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2 clusters · 8 sources · 24 days · First seen · Last updated

European banking infrastructure and ATM network reduction

Overview

The availability of physical banking infrastructure and ATM networks is declining across Europe due to rising maintenance, technological, and replenishment costs. In the Eurozone, the number of machines has dropped from over 300,000 in 2018 to approximately 248,900.

In Greece, the ATM network decreased by 9% between 2024 and 2025. This reduction has prompted political concern, with Member of Parliament Andreas Panagiotopoulos submitting a parliamentary question regarding the shrinking network in rural and mountainous regions. Panagiotopoulos argued that the loss of services creates barriers for elderly and remote populations, stating, “A grocery store or a village cafe cannot substitute for a bank.”

While some European nations like Portugal and France have mitigated costs through shared ATM networks, Greece has not yet established a unified system. Despite legislation aimed at capping charges and abolishing withdrawal fees, a shared network in Greece has been stalled by disagreements between two systemic banks.

Entities

Cash Services · Ministry of National Economy and Finance · Société Générale · Greece · Andreas Panagiotopoulos

Timeline

  1. 4 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    European banks reduce ATM networks amid rising costs

    Banks are reducing ATM networks across Europe due to high maintenance costs and the rise of mobile banking. Greece saw a 9% decline in 2025, while other nations use shared networks to manage costs.

  2. 27 days ago

    [POLITICS] 4 sources
    Greek MP challenges reduction of bank branches and ATMs in rural regions

    Greek MP Andreas Panagiotopoulos has challenged the government over the reduction of bank branches and ATMs in rural areas, warning that retail businesses cannot replace essential banking services.

Sources

alfavita.gr · archive.in.gr · cretaone.gr · ekriti.gr · patrapress.gr · pelop.gr · thebest.gr · zarpanews.gr