After a decade-long financial crisis, Greece has rebounded with economic stability, structural reforms, and a surge in foreign investment. Today, Fortune 500 companies, global venture capital firms, and institutional investors are making strategic moves into Greece, transitioning from cautious optimism to full-scale investment expansion.
So, what changed? Why now? Understanding the macroeconomic shifts, funding inflows, and strategic advantages explains why Greece is becoming one of Europe’s most compelling investment destinations. We will explore the answers to all these questions throughout this article.
The Macroeconomic Shift: Stability, Growth & Investment-Grade Status
Converging lower borrowing costs and financial stability, Greece has become a more attractive destination for corporate investments, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and technology. As consumer spending power rises, opportunities in retail, digital services, and high-growth industries expand. Greece’s GDP growth remains steady, projected at 2.1% in 2024, 2.3% in 2025, and 2.2% in 2026, outpacing the eurozone average. Public debt, once a major economic burden, has dropped from 209% of GDP in 2020 to 153% in 2024, a remarkable fiscal consolidation strengthening the country’s financial standing (European Commission, 2024).
€36.6 billion in EU- backed funding, GDP growth outpacing the eurozone, and a 15-year unemployment low— Greece is now a top investment destination.
Major credit rating agencies— Moody’s, S&P, Fitch, and DBRS— have all upgraded Greece to investment grade, marking a turning point in the country’s financial credibility. Meanwhile, unemployment has hit a 15-year low, with significant job creation in technology, renewable energy, and manufacturing, signaling a more diversified and resilient economy (Ekathimerini, 2024).
The country’s €36.6 billion in EU-backed Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF) financing further accelerates modernization efforts in green energy, digital transformation, and infrastructure, reinforcing Greece’s position as a strategic gateway for capital deployment in Europe (European Council, 2024).
Economic Indicators Driving Interest
- GDP Growth: 2.1% in 2024, 2.3% in 2025, and 2.2% in 2026.
- Falling Public Debt: Dropped from 209% of GDP in 2020 to 153% in 2024.
- Investment-Grade Upgrade: Moody’s, S&P, Fitch, and DBRS have raised Greece to investment grade.
- Unemployment is at a 15-year low, with job creation in tech, energy, and manufacturing.
Why This Matters for Large-Scale Investors
- Lower borrowing costs & financial stability = More corporate investments.
- Increased consumer spending power = More retail, tech, and servicesopportunities.
- EU-backed funding: Greece has secured over €36.6 billion from the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF).
Major Players Investing in Greece
AWS: Greece Joins the Elite List of Local Zones
Amazon Web Services is expanding its presence in Greece with a Local Zone in Athens, making it one of just 26 outside the US to receive this infrastructure upgrade (Amazon, 2024). Local Zones bring ultra-low latency computing closer to businesses, supporting industries like media, gaming, and financial services that rely on high- speed cloud processing.
This initiative builds upon AWS’s 2020 launch of its Edge Location in Athens, which introduced Amazon CloudFront, Lambda@Edge, AWS Shield, and AWS WAF, boosting the speed and security of cloud services in Greece by over 50%. AWS’s decision to open its first European Outpost Testing Lab in Greece also signals its confidence in the country as a growing tech hub.
Google: Greece’s First Cloud Region and a $2.2B Economic Boost
Google is committing to Greece’s cloud economy long-term, confirming its first-ever Google Cloud Region in Athens. The investment will significantly accelerate the country’s digital transformation, providing local businesses with faster, more secure cloud computing while ensuring data sovereignty within Greece.
At a national scale, Google’s investment is projected to contribute $2.2 billion to Greece’s GDP by 2030 and support over 19,400 new jobs (Ekathimerini, 2024). The biggest beneficiaries? Greece’s 700,000+ micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) will gain better access to affordable, scalable cloud solutions.
Microsoft: Building Greece’s Largest Cloud Infrastructure Project
Microsoft’s GRforGrowth initiative, launched in 2020, was one of Greek history’s largest tech investment commitments. The company is developing a complex of three hyperscale data centers in Attica, allowing Greek enterprises to access enterprise-grade cloud computing with low latency (Microsoft, 2024). Beyond infrastructure, Microsoft has invested in digital upskilling, with plans to train 100,000 Greek citizens in digital skills by the end of 2025.
NTT DATA: Strengthening Greece’s Role in Enterprise Tech
Japan’s NTT DATA, one of the world’s top 10 IT services firms, expanded its operations in Greece with new investments and a long-term growth strategy. At the launch of its new Greek offices, Managing Director Evangelos Konstantinis outlined the company’s vision: 400 new hires by 2026, and a strong focus on digital transformation projects (NTT, 2022).
Huawei: Bringing AI and Energy-Efficient Data Centers to Greece
Huawei sees Greece’s data center boom as a major investment opportunity. The company is introducing AI-powered automation into data center infrastructure, integrating photovoltaic energy storage systems for greater efficiency and sustainability. With the Greek data center market expected to grow significantly, Huawei ispositioning itself as a key player in next-generation cloud infrastructure, supporting AI workloads, cybersecurity solutions, and scalable enterprise storage (Ekathimerini, 2024).
