In more than 400 million euros, the total annual impact on the country’s GDP is estimated by audiovisual piracyaccording to a study by the Center for Planning and Economic Research (KEPE) on behalf of the audiovisual project protection company (EPO).
The KEPE today published (4.6.2025) the special edition entitled “Assessment of the Socio -Economic Impact of Piracy Content and Policy Proposals”.
The study, based on the processing of alternative scenarios, estimates that jobs lost each year even exceed 5,000 (total economy) and tax losses (VAT, a special 10%fee) are estimated at up to EUR 59 million a year, while the losses of up to 16 million euros.
One of the most critical findings of the study is the negative effect of the 10% specific fee imposed on Greek subscription platforms. This measure, according to the KEPE, reinforces the phenomenon of piracy, as it increases the costs for legal domestic services, making them less competitive both compared to international platforms that are not burdened with a corresponding fee, as well as pirate packages.
The study substantiates the existence of a broad financial circuit, with about 800,000 illegal connections and an estimated turnover of more than 190 million euros a year.
According to data from the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), cited by KEPE, Greece is among the countries with the highest rates of use of illegal audiovisual content in Europe, with 60% of young people 16-24 monitoring content from illegal sources.
The lack of information and education is highlighted by the study as a key factor in the extent of the phenomenon, with users exposed to serious dangers, such as malware and loss of personal data.
KEPS suggestions to deal with piracy
Utilizing the findings of the study, the KEPE proposes a multilevel strategy for the fight against piracy. Particularly important is the integration of its theme of piracy into the education system, not only through technology courses, but also through cognitive fields such as social sciences and economics. This interdisciplinary methodology is expected to enhance the understanding of young people on the impact of the phenomenon on a personal, social and economic level.
At the same time, the study emphasizes the need for targeted public information campaigns, with the aim of realizing that piracy is a criminal act that lays serious criminal sanctions, as provided by the new law recently passed in Parliament.
A decisive step towards the implementation of the legal framework is the adoption of the relevant Joint Ministerial Decision (JMD), which will activate the procedure for imposing fines.
Finally, the important tool for limiting the phenomenon is considered tax relief by reducing or removing the 10%specific fee. Such a measure is estimated to enhance the competitiveness of domestic providers, while providing essential benefits to both consumers and the economy.
Source: RES-EIA