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.