Greece secures credit rating upgrade from Scope and positive Moody's outlook

Twin credit actions within twenty-four hours

International rating agencies Moody's and Scope Ratings announced upgraded evaluations of the Greek economy within a 24-hour period on 18 September 2026. Moody's revised its sovereign outlook for Greece from stable to positive, opening the path for future rating increases. In parallel, European credit assessment agency Scope Ratings upgraded Greece's sovereign credit rating to BBB+, placing Greek sovereign paper further into investment grade territory. These decisions follow years of fiscal adjustments, steady gross domestic product expansion, structural economic reforms, and rapid reduction in the ratio of public debt to national output. International rating agencies had previously held Greek sovereign bonds in non-investment grade or junk status throughout the prolonged financial crisis.

Statement from the prime minister

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis responded to the rating decisions on the morning of 19 September 2026 through an official statement published on social media. Mitsotakis asserted that the simultaneous moves from both rating firms prove the direction of the government's economic agenda. He described the dual decisions as evidence of fiscal resilience and sustained institutional reform during a period of turbulent international market conditions. The prime minister pointed out that international rating firms have reversed their previous negative assessments of Greek public debt instruments.

“The new double upgrade of the prospects of the Greek economy by Moody's and, in parallel, of the country's credit rating by Scope, within twenty-four hours, confirms the correctness of the economic policy pursued along with the steady and continuous progress of our economy.”

Political messaging and public attribution

In his public message, Mitsotakis framed the upgraded ratings as a collective achievement belonging primarily to the Greek public rather than solely to the administration. He warned that political opponents attempting to diminish the economic progress are discrediting the sacrifices made by Greek citizens across the country. Mitsotakis presented Greece as an area of political continuity and fiscal stability set against wider international instability and market uncertainty. He reiterated that Greece continues to make economic progress despite adverse external conditions.

“Yesterday's upgrades confirm the image of Greece as an island of political and economic stability and constitute another piece in a national success. Those who persist in nullifying or cancelling it do not wrong the government, but the protagonists of this collective effort, who are the citizens themselves.”

Domestic living costs and economic objectives

The Greek government connected the upgraded sovereign standing to long-term living standards, maintaining that lower sovereign borrowing costs create conditions for real income growth. Mitsotakis outlined commitments to reduce financial burdens on younger generations, foster higher-paying private sector jobs, and expand state resources to assist households and enterprises during economic pressures. Commentary in Greece pointed to the contrast between macroeconomic data and the cost-of-living pressures facing households. The government affirmed its plan to maintain fiscal discipline while pursuing higher wages and targeted social support.

“And this credibility and stability is the foundation for a better future with fewer burdens for our children, so that wages and incomes increase, more and better jobs are created, and the state's ability to support households and businesses when necessary is strengthened.”