{"id":146672,"date":"2026-08-11T09:35:38","date_gmt":"2026-08-11T09:35:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=146672"},"modified":"2026-08-11T09:35:38","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T09:35:38","slug":"greece-competition-litigation","status":"publish","type":"comparative_guide","link":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/chapter\/greece-competition-litigation\/","title":{"rendered":"Greece: Competition Litigation"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-146672","comparative_guide","type-comparative_guide","status-publish","hentry","guides-competition-litigation","jurisdictions-greece"],"acf":[],"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">KPP Law<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2026\/08\/LOGO-8.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">KPP Law<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2026\/08\/LOGO-8.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>","below_title":"<span class=\"guide-intro\">This country specific Q&amp;A provides an overview of Competition Litigation laws and regulations applicable in Greece<\/span><div class=\"guide-content\"><div class=\"filter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search questions and answers...\" class=\"filter-container__search-field\">\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<ol class=\"custom-counter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What types of conduct and causes of action can be relied upon as the basis of a competition damages claim?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under Greek law, competition damages claims may be based on infringements of both national and EU competition rules, namely Articles 1 and 2 of Greek Act 3959\/2011 and Articles 101 and 102 TFEU. Claims typically concern cartels (price fixing, market sharing, bid rigging, output restrictions), abuses of dominance, vertical restraints and other anticompetitive agreements or concerted practices. Actions may be brought by direct purchasers, indirect purchasers and, in principle, any natural or legal person that has suffered harm caused by the infringement. Law 4529\/2018, which transposed Directive 2014\/104\/EU into Greek law, expressly recognizes the right to full compensation for harm caused by competition law infringements.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to the special framework of Law 4529\/2018, claims are also grounded in the general provisions of the Greek Civil Code on tort liability (Articles 914 et seq. Civil Code). Greek courts therefore examine the existence of an unlawful infringement, fault where required, causation and damage, although competition infringements established under EU or national competition law generally constitute unlawful conduct capable of founding civil liability. Collective\/representative consumer actions may additionally be brought under \u00a0Law 2251\/1994 on consumer protection, as amended by Law 5019\/2023 which transposed Directive (EU) 2020\/1828, in appropriate cases.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is required (e.g. in terms of procedural formalities and standard of pleading) in order to commence a competition damages claim?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Competition damages actions are commenced before the competent civil court by filing and serving a lawsuit in accordance with the Greek Code of Civil Procedure (\u201cGCCP\u201d). The claimant must set out the factual and legal basis of the claim with sufficient specificity, including the alleged infringement, the causal link between the infringement and the harm suffered, as well as reference to the damage claimed. The claimant bears the burden of establishing the infringement, harm and causation, save where statutory presumptions apply, such as the rebuttable presumption that cartel infringements cause harm.<\/p>\n<p>Greek procedural law requires a sufficiently precise statement of facts which may allow the judge(s) to make the assessment as to whether the said facts fulfill the requirements of the relevant applicable legal framework.<\/p>\n<p>Law 4529\/2018 introduced specific procedural tools which intend to facilitate private enforcement, including disclosure mechanisms allowing courts to order the production of evidence by defendants, third parties or competition authorities, subject to proportionality and protection of confidential information, which are in practice applied sparingly by courts.<\/p>\n<p>The action must also comply with the ordinary procedural formalities concerning court fees, service of process and representation by counsel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What remedies are available to claimants in competition damages claims?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Greek law recognizes the principle of full compensation for harm caused by competition law infringements. Claimants may therefore seek compensation for actual loss (damnum emergens), loss of profit (lucrum cessans) and payment of interest. Compensation aims to place the injured party in the position in which it would have been absent the infringement, but overcompensation and punitive damages are not permitted.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to damages, claimants may seek declaratory relief and, where appropriate, injunctive protection under general civil procedural rules.<br \/>\nInterim measures may also be available under the GCCP where urgency or imminent danger is established.<\/p>\n<p>Greek courts may further order the disclosure of evidence or appoint experts to assist in the quantification of damages in technically complex cases.