Greece’s brain drain problem persists despite economic recovery: Study

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - Greece's brain drain problem persisted despite the years of economic recovery, a study by an Athens-based think-tank indicated on Wednesday.

From 2010 to 2022, 1.08 million working age people have left the country, of which 234,058 were aged 15-24, 633,680 aged 25-44 years old and 212,254 aged 45-64, the study by the Institute for Alternative Policies (ENA) maintained.

Of the total number, over 796,000 left during the years of economic crisis (2010-2018) and more than 283,000 after the crisis ended, between 2019-2022.

In both periods, nearly 60% of those who left the country were from 25-44 age cohort, the most productive group.

“These young people continue to leave the country, at a somewhat lower rate compared to the crisis period but a distinctly greater rate compared to the pre-crisis period,” the report said.

It also stressed: “Their departure not only deprives the Greek economy of valuable human capital, but constitutes another proof that the losses suffered by the Greek economy during the period of the crisis had long-lasting consequences.”

According to the latest figures by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), Greece’s total resident population is over 10 million as of 2021. ​​​​​​