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Law 5327/2026 introduces significant reforms to Greece’s occupational pension funds (TEA) framework, amending Law 5078/2023. The changes include the introduction of Open TEA, revised rules for sponsoring undertakings, simplified establishment and amendment procedures, and new requirements concerning occupational pension schemes. The reforms aim to provide greater operational flexibility while maintaining appropriate governance, risk management and regulatory oversight....
The European Commission is increasingly placing regulatory simplification at the centre of its competitiveness agenda. With targets to reduce administrative burdens by at least 25% for businesses and 35% for SMEs, recent initiatives across taxation, digital regulation and financial services point towards a broader shift to simpler, clearer and more proportionate rules. For European businesses, this does not necessarily mean less regulation, but a growing need for regulatory agility and more efficient compliance models....
The European Banking Authority has launched a consultation on proposed revisions to the technical standards governing joint supervisory decisions on institution-specific prudential requirements under the Capital Requirements Directive. The reforms would extend the framework to Pillar 2 Guidance and leverage ratio-related requirements, integrate qualitative supervisory measures and simplify the assessment process through a consolidated risk assessment report. The proposals aim to support more coordinated, proportionate and efficient supervision of cross-border banking groups across the EU....
The European Banking Authority has published its final Guidelines on the management of third-party risk for non-ICT services, moving beyond the traditional outsourcing framework towards a broader approach to external dependencies. The new framework strengthens expectations around governance, critical or important functions, due diligence, contractual safeguards, monitoring, concentration risk and exit planning, while complementing DORA's framework for ICT-related third-party risk. Financial entities should assess their existing third-party arrangements and governance structures in preparation for the new supervisory expectations....
The EU has adopted Directive (EU) 2026/799, introducing reforms to harmonise key aspects of insolvency law across Member States. The new framework covers pre-pack proceedings, directors’ duties, asset tracing and recovery, access to financial and beneficial ownership information, and creditors’ committees. The reforms are expected to affect restructurings and distressed M&A transactions by supporting faster sale processes, improved value preservation and greater consistency across the EU....
ESMA has proposed updates to its Guidelines on disclosure under the Prospectus Regulation, aligning them with the Listing Act and revised disclosure schedules. The proposals address management reports, profit forecasts, historical financial information and related-party transactions, while removing legacy guidance and consolidating existing risk-factor guidance. The consultation remains open until 9 November 2026, with final Guidelines expected in the first quarter of 2027....
A new electronic platform for NPL transactions has been introduced in Greece under Joint Ministerial Decision 131225/2026, implementing provisions of Law 5072/2023. The platform aims to enhance transparency and facilitate the assessment, negotiation and transfer of NPL portfolios, introducing mandatory registration requirements for NPL data providers and investors, while also offering optional functionality for transaction execution, due diligence and electronic KYC procedures....
Fragmentation remains one of the key obstacles to unlocking the full economic potential of the European Single Market. Despite its scale, businesses operating across the EU continue to face national regulatory, administrative and operational barriers that can constrain expansion and investment. This newsletter examines why deeper Single Market integration is increasingly becoming central to Europe’s competitiveness strategy and how reducing fragmentation could help European businesses achieve greater scale....
The European Commission has outlined a new legislative strategy aimed at strengthening the competitiveness and integration of the EU banking sector. The initiative focuses on reducing barriers to cross-border banking, adapting prudential regulation to the specific characteristics of European banks, and simplifying the regulatory framework, while preserving financial stability. This newsletter examines the Commission’s key priorities ahead of the legislative package expected in the first quarter of 2027....
The EU design reform has now become fully operational, introducing a modernised legal framework that better reflects digital technologies and contemporary design practices. Alongside the legislative changes, the updated EUIPO Guidelines provide further clarity on the examination and administration of European Union trade marks and designs. This newsletter outlines the key substantive reforms, the new procedural framework, and the practical implications for businesses seeking to protect and enforce their intellectual property rights....
Greece has introduced its national framework for the implementation of the EU AI Act through Law 5321/2026. The new legislation designates the competent supervisory authorities, establishes new AI governance structures and a regulatory sandbox, introduces enforcement mechanisms, and creates specific obligations for public sector bodies using AI systems. It also addresses transparency requirements for AI-generated content and deepfakes....
The European Parliament has published its final draft amendments to the EU Securitisation Framework, marking the next stage in the ongoing reform of the SECR and CRR. While the proposals introduce several measures aimed at supporting market activity—particularly for trade receivables securitisations and regulatory capital treatment—they also retain or introduce more conservative requirements in key areas. The newsletter examines the Parliament's balanced approach and highlights the expected implications for market participants ahead of the forthcoming trilogue negotiations....
