Greece Will No Longer Be the Country with the Most Debt in Europe

Apr 24, 2026, 10:15
A2

Greece Will No Longer Be the Country with the Most Debt in Europe

Introduction

By the end of this year, Greece will not be the country with the most debt in Europe. Its debt compared to its economy will be less than Italy''s debt. This information comes from official numbers and statements from important people.

Main Body

Two important Greek people said that Greece''s debt will go down to about 137% of its economy in 2026. In 2025, it was 145.9%. This means Greece''s debt will be less than Italy''s debt. Italy''s debt will be 138.6% of its economy in 2026. That is up from 137.1% in 2025. Italy''s plan says its debt will stay near 138.5% in 2027, then go down to 137.9% in 2028 and 136.3% in 2029. Greece''s debt went down a lot in the last few years. It fell from 209.4% of its economy in 2020 to 145.9% in 2025. That is a drop of more than 60 percentage points. This happened after a big financial crisis and three international loans. The loans were about 280 billion euros. Greece will pay back early some loans of about 7 billion euros later this year. Italy reduced its debt by about 17 percentage points in the same time. Italy''s leader, Giorgia Meloni, said Italy''s debt did not go down faster because of building incentives from before. Italy''s economy did not grow much. After a strong recovery from the pandemic, Italy had three years of growth less than 1% from 2023 to 2025. It got a lot of EU money for recovery, but growth is still slow. The plan says this slow growth will continue to 2029. Greece''s economy grew more than 2% each year for the last three years. That is better than the EU average. This growth came from investments, spending inside the country, and tourism. The new debt numbers for Greece will be in a plan. Greece will give this plan to the European Commission at the end of this month.

Conclusion

Greece will no longer be the country with the most debt in Europe by the end of 2026. Its debt compared to its economy will be less than Italy''s. This shows the two countries have different paths for their money and their economies.

Vocabulary Learning

debt
Money that you owe to someone.你欠別人的錢。
Example:Greece has a lot of debt.
economy
The system of making and spending money in a country.一個國家製造和花費金錢的系統。
Example:The economy is growing slowly.
growth
When something becomes bigger or more.當某事物變得更大或更多。
Example:The economy had good growth last year.
less
A smaller amount or number.更少的數量或數字。
Example:Greece's debt is less than Italy's debt.
pay
To give money for something you buy or owe.為你購買或欠的東西付錢。
Example:Greece will pay back some loans early.

Sentence Learning

Greece will no longer be the country with the most debt in Europe.
Simple future tense with 'will' and 'no longer' indicates a change.本句使用将来时态'will'以及'no longer'表示状态的改变。
Its debt compared to its economy will be less than Italy's debt.
Comparative structure 'less than' to compare two things.本句使用比较结构'less than'来比较两个事物。
Greece's debt will go down to about 137% of its economy in 2026.
Future tense 'will go down' and preposition 'to' indicate a target.本句使用将来时态'will go down'以及介词'to'表示目标数值。
Italy's debt will be 138.6% of its economy in 2026.
Simple future tense with 'will be' and percentage expression.本句使用简单将来时'will be'以及百分比表达。
Greece's economy grew more than 2% each year for the last three years.
Past simple tense 'grew' with 'more than' and time phrase.本句使用一般过去时'grew'，搭配'more than'以及时间短语。
B2

Greece''s Public Debt Projected to Fall Below Italy''s, Ending Its Status as Eurozone''s Most Indebted Nation

Introduction

By the end of this year, Greece is expected to no longer be the eurozone''s most indebted country. According to official data and statements from senior officials, its public debt-to-GDP ratio is predicted to fall below that of Italy.

