Corruption is a problem in Greece.[1][2] Transparency International stated in 2012 that corruption had played a major role in causing the Greek financial crisis[3] (although the crisis itself was triggered by the global financial crisis of 2007-2008, and Greece's economy had fared well for most of the period up to the aforementioned crisis [4]). Tax evasion was described by Greek politicians as "a national sport"—with up to €30 billion per year going uncollected, according to a 2012 estimate.[5] A 2016 estimate indicated that between €11 billion and €16 billion per annum were not collectable.[6] Other significant amounts were uncollected due to VAT (sales tax) fraud[7] and smuggling.[8] In 2016, the OECD, Greece and the European Commission launched a project to increase integrity and reduce corruption in Greece through technical empowerment of the Greek authorities for the implementation of Greece's National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP).[9]
Political corruption is also acknowledged as a significant problem by many observers.
The government's anti-corruption efforts have been evaluated as ineffective, according to several sources, which has been attributed to poor enforcement of anti-corruption legislation and the ineffectiveness of anti-corruption agencies. Anti-corruption agencies have been hindered by excessive political influence and continuous replacement of staff. Recent involvement of high-ranking public officials in corruption cases has been reported in the media.[10][11]
- ^ "Primary Greek tax evaders are the professional classes". the Guardian. 2012-09-09. Retrieved 2022-10-13.
- ^ Πτώση της φοροδιαφυγής στο 41,6% από 49% το τελευταίο εξάμηνο (in Greek). Ethnos. 2006. Archived from the original on 12 May 2013. Retrieved 12 October 2011.
- ^ "The Cost of a Bribe Transparency International, Surveys, 3 April 2012". Archived from the original on 3 December 2019. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
- ^ "2010-2018 Greek Debt Crisis and Greece's Past: Myths, Popular Notions and Implications". Academia.edu. Retrieved 14 October 2018.
- ^ "A national sport no more". The Economist. 3 November 2012.
- ^ "Tax evasion in Greece between €11bn and €16bn annually". www.keeptalkinggreece.com. Archived from the original on 15 June 2018. Retrieved 10 November 2017.
- ^ "VAT Gap: Greece Lost 5 Bln Euros in Uncollected VAT Revenue - GreekReporter.com". greece.greekreporter.com. Retrieved 10 November 2017.
- ^ "Tax Evasion in Greece – A Study". 22 June 2016. Retrieved 10 November 2017.
- ^ "Greece-OECD project: Technical support on anti-corruption - OECD". www.oecd.org. Retrieved 2022-10-13.
- ^ "Greece Corruption Profile- Political Climate". Business Anti-Corruption Portal. Archived from the original on 22 June 2016. Retrieved 16 December 2013.
- ^ "2012 Human Rights Reports: Greece". The US Department of State. Retrieved 16 December 2013.