GREECE
Reported in 2021, last reported in 2023
Pillar Intermediary liability |
Sub-pillar User identity requirement
Mandatory SIM card registration
It is reported that Greece imposes an identity requirement for SIM registration. Anyone wanting to purchase a SIM card has to provide their national ID card or a passport in case of foreigners to activate a new prepaid SIM card.
Coverage Telecommunications sector
Sources
GREECE
Since March 2010, entry into force in May 2010, last amended in 2018
Since February 2021
Since February 2021
Pillar Quantitative trade restrictions for ICT goods and online services |
Sub-pillar Local content requirements (LCRs) on ICT goods for the commercial market
EU Directive on Audiovisual Media Services (AVMS)
Law No. 4779 of 20 February 2021 (ΝΟΜΟΣ 4779 της 20ης Φεβρουαρίου 2021)
Law No. 4779 of 20 February 2021 (ΝΟΜΟΣ 4779 της 20ης Φεβρουαρίου 2021)
The EU Directive on Audiovisual Media Services (AVMS) covers traditional broadcasting services as well as audiovisual media services provided on-demand, including via the Internet. Art. 13.1 provides for Member States to secure a minimum 30% share of European works in the catalogues as well as "ensuring prominence" of those works. "Prominence" involves promoting European works by facilitating access to such works using any appropriate means to ensure their prominence. The Directive has been implemented by Member States in different ways, ranging from very extensive and detailed measures to a mere reference to the general obligation to promote European works.
In Greece, the EU Directive was transposed into domestic law through Law 4779 of 20 February 2021. According to Art. 17 of the law, providers of on-demand audiovisual media services must ensure that at least 30% of the works in their catalogues are European and that these works are given prominence. These providers are required to report to the National Audiovisual and Communications Center (EKOME SA) each June on their compliance with these obligations for the previous year. Additionally, audiovisual service providers located in other Member States that offer services to consumers in Greece must annually contribute an amount equal to 1.5% of their turnover related to their activities in Greece. This amount is designated for the production of Greek audiovisual works, the purchasing of licenses for Greek audiovisual works that have not yet been distributed, or it may be paid to EKOME SA for funding Greek productions.
In Greece, the EU Directive was transposed into domestic law through Law 4779 of 20 February 2021. According to Art. 17 of the law, providers of on-demand audiovisual media services must ensure that at least 30% of the works in their catalogues are European and that these works are given prominence. These providers are required to report to the National Audiovisual and Communications Center (EKOME SA) each June on their compliance with these obligations for the previous year. Additionally, audiovisual service providers located in other Member States that offer services to consumers in Greece must annually contribute an amount equal to 1.5% of their turnover related to their activities in Greece. This amount is designated for the production of Greek audiovisual works, the purchasing of licenses for Greek audiovisual works that have not yet been distributed, or it may be paid to EKOME SA for funding Greek productions.
Coverage On-demand audiovisual services
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20241006015807/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32010L0013&from=EN
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231218140331/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2018/1808/oj
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220208083822mp_/https://www.kodiko.gr/nomologia/download_fek?f=fek/2021/a/fek_a_27_2021.pdf&t=b9fc0db9c8c3b3c09f1b91723b46186b
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240609131307/https://rm.coe.int/iris-plus-2022-2-tables/1680a6889d
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GREECE
N/A
Pillar Telecom infrastructure & competition |
Sub-pillar Functional/accounting separation for operators with significant market power
Lack of mandatory functional separation for dominant network operators
Greece does not mandate functional separation for operators with significant market power (SMP) in the telecom market. However, accounting separation is a remedy that may be imposed on SMP operators. It is currently imposed on the incumbent and the three mobile operators.
Coverage Telecommunications sector
GREECE
N/A
Pillar Telecom infrastructure & competition |
Sub-pillar Presence of an independent telecom authority
Presence of independent telecom authority
It is reported that the Hellenic Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT), the executive authority for the supervision and administration of services in the telecommunications sector, is independent from the government in the decision-making process.
