Blue Folders 2026: Six Privatizations & Tax Reforms Set to Transform Greek Economy

Greece enters 2026 with the so-called “blue folders” – an ambitious set of reforms prioritized by the Ministry of National Economy and Finance. The plan combines aggressive privatizations, a radical reorganization of the tax system, and new digital infrastructure for tax oversight, aiming to turn public assets into a growth engine and strengthen state revenues.

According to the “blue folder,” 2026 is expected to be a milestone year for the Greek economy, focusing both on public asset utilization and significant tax reforms affecting businesses and citizens alike.

 Six Key Privatizations Underway

The privatization agenda highlights six priority actions:

1. Utilization of the first 1,000 properties out of 36,000 managed by the Public Properties Company (ETAD).
2. Final award of the Kalamata Airport concession.
3. Award of cruise port concessions for Kavala and Katakolo.
4. Signing a contract for the Port Authority of Lavrio.
5. Payment and start of concessions for the marinas of Argostoli and Pylos.
6. Entry of a strategic investor in Hellenic Salt S.A. 

At the same time, the Superfund (Υπερταμείο) will promote large urban redevelopment and infrastructure projects, including renovation of student dormitories in Athens, logistics parks, and the Andreas Lendakis Government Park.

From a political perspective, this agenda signals attracting foreign investment and greater private sector involvement in public projects, which will be closely monitored for distribution of benefits and political influence.

 Five Radical Tax Reforms

2026 will also bring significant changes in taxation and public finance oversight:

•  Digital Property Ownership & Management Registry (MIDAS): Centralized data on all Greek real estate, linked to the Cadastre, to ensure accuracy, transparency in taxation, and smoother transactions.
•  Full digitalization of tax audits using Business Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enable advanced data analysis and strengthen tax compliance.
•  Real-time monitoring of business transactions via myDATA and digital tracking of goods to combat smuggling and tax evasion.

 “Group Taxation”:

New legislation treats corporate groups as a single tax entity, enabling unified filings, reduced uncertainty, and financial stability for Greek businesses.

 National Registry of Benefits & Subsidies: Provides a comprehensive overview of public spending, piloted by June 2026, enhancing fiscal oversight and policy-making.

These reforms highlight the government’s push for tax compliance, reduced fiscal leakage, and a technology-driven, modern tax administration capable of addressing structural inefficiencies.

Political Angle: Commitment vs. Questions

While the privatization and tax reform agenda emphasizes investment-friendly policies and technological modernization, it raises political questions:

• Will the privatizations primarily serve private interests at the expense of public benefit?
• How transformative will the conversion of the Hellenic Sovereign Wealth Fund be for state economic intervention?
• Can digital tools and AI truly tackle structural tax evasion and corruption without broader institutional reforms?

The answers will determine not only the economic success of these measures but also the political credibility of the government’s strategy.

Source: pagenews.gr