Greece: Labor inspections yield over 41,000 checks, 25.6 million euros in fines in first half of 2026

Greece's Independent Authority for Labor Inspection intensified its workplace checks in the first half of 2026, conducting 41,486 inspections. This surge in activity led to 8,690 sanctions and fines amounting to over 25.5 million euros.

The inspections targeted key areas such as adherence to working hours, the fight against undeclared labor, and the implementation of the Digital Work Card. Health and safety regulations were also a priority, with inspectors using risk analysis tools to focus on areas with the greatest need for compliance.

This increased oversight reflects a consistent upward trend in inspections over recent years. The authority reported 82,233 inspections in 2025, surpassing annual targets set for 2023-2025. This growth is attributed to enhanced operational capacity and a stronger presence in workplaces.

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Our inspections are targeted and based, among other things, on conclusions from previous years and our long-standing experience. Especially for the summer period, priority is given to business sectors revolving around tourism services in areas of high tourist intensity.

Haralambos Vourtsis, deputy administrator of the Inspection Authority, stated that inspections are targeted, drawing on past findings and experience. For the summer period, priority is given to sectors within high-tourism areas. "Our inspections are targeted and based, among other things, on conclusions from previous years and our long-standing experience," Vourtsis told APE-MPE. "Especially for the summer period, priority is given to business sectors revolving around tourism services in areas of high tourist intensity."

He added that inspections emphasize compliance with working time limits, tackling undeclared employment, and enforcing the Digital Work Card. These efforts are driven by risk analysis, data from the "ERGANI" Information System, and complaints from workers or unions. Non-compliant entities face administrative penalties.

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Inspections emphasize compliance with working time limits, tackling undeclared employment, and enforcing the Digital Work Card. These efforts are driven by risk analysis, data from the "ERGANI" Information System, and complaints from workers or unions. Non-compliant entities face administrative penalties.