TIF organizer calls for support after event cancellation Tax number. Mall upgrade.

Thessaloniki’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called for compensatory measures to support TIF-Helexpo, the company that organizes the annual International Fair in the northern port city, which was canceled this year due to the Covid pandemic. Chamber President Ioannis Masoutis proposed a full tax and social security contribution exemption for the company for 12 months “as compensation for its loss of revenue.” His request includes an exemption from the obligation to pay VAT, income tax, property tax (ENFIA), as well as employer contributions for 12 months. Masoutis also asked for “a brave discount” on power and water utility bills for a year.

Taxpayers will now be able to get a tax registration number (AFM) via video call. This is made possible by the myAADElive service and is included in a new decision by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (known in Greek by the acronym AADE), which has modified the existing rules for AFM issuance and starting, changing and halting business activity. According to the new provision, the taxpayer will be able to submit the relevant documents to the tax office or e-mail them to myAADElive. If a person opts for the latter, the taxpayer will have to make an appointment for a video call with the tax administration. The conversation is recorded and will remain at the disposal of tax authorities to prove they conducted an identity check.

Property developer Lamda Development is preparing an investment of 8 million euros for the energy upgrade of The Mall Athens, as part of the settlement of pending urban planning issues relating to the property. The aim of the interventions is to reduce the shopping center’s carbon footprint and upgrade it to the highest energy class. Among other things, changes will be made in areas that are not commercially exploited by adding plants in parts of the complex accessible by visitors. The developer will also install 1,810 sq.m. of photovoltaic panels, thanks to which the mall’s annual electricity consumption will be reduced by almost 50%.

Tourism buses.

The Hellenic Association of Travel & Tourist Agencies has proposed using the available fleet of tourist buses to cover the increased needs for bus services in Athens in the summer season and decongest public transport. The proposal was included in a letter to the competent ministries, following government announcements on the need to upgrade urban transport. The association is also asking for the abolition of the KTEL intercity bus monopoly on partnerships with the private sector in covering transportation needs.