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the measure of damages? To what extent is joint and several liability recognised in competition damages claims? Are there any exceptions (e.g. for leniency applicants)?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Damages are assessed according to the principle of full compensation embodied in Law 4529\/2018 and the Greek Civil Code. Courts may award compensation for overcharges, lost profits and other economic harm directly linked to the infringement. Because quantification of antitrust harm is often complex, Greek courts may estimate damages where precise calculation is excessively difficult, taking into account economic evidence, expert reports and presumptions recognized under EU and Greek law.<\/p>\n<p>Joint and several liability is expressly recognized for undertakings that jointly infringe competition law. Accordingly, each infringer may be held liable for the entirety of the harm, while retaining rights of contribution against co-infringers. Law 4529\/2018 nevertheless incorporates the exceptions provided by Directive 2014\/104\/EU for immunity recipients under leniency programs and certain small and medium-sized enterprises. In particular, immunity recipients are generally liable only towards their direct and indirect purchasers or providers, unless full compensation cannot otherwise be obtained from the remaining infringers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the relevant limitation periods for competition damages claims? How can they be suspended or interrupted?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under Law 4529\/2018, the limitation period for competition damages claims is five years. The limitation period begins once the infringement has ceased and the claimant knows, or can reasonably be expected to know, of the behavior, the fact that it constitutes a competition law infringement, the harm caused and the identity of the infringer. While the five-year limitation period is the general rule in tort liability cases under Greek law, this framework also reflects the standards introduced by Directive 2014\/104\/EU.<\/p>\n<p>The limitation period is suspended during investigations or proceedings before the Hellenic Competition Commission, the European Commission or other competition authorities within the European Competition Network. Suspension generally lasts until one year after the infringement decision becomes final or proceedings are otherwise terminated. Limitation may also be interrupted under the general provisions of Greek civil law, including through the filing and service of a judicial action or acknowledgment of the claim by the debtor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Which local courts and\/or tribunals deal with competition damages claims?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Competition damages claims in Greece fall within the jurisdiction of the civil courts. Following the adoption of Law 4529\/2018, specialized chambers shall be established within the Court of First Instance of Athens and the Court of Appeal of Athens in order to hear competition damages disputes. These chambers are intended to promote judicial specialization in technically complex antitrust matters.<\/p>\n<p>The specialized chamber of the Multi-Member Court of First Instance of Athens will have nationwide territorial jurisdiction for actions falling within the scope of Law 4529\/2018. Appeals shall be heard by the specialized chamber of the Court of Appeal of Athens. Ordinary procedural rules of the GCCP continue to apply unless specifically modified by the special legislation on competition damages actions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How does the court determine whether it has jurisdiction over a competition damages claim?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Jurisdiction is determined on the basis of the Greek Code of Civil Procedure and the applicable EU instruments, particularly Regulation (EU) 1215\/2012 (\u201cBrussels I Recast\u201d) in cross-border disputes. Greek courts generally have jurisdiction where the defendant is domiciled in Greece or where the harmful event occurred or produced effects in Greece. In cartel and abuse of dominance cases, Greek courts may therefore assume jurisdiction where the anticompetitive conduct affected the Greek market.<\/p>\n<p>Territorial and subject-matter jurisdiction are assessed by reference to the value and nature of the claim as well as the special jurisdictional rules introduced by Law 4529\/2018. In cases involving multiple defendants, jurisdiction may also be established against co-infringers under the relevant rules on connected claims, provided there is a close connection between the actions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How does the court determine what law will apply to the competition damages claim?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Greek courts determine the applicable law primarily under Regulation (EC) No 864\/2007 (\u201cRome II\u201d). Pursuant to Article 6(3) Rome II, the law applicable to a non-contractual obligation arising out of a restriction of competition is generally the law of the country whose market is, or is likely to be, affected. Accordingly, Greek law will normally apply where the Greek market is affected by the infringement.