Chapter 3 An Odyssey with a Happy End? Growth Challenges, Successes and Failures of Greece during COVID-19 Era

Greek economic adjustment and memoranda austerity lasted for 10 years followed by intense academic and political debate over their impact on Greek society. Macroeconomic stabilization succeeded in nominal terms but to the detriment of growth drivers and social welfare involving asymmetrical and high social cost. The article presents the key growth challenges after March 2020, taking into account the COVID-19 disastrous impact. From an institutional point of view, transaction cost reduction, attainment of market credibility, trust and confidence, and improvement of economic and social cohesion, remain doubtful in the long term if macroeconomic stabilization not collides with export-oriented growth and structural reforms.