European regulation is increasingly evolving beyond its traditional role of safeguarding competition and ensuring market efficiency. Recent initiatives—including the revised EU Merger Guidelines, the Omnibus Simplification Package, the Savings and Investments Union, and measures relating to critical infrastructure and cybersecurity—reflect a broader policy shift towards strengthening competitiveness, investment, resilience, innovation, and strategic autonomy. This newsletter explores how regulation is becoming an increasingly important instrument of economic strategy, shaping markets while continuing to uphold the core principles of competition, consumer protection, and financial stability....
The ratification of the new Spatial and Urban Planning Code under Law 5306/2026 consolidates Greece's spatial and urban planning legislation into a single legislative instrument, bringing together 477 articles drawn from more than 180 legislative acts. While introducing no substantive legal changes, the Code aims to enhance legal certainty, improve accessibility, reduce administrative complexity, and promote the uniform application of the legal framework governing spatial planning and urban development....
The European Commission has adopted a delegated regulation introducing targeted amendments to the CRR market risk framework as part of the EU’s implementation of the Fundamental Review of the Trading Book (FRTB). The temporary measures, applicable from 2027 to 2029, aim to preserve a level playing field for EU institutions by introducing targeted adjustments to market risk capital requirements while maintaining the broader objective of implementing the Basel III framework. The amendments have important implications for regulatory capital, internal models, reporting, disclosure, and supervisory compliance....
The Athens Exchange's Alternative Market has been registered as an SME Growth Market and renamed EN.A. Growth, aligning Greece's alternative market with the European SME Growth Market framework under MiFID II. The new framework introduces a streamlined admission process, enhanced corporate governance and transparency requirements, and revised trading rules, with the aim of improving SMEs' access to capital while strengthening investor confidence and further integrating the Greek capital market with European standards....
The European Commission has launched a public consultation on draft revised EU Merger Guidelines, marking the most significant review of EU merger control in over two decades. The proposed framework introduces a more effects-based approach to merger assessment, with greater emphasis on innovation, efficiencies, market dynamics, and long-term competitiveness. Key developments include the introduction of a “theory of benefit”, recognition of innovation as a central competitive factor, a broader assessment of market power, a new theory of harm relating to the entrenchment of dominance, and clarification of the role of public interest and geopolitical considerations in merger review....
The European Banking Authority (EBA) has launched a consultation on extending the Pillar 3 Data Hub framework to Small and Non-Complex Institutions (SNCIs), marking a further step towards centralised and supervisory-data-driven prudential disclosures. Key aspects of the proposal include the use of supervisory reporting data for public disclosures, a proportionate approach for SNCIs, clarification of responsibility for underlying data, and a phased implementation timeline aimed at enhancing transparency, comparability, and accessibility across the EU banking sector....
Recent global developments have challenged the long-standing assumption that efficiency should be the primary objective of organisational design. Increasingly, regulatory frameworks and stakeholder expectations are placing greater emphasis on resilience, continuity, and adaptability in the face of disruption. This Newsletter examines how developments such as DORA, NIS2, and Critical Entities Resilience requirements reflect a broader shift from efficiency-driven models towards resilience-focused business and regulatory strategies....
The new Special Spatial Planning Framework for Renewable Energy Sources, currently under public consultation until 24 June 2026, introduces revised siting criteria, exclusion zones, and development restrictions for renewable energy projects in Greece. Key aspects of the proposed framework include new rules for photovoltaic and wind energy installations, environmental and visual impact limitations, archaeological protection considerations, and specific exemptions for existing or already licensed RES projects....
The social consideration («κοινωνική αντιπαροχή») framework introduces a structured procurement-based mechanism enabling private sector participation in social housing developments through cooperation with public authorities. Key features include construction and property management rights, concession-style exploitation structures, feasibility assessment requirements, and consideration mechanisms combining property interests and revenue-generating arrangements for developers and investors....
The new Greek regulatory framework on geographical indications (GIs) for craft and industrial products, introduced under Law 5297/2026 in alignment with Regulation (EU) 2023/2411, recognises GIs as protected IP rights and strengthens the protection of authentic products linked to geographical origin. Key aspects of the new regime include registration and protection mechanisms, the digitalised GIportal application process, the role of OBI and other competent authorities, and the positioning of GIs as strategic IP assets capable of enhancing brand value, authenticity, and market positioning....
Saranti and Partners is pleased to note the participation of Alexandra Agorastou as a legal consultant in the World Bank’s Subnational Business Ready (B-READY) assessment for Greece, contributing to the chapters on Business Entry and Business Insolvency. The report highlights Greece’s progress toward a more efficient and business-friendly regulatory environment, while also identifying areas for further digitalisation, interoperability, and implementation consistency across regions....
