Greece is a country with a rich history, culture and natural beauty, but also with many difficulties and struggles in the present. The Greek people have endured a decade of economic crisis, social unrest, political turmoil and humanitarian challenges. In this blog post, we will explore some of the main problems that Greece faces today and how it is trying to overcome them.
Economic Crisis
One of the most pressing issues for Greece is the economic crisis that started in 2009 and led to three international bailouts, harsh austerity measures, deep recession, high unemployment and public debt. The crisis exposed the structural weaknesses of the Greek economy, such as excessive public spending, low competitiveness, tax evasion, corruption and red tape. The crisis also had severe social consequences, such as poverty, inequality, homelessness, health problems and brain drain.
Greece exited its third bailout program in 2018 and has since achieved positive growth rates, primary budget surpluses and improved market access. However, the recovery remains fragile and vulnerable to external shocks, such as the Covid-19 pandemic that hit the country hard in 2020 and 2021. Greece still faces significant challenges to restore its fiscal sustainability, boost its productivity and investment, reform its public administration and banking sector, and reduce its non-performing loans (NPLs) and public debt.
Some of the reforms that Greece has committed to implement in order to address these challenges include:
- Maintaining a primary surplus of 3.5% of GDP over the medium-term
- Modernising its pension and health care systems
- Continuing reforms aimed at restoring the health of the banking system, including NPL resolution
- Liberalising its labour and product markets
- Improving its investment licensing regime and completing the cadastre project
- Developing its public assets and privatising key sectors
- Modernising its human resource management in the public sector
- Implementing anti-corruption recommendations
Migrant and Refugee Crisis
Another major challenge for Greece is the migrant and refugee crisis that has unfolded since 2015, when more than one million people crossed the Aegean Sea from Turkey to seek asylum in Europe. Greece became one of the main entry points and host countries for refugees and migrants fleeing war, persecution and poverty in countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia and Pakistan. The influx overwhelmed the Greek authorities and infrastructure, creating humanitarian emergencies in overcrowded camps on the islands and mainland.
Greece has faced criticism from human rights groups for failing to protect the rights of refugees and migrants, including by pushing new arrivals back to Turkey, denying them access to fair asylum procedures, detaining them in substandard conditions, depriving them of adequate healthcare and education, and exposing them to violence and exploitation. Greece has also faced pressure from other EU member states to manage the situation more effectively and share the burden more fairly.
Greece has received financial and operational support from the EU and other international organisations to cope with the crisis. Some of the measures that Greece has taken or plans to take include:
- Relocating thousands of asylum seekers from the islands to mainland Greece, other EU countries or third countries
- Building new reception facilities on the islands with better living standards and security
- Strengthening its asylum service capacity and speeding up asylum procedures
- Enhancing its border management and cooperation with Turkey
- Integrating recognised refugees into society through housing, employment, education and social inclusion programs
- Promoting voluntary returns of migrants who do not qualify for protection
Social Issues
Besides the economic and migrant crises, Greece also faces various social issues that affect its cohesion and development. Some of these issues include:
| Issue | Description | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Hate crimes | Greece has witnessed a rise in hate crimes motivated by racism, xenophobia, homophobia and extremism, targeting migrants, refugees, minorities, activists and journalists. | Greece has adopted a new anti-racism law in 2014 that criminalises hate speech and incitement to violence, and provides for aggravating circumstances for hate crimes. However, the implementation of the law remains weak and victims are reluctant to report attacks to the police. |
| Violence against women | Greece has a high prevalence of domestic violence and femicide, as well as low rates of reporting and prosecution. The Covid-19 lockdowns have exacerbated the risks for women trapped at home with abusive partners. | Greece has ratified the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women in 2018 and has adopted a national action plan on gender equality in 2020. However, Greece still lacks adequate shelters, helplines and support services for survivors, as well as effective prevention and protection measures. |
| Civil society and media freedom | Greece has introduced restrictive measures that limit the activities and funding of civil society groups assisting migrants and refugees, such as imposing registration requirements, audits and fines. Greece has also faced allegations of interference with independent media outlets and journalists, such as through lawsuits, intimidation and censorship. | Greece has defended its measures as necessary to ensure transparency, accountability and security in the migration sector. Greece has also claimed to respect the freedom and pluralism of the media, while acknowledging the need to improve its legal framework and practices. |
Conclusion
Greece is a country that has shown remarkable resilience and determination in the face of multiple crises and challenges. However, Greece still has a long way to go to overcome its problems and achieve sustainable growth, social justice and stability. Greece needs to continue its reform efforts, enhance its cooperation with its partners, and address its human rights obligations. Greece also needs the solidarity and support of the international community to cope with its difficulties and realise its potential.
What are some of the challenges and issues that Greece faces today and how is it coping with them?
Greece is a country with a rich history, culture and natural beauty, but also with many difficulties and struggles in the present. The Greek people have endured a decade of economic crisis, social unrest, political turmoil and humanitarian challenges. In this blog post, we will explore some of the main problems that Greece faces today and how it is trying to overcome them.
Economic Crisis
One of the most pressing issues for Greece is the economic crisis that started in 2009 and led to three international bailouts, harsh austerity measures, deep recession, high unemployment and public debt. The crisis exposed the structural weaknesses of the Greek economy, such as excessive public spending, low competitiveness, tax evasion, corruption and red tape. The crisis also had severe social consequences, such as poverty, inequality, homelessness, health problems and brain drain.
Greece exited its third bailout program in 2018 and has since achieved positive growth rates, primary budget surpluses and improved market access. However, the recovery remains fragile and vulnerable to external shocks, such as the Covid-19 pandemic that hit the country hard in 2020 and 2021. Greece still faces significant challenges to restore its fiscal sustainability, boost its productivity and investment, reform its public administration and banking sector, and reduce its non-performing loans (NPLs) and public debt.
Some of the reforms that Greece has committed to implement in order to address these challenges include:
- Maintaining a primary surplus of 3.5% of GDP over the medium-term
- Modernising its pension and health care systems
- Continuing reforms aimed at restoring the health of the banking system, including NPL resolution
- Liberalising its labour and product markets
- Improving its investment licensing regime and completing the cadastre project
- Developing its public assets and privatising key sectors
- Modernising its human resource management in the public sector
- Implementing anti-corruption recommendations
Migrant and Refugee Crisis
Another major challenge for Greece