Main Body

Two senior Greek officials, who spoke anonymously, stated that the nation''s debt-to-GDP ratio is estimated to drop to about 137% in 2026, down from 145.9% in 2025. This reduction would put Greece''s debt below Italy''s, which is projected to reach a peak of 138.6% of GDP in 2026, up from 137.1% in 2025, as detailed in Italy''s multi-year budget plan released this week. Furthermore, the Italian Treasury''s plan indicates that debt will remain roughly stable at 138.5% in 2027, then decline to 137.9% in 2028 and 136.3% in 2029. Greece''s public debt has decreased significantly over the past several years, shrinking by more than 60 percentage points from a peak of 209.4% of GDP in 2020 to 145.9% in 2025. This improvement follows a decade-long financial crisis and three international bailouts totaling about €280 billion. Greece intends to repay early loans worth around €7 billion from its first bailout later this year. In contrast, Italy reduced its debt by roughly 17 percentage points over the same period. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has attributed the slower reduction in Italy''s debt to the fiscal impact of state-funded building incentives introduced under her predecessors, Giuseppe Conte and Mario Draghi. Italy''s economic performance has also been weak: after a strong post-pandemic rebound, the country recorded three consecutive years of growth below 1% from 2023 to 2025, despite receiving substantial EU pandemic recovery funds. The Treasury''s budget plan projects this slow trend to continue through 2029. Greece, meanwhile, has experienced steady economic growth exceeding 2% annually over the past three years, outperforming the EU average, driven by investments, domestic demand, and tourism. The revised debt estimate for Greece will be included in its multi-year fiscal plan, which is to be submitted to the European Commission at the end of this month.

Conclusion

Greece is on track to give up its long-held status as the eurozone''s most indebted country by the end of 2026, as its debt-to-GDP ratio falls below Italy''s, reflecting different fiscal paths and economic performances between the two nations.

Vocabulary Learning

bailout
Financial assistance given to a country or company that is in serious economic difficulty, often from international organizations.緊急財政援助，通常由國際組織提供給陷入嚴重經濟困難的國家或公司。
Example:Greece received three international bailouts totaling about €280 billion after its financial crisis.
debt-to-GDP ratio
A measure of a country's public debt relative to its gross domestic product, used to assess its ability to repay loans.債務與國內生產總值比率，用於評估國家償還貸款能力的指標。
Example:Greece's debt-to-GDP ratio is predicted to fall below Italy's by the end of 2026.
fiscal impact
The effect that government spending, taxation, and borrowing have on the economy.政府支出、稅收和借貸對經濟產生的影響。
Example:Italy's slower debt reduction was attributed to the fiscal impact of state-funded building incentives.
on track
Proceeding as planned or expected; likely to achieve a particular goal.按計劃進行；有望達成某個目標。
Example:Greece is on track to give up its status as the eurozone's most indebted country by the end of 2026.
outperform
To perform better than someone or something else, especially in terms of growth or results.表現優於（某人或某物），尤其在增長或成果方面。
Example:Greece has experienced steady economic growth exceeding 2% annually, outperforming the EU average.

Sentence Learning

Two senior Greek officials, who spoke anonymously, stated that the nation's debt-to-GDP ratio is estimated to drop to about 137% in 2026, down from 145.9% in 2025.
Relative clause "who spoke anonymously" gives extra info about the officials. Passive "is estimated" focuses on the action rather than who estimates. This helps organize the idea by first identifying the source (officials) then reporting the estimated figure.關係從句「who spoke anonymously」提供關於官員的額外資訊。被動語態「is estimated」強調動作而非執行者。這有助於組織想法：先指出消息來源（官員），然後報告估計數字。
This reduction would put Greece's debt below Italy's, which is projected to reach a peak of 138.6% of GDP in 2026, up from 137.1% in 2025, as detailed in Italy's multi-year budget plan released this week.
Relative clause "which is projected" describes Italy's debt. Passive "is projected" and "as detailed" (passive participle) add formality. "As detailed" links to the source document. This structure compares two debts and provides supporting evidence.關係從句「which is projected」描述意大利的債務。被動語態「is projected」和「as detailed」（被動分詞）增加正式感。「as detailed」連結到來源文件。此結構比較兩國債務並提供支持證據。
In contrast, Italy reduced its debt by roughly 17 percentage points over the same period.
Linking phrase "In contrast" signals a direct comparison with the previous information about Greece. It organizes the idea by highlighting the difference in debt reduction between the two countries.連接詞組「In contrast」表示與前文關於希臘的資訊直接對比。它通過突出兩國債務減少的差異來組織想法。
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has attributed the slower reduction in Italy's debt to the fiscal impact of state-funded building incentives introduced under her predecessors, Giuseppe Conte and Mario Draghi.
Passive participle "introduced" modifies "building incentives". The structure "attributed X to Y" expresses cause and effect. This organizes the idea by giving a reason for the slower reduction, using formal reporting.被動分詞「introduced」修飾「building incentives」。結構「attributed X to Y」表達因果關係。這通過給出減慢的原因來組織想法，使用正式報告語氣。
Greece is on track to give up its long-held status as the eurozone's most indebted country by the end of 2026, as its debt-to-GDP ratio falls below Italy's, reflecting different fiscal paths and economic performances between the two nations.
"as" introduces a reason or cause. The participle phrase "reflecting different fiscal paths..." adds a concluding comment. This structure explains the cause and then summarizes the broader implication, organizing the conclusion clearly.「as」引入原因或因果關係。分詞短語「reflecting different fiscal paths...」添加總結性評論。此結構解釋原因，然後總結更廣泛的含義，清晰地組織結論。
C2

