an exodus of experienced doctors and nurses since 2022, exacerbating staff shortages.[10] In 2024, the Ministry of Health submitted a bill titled "Public Health Actions – Arrangements to Strengthen the National Health System”, which was approved by Parliament. This bill aims to address various issues in the healthcare system by allowing public hospital doctors to undertake private work, tackling staffing shortages, enhancing access to preventative care, and streamlining pharmaceutical spending. It also seeks to modernise public health infrastructure, boost vaccination rates, and update regulations for assisted reproduction.[11] However, critics argue that the bill may restrict access to public healthcare services by draining staff and resources to the private sector. They say it takes away from the free access to healthcare guaranteed by insurance, opens the door to the private sector within the public system, promotes private practice as a means for public doctors to increase their income, and does not adequately address the actual needs of the healthcare system.[12] Access to healthcare for economically disadvantaged individuals remains problematic. The introduction of a new measure under the same bill that considers implementing higher fees only partially covered by medical insurance for medical services in public hospitals could further increase out-of-pocket expenses in the future.

Zugang zur Kinderbetreuung

Access to childcare in Greece faces ongoing challenges, particularly for migrant, refugee, and Roma children. Despite forms of support such as a maternity allowance and paid maternity leave, issues persist in educational access for these groups. In 2022, the Ministry of Employment launched the initiative “Ntantades tis geitonias” (neighbourhood nannies), which supports through childcare services new mothers and guardians of children in re-entering the labour market and tackles undeclared and uninsured care work typically provided by formally unemployed women and family members.[13] Although implementation data is still lacking, more municipalities have joined the programme, and the monthly reimbursement has been increased.

The NSG highlights the “A21” child allowance as a notable social benefit available to Roma families based on income. Established in 2018 and amended in 2020 to include a requirement for school attendance, in practice the law has only been enforced from mid-2023. This late enforcement led to many Roma families being excluded from the allowance, further exacerbating their barriers to education.[14] The EAPN 2023 report also highlights positive developments under the Child Guarantee programme. This initiative aims to improve early childhood education and care, to provide inclusive education for children with disabilities, and to implement integrated measures to reduce child poverty.[15]

Zugang zu wesentlichen Diensten

The NSG reports minor progress in access to essential services in Greece and notes a lack of updated information. The EAPN’s 2022 and 2023 reports[16] reveal that the overall situation for society remains largely unchanged, and persistent challenges from previous years still affect communities. The reports highlight that information concerning essential services for people experiencing poverty and for other marginalised groups largely comes from civil society organisations instead of official or governmental bodies. It thus depends on those organisations’ resources and scope. Similarly, the Ministry of Migration and Asylum provides limited and outdated information in the languages of migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeker populations and instead relies on guides created early in the "refugee crisis" that have not been updated.

In April 2024, the Ministry of the Environment and Energy introduced legislation potentially paving the way for the privatisation of the water supply, which is currently publicly owned. The newspaper EFSYN reported concerns over this move.[17] On an institutional level, sanitation is considered part of healthcare, and marginalized communities often face challenges in accessing it due to financial constraints. If people have to pay for sanitation, it is not granted as a right.

Mobile devices such as smartphones are accessible thanks to low-priced options, but basic mobile access is ineffective without reliable electricity and internet, which are currently expensive. Publicly available resources, such as free wi-fi, can assist under certain conditions but do not ensure consistent or emergency access. The digitisation and restructuring of tax offices since March 2020 have significantly increased processing times and costs for taxpayers, though they have led to some improvements in service. The slow pace of digital adaptation and digital illiteracy have made support from an accountant necessary for tax declaration or similar tasks, which leads to challenges and concerns being raised by freelance accountants who are subject to high pressure, due to the tight timelines and a complex tax system.

