At today’s (13.11.25) meeting ECOFIN in Brussels, the Minister of Finance (Ministry of Finance) Kyriakos Pierrakakisreferred to a number of critical issues of the European Union.
Specifically, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, in the context of ECOFIN, referred to the introduction of the digital euro, the regulation of stablecoins, the taxation of energy and the reform of customs.
Special emphasis was placed on customs duties, with the Ministry of Finance arguing that Greece fully supports the European Commission’s proposal to abolish the minimum amount of 150 euros, so that a duty can be imposed on low-value parcels from third countries within the EU.
The Ministry of Finance stressed that this policy is crucial for transparency in electronic commerce, the protection of European consumers and the equal competitiveness of European businesses. He also pointed out that Greece supports France’s position to implement the measure from the beginning of 2026, emphasizing its importance for customs and for the Union as a whole.
St. Kafounis: Abolition of the “de minimis” for packages up to €150 is requested by ESEE
The strong position of Greece, as expressed by the Minister of Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis, in favor of the immediate abolition of the unacceptable “de minimis” regulation, in coordination with countries such as France that request a faster implementation of the new rules, is considered a positive step for the European markets.
The President of ESEE, Stavros Kafounis, emphasizes that it is now necessary for the European Commission to immediately proceed with binding decisions, first and foremost the abolition of the “de minimis” for packages worth up to 150 euros. The aim is to ensure real equality in markets, effective consumer protection and a healthy operating framework for European businesses. Mr. Kafounis underlines that the abolition of “de minimis” is a crucial step for fair and balanced markets, consumer protection and strengthening the viability of businesses across Europe.
The ESEE has highlighted in time – and with full documentation – the seriousness of the problem for Europe’s businesses. The preferential status for the digital giants that send billions of packages to European consumers, without the corresponding duties, quality and safety controls, tax and customs obligations, distorts competition, undermines the competitiveness of European and Greek commercial enterprises and weakens the public revenues of the member states.