The European Banking Authority (EBA) has issued its Final Guidelines (EBA/GL/2026/03) on the instruments available to third-country branches (TCBs) for meeting their capital endowment requirements under the CRD framework. The Guidelines clarify eligible assets, including certain high-quality debt instruments, and introduce strict operational conditions (e.g. escrow, unencumbered status, liquidity), alongside enhanced expectations on governance and ongoing monitoring. With application from January 2027, institutions operating TCBs in the EU should begin assessing asset eligibility and internal arrangements to ensure compliance....
The concept of due diligence is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Traditionally confined to a pre-transaction phase, it is increasingly evolving into a continuous process driven by expanding regulatory expectations. Frameworks such as AML, SFDR, CSRD, and DORA require organisations to monitor, reassess, and document their positions on an ongoing basis. As a result, due diligence is no longer a discrete exercise, but a permanent operational function embedded across the lifecycle of assets, relationships, and structures. This shift reflects a broader move from episodic compliance to continuous accountability, redefining how organisations manage risk and long-term value....
The Joint Ministerial Decision 28742/1901/2026 introduces the pilot operation of the Digital Land Bank, establishing an electronic system for the registration and management of Transfer of Building Coefficient Titles. The framework activates the use of existing titles issued under prior legislation, setting out the conditions, application requirements, and access rights for stakeholders. The pilot phase, which commenced on 16 March 2026 and is limited to four months, marks a significant step towards the digitalisation and operationalisation of building coefficient transfers in Greece....
The EBA and ESMA propose targeted amendments to the suitability assessment framework for management body members and key function holders, as part of the broader “Suitability Package”. Key changes include alignment with the revised CRD, increased focus on key control roles, clarification for third-country branches, and a stronger link with AML/CFT considerations, alongside efforts to harmonise supporting documentation....
The European Banking Authority (EBA) has published draft RTS amending the framework for prior permission to reduce own funds and eligible liabilities under the CRR. The proposed changes primarily focus on shortening application timelines (from four to three months) and enhancing coordination between competent and resolution authorities. In parallel, the RTS remove the simplified regime for certain entities, aligning the framework with recent Level 1 developments. These amendments have direct implications for capital planning, transaction structuring and internal governance processes, requiring earlier preparation, fully substantiated submissions and tighter alignment across treasury, risk and regulatory functions....
The Bank of Greece has officially launched the Central Credit Register (CCR), introducing a centralised system designed to enhance transparency, improve borrower profiling, and strengthen credit-risk assessment across the Greek financial system. The CCR allows borrowers to access a comprehensive overview of their credit exposures and enables lenders to obtain more complete borrower data, supporting better risk management and responsible lending. By improving the quality and availability of credit information, the new framework contributes to financial stability and the development of a more transparent and efficient credit environment in Greece....
Regulation is increasingly shaping the demand for legal services across multiple sectors of the modern economy. Expanding regulatory frameworks in areas such as financial services, data protection, sustainability, and technology are transforming the role of law firms from reactive legal advisors to strategic interpreters of complex regulatory environments. As businesses navigate evolving compliance obligations and policy-driven markets, regulation is emerging as one of the primary forces generating legal work and redefining the future role of the legal profession....
On 27 February 2026, the Ministry of Environment and Energy issued Ministerial Decision 144622/9465 (GG B’ 7065/29.12.2025), establishing criteria for assessing whether modifications to environmentally permitted RES projects and Standalone Energy Storage Stations constitute substantial or non-substantial changes in environmental impacts. The Decision sets out evaluation criteria to be applied by the competent authority, requires cumulative consideration of previous amendments, and classifies certain procedural AEPO adjustments as non-substantial. It also applies to pending amendment requests, unless the project owner opts for assessment under the previous regime....
On 12 February 2026, the European Banking Authority (EBA) issued an Opinion clarifying the regulatory position following the expiry of the transition period introduced under its June 2025 No Action Letter. The Opinion addresses the interaction between MiCAR and PSD2 in relation to electronic money tokens (EMTs), which fall under a dual regulatory classification. It outlines a three-scenario framework covering authorised CASPs, applicants with pending authorisations (subject to conditions), and non-compliant entities required to cease EMT payment services from 2 March 2026. The Opinion reinforces supervisory coordination and marks an important step in aligning crypto-asset and payment services oversight across the EU....
Following the December 2025 provisional agreement under the EU’s Omnibus I package, the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) is expected to apply only to the largest companies (5,000+ employees and €1.5bn turnover), with compliance deadlines extended to 2028–2029. While certain obligations have been removed and the overall scope reduced, the Directive’s core risk-based due diligence framework remains in place. Companies engaged in cross-border activity or complex supply chains should continue to assess their exposure and strategic positioning....
