Greece's unemployment rate fell to 7.9 percent in the second quarter of 2026, according to data published by the Hellenic Statistical Authority on Thursday.
The statistics agency reported that the total number of employed persons reached 4,414,364 during the second quarter. The figure represents an increase of 3.3 percent compared to the previous quarter and a rise of 0.6 percent compared to the corresponding quarter of 2025.
During the same period, the number of unemployed individuals stood at 379,670. That represents a decline of 25.3 percent compared to the first quarter of 2026, as well as a decrease of 7.8 percent compared to the second quarter of 2025.
The second quarter jobless rate of 7.9 percent marks a reduction from 10.6 percent recorded in the first quarter of 2026. The rate also shows a drop from 8.6 percent registered in the second quarter of 2025.
Labor force statistics
ELSTAT also released figures regarding individuals who are not part of the active workforce. The total number of persons categorized as outside the labor force reached 4,189,536 during the second quarter.
The agency defines people outside the labor force as individuals who are neither working nor actively looking for employment. Within this group, persons under the age of 75 numbered 2,931,264.
The number of inactive individuals under 75 years of age decreased by 0.9 percent compared to the previous quarter. The figure also represents a drop of 1.1 percent compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year.
Role of national statistical agency
The Hellenic Statistical Authority, commonly known as ELSTAT, functions as an independent administrative body responsible for compiling official national statistics for Greece. The government agency operates under European statistical standards to collect and analyze demographic, social, and economic data.
Its quarterly labor force survey provides snapshot metrics on employment trends, jobless rates, and workforce participation across the country. Statistical reports published by the authority serve as key benchmarks for evaluating national labor market conditions and economic activity.
