According to Societe Generale, Greece and Italy have are in a better position to manage and stabilize their debt within the Eurozone due to their focus on high primary surpluses. This advantage is expected to be further bolstered by the influx of funds from the European Union’s Recovery Fund, benefiting not only Greece and Italy but also Spain.
However, reaching their debt target of 60% of GDP remains a significant challenge, particularly for Greece and Cyprus, which face substantial hurdles in this regard.
Societe Generale explains that member states will now update Stability Programs less frequently, instead opting for multi-year plans every four (or seven) years, encompassing their financial strategies, reforms, and investment initiatives.
Across the Eurozone, weak GDP growth since late 2022 and stagnant employment indicate a subdued economic landscape. While Societe Generale doesn’t foresee a deep recession, prospects for 2025 hinge largely on the extent of planned fiscal tightening.
The bank predicts that, on average, supply rather than demand will be the primary economic driver, with real disposable income set to rise significantly this year thanks to wage growth, lower inflation, increased net interest income, and relaxed fiscal policies. However, there are notable sectoral differences, unlike the demand-driven trend observed in 2022 and early 2023.
Societe Generale estimates that the fiscal deficit will shrink to 3.0% this year and further to 2.6% by 2024, down from 3.4% in 2023, with the fiscal balance expected to narrow by 0.5-0.6 percentage points of GDP.
Looking ahead, Societe Generale anticipates the European Central Bank to commence interest rate cuts starting in June, with quarterly reductions of 25 basis points (or totaling 75 basis points for the year). While ECB President Lagarde hinted at potential rate cuts during the June meeting in her March press conference, she emphasized that such decisions hinge on incoming data.
Source: tovima.com
Latest News
Greece to Proceed with Issuance of 10-Year Bond
Regarding Greece's public debt the Agency forecasts that it will continue its downward trend, recording a total reduction of around 56%.
Labor Shortage in Greece: Vacant Job Positions Costing the Economy Millions
Data show that specific sectors are facing particular challenges in filling job positions, with the primary sector struggling to find working hands.
e-EFKA: “Thaleia” Answers Policyholders’ Questions
It is a service provided by the organization, aimed at enhancing the experience for individuals with special needs.
PM Mitsotakis Outlines 2025 Goals for Growth and National Interests
"The government’s work will remain intense and multifaceted, so that day by day, something changes and the lives of all citizens become better," the prime minister stated
Tender for Repairs on Athens Olympic Stadium’s (OAKA) Iconic Roof
Tender for OAKA project, which is expected to exceed 78 million euros, stipulates that repairs, maintenance must be conducted while venue remains open for events
Louis-Dreyfus Family Eyes 21% Stake in Thessaloniki Port
The newly created Amsterdam-based LeonidsPort company has submitted a voluntary public offer for 21%
EUIPO Throws Out Turkaegean Trademark
The trademark had been filed by the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) in 2021 and immediately generated heated opposition by Athens
Economic Sentiment Indicator in Greece Drops Slightly in Dec.
The data revealed that the primary drivers of the slight drop were the industrial and retail trade sectors. Conversely, construction and consumer confidence improved.
Greece’s Trade Deficit Surges by 18.7% in Nov. 2024
For the first 11 months of 2024, the total value of imports reached 77.3793 billion euros, a 1.9% rise compared to 75.9482 billion euros in the same period of 2023.
Installing EV Chargers in Your Building is Harder than You Think
So, you just bought an EV in Greece and can’t wait to set up a charger in your apartment building’s parking space? Not so fast—there are a few hurdles you’ll need to clear first.