In an era where digital transformation and the climate crisis are redefining our daily transactions, the Greek Ministry of Development is moving forward with a structural intervention in the domestic market. The new draft bill, recently placed under public consultation, is not merely a bureaucratic fulfillment of European obligations; it is a concerted effort to modernize the institutional framework of consumer protection against the challenges of the 21st century. By integrating four critical EU directives, the government aims to close loopholes that allowed for deception, over-indebtedness, and the premature obsolescence of products.
The Consumer Credit Revolution and BNPL
One of the most significant aspects of the bill concerns consumer credit. At the center is the regulation of the 'Buy Now, Pay Later' (BNPL) market, which has seen explosive growth in recent years, often operating outside the strict framework governing traditional bank loans. The new legislation imposes stricter rules on assessing consumer creditworthiness, even for small amounts. The goal is to prevent the vicious cycle of over-indebtedness, ensuring that credit providers—whether systemic banks or fintech companies—operate with full transparency regarding interest rates and repayment terms.
Furthermore, the bill strengthens the right of withdrawal for contracts concluded at a distance. In a world where e-commerce dominates, protecting consumers from impulsive purchases or manipulative digital interfaces (dark patterns) becomes imperative. Platforms will now be required to provide clearer information before the completion of a transaction, while penalties for non-compliance are expected to be severe for violators.
Green Transition and the End of Greenwashing
The second major pillar of the bill concerns the environmental responsibility of businesses. For the first time, a strict framework against 'greenwashing' is introduced. Many companies use vague terms like 'environmentally friendly' or 'eco' without possessing the necessary certifications. The new legislative framework prohibits the use of such claims unless they are accompanied by detailed and verifiable evidence.
This move is directly linked to empowering consumers for the green transition. Citizens will no longer be passive recipients of advertising messages but will have the legal arsenal to demand transparency regarding the carbon footprint and sustainability of the products they purchase. The integration of this directive is expected to reshape marketing in Greece, forcing companies to invest in genuine sustainable practices rather than communication gimmicks.
The 'Right to Repair': A Victory for the Circular Economy
Perhaps the most emblematic change brought by the bill is the institutionalization of the 'Right to Repair.' Until now, the strategy of 'planned obsolescence' led consumers to discard devices that could have been fixed, due to a lack of spare parts or exorbitant repair costs. The new framework obliges manufacturers to provide access to spare parts and repair instructions for a longer period after purchase.
- Mandatory availability of spare parts for at least 5-10 years depending on the product.
- Ban on software that prevents repairs by independent workshops.
- Enhanced transparency regarding repairability scores at the point of sale.
This regulation not only protects the consumer's wallet but also drastically reduces the volume of electronic waste, aligning Greece with circular economy goals. It is a clear admission that the 'produce-consume-discard' model has reached its limits.
Sanctions and Enforcement Mechanisms
To ensure the new provisions do not remain a 'dead letter,' the Ministry of Development is strengthening the powers of the General Secretariat of Commerce and Consumer Protection. Fines for violations of consumer rights are significantly increased, and provisions for collective actions with simplified procedures are included. The public consultation, which will last until the end of the month, is the final stage before the bill is submitted to Parliament. Its success will be judged not only by the text of the law but by the ability of auditing mechanisms to enforce order in a market that often operates by its own unwritten rules.
