Pentapostagma: The Turkish threat from the Golden Visa program
Turkish investments in Greece's Golden Visa program, particularly in Athens and Piraeus, have sparked significant debate in the Greek media, with some labeling it a "Turkish threat." While these investments bring economic benefits, they are also viewed as a potential strategic risk.
The Greek newspaper Pentapostagma described Turkish involvement in the program as "Ankara's economic assault," claiming that the growing Turkish presence, especially in Athens and Piraeus, could impact not just Greece’s economy but its strategic infrastructure.
Turkish Investors Dominate Athens and Piraeus
The Golden Visa program, which grants residency permits for real estate investments starting at €250,000, has drawn considerable interest from Turkish nationals. In 2023, Turkish investors ranked second after China, filing 7,752 applications and contributing €2.3 billion in investments. Greek media characterized this trend with headlines like "The Turks Are Sweeping Everything in Athens."
Strategic Concerns and Alleged Hidden Agendas
Greek analysts caution against viewing these investments solely as economic opportunities. Pentapostagma suggested that Turkey might be leveraging these investments as part of a long-term strategy to infiltrate critical infrastructure and real estate markets in Greece, potentially gaining a strategic advantage.
Golden Visa: A Solution to Schengen Visa Barriers
For many Turkish investors, the Golden Visa program also provides a workaround to Schengen visa difficulties, granting them residency in Greece and the freedom to travel and trade across EU countries.
Increasing Greek-Turkish Trade Relations
In parallel, bilateral trade between Türkiye and Greece reached a record $5.8 billion in 2023. However, Greek media speculate that these growing economic ties might mask broader strategic ambitions from Türkiye.
Calls for Government Action
Pentapostagma criticized the Greek government’s perceived inaction, urging stricter oversight of the Golden Visa program and restrictions on Turkish investments. The publication concluded with a stark warning: "The government must wake up."
