Greece's public debt remains high despite June decrease

Greece's government owes billions of euros to suppliers, pensioners, and taxpayers, with the total outstanding debt remaining high despite a slight decrease in June 2026. The Ministry of National Economy and Finance reported that overdue public debts fell to €2.762 billion in June, down from €2.999 billion in May. This monthly improvement was most significant in public hospitals.

However, this monthly reduction does not offset the increase accumulated since the beginning of the year. Compared to December 2025, overdue government debts have risen by €185 million. This occurred despite the Finance Ministry's efforts to expedite payments and warnings of a 'black list' for persistent late payers.

The situation appears more severe when pending tax refunds are included. In June, these reached €788 million, an increase of €69 million in just one month. Consequently, the total amount owed by the government to private individuals climbed to €3.55 billion, up from €3.299 billion at the end of 2025. This means the overall debt has grown by €251 million in six months.

Public hospitals, still the largest debtors, reduced their overdue liabilities to suppliers by €214 million in June, bringing the total to €1.305 billion. Social security organizations, however, moved in the opposite direction, with debts rising to €715 million. Local government debts also saw a slight monthly decrease but remain elevated compared to the end of 2025.