Greek claims for German reparations

Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas has used recent Holocaust commemorations to reiterate Greece’s legal demands for reparations from Germany.

On September 13, 2026, during a memorial in Viannos for the 461 civilians killed by Nazi forces in 1943, Tasoulas asserted that claims for compensation regarding wartime destruction and the German forced loan remain “active and enforceable.” He characterized these demands as both a historical and legal obligation.

Following this, during memorial services in the villages of Ligia and Afaia on October 4, 2026, Tasoulas reaffirmed that the Greek state’s claims are “active, legal, and imprescriptible.” He noted that these demands are consistent with those made regarding other massacre sites, including Kalavryta, Viannos, and Paramythia, and stated that the pursuit of justice is a “duty imposed by history.”

On October 4, 2026, during memorial services in Ligkiades marking the 83rd anniversary of the Holocaust, Tasoulas further characterized the claims as “active, legal, imprescriptible, and demandable.” He addressed the 1943 massacre in Ligkiades and Amfithea, where German forces from the Edelweiss Division executed approximately 88 residents, including over 40 children. Tasoulas emphasized that the Greek state stands with the victims' families and maintains a duty to seek justice.

Greece’s financial claims against Germany are estimated to be between 278 billion and 341 billion euros, covering war damages, Nazi-era crimes, and the repayment of a forced loan. While the Greek Parliament passed a resolution in 2019 to pursue these claims, the German government maintains that the issue is legally and politically settled. Additionally, Tasoulas responded to recent comments by the German President regarding the resemblance of modern Germany to the Weimar Republic, stating that the strength of democracies depends on citizens who protect their institutions and take responsibility for their destiny.