Oxford Economics: The 2020s could be Greece’s decade
A recent webinar by Oxford Economics suggests that while Greece's economy shows improving fiscal figures, demographic challenges may hinder long-term growth.
In a webinar hosted by Oxford Economics, titled "Could the 2020s be Greece’s decade?", the economic outlook for Greece was discussed with a focus on improving fiscal figures coupled with demographic concerns. The webinar highlighted that Greece's public debt-to-GDP ratio is steadily decreasing, indicating a move away from its previous status as the eurozone's most heavily indebted nation. Factors contributing to this positive trend include nominal economic growth, prior inflation rates, and a commitment to fiscal discipline that supports debt sustainability.
Despite these improvements, the long-term growth prospects for Greece remain cautious, mainly due to demographic challenges. Oxford Economics pointed out that the aging population and a declining working-age population are significant hurdles. This demographic shift has resulted in a negative contribution to labor supply during the 2010s, which is expected to continue affecting economic expansion in the coming years. As the workforce shrinks, Greece may increasingly need to rely on productivity improvements to drive economic growth.
The challenges outlined in the webinar underline the importance of addressing demographic trends to capitalize on any economic gains. Policymakers may need to implement measures that can counteract the aging population's impact by encouraging labor force participation or increasing immigration. Without addressing these demographic issues, the potential for the 2020s to become a transformative decade for Greece could be significantly limited, raising concerns about sustainable development and broader economic stability.