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Greece’s €42.3 Billion Problem: The Persistent Shadow Of Zombie Companies

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 24, 2025

One in ten businesses in Greece is a “zombie” company—unable to service loans, collectively holding a staggering €42.3 billion in bad debt. These businesses, accounting for 8.9% of the corporate sector, have long been a drag on the Greek economy, earning their unenviable label as zombie firms.

In its latest quarterly economic report, the Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE) underscores the urgency of resolving these bad business loans. It highlights that these firms, by their nature, cannot restructure their debt independently, posing a perpetual obstacle to entrepreneurial growth.

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The Scale Of The Problem

The unresolved bad loans from these zombie firms include €8.9 billion still managed by commercial banks and an additional €33.4 billion transferred to loan servicers by the end of 2022. This combined figure of €42.3 billion remains a significant burden on the banking system, stifling its ability to finance new ventures and economic growth.

The origins of this debt crisis trace back to Greece’s prolonged economic downturn. Non-performing business loans peaked at €58 billion in 2015, representing 47% of all business loans. Although this figure has declined significantly—down by €49.1 billion to €8.9 billion in 2022—the remaining €42.3 billion underscores the persistent challenge. Since 2015, the “real” reduction in business-related bad loans totals €15.7 billion.

Zombie Companies By The Numbers

The phenomenon of zombie businesses—firms unable to meet loan or interest payments—escalated during the 2010-2018 economic crisis. Between 2005 and 2013, their share rose from 10% to 18.6% of all businesses, before receding to 8.9% by 2022.

Interestingly, while smaller businesses have historically shown higher rates of zombification, large firms also exhibited notable vulnerability during the 2005-2016 period. However, since 2013, the share of zombie companies has declined across all business sizes.

A Leading Indicator Of Financial Distress

According to IOBE, the prevalence of zombie businesses closely correlates with the rate of non-performing exposures (NPEs) on bank balance sheets. Notably, the rise in zombie companies typically preceded the increase in NPEs, suggesting that the zombie rate serves as a leading indicator of financial distress in the banking sector.

More recently, the decline in zombie businesses has outpaced the reduction in NPEs. This trend, IOBE explains, stems from the protracted liquidation of companies that have ceased operations but whose debts remain unresolved. These defunct firms are excluded from databases like ICAP, which track active businesses.

Moreover, the size of the average zombie company has shifted. Before the crisis, and again after 2017, zombie firms were generally smaller, reflecting a change in the economic landscape over time.

The Path Forward

The persistence of zombie companies is not merely a banking issue; it is a systemic challenge for the Greek economy. Resolving these bad loans swiftly and effectively is essential to unlocking entrepreneurial potential and enabling Greece’s financial sector to support new business ventures.

As the IOBE report makes clear, addressing this issue isn’t just about cleaning up balance sheets—it’s about paving the way for sustainable economic growth.

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Nashville Embraces Underground Transit With A 10-Mile Boring Company Loop

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 30, 2025

Nashville is poised to join the ranks of cities transforming urban mobility through innovative transit solutions. In a high-stakes public-private initiative, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Elon Musk’s The Boring Company have unveiled plans for a 10-mile underground loop connecting downtown Nashville and its convention center to the local airport. The project, backed entirely by private investment, promises to redefine the region’s transit landscape without burdening taxpayers.

Expanding Beyond Las Vegas

The planned loop marks The Boring Company’s second operational transit system after its successful debut in Las Vegas, where the firm has already delivered three million Tesla rides within its convention center tunnels. Although the venture began with ambitious concepts such as an elevator-sled system to combat surface gridlock, the current design resembles an efficient people-mover that offers reduced construction disruption, particularly appealing in a bustling city like Nashville.

Detailing The Strategic Vision

Local officials, in concert with The Boring Company and undisclosed private partners, are set to embark on a public evaluation process to assess potential routes and secure community stakeholder input. While construction awaits the clearance of necessary approvals, the governor’s office anticipates that the initial segment could serve Nashville commuters as early as fall 2026.

Balancing Innovation With Safety And Operational Concerns

Governor Lee’s announcement highlights an impressive safety record from the Las Vegas deployment—a 99.57% safety and security rating from the Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration. Despite these accolades, the rapid pace of operations at The Boring Company has raised serious concerns among its workforce. Past accounts from industry reports have cited safety challenges and labor pressures, underscoring the broader debate over balancing innovative transport solutions with employee welfare.

Looking Forward

If realized, Nashville’s underground loop could serve as a pivotal case study in modern urban infrastructure. With an emphasis on minimizing traffic disruption and accelerating commuter transit times, the project aligns with a growing trend of cities embracing advanced technologies to tackle urban congestion. As the planning phase unfolds, stakeholder engagement and rigorous safety oversight will be paramount to ensuring this ambitious venture fulfills its promise.