Greece business data shows rising registrations and bankruptcies

Data from ELSTAT indicates a 1% increase in new business registrations in Greece during the second quarter of 2026, totaling 35,495. The highest growth sectors were transport and storage (17%) and construction (13.8%). However, corporate bankruptcies rose significantly by 43.7%, reaching 171 cases compared to 119 in the same period of 2025.

Simultaneously, a survey by the Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship) reveals a downturn in the retail sector. Approximately 57.5% of retail businesses reported lower turnover during the 2026 summer sales period compared to the previous year, while only 10% saw an increase.

Business owners cited high inflation, reduced disposable income, and rising operating costs as primary challenges. To combat low sales, nearly 40% of retailers planned to continue offering discounts even after the official sales period ended.