<\/p>\n<p>Where several national markets are affected, courts may need to apply multiple legal systems or assess whether the conditions for application of a single law are met under Rome II. EU competition law may apply directly alongside national law where trade between Member States is capable of being affected. Greek courts therefore frequently examine both national and EU competition provisions in parallel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the applicable standard of proof?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The applicable standard of proof in Greek civil proceedings is the ordinary civil standard, namely the court\u2019s conviction based on the evidence presented by the parties. The claimant bears the burden of proving the infringement, the existence of harm and the causal link between the infringement and the damage suffered, subject to the specific presumptions introduced by Law 4529\/2018.<\/p>\n<p>Greek law expressly recognizes a rebuttable presumption that cartel infringements cause harm. Courts may also resort to an estimation of the amount of damages where precise quantification is practically impossible or excessively difficult, as in most relevant cases. Documentary evidence, economic expert reports, competition authority decisions and presumptions derived from ordinary experience all play an important role in practice.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">To what extent are local courts bound by the infringement decisions of (domestic or foreign) competition authorities?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Final infringement decisions of the Hellenic Competition Commission are binding upon Greek civil courts as regards the existence and nature of the infringement in follow-on damages actions brought under Law 4529\/2018. It is noted that the decisions of the HCC on a case may be challenged before the Administrative Court of Appeals of Athens, whose decision, in turn, may be challenged before the Council of State. The decision of the latter is the final decision on the particular case. Such final decision constitutes irrefutable proof of the infringement for the purposes of subsequent civil litigation.<\/p>\n<p>Decisions of competition authorities or courts of other EU Member States do not have formally binding effect, but Greek courts may treat them as prima facie evidence of an infringement.<\/p>\n<p>Decisions of the European Commission are binding on national courts pursuant to Article 16 of Regulation 1\/2003, meaning that Greek courts cannot adopt rulings contrary to a Commission decision finding an infringement of Articles 101 or 102 TFEU.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">To what extent can a private damages action proceed while related public enforcement action is pending? Is there a procedure permitting enforcers to stay a private action while the public enforcement action is pending?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under Greek law, a private damages action may proceed in parallel with a pending public enforcement investigation or proceeding before the Hellenic Competition Commission (\u201cHCC\u201d), the European Commission or another competition authority. There is no absolute requirement that a claimant await a final infringement decision before initiating a damages action. Nevertheless, in practice many actions are brought as \u201cfollow-on\u201d claims after the conclusion of public enforcement proceedings, since a final infringement decision considerably facilitates proof of the infringement.<\/p>\n<p>Greek courts have discretion under the Greek Code of Civil Procedure (\u201cGCCP\u201d) to stay proceedings where the outcome of another proceeding is capable of materially affecting the civil dispute. Law 4529\/2018 also reflects Directive 2014\/104\/EU by allowing courts to take account of pending competition authority proceedings, particularly where consistency and procedural economy justify suspension. Although competition authorities themselves do not formally \u201cstay\u201d private proceedings, civil courts which examine a relevant competition law related claim for damages may, either ex officio or upon party request, issue a non-definite judgment suspending the issuance of a definite decision on a case, until the issuance of a decision by the competent public enforcement process (Hellenic Competition Commission). In various cases, the Civil Court may require the issuance of a final decision, before the civil case may be restarted.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What, if any, mechanisms are available to aggregate competition damages claims (e.g. class actions, assignment\/claims vehicles, or consolidation of claims through case management)? What, if any, threshold criteria have to be met?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Greek law does not recognize US-style class actions for competition damages claims. However, several procedural mechanisms may facilitate aggregation of claims. Multiple claimants may jointly bring an action through simple or necessary joinder under the GCCP where their claims are based on the same factual and legal grounds. Courts may also order consolidation of related proceedings for reasons of procedural economy and consistency under the general GCCP rules.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, collective\/representative consumer actions may be brought under the provisions of Law 5019\/2023, which transposed Directive (EU) 2020\/1828, on consumer protection, including in cases involving competition law infringements affecting consumers. Greek law has not introduced a regime for opt-out collective antitrust damages actions or specialized claims vehicles comparable to some other jurisdictions, although assignment structures are not excluded in principle under general civil law rules. The threshold generally requires sufficient connection between the claims in fact and law.