The need to shape a framework of equal terms of competition for all businesses operating in the European market was underlined by the president of ESEE, Mr. Stavros Kafounis, during his appearance today on OPEN's informational program “Hora Elladas”.
Commenting on developments regarding product imports through electronic platforms outside the European Union, Mr. Kafounis pointed out that retail trade is facing significant challenges, as an ever larger share of consumer spending is being directed to platforms outside the European market, a trend which, as he estimated, is expected to intensify in the coming years, exerting additional pressure on businesses in the sector.
ESEE highlighted in a timely manner the issue of imports from platforms outside the EU –with the main objective being to ensure transparency and fair competition. Mr. Kafounis recalled that ESEE, already since 2025, hosted in Greece the director general of Eurocommerce Chistel Delberg, in order to jointly present the dimensions of the problem and its effects on the European market.
Referring to the new measures being promoted at the European level, he clarified that they concern exclusively platforms outside the European Union and not consumers. “The 3-euro duty per product category, which burdens only platforms outside the European Union and not consumers,” as he noted.
At the same time, he stressed that this specific measure is only the beginning of a broader normalization of the institutional framework for transactions with countries outside the EU. “It is the first step, it is not the solution,” he said, noting that from November 1 an additional duty is expected to come into force, which will strengthen customs controls and allow the competent authorities to have a more complete picture of the origin, safety and quality of the products entering the European market.
As he pointed out, the goal of the European Union is the gradual abolition of the de minimis exception –the exemption that currently applies to parcels worth up to 150 euros–, which, according to European planning, is expected to be completed by 2028.
In closing, Mr. Kafounis reiterated that the business community remains firmly in favor of free trade, with the basic condition being the application of the same rules for all participants in the market.
“We are in favor of free trade. It is simply that these products must undergo certain checks, so that the consumer can compare them with those found in the neighborhood store,” he said.
Ensuring equal operating conditions, transparency in transactions and the protection of fair competition constitute, as he stressed, basic prerequisites for the sustainability and competitiveness of modern Greek and European retail trade.