Bank of Greece: Reduces growth rate for 2026 and 2027
The Bank of Greece has downgraded its growth rate forecasts for the Greek economy in 2026 and 2027 following the European Central Bank's recent downward revision for the eurozone.
The Bank of Greece has officially revised its growth rate projections for the Greek economy, announcing a reduction for both 2026 and 2027. This change comes after the European Central Bank (ECB) recently downgraded its forecasts for the entire eurozone, indicating broader economic concerns that have prompted these adjustments. Specifically, the GDP growth rate for 2026 is now projected to be 1.9%, down from an earlier estimate of 2.1% provided in the Monetary Policy Interim Report published in December 2025.
The Governor of the Bank of Greece, Giannis Stournaras, had previously indicated that growth in 2026 could remain at levels similar to those of 2025, approximately 2.1%, but this was contingent upon the resolution of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. His comments highlight the uncertainty surrounding economic prospects, which are now compounded by geopolitical tensions that could impact regional stability and economic performance. Furthermore, the forecast for GDP growth in 2027 has been adjusted slightly downwards from 2.1% to 2%, while the 2028 forecast remains unchanged at 2%.
Despite these downward revisions, the Bank of Greece's report suggests that the growth rates for Greece will continue to surpass those of the eurozone. This divergence implies that while local economic conditions may face challenges, the Greek economy is expected to outperform its eurozone counterparts over the coming years. Such developments are crucial for policymakers as they navigate through uncertain times marked by both local and global factors affecting economic stability and growth.