Coverage Telecommunications sector
GREECE
Since 2006
In April 2014
Since February 2011, last amended in 2013
In April 2014
Since February 2011, last amended in 2013
Pillar Cross-border data policies |
Sub-pillar Local storage requirement
Data Retention Directive 2006/24/EC
Judgment European Court of Justice in Joined Cases C-293/12 and C-594/12 Digital Rights Ireland and Seitlinger and Others
Law No. 3917/2011 on Preservation of Data Generated or Processed in Connection with the Provision of Publicly Available Electronic Communications Services or Public Communications Networks, Use of Surveillance Systems for the Reception or Recording of Audio or Video in Public Places and Related Devices (Νόμος Υπ’ Αριθ. 3917 Διατήρηση δεδομένων που παράγονται ή υποβάλλονται σε επεξεργασία σε συνάρτηση με την παροχή διαθέσιμων στο κοινό υπηρεσιών ηλεκτρονικών επικοινωνιών ή δημόσιων δικτύων επικοινωνιών, χρήση συστημάτων επιτήρησης με τη λήψη ή καταγραφή ήχου ή εικόνας σε δημόσιους χώρους και συναφείς διατάξεις.)
Judgment European Court of Justice in Joined Cases C-293/12 and C-594/12 Digital Rights Ireland and Seitlinger and Others
Law No. 3917/2011 on Preservation of Data Generated or Processed in Connection with the Provision of Publicly Available Electronic Communications Services or Public Communications Networks, Use of Surveillance Systems for the Reception or Recording of Audio or Video in Public Places and Related Devices (Νόμος Υπ’ Αριθ. 3917 Διατήρηση δεδομένων που παράγονται ή υποβάλλονται σε επεξεργασία σε συνάρτηση με την παροχή διαθέσιμων στο κοινό υπηρεσιών ηλεκτρονικών επικοινωνιών ή δημόσιων δικτύων επικοινωνιών, χρήση συστημάτων επιτήρησης με τη λήψη ή καταγραφή ήχου ή εικόνας σε δημόσιους χώρους και συναφείς διατάξεις.)
Under the EU Directive on Data Retention, operators were required to retain certain categories of traffic and location data (excluding the content of those communications) for a period between six months and two years and to make them available, on request, to law enforcement authorities for the purposes of investigating, detecting and prosecuting serious crime and terrorism. On 8 April 2014, the Court of Justice of the European Union declared the Directive invalid. However, not all national laws that implemented the Directive have been overturned. The Greek law implementing the Directive is still in place. Art. 6 of Law 3917/2011 goes even further in the implementation of the Data Retention Directive by requiring that retained data on ‘traffic and localisation’ stay ‘within the premises of the Hellenic territory.’
Coverage Telecommunication services or public communication networks
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20221006213352mp_/https://www.kodiko.gr/nomologia/download_fek?f=fek/2011/a/fek_a_22_2011.pdf&t=d16293f2d1eb26c79e52543efc62da37
- https://web.archive.org/web/20211026024046/http://www.greeklawdigest.gr/component/k2/item/84-privacy-data-retention-and-data-protection-in-the-electronic-communications-sector-providers-of-publicly-av...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240226172303/http://www.et.gr/idocs-nph/search/pdfViewerForm.html?args=5C7QrtC22wFYAFdDx4L2G3dtvSoClrL8fYWINrOQqHftIl9LGdkF53UIxsx942CdyqxSQYNuqAGCF0IfB9HI6qSYtMQEkEHLwnF...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20220121024033/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2006:105:0054:0063:EN:PDF
- https://web.archive.org/web/20150320044919/http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/police-cooperation/data-retention/index_en.htm
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GREECE
Since August 2011, last amended in 2021
Pillar Cross-border data policies |
Sub-pillar Local storage requirement
Law No. 4002/2011 on Amendment of the State Pension Legislation - Arrangements for Growth and Fiscal Consolidation - Issues of Responsibility of the Ministries of Finance, Culture and Tourism, and Labour and Social Security (Νόμος 4002/2011 Τροποποίηση της συνταξιοδοτικής νομοθεσίας του Δημοσίου - Ρυθμίσεις για την ανάπτυξη και τη δημοσιονομική εξυγίανση - Θέματα αρμοδιότητας Υπουργείων Οικονομικών, Πολιτισμού και Τουρισμού και Εργασίας και Κοινωνικής Ασφάλισης)
Art. 47 of Law 4002/2011 requires that data relating to the conduct of online gambling, as well as data exchanged between a player, licensee, internet service provider and financial institutions relating to such games, are stored in servers located in Greece for a period of 10 years.
