Greece: public finances

What is Greece's public debt?

Greece's general government debt was 146.1% of GDP in 2025, down from 154.2% in 2024 and 177.8% in 2022, according to Eurostat.

This is the debt of all levels of government under the EU's excessive deficit procedure rules, at face value. The debt ratio alone does not show the yearly cost of servicing the debt, which depends on interest rates and maturities. The ratio falls when nominal GDP grows faster than debt, so both growth and inflation reduce it.

Official sources: Eurostat: Government deficit/surplus, debt and associated data (gov_10dd_edpt1)

Does Greece have a budget surplus?

Greece's general government had a surplus of 1.7% of GDP in 2025, after 1.3% in 2024, according to Eurostat. It had deficits of 2.6% in 2022 and 1.4% in 2023.

For January-September 2026, the Ministry of National Economy and Finance reports a state budget surplus of €162 million on a modified cash basis, against a target of a €1,897 million deficit, and a primary surplus of €7,589 million. The state budget covers central government only, so it differs from Eurostat's general government figure. The ministry publishes a draft State Budget for 2027.

Official sources: Eurostat: Government deficit/surplus, debt and associated data (gov_10dd_edpt1) · Ministry of Finance: Budget execution, January-September 2026 · Ministry of Finance: Draft State Budget 2027

What is Greece's national debt?

The IMF puts general government gross debt in Greece at 146.6% of GDP in 2025. The peak was 209.9% of GDP in 2020 and the low 104.6% of GDP in 2007. Europe & Central Asia median: 46.9% of GDP; Greece is 1st highest of 51. Of 185 countries with 2025 data, 5th highest.

What is Greece's fiscal deficit?

1.7% of GDP: that is general government net lending or borrowing in Greece for 2025, according to the IMF. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 9th highest of 51 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is -2.4% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 24th of 188.

How much does Greece's government take in?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 50.0% of GDP. The peak was 50.6% of GDP in 2016 and the low 39.4% of GDP in 2009. It is 7th highest of 50 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 41.3% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 17th of 187.

How big is Greece's government spending as a share of GDP?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 48.3% of GDP. Its high point since 2005 was 2020, at 59.3% of GDP; its low point was 2006, at 45.9% of GDP. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 43.3% of GDP, and Greece placed 14th highest of 50. Of 186 countries with 2025 data, 25th highest.

How much tax does Greece collect?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2024, is 27.4% of GDP. The peak was 27.5% of GDP in 2022 and the low 20.0% of GDP in 2009. Europe & Central Asia median: 20.8% of GDP; Greece is 3rd highest of 42. Of 92 countries with 2024 data, 6th highest.

How much does Greece spend on its military?

According to SIPRI, military spending in Greece was 3.0% of GDP in 2025. The peak was 4.0% of GDP in 2022 and the low 2.4% of GDP in 2014. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 2.0% of GDP, and Greece placed 11th highest of 46. World rank, highest first: 28th of 149.