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any defences (e.g. pass on) which are unique to competition damages cases? Which party bears the burden of proof?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Greek competition damages litigation recognizes several substantive defenses specifically associated with antitrust damages claims. The most important is the \u201cpassing-on\u201d defense, under which a defendant may argue that the claimant passed all or part of the overcharge downstream to its own customers and therefore suffered no corresponding loss. Law 4529\/2018 expressly incorporates the rules of Directive 2014\/104\/EU concerning passing-on and indirect purchaser claims.<\/p>\n<p>The burden of proving passing-on rests on the defendant invoking the defense. Conversely, indirect purchasers seeking damages must establish that the overcharge was passed on to them, although statutory presumptions may assist them where certain conditions are met. Defendants may also contest causation, quantum of harm, limitation periods and the existence or scope of the infringement itself in stand-alone actions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is expert evidence permitted in competition litigation, and, if so, how is it used? Is the expert appointed by the court or the parties and what duties do they owe?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Expert evidence is fully admissible and frequently plays a central role in Greek competition damages litigation, particularly in relation to economic analysis, quantification of harm, market definition and causation. Given the technical complexity of antitrust damages claims, courts commonly rely on economists, accountants and sectoral specialists. Economic evidence is especially important in cartel overcharge calculations, lost profit assessments and passing-on analyses.<\/p>\n<p>Experts may be appointed either by the parties or by the court. Party-appointed experts usually submit written technical opinions supporting the parties\u2019 arguments, while court-appointed experts act as independent assistants to the court under the GCCP. Court-appointed experts owe duties of impartiality and objectivity towards the court rather than towards the appointing party. In practice, written expert reports are often more significant than oral testimony.<\/p>\n<p>When an expert is appointed by the Court, the parties have the right to appoint technical consultants (experts) to review the work of the expert appointed by the court. When the report of the appointed by the Court expert is issued the parties have the right to submit a statement with their (their technical consultant\u2019s) opinion on the appointed by the Court expert\u2019s report.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Describe the trial process. Who is the decision-maker at trial? How is evidence dealt with? Is it written or oral, and what are the rules on cross-examination?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Competition damages actions are heard by professional judges sitting in civil courts; there is no jury system in Greece in relation to civil actions. Proceedings are predominantly written, especially following reforms of the GCCP in 2016, that strengthened the written phase of civil litigation. Parties submit pleadings, documentary evidence, legal arguments and witness affidavits within prescribed procedural deadlines.<\/p>\n<p>Evidence is primarily documentary and written. Witness evidence may be introduced through sworn written statements or affidavits, although courts may exceptionally order oral examination where necessary. Cross-examination in the common law sense is limited. The court exercises substantial control over the evidentiary process and may order disclosure of evidence, expert reports or additional submissions. Hearings are in practice a formality and less witness-driven than in adversarial common law systems. Exceptionally, the Court may order the oral cross-examination of particular witness(es) on a case; that said, such exemption has not been applied to date.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How long does it typically take from commencing proceedings to get to trial? Is there an appeal process? How many levels of appeal are possible?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>On the basis of GCCC, the procedure is as follows:<\/p>\n<p>When the lawsuit is submitted, the claimant has to serve the lawsuit within 30 days. In 120 days from the day of submission, the parties need to submit to the court their response to the lawsuit, along with any evidence\/documents they have in their possession.<\/p>\n<p>Following submission of statements and evidence, the parties have another 15 days to prepare and submit their briefs with counter arguments and comments to the statements and evidence submitted by the other party.<\/p>\n<p>When such counter statements are submitted (or the respective deadline passes) the file of the case closes and a hearing date is issued by the Court, usually one year from the closing of the file.<\/p>\n<p>The Hearing is just a formal procedure, in the context of the principle of open justice, without the presence of the parties being obligatory.<\/p>\n<p>The decision is issued within 7 to 10 months from the date of the hearing; that said, it many instances this may take longer.<\/p>\n<p>The court may issue a definitive decision on the case. It may also issue a non-definite decision, as noted above, appointing an expert to assist the Court\u2019s work.