Greece revives Nazi-era reparation claims amid EU debt row
Greece’s new far-left government has promised to seek millions of euros in reparations for the brutal Nazi occupation of Greece during World War II amid a row with Berlin over repaying an EU-IMF bailout. FRANCE 24 reports from the German capital.
Issued on:
The idea that Berlin has an outstanding debt with Athens over World War II crimes and forced loans has been gaining ground in Greece since Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras pledged to make the issue a priority during his first major speech to parliament last week.
Greeks authorities say they are owed around €160 billion in war reparations, a sum that accounts for more than half of Greece’s current €240 billion bailout debt to both public and private creditors.
Germany rejects the claims, saying that all war reparations have been previously settled through European treaties.
With Athens already struggling to renegotiate its unpopular bailout with eurozone officials, the reparations issue threatens to become yet another bone of contention with Berlin.
To watch FRANCE 24’s full report from Berlin, click on the video player above.
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning
Subscribe