Greece''s Public Debt Projected to Fall Below Italy''s, Ending Its Status as Eurozone''s Most Indebted Nation

Introduction

By the end of this year, Greece is expected to no longer hold the position of the eurozone''s most indebted country, as its public debt-to-GDP ratio is forecast to decline below that of Italy, according to official data and statements from senior officials.

Main Body

Two senior Greek officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the nation''s debt-to-GDP ratio is estimated to decrease to approximately 137% in 2026, down from 145.9% in 2025. This reduction would place Greece''s debt below Italy''s, which is projected to peak at 138.6% of GDP in 2026, an increase from 137.1% in 2025, as detailed in Italy''s multi-year budget plan released this week. The Italian Treasury''s plan further indicates that debt will remain roughly stable at 138.5% in 2027, then decline to 137.9% in 2028 and 136.3% in 2029. Greece''s public debt has contracted significantly over the past several years, shrinking by more than 60 percentage points from a peak of 209.4% of GDP in 2020 to 145.9% in 2025. This improvement follows a decade-long financial crisis and three international bailouts totaling approximately €280 billion. Greece intends to repay early loans worth about €7 billion from its first bailout later this year. In contrast, Italy reduced its debt by roughly 17 percentage points over the same period. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has attributed the slower reduction in Italy''s debt to the fiscal impact of state-funded building incentives introduced under her predecessors, Giuseppe Conte and Mario Draghi. Italy''s economic performance has also been subdued: after a strong post-pandemic rebound, the country recorded three consecutive years of sub-1% growth from 2023 to 2025, despite receiving substantial EU pandemic recovery funds. The Treasury''s budget plan projects this sluggish trend to continue through 2029. Greece, meanwhile, has experienced steady economic growth exceeding 2% annually over the past three years, outperforming the EU average, driven by investments, domestic demand, and tourism. The revised debt estimate for Greece will be included in its multi-year fiscal plan, which is to be submitted to the European Commission at the end of this month.

Conclusion

Greece is on track to relinquish its long-held status as the eurozone''s most indebted country by the close of 2026, as its debt-to-GDP ratio falls below Italy''s, reflecting divergent fiscal trajectories and economic performances between the two nations.

Vocabulary Learning

divergent
Tending to differ or move in different directions; indicating a growing difference.趨向分歧或向不同方向發展；顯示差異擴大
Example:The debt projections reflect divergent fiscal trajectories between Greece and Italy.
relinquish
To voluntarily give up or surrender something, such as a position or status.自願放棄或讓出（如地位或狀態）
Example:Greece is on track to relinquish its long-held status as the eurozone's most indebted country.
sluggish
Slow-moving, lacking energy or speed; used to describe economic growth or activity that is below potential.行動緩慢，缺乏活力或速度；用於描述低於潛力的經濟增長或活動
Example:The Treasury's budget plan projects this sluggish trend to continue through 2029.
subdued
Lacking in intensity, activity, or force; restrained or muted, often used to describe economic performance.缺乏強度、活力或力量；受抑制的或低調的，常用於描述經濟表現
Example:Italy's economic performance has also been subdued, with three consecutive years of sub-1% growth.
trajectories
The paths or courses followed by something over time, especially in economic or financial contexts.事物隨時間推移所遵循的路徑或軌跡，尤其在經濟或金融語境中
Example:The divergent trajectories of Greece's and Italy's debt-to-GDP ratios are notable.