Coverage Gambling sector
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230824/http://www.et.gr/idocs-nph/search/pdfViewerForm.html?args=5C7QrtC22wFYAFdDx4L2G3dtvSoClrL8ogwUOGs3KFt5MXD0LzQTLWPU9yLzB8V68knBzLCmTXKaO6fpVZ6Lx3UnKl3nP8NxdnJ5r9cmW...
- https://web.archive.org/web/20231225163343/http://media.opap.gr/Swf/VLT_Law_4002_11%20EN_final.pdf
GREECE
Since October 1990
Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) |
Sub-pillar Participation in the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
Greece is a party to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
Coverage Horizontal
GREECE
Since May 2001
Since 1993
Since 1993
Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) |
Sub-pillar Copyright law with clear exceptions
Directive 2001/29/EC
Law No. 2121/1993 on Intellectual Property, Related Rights, and Cultural Affairs (Νόμος 2121/1993 Πνευματική Ιδιοκτησία, Συγγενικά Δικαιώματα και Πολιτιστικά Θέματα)
Law No. 2121/1993 on Intellectual Property, Related Rights, and Cultural Affairs (Νόμος 2121/1993 Πνευματική Ιδιοκτησία, Συγγενικά Δικαιώματα και Πολιτιστικά Θέματα)
There is no general principle for the use of copyright-protected material comparable to the fair use/fair dealing principles. Directive 2001/29/EC defines an optional but exhaustive set of limitations from the author´s exclusive rights under the control of the “three-step test” in line with the Berne Convention that establishes three cumulative conditions to the limitations and exceptions of a copyright holder’s rights. The Directive has been transposed by Member States with significant freedom.
Almost all the existing limitations in Greek Copyright law are included in the catalogue of limitations of Art. 5 of the Directive.
Almost all the existing limitations in Greek Copyright law are included in the catalogue of limitations of Art. 5 of the Directive.
Coverage Horizontal
Sources
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240402221244/https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/copyright-legislation
- https://web.archive.org/web/20211129125012/http://www.et.gr/idocs-nph/search/pdfViewerForm.html?args=5C7QrtC22wGldAs1HD7Xe3dtvSoClrL8O8rYwwqcc7DtIl9LGdkF53UIxsx942CdyqxSQYNuqAGCF0IfB9HI6hq6ZkZV96FIbhD...
GREECE
Reported in 2023
Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) |
Sub-pillar Enforcement of copyright online
Lack of adequate enforcement of copyright online
It has been reported that, between 2017 and 2022, Greece recorded one of the highest rates of internet piracy among EU Member States. Greece, along with Portugal and Cyprus, notably leads the EU in piracy rates of live sporting events, significantly exceeding the EU average. Moreover, it is reported that in 2022, pirated TV content experienced a notable increase, with TV shows, series, and on-demand movies being the most commonly pirated genres.
Coverage Horizontal
GREECE
Since March 2010
Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) |
Sub-pillar Adoption of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty
WIPO Copyright Treaty
The European Union and Greece have adopted the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty. The treaty was ratified on 14 December 2009 and came into effect on 14 March 2010.
Coverage Horizontal
GREECE
Since March 2010
Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) |
Sub-pillar Adoption of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Performances and Phonogram Treaty
WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty
The European Union and Greece have adopted the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Performances and Phonograms Treaty. The treaty was ratified on 14 December 2009 and came into effect on 14 March 2010.
