Foreign Investment in the EU
The Greek government has modified the procedure for Strategic Investments with the new Law 5297/2026. From now on, the General Secretariat for Private Investments of the Ministry of Development will assume responsibility for receiving and evaluating projects, in a move that seeks greater centralization.
Greece restructures its foreign investment attraction model
The Government of Grecia has implemented a significant change in its framework for attracting foreign capital, centralizing the management of projects Strategic InvestmentThrough the promulgation of the 5297 / 2026The responsibility for receiving and evaluating these investment proposals is transferred to the Secretaría General de Inversiones Privadas, organism dependent on Ministerio de Desarrollo.
This regulatory adjustment, officially communicated by Enterprise GreeceThe national trade and investment promotion agency represents a shift in the governance of major projects seeking 'strategic' designation. To date, agencies such as Enterprise Greece They played a fundamental role as the first point of entry for international investors. With the new law, the process is directly integrated into the executive branch structure, seeking to more closely align these investments with the country's economic development policies.
For Spanish companies with interests in the Greek market, this change implies an adaptation in their institutional interlocutors. The measure aims at the creation of a one stop shop more robust within itself Ministerio de DesarrolloThis could streamline bureaucratic procedures, but it also concentrates decision-making power in a single government entity. The reform underscores the importance the Greek government places on direct control over large-scale projects that impact its national economy.
Comparative Table of the Strategic Investment Process in Greece
| Process Phase | Responsible Organization (Previous) | Responsible Body (Current – Law 5297/2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving applications | Promotional agencies such as Enterprise Greece | Secretaría General de Inversiones Privadas |
| Project evaluation | Inter-agency committees | Secretaría General de Inversiones Privadas (Ministerio de Desarrollo) |
Experts in international commercial law consulted by Foreign Company They point out that centralization can offer advantages in terms of consistency and predictability for investors, provided the new managing body has the necessary resources and agility to handle the flow of applications. The key will lie in the practical implementation of the legal framework established by the Ley 5297/2026 and in the capacity of the Secretaría General to act as an effective facilitator of foreign business.
Key points and frequently asked questions about the new investment framework in Greece
How does this change affect Spanish companies interested in investing in Greece?
Spanish companies must direct all their new applications for Strategic Investment projects directly to the Secretaría General de Inversiones Privadas of the Ministerio de DesarrolloThe main change is the unification of the interlocutor, eliminating the intermediation of promotion agencies in the initial reception and evaluation phases.
What is the objective of this new Law 5297/2026?
The fundamental purpose of the law is to centralize and optimize the management of high-impact investments. By concentrating the process in a single ministerial body, the Greek government seeks greater strategic control, more consistent project evaluation, and direct alignment with its national economic priorities.
What should investors with ongoing or planned projects do now?
Investors with previously submitted projects should contact the authorities to confirm the status and transfer of their file to the new agency. For new projects, it is imperative to consult the full text of the Ley 5297/2026 and prepare the documentation in accordance with the requirements of the Secretaría General de Inversiones Privadas, which is now the only official point of entry.
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