At a critical juncture for the Greek economy, as 2026 marks the transition from recovery to the necessity for sustainable and long-term growth, the Hellenic Association of Entrepreneurs (EENE) presented a five-point roadmap during its General Assembly. This strategy is not merely a wish list but a coherent plan to address the structural weaknesses preventing Greece from leading the European competitiveness map.

AI as a Power Multiplier

The first and perhaps most critical reform concerns the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the production fabric. EENE emphasizes that AI is no longer a future promise but a present necessity. The proposal includes establishing specific incentives for companies investing in cutting-edge technologies, such as hyper-depreciation of expenses for AI equipment and software. The Association's analysis suggests that adopting these technologies could increase labor productivity in Greece by at least 15% over a five-year horizon, closing the gap with the European average.

However, technology alone is not enough. EENE proposes the creation of a national innovation ecosystem connecting universities with the labor market. The emphasis is on "digital skills," with proposals for massive reskilling and upskilling programs for the existing workforce. Without a skilled human capital, investments in AI will remain "dead capital."

Fiscal Reform and Reduction of Labor Costs

The second part of the proposals focuses on taxation and non-wage labor costs. Despite reductions in previous years, Greece remains a country with a high burden on labor, which fuels "black labor" and discourages high-skill hiring. EENE calls for further reduction in social security contributions and the abolition of anachronistic taxes that burden business operations.

  • Gradual abolition of the professional tax (telos epitidevmatos) for all businesses.
  • Reduction of tax rates for reinvested profits.
  • Establishment of a stable tax framework for at least a decade to attract foreign direct investment.

The logic behind these proposals is to create a "fiscal space" that allows businesses to breathe and invest in extroversion. Competitiveness is not built with subsidies but with strong incentives for wealth production.

Energy Costs and the Green Transition

The third point concerns energy. Greek industry and SMEs face some of the highest energy costs in Europe. EENE proposes accelerating investments in energy transmission grids and promoting Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) between RES producers and businesses. The "green transition" must be fair and economically viable; otherwise, it risks leading to deindustrialization.

"Greece's competitiveness depends on our ability to transform the challenges of climate change into opportunities for cheap and clean energy," the Association's report states.

Institutional Shielding and Justice

Finally, EENE touches upon the "thorn" of the Greek public administration and justice system. Delays in the administration of justice are perhaps the greatest deterrent for a serious investor. The proposal includes the full digitalization of judicial processes and the creation of specialized chambers for resolving commercial disputes with rapid procedures. Simultaneously, it calls for the simplification of the licensing process for strategic investments to eliminate bureaucratic arbitrariness.

In conclusion, EENE's proposals constitute an invitation for a new social contract between the state and entrepreneurship. In a world changing rapidly due to technology, stagnation is equivalent to regression. Greece has the opportunity, driven by AI and the right reforms, to transform from a laggard into a protagonist of the new digital era.