Greek MEP Elena Kountoura (The Left) has asked the European Commission whether national restrictions on tax exemptions for ship supply services in Greece violate EU law and distort competition to the detriment of Greek businesses. In a parliamentary question dated 22 June 2026, Kountoura argues that Greek regulations limit exemptions from duties, excise duty and VAT to goods invoiced directly to ship owners or operators, excluding catering companies and concessionaires, and also exclude entire vessel categories such as professional pleasure boats on international voyages, international ferry liners and seagoing vessels. She claims no such restrictions exist in other Member States, leading to Greek businesses losing market share and ship supply services being outsourced abroad.
whether the restrictions are compatible with EU law and the principle of equal treatment; how the Commission assesses the link between exemptions and invoiced parties when EU law does not explicitly require it; and what steps the Commission intends to take to ensure uniform application of exemptions across all Member States. The MEP references EU legislation providing for exemptions without distinction as to invoiced party, and notes that sector memoranda have not remedied the problem.
Kountoura's question signals a push for greater harmonisation and enforcement of EU tax exemption rules, potentially benefiting Greek ship supply businesses and catering companies while challenging national sovereignty over tax administration. The Commission typically replies within six weeks; its answer will indicate whether it views the Greek rules as a breach of internal market principles and whether it plans infringement proceedings or guidance to ensure a level playing field.