<\/p>\n<p>The duration of proceedings varies depending on complexity, disclosure disputes and the involvement of expert evidence, but competition damages litigation in Greece may take two to three years from commencement to first-instance judgment. Complex follow-on cartel cases involving economic analysis and multiple parties can progress slowly, particularly where related public enforcement proceedings are still ongoing.<\/p>\n<p>Greek law provides for a full appeal on both facts and law before the Athens Court of Appeal. A further cassation appeal may then be brought before the Hellenic Supreme Civil and Criminal Court (Areios Pagos), which reviews legal errors and not factual findings. Accordingly, competition damages disputes may potentially pass through three judicial levels: first instance, appeal and cassation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Do leniency recipients receive any benefit in the damages litigation context?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Leniency recipients receive certain protections in the damages\u2019 litigation context under Law 4529\/2018, reflecting Directive 2014\/104\/EU. Although immunity recipients remain civilly liable for harm caused by the infringement, their exposure is limited in comparison with other cartel participants. In principle, an immunity recipient is liable primarily towards its own direct and indirect purchasers or providers.<\/p>\n<p>The immunity recipient may only be held liable towards other injured parties where full compensation cannot be obtained from the remaining infringers. Furthermore, leniency statements and settlement submissions benefit from enhanced protection against disclosure in civil proceedings. Greek courts cannot order parties or competition authorities to disclose leniency corporate statements submitted within the leniency process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How does the court approach the assessment of loss in competition damages cases? Are \u201cumbrella effects\u201d recognised? Is any particular economic methodology favoured by the court?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Greek courts approach the assessment of loss on the basis of the principle of full compensation. Courts examine whether the claimant suffered actual loss, loss of profit or other economic harm causally linked to the infringement. Because antitrust harm is often difficult to quantify precisely, Law 4529\/2018 expressly permits courts to estimate damages where exact quantification is excessively difficult or practically impossible.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the fact that there is no relevant case law, Greek law is capable of recognizing \u201cumbrella effects\u201d in line with EU jurisprudence, particularly the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union acknowledging that cartel participants may be liable for price increases charged by non-cartelists operating under the cartel\u2019s pricing umbrella. No single economic methodology is formally prescribed. Courts may rely on comparative market analysis, before-and-after models, benchmarking, econometric studies and expert economic evidence depending on the circumstances of the case.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How is interest calculated in competition damages cases?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Interest in competition damages cases is governed principally by the general provisions of Greek civil law concerning monetary obligations and tort damages. Under the principle of full compensation expressly recognized by Law 4529\/2018, claimants are entitled not only to compensation for the principal harm suffered but also to interest accruing from the time the damage occurred or, at the latest, from the service of the action, depending on the nature of the claim and the court\u2019s assessment.<\/p>\n<p>Greek statutory default interest rates apply unless a different lawful rate is established. Courts may award both pre-judgment and post-judgment interest in order to ensure effective compensation and to avoid under-compensation caused by the passage of time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can a defendant seek contribution or indemnity from other defendants? On what basis is liability allocated between defendants?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. Under Greek law, a defendant held jointly and severally liable may seek contribution from other infringing undertakings. Law 4529\/2018 expressly preserves the right of recourse between co-infringers, while the substantive basis for contribution is supplemented by the general provisions of the Greek Civil Code governing joint tortfeasors and unjust enrichment principles.<\/p>\n<p>Liability is generally allocated between defendants according to their relative responsibility for the harm caused, taking into account factors such as market conduct, duration and gravity of participation in the infringement, economic benefit obtained and causal contribution to the damage. Special rules nevertheless apply to immunity recipients under the leniency regime, whose contribution liability is correspondingly limited in line with Directive 2014\/104\/EU.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In what circumstances, if any, can a competition damages claim be disposed of (in whole or in part) without a full trial?