The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) launches sweeping inspections of businesses failing to link POS systems and IRIS payments to electronic tax records, with fines up to €20,000 and license revocations for software providers

Facing a crowded domestic market, Greek coffee brands are taking their cafés overseas, exporting the country’s signature espresso drinks—including the famed freddo iced coffee—and expanding their networks across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North America

All Greek businesses must issue electronic invoices starting February 2, 2026, with tax incentives for early adopters and a transitional period for smooth implementation

Greece’s streets brim with cafés, but behind the daily ritual lies an economic model built on low wages, fragile businesses and short-term survival. A closer look inside the country’s booming but unstable “coffee economy” — and the people keeping it afloat

Greece stands out in gender representation: 34% of firms have at least 40% women in senior management, and 22% are majority female-owned—both above the EU average.

AI use among Greek businesses surged by 55% in a single year, with 34% now systematically employing the technology.

A growing number of Greek café and restaurant chains are boldly expanding abroad, no longer driven by necessity, but by strategy.

The Greek e-Commerce Association insists the fee’s proceeds must be earmarked exclusively for the digital transformation of Greek businesses and for strengthening their online presence abroad.

With this planned adjustment, total social security contributions will have fallen by 5.9% since 2019, bringing the rate down to 35.66%—closer to the European Union average.

The SBE has repeatedly highlighted that while other European countries support their industries against energy price shocks, Greece lags behind.

Out of 38 countries tracked by Eurostat, only Montenegro ranks higher in terms of the number of new businesses opened.

Greek SMEs lag behind respective EU27 SMEs in terms of digital transition and competitiveness.

Recruitment and workforce development have become increasingly problematic, with 89% identifying them as an issue

Office rental rates also moved upward in 2024, albeit at a slower pace. Across all office categories nationwide, nominal rents increased by 1.9%.

The survey included 502 small business owners and self-employed professionals, highlighting the ongoing struggles of small enterprises in Greece.

According to the report, business registrations across all economic sectors for the year 2024 reached 132,507, marking an 18.3% increase compared to 112,002 in 2023.

The Microfinance Fund will offer interest-free financing at a rate of 60% for general entrepreneurship and 75% for female entrepreneurship, with microfinance institutions providing the remaining 40% or 25%.

So far, 580,955 professionals and small businesses have registered for the free app ‘timologio’, an electronic invoice system, to issue their documents, which will now also be available as a mobile app.

Despite this poor performance, Greece has seen a significant annual growth of 5.83% in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, nearly tripling its percentage within a year

SEV’s president is also expected to emphasize the need for clear, streamlined licensing processes and structural issues that hinder the industry.