In many ways, 2018 marked a turning point for Greece. Its economy grew by around 2 percent – its strongest expansion in a decade. And for the first time since 2011, the unemployment rate among its active population dipped below 20 percent. More importantly, Greece's third bailout program concluded in 2018, meaning that the country's creditors will no longer keep Athens on such a tight leash (although they will retain some degree of oversight). It was also an important year in terms of foreign relations, as Greece finally reached a name deal with Macedonia in a bid to end decades of bitter relations . But 2019, however, will be a difficult year for Greece, as its economy still faces significant hurdles amid increasing turbulence in its domestic political scene.