The European Supervisory Authorities have published final Joint Guidelines on the integration of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risks into supervisory stress testing. Applicable from 1 January 2027, the Guidelines aim to promote consistency and proportionality across EU supervisory practices. While formally addressed to competent authorities, the Guidelines have clear practical implications for banks, insurers and investment firms, particularly in relation to ESG risk identification, materiality assessments, stress testing methodologies and data governance....
EU regulation is entering a phase of consolidation, with increasing emphasis on the effectiveness of regulatory systems rather than the continued accumulation of rules. Recent initiatives highlight proportionality, reporting efficiency, data quality, and governance as key pillars for meaningful supervision. This newsletter explores the shift from formal compliance toward functional regulatory design, focusing on integrated reporting architectures, coherent data governance, and clear management accountability as critical factors in meeting evolving supervisory expectations....
The ECB has published proposals to simplify the EU’s supervisory and reporting framework, following the work of its High-Level Task Force on Simplification. The recommendations aim to reduce unnecessary complexity in prudential regulation, supervision, and reporting, while preserving financial stability and supervisory effectiveness. Key themes include streamlining capital and macroprudential frameworks, improving proportionality in supervisory practices, and advancing the principle of “define once, report once” through more integrated EU-wide reporting. The proposals are intended to inform forthcoming policy initiatives, including the European Commission’s 2026 review of the Banking Sector in the Single Market....
Greece has issued Joint Ministerial Decision 2/2026 (Government Gazette Β’ 64/13.1.2026), which sets the new fee schedule for registrations, entries, certificates, and extracts in the Cadastral Registry, the Transcription and Mortgage System, and the Electronic Pledge Registry under the updated legislative framework. The Decision introduces proportional fees of 5‰ or 8‰, depending on the type of act, and provides fixed-fee rules for specific pledge registrations under Law 3156/2003. It also clarifies how fees are calculated for pending applications submitted before its entry into force. The new structure completes the implementation of the Cadastral and Pledge Registry Code and standardises fee calculation across all relevant registries....
The EU has adopted new transparency rules for derivatives under the revised MiFIR framework, following ESMA’s publication of the final technical standards. The updated regime extends pre- and post-trade transparency to all derivatives, exchange-traded and OTC, based on fixed liquidity thresholds. It also introduces harmonised deferral periods, streamlined reporting for package transactions, and the creation of a dedicated Consolidated Tape for OTC derivatives. The standards will apply from 1 March 2027, marking a significant step in the EU’s efforts to enhance market transparency and simplify reporting obligations across trading venues and firms....
Greece has completed the operationalisation of its national foreign direct investment (FDI) screening mechanism with the issuance of Ministerial Decision No. 64260/2025, which sets out the procedural rules and documentation requirements under Law 5202/2025. The Decision transforms the FDI framework into a fully enforceable administrative process, clarifying the competent authority, filing channels, and the scope of information required from foreign investors. As a result, transactions falling within the regime must now factor FDI screening into deal planning, due diligence, and closing mechanics, with non-compliance potentially leading to sanctions and legal uncertainty....
Our latest newsletter presents the progression of doctoral research by Miltos Apostolidis (PhD Candidate in Business & Management) on Corporate Social Responsibility in the Credit Servicing Sector. Following the conceptual work published earlier this year, the study has now entered its empirical phase through a structured questionnaire addressed to professionals and borrowers in the Greek credit-servicing ecosystem. The research examines how CSR principles are understood and applied in practice, and how they relate to transparency, ethical asset management, borrower trust, and long-term organisational resilience. The findings aim to enrich academic literature while offering practical insights for Credit Servicing Firms, regulators, and market stakeholders....
The ECB has published its Supervisory Priorities for 2026–2028, setting out a two-pillar agenda focused on strengthening banks’ resilience to geopolitical and macro-financial risks and enhancing operational and ICT capabilities. The priorities highlight stricter scrutiny of credit underwriting, the implementation of CRR III/CRD VI, and intensified supervisory work on climate and nature-related risks. The ECB will also deepen its oversight of ICT and cybersecurity under DORA, address persistent deficiencies in risk-data aggregation and reporting, and establish a multi-year supervisory approach to the use of AI in banking. These themes outline the supervisory expectations that will shape the next SREP cycles and the medium-term prudential framework in the Banking Union....
The Council of State (Decision 1616/2025) ruled that unauthorised constructions in common areas of multi-owner buildings cannot be regularised without the unanimous consent of all co-owners when no condominium regulation exists. The Court held that enclosing or altering common spaces, such as the pilotis, affects the substance of co-ownership rights and cannot be validated through majority approval or by relying on Law 4178/2013. The decision reinforces long-standing principles of condominium law and confirms that interventions altering the purpose or use of common property require full co-owner agreement....