[1] Housing Benefit, Ministry of Labor and Social Security: http://web.archive.org/web/20240221043728/https://ypergasias.gov.gr/koinoniki-allilengyi/koinonikes-politikes-stegasis/

[2] Ministry of Labour and Social Security (2023), "My House": applications for subsidised housing loans for young people and young couples from next Monday: https://ypergasias.gov.gr/spiti-mou-apo-tin-erchomeni-deftera-oi-aitiseis-gia-epidotoumena-stegastika-daneia-se-neous-kai-nea-zevgaria/

[3] ONEMAN (2024), How the "My House" programme has finally made the housing market more difficult: https://www.oneman.gr/onecity/urban/pos-to-programma-spiti-mou-diskolepse-telika-tin-agora-katoikias/

[4] e-kathimerini (2024), Agony over the gentrification of Athens: https://www.ekathimerini.com/opinion/1230758/agony-over-the-gentrification-of-athens/

[5] Lifo (2024), Quick guide to Athenian gentrification:  https://www.lifo.gr/stiles/optiki-gonia/syntomos-odigos-athinaikoy-gentrification

[6] Politico (2023), The violent demise of a neighborhood that epitomized Greece’s political spirit: https://www.politico.eu/article/violent-demise-neighborhood-exarcheia-epitomize-greece-political-spirit/

[7] INE GSEE (2023), The basic needs budget and the living wage: https://ineobservatory.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NEWSLETTER_17.pdf

[8] INE GSEE (2024), The Greek economy and employment,: https://www.inegsee.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ETHSIA_EKTHESH_2024.pdf

[9] e-kathimerini (2024), The lurking specter of homelessness in Greece: https://www.ekathimerini.com/in-depth/society-in-depth/1241491/the-lurking-specter-of-homelessness-in-greece/

[10] E-kathimerini (2023), An exodus of public health personnel:  https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1208271/an-exodus-of-public-health-personnel/

[11] Ministry of Health (2023), The bill of the Ministry of Health entitled "Public Health Actions - Arrangements for the strengthening of the National Health System”: https://www.moh.gov.gr/articles/ministry/grafeio-typoy/press-releases/12290-katatethhke-sth-boylh-to-nomosxedio-toy-ypoyrgeioy-ygeias-me-titlo-laquo-draseis-dhmosias-ygeias-rythmiseis-gia-thn-enisxysh-toy-ethnikoy-systhmatos-ygeias-raquo

[12] Efsyn (2024), Consultation on the law that removes "free" from the health system: https://www.efsyn.gr/politiki/kybernisi/425161_se-diaboyleysi-n/s-poy-xilonei-dorean-apo-systima-ygeias

[13] Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family (2024), "Neighborhood Nannies" Program: https://minscfa.gov.gr/dimografiki-politiki/programma-ntantades-tis-geitonias/

[14] European Equality Law Network (2023), Greece - Exclusion of Roma families from child allowance due to imposition of strict conditions: https://www.equalitylaw.eu/document?task=document.viewdoc&id=5855

[15] European Commission (2024), European Child Guarantee: https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1428&langId=en

[16] European Anti-Poverty Network (2022), Poverty Watch 2022 Greece: https://www.eapn.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/eapn-PW-2022-Greece-5542.pdf

[17] Journal of the editors EFSYN (2024), With the votes of N.D. passed the water privatization bill: https://www.efsyn.gr/politiki/boyli/431004_me-tis-psifoys-tis-nd-perase-n/s-idiotikopoiisis-toy-neroy

The CIVICUS Monitor classified Greece’s civic space as "Obstructed" for 2022 and 2023, a downgrade from its previous “Narrowed” status.[1] This classification indicates that civic space in Greece is restricted by authorities through surveillance, harassment, and public statements against civil society. Peaceful assemblies are often met with excessive police force, while journalists risk attacks and defamation charges, leading to self-censorship despite some media independence. More concretely, the Greek government has cracked down on migrants and asylum seekers, criminalizing aid workers and restricting rescue missions.[2] This harsh approach is considered to have contributed to the re-election of the ruling party, but also to the increase of far-right ideological presence in public discourse, albeit rebranded (as more focused against same-sex marriage rather than anti-immigration sentiment).

Raum für die Organisationen der Zivilgesellschaft

Slight improvements have been made in Greece’s civic space between 2023 and 2024 , consisting of reduced government intimidation of actors with different views such as CSOs and journalists, the NSG reports. This could be in part attributed to the fact that both 2023 and 2024 had been election years and that the war in Palestine started, both events diverting the public attention from the state of civic space. Over the last year, Greece has seen significant public mobilisation over various issues, including the Tempe train crash and the Pylos Shipwreck in June 2023, which sparked widespread protests[3] This last tragic event led initially to a more empathetic narrative around the situation of migrants arriving to Greece, but this did not translate into more rights and protection being granted to MRAs by the Greek government. The new same-sex marriage law also captured public attention and sparked mobilisation for a period, especially in the light of religious and conservative opposition to the legalisation of same-sex marriages.

