A recent nationwide sociological study conducted across Greece by Youth Intervention (“Παρέμβαση Νέων”) between June 8–12, 2026, and surveying 861 young people between 17 and 30, sketches an alarming picture. Young Greeks are living with high levels of insecurity, have limited opportunities and significant mental health challenges, while trust in institutions has waned.

At the core of this crisis are 7 in 10 young Greeks experiencing frequent emotional exhaustion from their daily routines. Specifically, 41% feel emotionally exhausted “very often,” 33% “quite often,” and 17% “sometimes,” with only a fraction feeling it rarely (6%) or not at all (3%).

This psychological burden is tied directly to harsh socioeconomic realities they continue to face in Greece. The primary obstacles identified from the study are the cost of living (30%), housing (25%), and low wages (22%). Other notable stressors for young Greeks include psychological pressure (9%), lack of prospects (8%), and political unreliability (6%).

Greek youth also face a profound lack of equal opportunities and exhibit institutional mistrust.

A mere 9% see real opportunities for everyone in Greece, while 34% believe opportunities are given “only to those with connections,” and 21% link opportunities to having external financial support. Only 6% see opportunities arising from their careers.

With regards to institutions, 21% trust schools and universities and 18% trust the European Union. The study notes “low numbers” for the justice system, mass media and the armed forces. One in three young Greeks declare they do not trust any institution at all.

When comparing their situation to their parents’ generation, 46% feel they have fewer opportunities, while only 16% believe they have more.

The result is that over 60% of young people do not view Greece as a safe environment for their future prospects. When assessing the country’s potential for their future, specifically, 36% believe that prospects exist “only if there is financial support,” 28% answer “no, under no circumstances,” 14% state “yes,” 12% say “yes, but work or emigration is required,” while 10% mention that there are prospects “only for those who have [general] support.”