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under Greek law, a competition damages claim may be disposed of, in whole or in part, without a full trial through several procedural mechanisms available under the Greek Code of Civil Procedure (\u201cGCCP\u201d). Claims may be dismissed on procedural grounds such as lack of jurisdiction, inadmissibility, limitation, insufficient legal basis or lack of standing. In such cases the Court does not proceed to the examination of substance of the alleged infringement.<\/p>\n<p>Partial disposal is also possible. Greek courts may issue interlocutory judgments resolving certain legal or factual issues before proceeding to quantification of damages. For example, a court may first determine liability and subsequently address the amount of damages with the assistance of expert evidence. Settlement between the parties may additionally terminate proceedings at any stage.<\/p>\n<p>Although Greek civil procedure does not provide for summary judgment mechanisms identical to those in common law jurisdictions, the predominantly written nature of proceedings allows courts to resolve legally unfounded claims without a full evidentiary trial.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What, if any, mechanism is available for the collective settlement of competition damages claims? Can such settlements include parties outside of the jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Greek law does not currently provide a specialized framework for collective antitrust settlements comparable to opt-out collective redress systems existing in some other jurisdictions. Nevertheless, collective settlements may occur through ordinary civil procedural mechanisms where multiple claimants have jointly brought proceedings or where representative consumer actions are pending under the provisions of Law 5019\/2023 on consumer protection.<\/p>\n<p>In such cases, settlement agreements may be judicially recorded and become enforceable.<\/p>\n<p>Law 4529\/2018 also encourages consensual dispute resolution by providing that limitation periods may be suspended during settlement negotiations. This reflects the policy objectives of Directive 2014\/104\/EU favoring consensual settlements in competition disputes. Settlements may in principle include foreign parties or claims connected with other jurisdictions, provided the Greek court has jurisdiction over the dispute or the relevant parties consent to the settlement framework. Questions concerning the recognition and enforcement of cross-border settlements are governed by the applicable EU instruments and private international law rules.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the rules for disclosure of documents (including documents from the competition authority file or from other third parties)? Are there any exceptions (e.g. on grounds of privilege or confidentiality, or in respect of leniency or settlement materials)?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Law 4529\/2018 introduced extensive disclosure rules specifically designed for competition damages actions, significantly expanding the traditional disclosure framework of Greek civil procedure, which is also applicable. Greek courts may order defendants, claimants, third parties or competition authorities to disclose relevant evidence where the requesting party presents a reasoned justification containing reasonably available facts and evidence supporting the plausibility of the claim. Disclosure must satisfy the principle of proportionality, taking into account the scope and cost of disclosure, the relevance of the documents sought and the protection of confidential information.<\/p>\n<p>Disclosure may extend to documents contained in the file of the Hellenic Competition Commission or other competition authorities. However, important exceptions apply. Leniency corporate statements and settlement submissions enjoy absolute protection and cannot be disclosed. Temporary protections also apply to documents specifically prepared for public enforcement proceedings while those proceedings remain pending. Legal professional privilege, business secrecy and confidentiality considerations may further limit disclosure, and courts must balance effective private enforcement against the protection of sensitive information and public enforcement effectiveness.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What procedures, if any, are available to protect confidential or proprietary information disclosed during the court process?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Greek courts have several procedural tools available to protect confidential or proprietary information disclosed during competition damages proceedings. Law 4529\/2018 expressly requires courts to ensure proportionality and confidentiality when ordering disclosure. Courts may therefore restrict access to sensitive documents, redact commercially sensitive information or limit disclosure to specific persons such as external counsel, experts or court-appointed professionals.<\/p>\n<p>The court may also issue confidentiality orders or regulate the manner in which evidence is inspected and used during the proceedings. Business secrets, trade secrets and commercially sensitive economic data receive particular protection. In practice, courts attempt to reconcile the claimant\u2019s right to effective access to evidence with the defendant\u2019s legitimate interest in protecting confidential information and preserving competitive interests.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can litigation costs (e.g. legal, expert and court fees) be recovered from the other party? If so, how are costs calculated, and are there any circumstances in which costs recovery can be limited?