In a statement, the ruling New Democracy party said that the claims that Greece has not complied with the mandatory VAT reductions imposed by the EU are “fake news” spread by the opposition.

According to New Democracy, there is no “accusation” or “fine,” as alleged noncompliance would have resulted in fines and referral to the European Court of Justice.

The ruling party claims that the opposition is deliberately linking the letter the government received regarding the incorporation of the mandatory elements of Directive 2022/542 — with which Greece fully complied — to the VAT rates, which are exclusively under national competence according to Community law.

In their statement, New Democracy denied these claims by citing European law. According to the party, “What is being said about ‘fines because we didn’t reduce VAT on specific goods’ is completely out of touch with reality.”