The European Commission has proposed a “Digital Omnibus” package aimed at streamlining compliance across AI, cybersecurity, and data regulation. The initiative does not introduce new requirements; instead, it consolidates existing rules by harmonising definitions, aligning supervisory procedures, and promoting interoperability between frameworks such as the AI Act, the Data Act, and NIS2. This shift reflects a move from fragmented rule-making to integrated digital governance, seeking greater legal certainty while balancing fundamental rights protection with regulatory proportionality....
Greece has adopted Law 5236/2025, transposing Directive (EU) 2022/2557 on the resilience of critical entities. The new framework strengthens the preparedness of organisations providing essential services—such as energy, transport, digital infrastructure, health, and public administration. It introduces clearer obligations on risk assessment, resilience planning, and incident notification, while also enhancing the supervisory powers of the national authority. The law aligns with the EU’s CER Directive and complements the NIS2 regime, aiming to safeguard the continuity of critical services and reinforce cooperation at national and EU level....
The European Banking Authority (EBA) has published its Final Report on Guidelines on Environmental Scenario Analysis (EBA/GL/2025/04), introducing a structured framework for assessing the long-term impact of environmental and climate-related risks on business models and resilience. The Guidelines complement the EBA’s work on ESG risk management and form part of the EU’s broader sustainability agenda under CRD VI. Applicable from 1 January 2027, they set out governance, proportionality, and implementation principles to help institutions anticipate environmental change, strengthen internal risk assessment, and align with the objectives of the EU Green Deal....
This amendment grants the Bank of Greece, in its capacity as consolidated supervisory authority, additional discretion in determining the scope of prudential consolidation for financial holding and mixed financial holding companies. ...
The Council of State, through processing minutes 135/2025, confirmed the legality of the draft presidential decree introducing an environmental equivalent mechanism under Law 5197/2025, following earlier rulings on the unconstitutionality of the New Building Regulation (NOK) incentive system. The mechanism allows the re-issuance of affected building permits under a new framework with environmental pre-assessment and equivalent compensation measures. The Council also clarified that only authorised aerial photographs may serve as proof of construction commencement before 11 December 2024....
The European Commission has proposed targeted amendments to the Securitisation Regulation, CRR, Liquidity Coverage Ratio Delegated Act, and Solvency II Delegated Act to revive the EU securitisation market. The reforms aim to make prudential rules more risk-sensitive and proportionate by introducing clearer criteria for Significant Risk Transfer (SRT), distinguishing between originators and investors, and narrowing gaps between standardised and internal ratings approaches. By lowering excessive capital burdens and harmonising rules, the proposal seeks to enhance competitiveness, support SME financing, and align with the EU’s green and digital transition goals....
The European Commission has published the draft revised Technology Transfer Block Exemption Regulation (TTBER) and Guidelines, introducing updates on data licensing, technology pools, and market share thresholds. While thresholds remain unchanged, grace periods are extended, safe-harbour conditions clarified, and new guidance provided on licensing negotiation groups. The reform aims to modernise EU competition rules for a data-driven economy while ensuring predictability in technology licensing and R&D cooperation. Businesses are advised to review contracts, assess data exposure, and evaluate participation in pools or negotiation groups ahead of the consultation deadline on 23 October 2025....
This newsletter explores Human Capital in Law Firms, highlighting how culture, leadership, and continuous development are emerging as the true drivers of client value, trust, and long-term performance. With the talent market shifting, professional expectations rising, and wellbeing now business-critical, firms that codify culture, invest in leadership, and enable skills mobility gain a decisive advantage. Human capital, managed deliberately, is not a cost but the engine of sustainable growth in legal services....
The European Central Bank (ECB) has revised its policies on the exercise of options and discretions (O&Ds) under EU banking law, aligning supervisory practices with the upcoming CRR III / CRD VI reforms. The updated guide provides greater clarity for significant institutions, reduces regulatory uncertainty for banks, and promotes consistency across the Banking Union. National authorities are expected to apply the revised approach to less significant institutions as well, ensuring more uniform supervision and enhanced transparency for market participants....
The Ministry of Environment and Energy has introduced the Spatial Planning and Urban Development Code, a landmark reform in Greece’s planning and construction law. With 477 articles, the Code consolidates and modernizes decades of fragmented legislation, abolishes outdated provisions, and streamlines procedures on spatial planning, urban regeneration, permitting, and building rules. Designed to enhance transparency, reduce bureaucracy, and align development with sustainability goals, the Code marks a decisive step toward a coherent and accessible planning framework....
This newsletter examines the evolving legal and regulatory framework for water services in Greece, shaped by recent legislative reforms and aligned with EU directives. Key elements include structured long-term planning, sustainable pricing that incorporates environmental costs, and certification of providers’ administrative competence. The Regulatory Authority for Energy, Water and Waste (RAEWW) now plays an enhanced supervisory role, working alongside regional and ministerial authorities to ensure consistency and accountability. These developments mark a significant shift in water governance, reinforcing sustainability, transparency, and compliance as central pillars of the sector’s future....