According to the latest assessment by Reporters Without Borders, trust in the media in Greece remains among the lowest in Europe. The media landscape is highly fragmented, through its allocated spokesperson is also Deputy Minister responsible for Communication and Information, compromising editorial independence. The National Council for Radio and Television (NCRTV), the independent administrative authority that supervises and regulates radio and television broadcasting Greece, has been criticised for its inefficiency and a lack of reform by both the current and previous [4] [5]

Einbindung von CSO in den zivilen Dialog

The NSG highlights a persistent lack of dialogue between the state and advocacy groups on the one hand and active communities on the other. These groups frequently step in where the state falls short or fails to intervene, yet their contributions are often overlooked or undervalued. Currently, the involvement of civil society organisations (CSOs) in civil dialogue largely occurs through online consultations on legislative bills and acts, as well as through bilateral meetings with relevant ministries. Occasionally, some organisations are invited to participate in thematic parliamentary committees. However, for most strategic plans approved by ministries over the past five years, there has been limited transparency regarding the civil society actors involved. This was the case for the National Strategy and Action Plan for the Social Inclusion of Roma (NCCI Roma) 2021-2030, in which the involvement of the Roma community was insufficient. The EAPN reports for 2022 and 2023[6] further underscore this lack of involvement, which has been corroborated by many CSOs. Despite their engagement in various areas, these organisations CSOs, advocacy and grassroots associations, especially those working with vulnerable social groups often find themselves excluded from meaningful participation in the development and implementation of strategic plans.

[1] CIVICUS (2024), Greece: https://monitor.civicus.org/country/greece/

[2] Civicus (2024) State of civil society report: https://www.civicus.org/documents/reports-and-publications/SOCS/2024/state-of-civil-society-report-2024_en.pdf

[3] Human Rights Watch (2024), Greece: https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2024/country-chapters/greece

[5] RSF (2024), Greece: https://rsf.org/en/country/greece

[6] EAPN (2023), Poverty watch 2023 Greece: https://www.eapn.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/eapn-Povert-Watch-2023_final-graphs-in-english-5894.pdf

Decent jobs in the green transition

In Greece, the green transition focuses on supporting employees from soon-to-close lignite factories. Those with over 20 years of service are helped to retire. Others are either reskilled for roles in new renewable energy sectors or steered towards positions in the public sector or digital industries. The aim is to mitigate the impact of the green transition on local communities reliant on lignite by creating alternative job opportunities, though specific measures to create decent employment in renewable energy remain vague. Critics argue that awareness-raising campaigns on sustainable development are led by a few large civil society organisations (CSOs) and cultural associations, only scratching the surface of the mind-shift needed in view of the green and digital transition. In addition, the upskilling and reskilling programmes for the green transition are outdated and they fail to address broader needs. In fact, the assessment of the needs and the efficacy of trainings provided is absent or insufficient and the structure of such programmes is fragmented.

The EAPN 2023 report highlights that Greece's phase-out of lignite, scheduled to be completed by December 2028, negatively impacts the economy and vulnerable households, especially in regions dependent on lignite. These areas face increased economic insecurity, including high unemployment and poverty. To address this problem, the government plans to extend the operation of some lignite units and has approved up to €1.63 billion to mitigate the effects of the phase-out. However, local conditions remain difficult, and new green investments leading to alternative economic avenues have yet to materialise. The transition must balance environmental, economic, and social factors to avoid worsening energy – and more general – poverty. The Greece 2.0 funding scheme, active since 2021, allocates less than 50% of its grants to the green transition and social cohesion.[1]

Zugang zu Energie und Energiearmut

Greece introduced energy price caps in response to rising energy costs, aligning with EU guidelines, according to the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) report.[2] Measures include price regulations and subsidies to assist financially struggling households. However, the EIGE’s Gender Equality Index (2023) highlights that single parents and non-EU migrants face significant difficulties with energy and heating costs, a problem exacerbated by – but preceding – the recent energy crisis.[3] Greece has set ambitious climate goals by 2030,  including decreasing the emissions that contribute to the greenhouse phenomenon by 42%, increasing the energy production from renewable sources by at least 35% Improve energy efficiency by 38% compared to 2007. By 2028 Greece will have to completely move from the use of lignite for the production of electrical energy. Given the current lack of substantial progress in establishing renewable energy infrastructure, it is unlikely that this target will be met.

