Classification of EDOEAP as part of general government

11.6.2018

Question for written answer E-003143-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Manolis Kefalogiannis (PPE) , Theodoros Zagorakis (PPE) , Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi (PPE) , Maria Spyraki (PPE) , Georgios Kyrtsos (PPE)

Following a question from the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), Eurostat reached the conclusion (Ref.Ares[2018]2256751-27-4-2018) that the body for supplementary pensions, health and welfare of Greek media employees (EDOEAP) should be classified within the general government sector. The data that Eurostat evaluated are obsolete, because the data forwarded by the Greek authorities to Eurostat were for the period up to 2016, when the advertisement tax revenue was still being received (20% on advertisements). That resource was abolished on 16 September 2016 by Article 38 of Law 4387/2016. In addition, under Law 4498/2017, the revenue of EDOEAP comes from the contributions of employers/employees which were agreed prior to the Greek Government legislation. Exactly the same applies to the 2% levy on the turnover of mass media undertakings, which was also agreed as an employer contribution. However, this does not mean, under any circumstances, that this emergency one-time situation will be repeated in the future.

What does the Commission intend to do to change this mistaken view expressed by Eurostat?