The 2026 Annual Report on the Greek Economy and Employment by the Institute of Economic and Social Research (INE) of the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) highlights the urgent need for Greece to accelerate its transition to a new, more resilient production model — one that places greater emphasis on investment, industry, technology, and productivity.
Over-Reliance on Tourism, Services, and Consumption
Despite improvements in key economic indicators over recent years, the report notes that the Greek economy remains heavily dependent on domestic consumption, imports, tourism, and services. This structural imbalance limits the country’s capacity for sustainable growth amid mounting global challenges.
Labour Market Proposals
The INE/GSEE advocates aligning national development with a meaningful upgrade of working conditions and labour quality. Key proposals include:
- Real wage increases
- Strengthening collective bargaining
- Expanding coverage of workers under Collective Labour Agreements
The report also stresses the importance of targeted policies to support long-term unemployed individuals, boost female and youth employment, enhance skills development, and improve overall working conditions.
Weak Industrial Base, Growing Tech and Green Investment
Greece’s productive structure continues to be dominated by services — particularly tourism-related activities, trade, and real estate. Meanwhile, industry’s contribution to economic activity remains low compared to other European economies, although recent years show signs of gradual recovery.
Positive trends are emerging in technology, innovation, and the knowledge economy. Professional, scientific, and technical services — along with information and communications — are gaining momentum, reflecting the economy’s slow but steady adaptation to the digital era.
Investments in infrastructure, energy, and environmental projects are also strengthening, closely linked to Greece’s green transition and efforts to improve national competitiveness.
Regional Disparities and Small Business Constraints
The report points out that progress toward a modern production model remains sluggish. The Greek economy is characterised by a large number of very small enterprises with limited access to innovation and new technologies. Moreover, economic activity remains heavily concentrated in Attica — and, to a lesser extent, Central Macedonia — while several regions continue to lag behind in growth rates and productive diversification.