The 2023 EAPN report[4] reveals that Greek households have been heavily impacted by the energy crisis: 52% struggle to pay energy bills, compared to the European average of 16%. As a result, the majority of Greeks are altering their daily routines to cut energy use, and Greece ranks third in Europe for such adjustments. The NSG points out that these changes have led to worse living conditions and increased economic strain, despite state programmes such as the National Scheme for Energy and Climate and the "Save at Home" initiative, which financially support citizens to renovate their houses to make them more energy efficient. Participants have expressed dissatisfaction with the measures, highlighting a need for more effective solutions to combat energy poverty and support vulnerable people. In fact, even existing initiatives are accessible only to people that have some economic resources as backup to carry out the renovations, as the full payment of the renovations costs is required, which will be reimbursed eventually.

In early 2024, the Greek government introduced a new energy billing system with four models for consumers to choose from, but it led to significant confusion.[5] By June 2024, an initial assessment revealed that prices had surged under the most popular option, the standard green tariff.[6] According to EFSYN[7], the cheapest tariffs were reportedly "commercially unavailable", and new tariffs with similar labels were introduced, leaving many consumers confused by ambiguities and unfavourable conditions when switching to the so-called yellow and blue tariffs.

Zugang zu nachhaltiger Mobilität und Verkehrsarmut

Greece has not implemented specific measures to ensure sustainable transportation, despite broad plans based on the objectives of the EU Green Deal. The NSG reports a lack of effort from public authorities to enhance public transportation or promote the use of sustainable vehicles, although electric bus pilot programmes have been conducted in a few cities. However, these innovations have not been accompanied by measures to address transport poverty.

In addition, the Tempe train crash in February 2023 on the Athens-Thessaloniki line highlights the consequences of privatising TrainOSE, now called Hellenic Train.[8] This privatisation, one of the commitments from the memorandum of understanding between Greece and the EU during the period in which Greece was under EU economic adjustment programmes, led to a severe neglect of infrastructure and operations, which was a factor in the crash. [9] Despite ongoing efforts for justice[10] the safety measures [11]taken since the incident have been inadequate.

[1] Greece 2.0 National Recovery and Resilience Plan (2024), Projects: https://greece20.gov.gr/en/projects/

[2] European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (2024), Fundamental rights report: https://fra.europa.eu/sites/default/files/fra_uploads/fra-2024-fundamental-rights-report-2024_en.pdf

[3] Gender Equality Index (2023), Greece: https://eige.europa.eu/gender-equality-index/2023/country/EL

[4] EAPN (2023), Poverty watch 2023 Greece: https://www.eapn.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/eapn-Povert-Watch-2023_final-graphs-in-english-5894.pdf

[5] Efsyn (2023), The nightmare on the road with electricity bills: https://www.efsyn.gr/themata/thema-tis-efsyn/415554_o-efialtis-ston-dromo-me-ta-timologia-reymatos

[6] Efsyn (2024), Electric shock" from electricity prices in July as well: https://www.efsyn.gr/oikonomia/elliniki-oikonomia/438595_ilektrosok-apo-tis-times-reymatos-kai-ton-ioylio

[7] Efsyn (2024), The labyrinth of colored electricity bills 29/6/2024: https://www.efsyn.gr/oikonomia/elliniki-oikonomia/438355_labyrinthos-ta-hromatista-timologia-reymatos

[8] Oikonomikos Taxydromos (2023), Tempi - From TRAINOSE to Hellenic Train – The course and aftermath of a privatization: https://www.ot.gr/2023/03/01/epikairothta/koinonia/apo-tin-trainose-sti-hellenic-train-i-poreia-kai-ta-aponera-mias-idiotikopoiisis/

[9]In newspaper (2023) Tempi - "It was a pre-announced accident" - What train drivers report: https://www.in.gr/2023/03/01/greece/tempi-itan-ena-proanaggelthen-dystyxima-ti-kataggelloun-mixanodigoi/

[10] Tempi 2023 Initiative (2023), Prior to the accident there had been written warnings, protests and legal action by railway workers regarding understaffing, poor maintenance and a lack of electronic safety systems on the railways: https://tempi2023.gr/

[11] Efsyn (2024), SOS from train drivers one year after Tempi: https://www.efsyn.gr/ellada/koinonia/425655_sos-apo-toys-mihanodigoys-enan-hrono-meta-ta-tempi