A recent study by the National Bank of Greece highlights that 24% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are keen to increase their investment activities in the upcoming semester. This positive outlook was recorded before the escalation of conflicts in the Middle East, indicating a pre-existing confidence in their economic prospects. In comparison, 60% of SMEs intend to maintain their current investment levels, while 16% are looking to reduce them. The construction sector shows particularly strong investor sentiment, with 38% of firms planning to increase investments, markedly higher than the 20-30% seen in other industries.

The increase in investment intentions among construction firms aligns with strengthening demand expectations in the sector. According to the study, the construction confidence index rose by 21 points for the second half of 2025, contrasting sharply with just a 1-point increase across all sectors. This trend indicates a renewed optimism among construction companies that is likely to be influenced by anticipated demand growth. However, while the sentiment is robust, many surveyed companies report facing practical difficulties that hinder their investment readiness, particularly in the construction sector, where more than 50% of those intending to invest are still in the initial exploratory phase of their projects, compared to under one-third in other industries.

Furthermore, the report notes that a significant 79% of SMEs encounter obstacles that restrict their capacity to make investment decisions. These challenges can be attributed to various factors, including economic uncertainty and logistical issues, which may affect the feasibility and timing of potential investments. As the economic landscape continues to shift with ongoing geopolitical developments, the future investment climate for SMEs in Greece remains a critical area for monitoring, particularly as it reflects broader trends in economic recovery and resilience in the post-pandemic period.