Greece to Establish Independent Market Watchdog with 300 Inspectors

Greece is set to launch a powerful new Independent Authority for Market Oversight and Consumer Protection, modeled after the country’s tax authority (AADE), in a major step to curb illegal trade, profiteering, and consumer fraud.

The new body will be staffed by 300 dedicated inspectors, aiming to drastically increase market monitoring and better protect consumers.

Digital Complaints App Coming This Fall

Alongside the Authority, a new mobile application will allow consumers to instantly submit complaints via their smartphones. Users will be able to attach timestamped, geotagged photos, enabling faster investigations without always requiring physical inspections.

The app will complement the existing digital platform (e-kataggelies.mindev.gov.gr) and is expected to go live by fall 2025.

Combining Key Oversight Agencies

The Authority will merge several existing bodies, including:

• The Market Control Interagency Unit (DIMEA),
• The Consumer Protection Directorate,
• The Consumer Ombudsman.

It will operate with full administrative and financial independence, while remaining accountable to Parliament.

Structure and Timeline

The Authority will be headquartered in Athens, with regional offices across Greece. A total of 500 positions are planned, with a major portion focused on enforcement. Many roles will be filled by staff from existing agencies, with additional hires expected through public recruitment.

The leadership will include a Governor and three Deputy Governors, each overseeing a core operational area.

If the legislative process proceeds on schedule, the Authority could begin operating as early as 2026.

A New Era for Market Regulation

The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Development to modernize market oversight, crack down on unfair practices, and give consumers more tools and stronger protection.

“The goal is a smarter, more effective system that restores trust in the market,” said Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos.

Source: pagenews.gr