A very simple way exists to make Siemens officials disclose everything they know concerning the alleged kickbacks to Greek politicians and state employees: If the government really wants to resolve the case, it only has to inform the German company that it will be excluded from future tenders unless it agrees to support the efforts of Greek investigators.

Greece is not some underdeveloped country. It is one of Siemens’s biggest clients. A threat to bar Siemens from state contracts will force the new head of the company, also under pressure from the USA, to accept Greece’s request. Athens must show it possesses the will and determination to dig to the root of the issue.