Bank branches down 67% since 2008
Citing European Central Bank data, Apostolaki pointed out that the number of bank branches in Greece fell from 4,097 in 2008 to just 1,352 in 2025, a decline of 67%. This is significantly higher than the 45.9% reduction recorded across the eurozone.
Meanwhile, Greece’s four systemic banks reported combined net profits of €4.65 billion in 2025, with shareholder distributions totalling €2.83 billion.
Access to cash machines is also increasingly limited. More than 1.3 million people live over five kilometres from the nearest ATM, with 96.1% of them residing outside Attica and Thessaloniki.
‘An ATM does not replace a bank branch. However, access to at least an ATM is the minimum requirement for access to cash,’ Apostolaki stressed, adding that ‘the digitalisation of the banking system cannot be an excuse for abandoning entire areas’.
In her parliamentary question to Pierrakakis, the PASOK MP calls for binding minimum standards for the geographical coverage of banking services. She argues that these should take account of actual road distances and the time required for residents to reach a bank branch or ATM.
She also demands mandatory impact assessments before bank branches are closed or ATMs removed, to prevent entire communities from losing access to essential financial services.
Apostolaki further calls on the government to introduce targeted measures for areas affected by banking exclusion. She argues that the banks’ substantial profits should come with obligations to maintain a physical presence and guarantee universal access to basic banking services and cash.
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