Coverage Horizontal
GREECE
Since June 2016
Since April 2019
Since April 2019
Pillar Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) |
Sub-pillar Effective protection covering trade secrets
Directive (EU) 2016/943 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on the protection of undisclosed know-how and business information (trade secrets)
Harmonization of Greek Legislation with Directive (EU) 2016/943 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on the Protection of Know-How and Undisclosed Business Information (Trade Secrets) Against Their Illegal Acquisition, Use, and Disclosure (EEL 157 of 15.6.2016) - Measures to Accelerate the Work of the Ministry of Economy and Development and Other Provisions. (Εναρμόνιση της ελληνικής νομοθεσίας με την Οδηγία (ΕΕ) 2016/943 του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου και του Συμβουλίου της 8ης Ιουνίου 2016 σχετικά με την προστασία της τεχνογνωσίας και των επιχειρηματικών πληροφοριών που δεν έχουν αποκαλυφθεί (εμπορικό απόρρητο) από την παράνομη απόκτηση, χρήση και αποκάλυψή τους (EEL 157 της 15.6.2016) - Μέτρα για την επιτάχυνση του έργου του Υπουργείου Οικονομίας και Ανάπτυξης και άλλες διατάξεις.)
Harmonization of Greek Legislation with Directive (EU) 2016/943 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on the Protection of Know-How and Undisclosed Business Information (Trade Secrets) Against Their Illegal Acquisition, Use, and Disclosure (EEL 157 of 15.6.2016) - Measures to Accelerate the Work of the Ministry of Economy and Development and Other Provisions. (Εναρμόνιση της ελληνικής νομοθεσίας με την Οδηγία (ΕΕ) 2016/943 του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου και του Συμβουλίου της 8ης Ιουνίου 2016 σχετικά με την προστασία της τεχνογνωσίας και των επιχειρηματικών πληροφοριών που δεν έχουν αποκαλυφθεί (εμπορικό απόρρητο) από την παράνομη απόκτηση, χρήση και αποκάλυψή τους (EEL 157 της 15.6.2016) - Μέτρα για την επιτάχυνση του έργου του Υπουργείου Οικονομίας και Ανάπτυξης και άλλες διατάξεις.)
The Directive 2016/943 on the protection of undisclosed know-how and business information (trade secrets) is key in harmonising national laws concerning trade secrets. Greece transposed the Directive into national law in 2018, as well as with the Harmonization of Greek legislation with Directive (EU) 2016/943 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on the protection of know-how and undisclosed business information (trade secrets) against their illegal acquisition, use and disclosure (EEL 157 of 15.6.2016) - Measures to accelerate the work of the Ministry of Economy and Development and other provisions.
Coverage Horizontal
GREECE
Since May 2014
Pillar Telecom infrastructure & competition |
Sub-pillar Passive infrastructure sharing obligation
Directive 2014/61/EU on measures to reduce the cost of deploying high-speed electronic communications networks
It is reported that passive sharing is mandated and is effective in both the mobile and fixed sectors. In addition, Directive 2014/61/EU (Art. 3.2) establishes that Member States shall ensure that, upon written request of an undertaking providing or authorised to provide public communications networks, any network operator must meet all reasonable requests for access to its physical infrastructure under fair and reasonable terms and conditions, including price, with a view to deploying elements of high-speed electronic communications networks. Such written request shall specify the elements of the project for which the access is requested, including a specific time frame.
Coverage Telecommunications sector
GREECE
N/A
Pillar Telecom infrastructure & competition |
Sub-pillar Presence of shares owned by the government in telecom companies
Presence of shares owned by the government in telecom sector
The Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation S.A. (OTE) is the incumbent telecommunications provider in Greece. Although the company was privatised in 2001 and the Greek state has been gradually reducing its participation in OTE's share capital, it is reported that Greece still owns 7.2% of OTE's share capital.
Coverage Telecommunications sector
GREECE
ITA signatory?
I
II
Pillar Tariffs and trade defence measures applied on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) goods |
Sub-pillar Effective tariff rate on ICT goods (applied weighted average)
Effective tariff rate to ICT goods (applied weighted average)
0.91%
Coverage rate of zero-tariffs on ICT goods (%)
76.86%
Coverage: Digital goods