From an event at the Hellenic-French Chamber in Athens, the Minister of Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis presented the plan for the next day of the economy, focusing on investment, capital market and Greek-French synergies.
As he said, public debt of GDP after the pandemic falls to 136% by 2026. This is one of the largest reductions at the European level. At the same time, the primary surplus has reached 4.9% for 2025, while unemployment is now hovering near 8%, up from over 27% in previous years.
He said this picture creates room for support interventions. This included the return of €800 million to citizens in response to the energy crisis, as well as the promotion of permanent measures on income.
A central role in the new strategy is played by the inclusion of the Greek market in Euronext. The move paves the way for access to international capital and greater investment financing. The aim is to target companies with a larger size, more externalisation and a presence in European schemes.
Kyriakos Pierrakakis then noted that there is no time for delays. As he said, Europe is losing ground as long as it does not make quick decisions. The investment and competitiveness gap is growing if there is no immediate mobilisation of resources.
Particular reference was made to the cooperation between Greece and France. From infrastructure projects to investments in energy and defence, this relationship takes on greater weight. A typical example is the Belharra frigate programme, with the participation of Greek companies.
In the energy sector, the presence of French groups is strengthening, while Greece is reinforcing its position as an energy hub in the south-eastern Mediterranean. At the same time, synergies are being promoted in transport and infrastructure to improve connectivity.
Pierrakakis also raised the issue of European integration. Fragmentation, he said, is limiting the competitiveness of the EU. That is why joint action is needed in areas such as defense, technology and energy, with the aim of creating strong European players.
Finally, he mentioned the Savings and Investment Union as the next step for Europe. The aim is to make better use of European savings and channel them into productive investment.
