Press Release: Direct taxation: Commission requests Greece to end discriminatory taxation of dividends from foreign companies

The European Commission has formally requested Greece to abolish discriminatory taxation of dividends paid by companies of other Member States. Greece exempts dividends paid by Greek companies to individuals, but taxes dividends paid by companies of other Member States. The Commission considers this different treatment contrary to the EC Treaty. The request is in the form of a reasoned opinion under Article 226 of the EC Treaty. If Greece does not reply satisfactorily to the reasoned opinion within two months the Commission may refer the matter to the European Court of Justice.