Sentence Learning

By the end of this year, Greece is expected to no longer hold the position of the eurozone's most indebted country, as its public debt-to-GDP ratio is forecast to decline below that of Italy, according to official data and statements from senior officials.
Main clause: 'Greece is expected to no longer hold the position...' with an infinitive phrase 'to no longer hold...' as subject complement. Subordinate clause: 'as its public debt-to-GDP ratio is forecast to decline below that of Italy' (adverbial clause of reason). Final prepositional phrase 'according to...' adds source. Use of 'no longer' and passive constructions 'is expected', 'is forecast'.主句：'Greece is expected to no longer hold the position...' 帶有不定式短語 'to no longer hold...' 作為主語補語。從句：'as its public debt-to-GDP ratio is forecast to decline below that of Italy'（原因狀語從句）。結尾介詞短語 'according to...' 補充來源。使用 'no longer' 和被動結構 'is expected', 'is forecast'。
This reduction would place Greece's debt below Italy's, which is projected to peak at 138.6% of GDP in 2026, an increase from 137.1% in 2025, as detailed in Italy's multi-year budget plan released this week.
Main clause: 'This reduction would place Greece's debt below Italy's' (conditional 'would'). Non-restrictive relative clause: 'which is projected to peak at 138.6% of GDP in 2026' modifying 'Italy's'. Appositive noun phrase: 'an increase from 137.1% in 2025' further describing the peak. Reduced adverbial clause: 'as detailed in Italy's multi-year budget plan released this week' (past participle 'detailed' and 'released' as reduced relative).主句：'This reduction would place Greece's debt below Italy's'（條件式 'would'）。非限制性關係從句：'which is projected to peak at 138.6% of GDP in 2026' 修飾 'Italy's'。同位語名詞短語：'an increase from 137.1% in 2025' 進一步描述峰值。縮略狀語從句：'as detailed in Italy's multi-year budget plan released this week'（過去分詞 'detailed' 和 'released' 作為縮略關係從句）。
Greece's public debt has contracted significantly over the past several years, shrinking by more than 60 percentage points from a peak of 209.4% of GDP in 2020 to 145.9% in 2025.
Main clause: 'Greece's public debt has contracted significantly over the past several years' (present perfect). Participial phrase: 'shrinking by more than 60 percentage points from a peak of 209.4% of GDP in 2020 to 145.9% in 2025' acting as an adverbial of result or manner, containing a complex prepositional phrase with multiple numerical references.主句：'Greece's public debt has contracted significantly over the past several years'（現在完成時）。分詞短語：'shrinking by more than 60 percentage points from a peak of 209.4% of GDP in 2020 to 145.9% in 2025' 作為結果或方式狀語，包含帶有多個數字參考的複雜介詞短語。
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has attributed the slower reduction in Italy's debt to the fiscal impact of state-funded building incentives introduced under her predecessors, Giuseppe Conte and Mario Draghi.
Main clause: 'Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has attributed the slower reduction in Italy's debt to the fiscal impact of state-funded building incentives' (present perfect, verb 'attribute...to'). Reduced relative clause: 'introduced under her predecessors, Giuseppe Conte and Mario Draghi' modifying 'incentives' (past participle 'introduced' with agent phrase). Apposition of names.主句：'Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has attributed the slower reduction in Italy's debt to the fiscal impact of state-funded building incentives'（現在完成時，動詞 'attribute...to'）。縮略關係從句：'introduced under her predecessors, Giuseppe Conte and Mario Draghi' 修飾 'incentives'（過去分詞 'introduced' 帶有施動者短語）。名字的同位語。
Greece, meanwhile, has experienced steady economic growth exceeding 2% annually over the past three years, outperforming the EU average, driven by investments, domestic demand, and tourism.
Main clause: 'Greece, meanwhile, has experienced steady economic growth exceeding 2% annually over the past three years' (present perfect, with participial phrase 'exceeding...' modifying 'growth'). Two additional participial phrases: 'outperforming the EU average' (adverbial of result) and 'driven by investments, domestic demand, and tourism' (adverbial of cause, passive participle). The sentence uses multiple layers of modification.主句：'Greece, meanwhile, has experienced steady economic growth exceeding 2% annually over the past three years'（現在完成時，帶有分詞短語 'exceeding...' 修飾 'growth'）。兩個額外的分詞短語：'outperforming the EU average'（結果狀語）和 'driven by investments, domestic demand, and tourism'（原因狀語，被動分詞）。句子使用了多層修飾。