With a shared goal of reducing tax and social security burdens, improving liquidity, and lowering operating costs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Greece’s business community has outlined its key policy proposals ahead of the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF). The Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV), the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEP), and the Piraeus Business Association (ESP) have jointly submitted comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations aimed at boosting competitiveness and fostering a more business-friendly environment.
Key Priorities from the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV)
SEV’s core proposals include:
- Exempting retail businesses from the deemed-income (taxation by estimation) system;
- Abolishing the business license fee (“telos epitideumatos”) for legal entities;
- Reducing advance income tax payments and employer social security contributions;
- Introducing tax incentives — such as a one-time bonus — for consistently compliant businesses;
- Establishing a special, progressively increasing, protected business bank account (“Special Inalienable Entrepreneurial Account”);
- Automatically extending commercial lease agreements for three years for businesses with a clean payment record toward their landlords;
- Implementing the “Once Only” principle in business-to-government transactions to eliminate redundant administrative requirements;
- Creating a “Safe Harbour” framework to shield businesses from penalties arising from technical failures in state digital systems;
- Ensuring preferential access for retailers to EU-funded financial instruments — including those under the NSRF (ESPA), EPAnEK, and the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PDP) — for digital transformation, AI adoption, e-commerce development, and green transition initiatives;
- Measures to curb soaring energy costs, including price caps on electricity and natural gas tariffs for commercial users, plus targeted support for energy-intensive retail operations;
- Strengthening synergies between commerce and tourism, alongside faster customs and judicial procedures to improve competitiveness and reduce operational costs.
Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEP) Proposals
The EBEP has put forward a “Decalogue for Entrepreneurship” — ten priority measures to support SMEs, aligned with anticipated government announcements at the TIF. These focus on permanent tax relief, improved access to financing, lower energy costs, and enhanced competitiveness.
Among its specific recommendations are:
- Lowering the corporate income tax rate;
- Reducing advance income tax payments;
- Phasing out the business license fee where it still applies;
- Introducing a two-tier VAT structure, with reallocation of fast-moving consumer goods into lower-rate categories;
- Providing tax incentives for productive and digital investments;
- Improving SME liquidity;
- Simplifying licensing and permitting procedures;
- Combating illicit trade;
- Boosting domestic production and exports;
- Targeted interventions for ports, shipyards, and the supply chain.