The Bank of Greece published balance-of-payments data showing that Greece’s current account deficit increased by about EUR 1 billion year over year to EUR 9.5 billion in the first half of 2026. Deterioration in the secondary and primary income accounts outweighed narrower goods and services imbalances. In June alone, the deficit almost halved to EUR 602.8 million, supported by stronger goods exports and lower net interest, dividend and profit payments. First-half goods exports rose 16.1% at current prices, compared with a 4.5% increase in imports. The services surplus also widened as travel receipts grew 14.8%, broadly matching a 15.4% rise in nonresident arrivals. The combined current and capital account deficit, representing the economy’s external financing needs, reached EUR 9.2 billion. Financial account data showed EUR 6.9 billion of direct investment flows into Greece and increases of EUR 9.1 billion and EUR 1.5 billion in nonresidents’ holdings of Greek debt securities and equities, respectively. Greece’s reserve assets stood at EUR 19.5 billion at end-June, up from EUR 15.3 billion a year earlier.
2026-08-20Bank of Greece
Bank of Greece reports first-half current account deficit widened by EUR 1 billion to EUR 9.5 billion
The Bank of Greece reported that the current account deficit widened by about EUR 1 billion to EUR 9.5 billion in the first half of 2026, as weaker income balances outweighed improvements in goods and services. The June deficit almost halved to EUR 602.8 million, while reserve assets rose to EUR 19.5 billion.