Greece's economy is considered an international success story. It managed to overcome a very serious debt and financial crisis, correct large macroeconomic, financial, and fiscal imbalances, implement several structural reforms, and return to normality, as was signified by the granting of investment grade status to its government bonds towards the end of last year.

It also grows faster compared to the rest of the eurozone economies, and at the same time, it rapidly reduces its government debt-to-GDP ratio. What are the reasons for this success? Why were many economists and analysts proved to be wrong in predicting Greece's exit from the euro? What are the new challenges for the Greek economy now? What are the forecasts for the main economic indicators? What lessons can we learn from the overcoming of the Greek crisis for the future?

Meet our speaker and chair 

Yannis Stournaras, Governor of the Bank of Greece since 2014, is a prominent economist and academic. He graduated from the University of Athens and obtained postgraduate degrees from Oxford University where he also worked as a Research Fellow and Lecturer (1982-1986). Today, he is Professor of Economics at the University of Athens. Outside academia, he served as a Special Advisor to the Ministry of Economy and Finance (1986-89) and the Bank of Greece (1989-1994), focusing on public enterprises, incomes policy, and monetary issues. He chaired the Council of Economic Advisors (1994-2000) contributing to the design of macroeconomic and structural policies and to the negotiations for the entry of Greece in Economic and Monetary Union. Prof Stournaras held various roles, including Chairman and CEO of Emporiki Bank, Vice Chairman of the Hellenic Bank Association, and Director General of the Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE). He served as Minister of Development, Competitiveness, and Shipping in 2012 and as Minister of Finance from July 2012 to June 2014. Currently, Prof Stournaras is also Chairman of the Advisory Board to the Hellenic Observatory (LSE).

Vassilis Monastiriotis is Professor in Political Economy and Eleftherios Venizelos Chair of Contemporary Greek Studies  

More about this event

The Hellenic Observatory (@HO_LSE) is internationally recognised as one of the premier research centres on contemporary Greece and Cyprus. It engages in a range of activities, including developing and supporting academic and policy-related research; organisation of conferences, seminars and workshops; academic exchange through visiting fellowships and internships; as well as teaching at the graduate level through LSE's European Institute.

The Hellenic Bankers Association (HBA) UK, founded in 1994, connects professionals of Hellenic origin in the UK's broader financial sector. Reflecting professionalism, corporate citizenship, and strong work ethics, the HBA network has become a vital platform bridging London's financial hub and the Hellenic community. Highlighting the dual facets of Hellenism, encompassing both Greek and Cypriot dimensions, HBA places a strategic focus on fostering collaboration and supporting entrepreneurship. Beyond its role as a pivotal link between London's financial center and the Greek political, economic, and business spheres, HBA actively encourages connectivity between young and senior members and professionals. This commitment ensures a dynamic exchange of ideas, expertise, and opportunities within the broader financial sector. 

The twitter Hashtag for this event is: #LSEGreece