This newsletter examines the Hellenic Capital Market Commission’s (HCMC) new decision on the licensing of Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs) under the EU Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). The framework sets out the authorisation process in Greece, including preliminary assessments, application file requirements, and strict review timelines. It clarifies governance, AML/ CFT, ICT risk management, outsourcing, and client asset protection obligations, while providing a clear licensing route for both EU and non-EU providers. The decision represents a key milestone in MiCA’s implementation, aligning Greek supervision with European standards and setting practical next steps for firms....
This newsletter examines the growing importance of client trust as a defining element of modern legal practice. Beyond legal expertise, clients increasingly expect transparency in service delivery, digital responsiveness, and robust information security as foundations of confidence. Trust has become a strategic differentiator, shaping long-term client relationships and strengthening firm reputation. The analysis also highlights how ESG and CSR commitments, through transparency, sustainability, and responsible governance, are now integral to credibility, positioning law firms as reliable partners in an environment of heightened accountability....
This newsletter examines the Bank of Greece Executive Committee Act Nr 244/25-7-2025, which introduces important regulatory changes for credit servicing companies, credit purchasers, and financial institutions operating in Greece. The Act strengthens governance and transparency requirements, mandates detailed loan portfolio reporting, and enhances oversight of loan purchasers, particularly foreign entities. It also sets clear rules for Audit and Risk Committees depending on the scale and activities of servicers, while granting the Bank of Greece discretion to impose additional governance structures. Compliance deadlines are phased, with most governance arrangements required by 1 December 2025 and full committee composition requirements by 30 June 2026....
This newsletter examines the newly enacted Law 5215/2025, which establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for the production and integration of biomethane and hydrogen into Greece’s energy system. The legislation sets out licensing requirements, operational standards, and incentives for producers, including investment and operational aid, exemptions from grid injection charges, and certification of origin through Guarantees of Origin. By enabling connections to national and local gas networks and supporting the conversion of existing facilities, the law aims to stimulate investment, foster innovation, and advance Greece’s decarbonisation and energy diversification objectives in line with European climate goals....
This newsletter examines the recent overhaul of Greece’s legal framework for Real Estate Investment Companies (REICs) under Law 5193/2025. The reform introduces expanded investment capabilities, including renewable energy infrastructure and data centers, while significantly increasing minimum capital requirements to €40 million. It also updates rules on related party transactions, narrows definitions for conflict-of-interest purposes, and enhances transparency obligations. New limits on investment concentrations and broader valuation flexibility aim to modernize market operations. Strengthened supervisory powers for the Hellenic Capital Market Commission underscore a shift toward greater accountability and resilience in the sector....
This newsletter examines the growing strategic importance of information security within the legal profession. As law firms manage increasingly sensitive client data in digitally connected environments, structured security practices have become essential to maintaining trust, safeguarding information, and ensuring regulatory compliance. It outlines the foundational elements of a robust information security framework, including governance, access control, employee awareness, and incident response planning, and emphasizes how a proactive, strategic approach can enhance resilience and set firms apart in a competitive landscape....
On 15 July 2025, Greece launched its new Electronic Pledge Registry, operated by the Hellenic Cadastre. Built under Law 5123/2024, the platform allows certified legal professionals to register, modify, or cancel non-possessory pledges entirely online, streamlining secured transactions across movables, claims, and registered shares. With 24/7 accessibility, real-time legal certainty, and full digital functionality, the Registry marks a significant step toward transparency, efficiency, and EU alignment in secured lending practices....
The European Banking Authority (EBA) has issued new Draft Guidelines on the Sound Management of Third-Party Risk, aiming to replace and expand the 2019 outsourcing framework. These updated guidelines reflect a broader scope, now covering all third-party arrangements, including intragroup and non-ICT providers, across various financial entities such as banks, investment firms, fintechs, and ART issuers. Greek financial institutions are urged to re-evaluate their third-party relationships, update risk registers, and prepare for new governance and reporting obligations. This development marks a critical step toward harmonised oversight and risk mitigation across the EU financial sector....
Law 5197/2025 introduces targeted clarifications to the New Building Regulation (Law 4067/2012), restricting the application of incentives and bonuses to designated incentive zones within Local or Special Urban Plans. It also regulates how building permits issued up to 11 December 2024 are treated, depending on construction status, and establishes an Environmental Equivalent mechanism allowing certain projects to proceed under specific conditions. These measures aim to ensure clarity, legal certainty, and promote environmentally responsible urban development....