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Litigation costs are, in principle, recoverable from the unsuccessful party under the GCCP. Recoverable costs may include court fees, lawyers\u2019 fees and certain expert or procedural expenses. The general principle is that \u201ccosts follow the event,\u201d although Greek courts retain broad discretion regarding the allocation and amount of recoverable costs.<\/p>\n<p>In practice, however, cost recovery in Greece is often partial rather than full. Courts usually award legal costs according to statutory scales rather than actual legal expenditure incurred by the successful party. Expert costs and complex economic evidence may therefore not be fully recoverable. Courts may also apportion costs where each party succeeds only partially, where the case raises particularly difficult legal questions or where equitable considerations justify a different allocation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are third parties permitted to fund competition litigation? If so, are there any restrictions on this, and can third party funders be made liable for the other party\u2019s costs? Are lawyers permitted to act on a contingency or conditional fee basis?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Greek law does not prohibit third-party funding of litigation, and there is currently no specific statutory regime regulating litigation funding in competition damages actions. As a result, third-party funding arrangements are generally assessed under ordinary principles of contract and procedural law. Such funding remains relatively underdeveloped in Greece compared with certain other jurisdictions but may become increasingly relevant in complex and costly antitrust damages litigation.<\/p>\n<p>Greek law does not presently contain detailed rules imposing adverse cost liability directly on litigation funders. Liability for costs generally remains with the litigating party itself unless exceptional circumstances justify otherwise.<\/p>\n<p>Lawyers may agree success-related remuneration arrangements within the limits permitted by the Greek Lawyers\u2019 Code, although pure contingency fee agreements are traditionally viewed restrictively. Conditional or partially success-based fee arrangements are nevertheless possible in practice, provided they comply with professional ethics rules and mandatory statutory requirements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What, in your opinion, are the main obstacles to litigating competition damages claims?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>One of the principal obstacles to litigating competition damages claims in Greece is the complexity of proving causation and quantifying harm. Competition cases frequently require sophisticated economic analysis, expert evidence and extensive factual investigation, which significantly increase costs and procedural duration. The relative novelty of private antitrust enforcement in Greece also means that domestic jurisprudence remains less developed than in some other EU jurisdictions.<\/p>\n<p>Additional practical difficulties include lack of experienced judges, lengthy judicial proceedings, limited disclosure traditions compared with common law systems and the challenges associated with obtaining and analyzing economic evidence. Although Law 4529\/2018 theoretically strengthened the private enforcement framework, claimants may still encounter procedural uncertainty, high evidentiary burdens and difficulties securing adequate funding for large-scale litigation. The absence of robust collective redress mechanisms may further reduce incentives for smaller-value claims.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What, in your opinion, are likely to be the most significant developments affecting competition litigation in the next five years?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Over the next five years, one of the most significant developments is likely to be the continued expansion and maturation of private antitrust enforcement in Greece following the implementation of Directive 2014\/104\/EU through Law 4529\/2018. As Greek courts gain greater experience with competition damages litigation, more sophisticated jurisprudence is expected to emerge concerning disclosure, economic evidence, quantification methodologies and collective claims management. The specialized chambers established in Athens are also likely to contribute to greater judicial expertise and consistency.<\/p>\n<p>A further major development will probably concern the interaction between competition law and digital markets, data-driven business models and artificial intelligence. Increased enforcement activity at EU level under instruments such as the Digital Markets Act is likely to generate follow-on damages litigation before national courts, including Greek courts. At the same time, growing use of economic experts, litigation funding and cross-border claims may gradually transform competition litigation into a more specialized and economically intensive field of civil litigation in Greece.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n<div class=\"word-count-hidden\" style=\"display:none;\">Estimated word count: <span class=\"word-count\">4963<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/twentyseventeen\/src\/jquery\/components\/filter-guides.js\" async><\/script><\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide\/146672","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comparative_guide"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=146672"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}