So you don't think the handouts had any effect on the German economy?
The spending Greece did with its EU money (as opposed to programs that were already in place long before) was primarily defense spending, which benefitted NATO suppliers (read- multinational defense firms.)
That's what's so funny about all the hysteria - Greece spent its money on the NATO alliance that is now trying to loot its social welfare to pay the bill. For all the whining about Europe not doing any heavy lifting on its own defence that goes on here, you'd think there would be some sympathy. Not exactly a story of handouts or bad financial management.
Yep, this social programs were before the EU. Here's where the loan money went: http://www.businessinsider.com.au/why-greeces-military-budget-is-so-high-2015-6
Yeah, that's a great big math fail.
Per your linked article, Greece spends 2.4% of GDP on defense. Other sources I've checked generally agree with that number.
Do you know what Greece's total government spending is vs GDP? Obviously it varies a little year to year, but it's been between about 45% and 55% every year since 1990, except 2013 when it spiked to 60%. (1990 is the oldest data I can easily find). Let's call it 50% for discussion's sake.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_government-debt_crisis#Economic_statistics_tablehttp://www.tradingeconomics.com/greece/government-spending-to-gdp50% of GDP is general government. 2.4% on defense. 47.6% on non-defense government.
Still want to believe that Greece spent all that money defending NATO?
Your linked article even explains why Greece has the military it does, and it ain't because they're looking out for the greater good of NATO. Seriously man, where do you come up with this stuff?