Corporate Social Responsibility is becoming an increasingly structured and strategic domain, where legal teams play a critical role in enabling cross-sector collaboration with clarity and accountability. This newsletter highlights the renovation of the Primary School of Megalo Monastiri in Thessaly—an initiative by Interamerican & Anytime, Humanity Greece, and the Municipality of Kileler—as a practical example of how CSR now operates through carefully designed, legally sound partnerships. Writing from her position within Humanity Greece’s legal team, Alexandra Agorastou reflects on the evolving role of lawyers in such initiatives, not only to ensure compliance and mitigate risk, but to actively shape frameworks that deliver long-term social value with transparency, resilience, and purpose....
At Saranti and Partners, modernisation is more than adopting digital tools. It’s about delivering principled, progressive, and client-focused legal services. By integrating advanced practice management systems, we enhance efficiency, transparency, and collaboration across all stages of legal work. Clients benefit from accurate billing, real-time updates, and secure document access, while our teams operate with greater clarity, accountability, and responsiveness. This technology-enabled transformation empowers us to meet today’s legal demands with precision and integrity, now and as we grow....
As the transposition deadline of 20 November 2025 approaches, Directive (EU) 2023/2225 on consumer credit agreements is poised to significantly reshape the EU’s legal landscape. The Directive introduces enhanced transparency requirements, ensuring consumers receive comprehensive pre-contractual information, particularly on payment obligations. It enforces standards of good conduct among creditors, mandates fair creditworthiness assessments (including rights around AI-based evaluations), and obliges Member States to prevent excessive credit costs. Importantly, it promotes consumer protection in cases of financial distress and introduces mandatory training standards for credit institution staff. Creditors across the EU, including in Greece, must now align internal practices and policies with these requirements to ensure full compliance....
The European Central Bank has unveiled major supervisory reforms set to reshape financial regulation across the Eurozone, with direct implications for Greek institutions. Key initiatives include a streamlined SREP process focusing on material risks, tighter integration of ICAAP into continuous supervisory dialogue, and updated priorities for 2025–2027 centered on resilience, timely remediation, and digital risk. Greek banks are urged to align compliance efforts ahead of full implementation by the end of 2025....
Greece is embracing a transformative shift in property management with the launch of the Unified Real Estate Registry (U.R.R.), a key initiative under the national Recovery and Resilience Plan. Set to be operational in early 2026, the U.R.R. will consolidate property data from public authorities, such as the Cadastre, AADE, and TAXISnet, into a fully digital, interoperable platform. This smart integration will automate updates across systems, significantly reducing bureaucracy and enhancing legal certainty. For property owners, investors, and institutions, it promises instant access to reliable information, streamlined transactions, and robust safeguards against unauthorised developments, laying the groundwork for a smarter, more transparent real estate market in Greece....
Greece has adopted Law 5202/2025, establishing a formal screening mechanism for foreign direct investments (FDIs) in alignment with EU Regulation 2019/452. The new law aims to protect national security and public order by scrutinizing investments in sensitive sectors such as energy, transport, defense, and cybersecurity. Screening is triggered when non-EU investors, or EU entities under foreign control, acquire stakes in strategic industries. Thresholds start at 10% for highly sensitive sectors. Exclusions apply to passive investments and intra-group restructurings. A dedicated interministerial committee oversees the process, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issuing final decisions. Non-compliance may result in fines, reversal of transactions, or further penalties. This marks a significant shift toward risk-based investment oversight in Greece, combining openness with strategic safeguards....
The article highlights the evolving role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the credit servicing sector, emphasizing its transition from a voluntary initiative to a legal and strategic imperative. Drawing from ongoing academic research and legal advisory practice, it highlights how CSR now intersects with European and Greek regulatory frameworks, such as the EU NPL Directive and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. For Credit Servicing Firms, CSR entails transparent borrower treatment, ethical enforcement practices, and robust data protection, all of which are essential to compliance, risk mitigation, and long-term competitiveness....
As of January 1st, 2025, the EU has adopted Regulation (EU) 2024/1623 (CRR3) and Directive (EU) 2024/1619 (CRD6) to complete the Basel III reforms. CRR3 introduces an "output floor" to standardise risk-weighted assets and revises the calculation of credit, market, and operational risk. CRD6 complements this by enhancing supervisory harmonisation, internal governance, and ESG risk management obligations. Together, these frameworks aim to reinforce the resilience and integrity of the EU banking system....
We are thrilled to announce a significant win for both our client and our team! Sonia Saranti, successfully represented a retailer as the respondent in a commercial litigation concerning trademarks. Our client’s pleadings were upheld by the competent Multi Member Court of First Instance, while the claimant’s assertions, including of a “reputed trademark”, were rejected. We are immensely proud of the outcome, which not only safeguards our client’s rights but also halts a repetitive abusive commercial practice that has been negatively impacting competition across Greece for over a decade. It’s a win for legal integrity, fair market practices, and the rule of law and a testament to our commitment to do and impose the right thing!...
