Greece saw biggest rise in at-risk-of-poverty rate from 2011 to 2013, EC says

Greece saw the biggest rise in the European Union between 2011 and 2012 in terms of the proportion of its population that is at risk of poverty, according to the European Commission's latest Employment and Social Situation Quarterly Review, which was published on Monday.

According to the data, 23.7 percent of Greeks were at risk of poverty in 2013, which is 1.8 percentage points more than in 2011 and the highest share in the EU.

The population at risk of poverty or social exclusion increased in one third of the EU member states during the period in question.

"The EU economy has returned to growth at a slow pace but the situation of many households and individuals is not yet improving, with ever growing numbers suffering from financial distress,” said European Commissioner of Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Laszlo Andor.

“Inequalities have risen and there is a risk that the current fragile recovery is not going to improve the situation of many lower-income groups.”