Jeffrey Epstein Files Expose Greece's Role in Eurozone Bank Bailouts, Sparking Renewed Debate

Athens / New York – February 18, 2026 – Newly released documents from the U.S. Department of Justice's Jeffrey Epstein investigation have revealed extensive references to Greece, with the country mentioned over 1,000–1,500 times across emails, notes, and analyses. The disclosures, part of a massive tranche made public in late January and early February 2026 under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, highlight Epstein's keen interest in the Greek debt crisis (2010–2015) and the associated Eurozone bailout programs.

The files show Epstein closely monitoring financial developments, discussing potential investment opportunities, and exchanging views with prominent figures on the true beneficiaries of the bailouts. A recurring theme: the so-called "rescue" packages for Greece primarily funneled funds to major French and German banks, with Greece serving more as a conduit than a direct recipient.

Key revelations include:

• Correspondence with Noam Chomsky (July 31, 2015): In detailed emails, Epstein and the renowned linguist and political commentator dissected the bailout mechanics. Chomsky argued that the loans—structured through entities like the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF)—effectively bailed out exposed French and German banks rather than aiding Greece significantly. He described Greece as a "mere conduit," with bailout funds flowing back to creditors while imposing austerity on Greek citizens. Epstein engaged with this analysis, referencing banking paradoxes and agreeing on the disproportionate benefits to Northern European institutions. Chomsky noted that around 90% of payments went to German and French banks holding risky Greek debt exposures.
• Exchange with Ariane de Rothschild (July 6, 2015): Hours after Greece's referendum on bailout terms and Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis's resignation, Epstein discussed political maneuvers with the head of the Edmond de Rothschild Group. De Rothschild observed that Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras sought to remove Varoufakis ("wanted Varoufakis’ head") to replace him with Euclid Tsakalotos, buying time in EU negotiations and improving the atmosphere with creditors. The pair also touched on investment prospects amid the turmoil.
• Broader Monitoring (2012–2015): Earlier entries reference Epstein learning about Greek debt swaps, setting up accounts for "long Greek bank warrants" (derivatives tied to bank recapitalizations), and tracking Eurozone stability. One 2010 email chain, involving former UK minister Lord Peter Mandelson, shows Epstein receiving advance notice of a €500 billion EU bailout mechanism amid fears of contagion from Greece—information with potential market implications.

Greek media outlets, including To Vima, Greek Reporter, Greek City Times, and Proto Thema, have reported heavily on these findings, noting Epstein's apparent interest in post-crisis opportunities, such as banking sector entry or even exploratory contacts regarding Greek islands like Skorpios (formerly owned by Aristotle Onassis).

Critics, including economists aligned with former Finance Minister Varoufakis and groups like MERA25/DiEM25, argue the files validate long-standing claims that the debt was "odious"—imposed on Greeks to cover private bank losses without popular consent. The bailouts socialized risks while avoiding major write-downs for creditors.

The DOJ has described the releases—over 3 million pages, thousands of videos, and images—as fulfilling legal obligations, though some redactions and withdrawals occurred after victim complaints. No evidence suggests Epstein orchestrated the crisis; rather, he appears to have tracked it for financial angles, much like other global events.

These disclosures have reignited debates in Greece and Europe about the bailout era's legacy, austerity's costs, and elite financial networks. As one analyst noted in the files' context: "Greece was sacrificed to preserve Northern banks' solvency." For primary sources, refer to the DOJ's Epstein document library, including referenced PDFs like EFTA01732915.pdf (Chomsky exchange) and EFTA00852055.pdf (de Rothschild discussion).