The European Commission has adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/304, setting out the technical standards for applying the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). The new framework, developed by ESMA in cooperation with the EBA, introduces standardized procedures and templates for notifications submitted by entities offering crypto-asset services. Key provisions include designated contact points, secure submission formats, and mandatory updates for any changes in submitted information. These measures aim to enhance transparency, ensure regulatory consistency across the EU, and support the growth of a competitive and innovative digital finance sector....
We are pleased to share that Saranti and Partners has been featured in The Legal 500 – EMEA 2025. Our firm has been included in the "Firm to Watch" list for Banking, Finance and Capital Markets in Greece — a significant milestone that reflects the growth and impact of our transactional practice. We are also proud to announce that Sonia Saranti has been recognised as a Next Generation Partner, a distinction that underscores her exceptional leadership and expertise in complex financial and regulatory matters. This dual recognition reaffirms our commitment to providing high-calibre legal services and strategic advice to our clients in the financial sector. We are grateful to our clients and peers for their trust and continued support....
We are delighted to announce that Sonia Saranti, Founder and Partner of Saranti and Partners Law Firm, has been recognized as an "Up and Coming" lawyer in Banking & Finance by the prestigious Chambers and Partners – Europe Guide 2025. This distinction highlights Sonia’s dedication to legal excellence, her integrity, and her innovative approach to complex financial and corporate matters. With strong expertise in structured finance, project finance, and corporate restructuring, Sonia continues to demonstrate leadership in the Greek legal market and beyond....
Saranti & Partners is proud to support initiatives that promote sustainability and ethical governance. Our Chief of Corporate Culture, Alexandra Agorastou, recently spoke at the “Economic Transition and Sustainable Development” conference at Harokopio University of Athens. As a volunteer legal advisor at Humanity Greece, Alexandra shared valuable insights on legal compliance, transparency, and accountability—key pillars for NGOs striving to maximize their social impact. Her participation highlights our firm’s dedication to responsible business practices and our commitment to fostering sustainable development....
The European Commission has published guidelines on prohibited AI practices, addressing issues such as subliminal manipulation, exploitation of vulnerabilities, social scoring, and real-time remote biometric identification. Additionally, new guidelines clarify the definition of AI systems under the AI Act, focusing on aspects like autonomy and adaptiveness. A recent Eurobarometer survey indicates strong support among Europeans for integrating AI in the workplace, with over 70% believing these technologies boost productivity. These developments align with the EU's Competitiveness Compass, which prioritizes the adoption of digital solutions to drive innovation and efficiency....
We are proud to share the recognition of Sonia Saranti in the Chambers Global Guide, where she is praised for her exceptional legal expertise, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to client success. Described as highly astute, technically brilliant, and commercially insightful, Sonia stands out for her ability to navigate complex legal challenges while delivering top-tier client service. Her dedication and responsiveness make her a trusted legal partner in Banking & Finance....
The rapid evolution of technology, particularly blockchain, is poised to transform arbitration by introducing decentralization, enhanced security, and transparency. While blockchain offers potential benefits such as automated enforcement of arbitral awards, especially in small-value disputes, it also presents challenges. These include concerns over party autonomy due to automated arbitrator selection, rigidity from self-executing smart contracts limiting negotiation flexibility, confidentiality issues on public blockchains, and jurisdictional ambiguities affecting enforcement. The path forward requires integrating blockchain arbitration within existing legal frameworks, addressing regulatory uncertainties, and fostering stakeholder adaptation to new dispute resolution paradigms. For a comprehensive analysis of how blockchain technology is reshaping arbitration and the legal considerations involved, read our full newsletter....
Impact investing is transforming finance in Greece and Europe by aligning financial returns with measurable social and environmental benefits. Key sectors like renewable energy, social enterprises, and sustainable agriculture drive this shift, supported by instruments such as Green Bonds and Blended Finance Models. Compliance with regulations, including the EU Taxonomy and Greek Law No. 5164/2024, ensures transparency and prevents greenwashing. As sustainable finance grows, legal advisors play a critical role in navigating regulations, structuring investments, and mitigating risks. Read our full newsletter for insights on the evolving regulatory framework and its impact on sustainable finance....
The European Union has taken a significant step in AI regulation with the implementation of the AI Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689). This landmark legislation introduces a risk-based approach to AI governance, aiming to ensure transparency, ethical standards, and compliance. Organizations must prepare for upcoming compliance deadlines, including restrictions on high-risk AI applications and mandatory AI literacy programs. With enforcement beginning in 2025, businesses must act now to align with the evolving regulatory landscape. Read our full newsletter for insights on the AI Act’s impact and key compliance measures....