Cisco: Driving Digital Skills and Innovation
Cisco continues to expand its footprint in Greece, focusing on education, digital transformation, and next-gen networking solutions. The Aegean Neorion Innovation Center (ANIC) was inaugurated in 2023, supporting startups and research initiatives (Cisco, 2023). On top of this, the Cisco Networking Academy now operates across 100 sites in Greece, with 60+ certified trainers and 22,000+ graduates trained in networking, cybersecurity, and IT management.
Infrastructure, Energy & Logistics
Deutsche Telekom
Deutsche Telekom has expanded its investment in Greece through OTE Group, acquiring a 20% stake for €2.5 billion in 2008, solidifying its presence in the country’s telecom market. By 2023, Deutsche Telekom’s ownership in OTE had risen to 53.45%, solidifying its influence in the region’s telecom infrastructure. Even more, OTE Group announced plans to invest an additional €3 billion in Greece by 2027, focusing on expanding fiber optic networks and 5G services (Reuters, 2021).
COSCO’s Strategic Investment in Piraeus Port
Chinese shipping conglomerate COSCO has transformed Greece’s Piraeus Port into one of Europe’s fastest-growing shipping hubs. Beginning with a 51% acquisition in 2016, COSCO increased its stake to 67% in 2021 after fulfilling mandatory investment commitments (Reuters, 2021). This investment has propelled Piraeus into the ranks of the world’s top 40 largest ports, a significant leap from its previous position at 93rd (China CEEC, 2023).
Luxury and Hospitality Boom
Hilton
In November 2024, Hilton announced newfranchise agreements to expand its resort portfolio in premier Mediterranean destinations, including Greece. The newly signed resorts will introduce unique experiences under the Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Tapestry Collection by Hilton brands (Hilton Stories, 2024)
Four Seasons
Scheduled to open in the summer of 2025, Four Seasons Resort Mykonos will offer 94 luxury rooms, villas, and suites with views of the Aegean Sea. Designed in traditional Cycladic style, the resort will feature sustainable architecture and a variety of dining and recreational options (Four Seasons Pressroom, 2024). Another project of the hotel chain is the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Porto Heli, announced in December 2024, and it involves redeveloping a 185-acre beachfront estate at Hinitsa Bay. (The Incentivist, 2024),
What’s Driving the Surge in Foreign Investment?
Greece is a prime entry point into the European market, offering a cost-efficient yet highly skilled workforce, competitive tax rates, and a strategic geographic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Compared to its Western European counterparts, Greece maintains lower wages, making it cost-effective for startups and multinational firms while still offering a strong pool of highly skilled professionals. With a corporate tax rate of 22%, Greece is more competitive than Germany (30%) and France (25%), allowing businesses to retain more capital for reinvestment and growth.
Besides, Greece is one of the largest recipients of EU funding, securing over €36.6 billion in grants and loans under the NextGenerationEU Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) (European Council, 2025). The €18 billion Loan Facility, the largest EU- backed initiative relative to GDP across all member states, is designed to catalyze private-sector investment. These funds are fueling large-scale modernization projects, including:
- Green energy transition – Investments in renewable energy infrastructure and sustainability-focused projects.
- Digital transformation – Support for AI, cloud computing, and high-speed connectivity initiatives.
- Tech and innovation – Acceleration of AI, deep tech, and R&D-driven enterprises.
- Infrastructure and smart cities – Development of high-speed rail, transport, and urban modernization projects.
But Greece offers more than just cost efficiency— it has a deep talent pool with one of Europe’s highest percentages of STEM graduates, providing businesses with a strong base of engineers, software developers, and scientific researchers. This intellectual capital is crucial for technology, fintech, AI, and deep tech companies, where access to skilled talent determines long-term success.
Greece has rolled out tax breaks for R&D and innovation, seeking to further support innovation and attract foreign investment, allowing up to 100% tax deductions for companies investing in digital transformation, AI, and green energy projects. At a higher level, Greece is boldly moving toward fully powered by renewables by 2030, a target backed by large-scale investments in solar, wind, and hydrogen energy. Ranked as the second market globally for renewable energy investment, Greece has attracted billions in funding from global energy firms looking to capitalize on its ideal climate conditions for solar and wind power (Tovimal, 2024).
Quite clearly, this transformation presents major opportunities in renewable infrastructure, energy storage, and green technology, reinforcing Greece’s position as a European leader in clean energy innovation.
Why Greece Is the Smart Investor’s Move Now
Global players are already here, securing their foothold in logistics, energy, technology, and finance. But the real opportunity lies before the market fully matures. With lower costs, top-tier talent, and billions in EU-backed funding, Greece offers a rare mix of affordability and high growth potential. Whether you’re a startup looking to scale, a multinational seeking expansion, or a VC fund chasing high-yield opportunities, now is the time to enter before competition intensifies.
Greece’s geopolitical position at the intersection of Europe, Africa, and Asia makes it a critical gateway for logistics, energy, and technology infrastructure. Add to this a business-friendly tax environment, EU-backed funding, and a growing pool of tech talent, and it’s clear why Greece is now one of the most compelling investment destinations in Europe.
