Advancing Economic Freedom in Greece

After a decade marked by one of the worst financial crises in modern European history—including a near-exit from the Eurozone—the Greek economy has stabilized and is slowly recovering. GDP per capita is growing every year, there is a rise in foreign investment, and tax rates have been reduced in the country. As Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Christos Dimas put it, “Greece is in a much stronger position than it was in 2019.”

Despite this progress, Greece remains one of the least economically free countries in Europe. “Greece is growing faster than the rest of the EU,” said Nicos Rompapas, executive director of the Center for Liberal Studies (KEFiM), “but when you’ve fallen as far as we have because of the crisis, 3% growth compared to 1% growth that the rest of the EU members have is still not good enough. At this rate, it will take a lifetime to catch up.”

This is why KEFiM is working to push for smarter tax policies and advocating for a tax system that promotes economic freedom and growth. These are tax policies that encourage investment, reduce burdens on businesses and workers, and drive real economic progress.

KEFiM’s mission began with the support of Atlas Network. Founded in the midst of crisis, KEFiM transitioned from a volunteer-driven group into a professional think-tank organization in 2015, in large part because of Atlas Network’s training and funding. “Before 2015, we were a volunteer-based organization with no budget,” Rompapas explained. “Today, we’re a full-time think tank making a real impact.”

Their latest effort, the 1st Economic Freedom Forum in Athens, with support from the Tax Foundation and Atlas Network, took place in February 2025. This forum brought together key government officials, policy experts, and business leaders to focus on one central question: how can taxation help Greece’s economic future?

The event featured five panels focusing on key areas of taxation, including taxation as a driver of economic growth, labor, investment incentives, real estate, and how tax policies impact Greek citizens in their daily lives. Among the distinguished speakers were Panagiotis Tsakloglou, deputy minister for Social Insurance; and Christos Dimas, deputy minister of Economy and Finance. Both emphasized the importance of reducing taxation on labor and fostering an environment that attracts investment and enhances Greece’s international tax competitiveness.

KEFiM’s partnership with the Tax Foundation goes beyond hosting conferences. The two partners also held private meetings with top policymakers, including advisors to the prime minister and key ministers, to push for concrete reforms. These meetings laid the groundwork for policy proposals aimed at cutting taxes in a way that encourages growth while keeping the budget balanced.

“Every year, tax revenue exceeds what the government budgets, which means there is room to reduce taxation,” Rompapas explained. “Every year since 2019, tax rates have gone down, but Tax Freedom Day hasn’t changed, which is not good. You can understand that we’re on the wrong side of the Laffer Curve, so you can decrease tax rates and still get the same tax income.”

A Long-Term Plan to Improve Economic Freedom

KEFiM, backed by a two-year grant from Atlas Network, is making the Economic Freedom Forum an annual initiative, focusing on a different pillar of economic freedom each year.

“So this year we focused on taxation, but next year we’re planning to have another forum about property rights and the justice system, and then a year after that to have a forum about regulation. So we already plan to have it as an annual event,” said Rompapas.

In addition to its forums, KEFiM is also launching a new online policy observatory, where citizens and policymakers can track government performance in real time. This will include:

• A government accountability index: Measuring how well the government is keeping its promises.

• A municipal effectiveness index: Evaluating local government performance across Greece.

• A regulatory quality index: Assessing the impact of new laws on economic freedom.

With Atlas Network’s backing, KEFiM has been able to expand its research, host forums like this one, and overall strengthen its advocacy for economic freedom in Greece. “Our entire approach to running KEFiM is shaped by what we’ve learned from Atlas Network,” Rompapas said.

How You Can Help

KEFiM’s mission to transform Greece’s tax system and promote economic freedom depends on continued support from individuals and organizations that believe in free-market solutions. Here’s how you can help:

• Donate to Atlas Network to support pro-freedom organizations in Greece and throughout Europe. Your contribution helps empower local champions to advance economic freedom and individual liberty in their countries.

• Attend Atlas Network events, such as Europe Liberty Forum, to honor the region’s most outstanding freedom champions and learn more directly from impactful organizations such as KEFiM.

Get your free digital subscription to Atlas Network’s Freedom’s Champion magazine to stay informed and inspired about the latest updates from the freedom movement in Europe and around the world.