Athens Traders Association Submits Ten Proposals to Finance Ministry for SME Support

The Athens Traders Association has presented ten proposals to the Ministry of Finance aimed at creating a more stable and sustainable operating framework for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The proposals were discussed during a meeting between the association's board and Deputy Minister of Finance Dimitrios Markopoulos on August 4. The discussions focused on critical challenges faced by SMEs, such as increased operating costs, tax burdens, professional housing issues, and limited access to funding. The association's ten-point plan includes establishing a nine-year professional lease agreement (6+3 years) for consistent tenants, a new debt settlement arrangement with the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) and the Kefalaio Ena Organization (KEAO) payable in 120 installments, and the creation of an unseizable bank account for SMEs. Other proposals involve re-integrating businesses into the new out-of-court settlement mechanism, revising regulations for offers and discounts, ensuring meaningful access to financing, abolishing the special solidarity levy and advance tax payments, exempting individual retail businesses from presumptive taxation, and implementing measures to reduce operating costs. The association emphasized that SMEs seek a fair and viable operating environment, not privileges. Deputy Minister Markopoulos reportedly listened to the proposals and stated they would be examined for feasibility. Both sides agreed to maintain open communication to continue dialogue on SME issues.