EU flags Greek training scandals as German political uncertainty rises

The European Commission has issued a severe warning to Greek authorities following an audit of the country’s vocational training and lifelong learning management systems. A 58-page confidential report dated September 7, 2026, classified Greece’s management and control system in ‘Category 3’, indicating it functions only partially and requires substantial improvement. The audit identified systemic weaknesses in how training actions are designed, announced, awarded, and monitored, creating risks of irregularities and the potential need for Greece to return hundreds of millions of euros in EU funds.

In Germany, UBS has outlined three potential political scenarios for Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government amid rising uncertainty. As the AfD party gains momentum in polls, the government faces pressure from electoral losses and internal tensions within the CDU/CSU. The scenarios include the current coalition remaining in power, the replacement of Merz through a constructive vote of no confidence, or a vote of confidence leading to early federal elections. This political instability occurs as the German economy seeks to recover from a period of stagnation.