The Greek business community is grappling with several challenges, but two issues stand out across industries and company sizes: soaring energy costs and the shortage of skilled workers.
Losing Ground in Competitiveness
Energy prices, which also burden households, remain a dominant concern. Business associations stress that the government has offered no roadmap for solutions.
“Energy costs have been high for two years now—well above the EU average,” noted the president of the Hellenic Association of Industries (SBE), warning that competitiveness and exports are at risk, urging immediate government intervention to prevent Greece from “losing ground.”
The SBE has repeatedly highlighted that while other European countries support their industries against energy price shocks, Greece lags behind. Maintaining competitiveness, the group argues, is vital not only for growth and exports but also for quality job creation and social cohesion.
The hospitality sector has also voiced frustration. The Panhellenic Federation of Restaurants and Related Professions (POESE) condemned the government’s “provocative indifference,” stating: “After years of insecurity, crushing costs, and collapsing consumption, we expected fair solutions. Instead, we received deafening silence—a silence that condemns thousands of businesses.”
A Shortage of Skilled Labor
The second major challenge is the lack of specialized personnel. According to an SBE survey, 41% of companies cited the inability to find skilled workers as one of the main obstacles to investment.
This concern is echoed in retail and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Research from IELKA revealed that three in four businesses faced job vacancies during the summer season, while 65% of industry and retail executives identified recruitment and talent development as a pressing issue.
As businesses struggle with both rising costs and workforce shortages, sector leaders warn that without swift and decisive government measures, Greece risks undermining its economic recovery and long-term competitiveness.
