Laws, Regulations & Policies

In efforts to ensure fair play, competitiveness, consistency and quality, the European Commission said the sharing economy can prove to be an opportunity if “done right”, contributing to jobs and growth if developed in a responsible manner.

The Greek government’s new development bill, which foresees deductions and exemptions, leasing and interest subsidies, and a 12-year fixed tax framework, was tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, with deliberation set to begin Friday.

Greek consular services in Moscow are meeting the increased demand for visas by Russian nationals wishing to travel to Greece, Alternate Foreign Minister Nikos Xydakis said on Tuesday, adding that the goal is to further increase tourist flows from Russia.

As of June 1, the top value-added tax (VAT) rate in Greece will rise by one percentage point – from 23 percent to 24 percent – and a second group of Greek islands will lose a special value-added tax status.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Greece could welcome three million Russian tourists this year if the problem of delays in visa issuance is solved.

Considered one of the most well preserved coasts in Greece, and home to the endangered loggerhead sea turtle, the Kyparissia Gulf in the western Peloponnese, has come into the spotlight after a recent government decision which toughens restrictions for the use of the shoreline.

Greece clinched additional loans from its international creditors to the tune of 10.3 billion euros on Wednesday, while Eurogroup finance ministers agreed to offer debt relief extending the repayment period and capping interest rates.

The pilot program for the issuing of visas to tourists coming from Turkey to the border entry points of the islands of the Eastern Aegean will be extended for one year.

The Greek Parliament on Sunday night approved an omnibus bill which includes indirect tax hikes of some 1.8 billion euros.

The government is postponing until 2018 a new levy that was to be charged on accommodation this year, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said during the 24th annual general assembly of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) on Thursday.