Greece achieves lower borrowing costs than Italy and France

Greece is increasingly able to borrow more cheaply than other heavily indebted European nations, including Italy and France. As of August 17, Greece’s benchmark 10-year bond yield stood at 3.866%, lower than Italy’s 3.982%. This advantage becomes more pronounced in longer-term debt; Greece’s 30-year yield of 4.577% is lower than both Italy’s 4.796% and France’s 4.838%.

This shift represents a significant reversal for Greece, which was once at the center of the eurozone sovereign-debt crisis. The country is actively working to reinforce this improved standing by accelerating debt reduction. Following an early repayment of €6.94 billion in June from bilateral loans, Athens plans to repay €13 billion ahead of schedule in 2026.

Greece’s improved fiscal position is reflected in its debt-to-GDP ratio, which is projected to reach 136.8% this year. This is a notable decrease from 146.1% in 2025 and 177.8% in 2022.