Fortsakis Diakopoulos & Associates Law Firm

Fortsakis Diakopoulos & Associates Law Firm FDM&A is a leading Greek law firm providing a comprehensive range of elite legal services

The ability to pay principle, a timeless and fundamental concept in tax law that continuously evolves to address modern ...
28/05/2026

The ability to pay principle, a timeless and fundamental concept in tax law that continuously evolves to address modern taxation challenges worldwide, was at the center of discussion during this year’s IBFD Academic Tax Conference in Amsterdam, held on 21–22 May.

Our partner and Assistant Professor, Petros Pantazopoulos, presented on the interplay between the ability to pay principle and methods of presumptive assessment in income taxation, two fields that may initially appear contradictory, yet critically test the very essence of fair taxation.

We remain actively engaged in the international academic and professional dialogue on contemporary tax law developments, contributing expertise at the intersection of legal theory, policy, and practice.

The upcoming Code of Local Authorities and the transition to the new accounting framework for the General Government are...
21/05/2026

The upcoming Code of Local Authorities and the transition to the new accounting framework for the General Government are expected to significantly reshape the operational landscape of local municipalities in Greece.

Our partner Petros Pantazopoulos participated in the conference organized by the Student Academic Society of Public and International Law at the Athens Law School, contributing to the discussion on the implementation challenges and practical implications of the new framework having entered into force on January 1, 2026.

During his presentation, Petros focused on the integration of the new accounting standards with the forthcoming Code of Local Authorities, both from a normative and operational perspective, highlighting key considerations for local government entities moving forward.

We would like to thank the organizers for the invitation and the insightful discussion.

Decision 460/2026 of the Greek Council of State (Chamber E) verifying the validity of Ministerial Decision 1246/294009/8...
15/05/2026

Decision 460/2026 of the Greek Council of State (Chamber E) verifying the validity of Ministerial Decision 1246/294009/8-2-2023 (GG B 779/2023) on the licensing and expansion of aquaculture units within Areas of Organized Development of Aquaculture (POAY) marks a pivotal development for the regulatory landscape of aquaculture in Greece.

More than a clarification, the ruling reinforces a structured approach to marine spatial planning and strengthens the legal foundations of the Blue Economy.

What stands out:

POAY as the core development model
The Court confirms POAYs as the primary framework, drawing a clear line from transitional regimes such as Areas of Informal Concentration of Units (PASM).

A clear shift toward merit-based allocation
The 75% production capacity threshold is upheld, prioritising operators with proven activity and reinforcing efficient use of marine space.

Endorsement of competitive selection
The scoring system replaces direct leasing with a constitutionally sound, merit-driven process.

Administrative certainty
The ruling limits challenges based on non-essential procedural steps, supporting regulatory stability.

Fortsakis Diakopoulos & Associates Law Firm perspective
Acting for POAY entities in this case, we supported a framework that aligns investment incentives with environmental limits.

The outcome is clear: Greater legal certainty, more predictable licensing, and a stronger basis for long-term investment in the sector.


The taxation of cross-border work is entering a new era.At the 1st Conference of the Department of Public Law and Politi...
12/05/2026

The taxation of cross-border work is entering a new era.

At the 1st Conference of the Department of Public Law and Political Science of the Law School at the Democritus University of Thrace, our partner, Petros Pantazopoulos, addressed the evolving international tax landscape following the 2025 updates to the OECD Commentary on Article 5.

The discussion focused on one of the most timely issues in international taxation today: when can an employee’s home office create a permanent establishment for a foreign enterprise?

As regulatory frameworks adapt to new working models, Fortsakis Diakopoulos & Associates Law Firm continues to contribute to the legal and tax dialogue shaping cross-border business operations.

Non-Compete Clause.A contractual restriction preventing a party from engaging in competing activities after a business r...
07/05/2026

Non-Compete Clause.

A contractual restriction preventing a party from engaging in competing activities after a business relationship ends.

Why it matters:
If poorly drafted, it can unfairly limit professional freedom or fail entirely when challenged.

Tip:
Balance protection with enforceability. Courts tend to favour reasonable limits.

Fortsakis Diakopoulos & Associates Law Firm is pleased to have been appointed as legal counsel to one of Greece’s major ...
27/04/2026

Fortsakis Diakopoulos & Associates Law Firm is pleased to have been appointed as legal counsel to one of Greece’s major credit institutions in relation to a large-scale construction project in the heart of Athens.

Our team has been advising on the preparation of a series of services and works agreements, as well as ancillary procurement and construction agreements, supporting the development of a modern, unified headquarters designed to meet evolving operational needs.

The project combines the renovation and technical upgrade of a historic building with the construction of a new six-storey facility that will host key departments and services. Completion is expected by May 2028.

This mandate reflects Fortsakis Diakopoulos & Associates Law Firm's ability to support complex, high-value projects that sit at the intersection of legal precision, technical ex*****on, and long-term strategic vision.

In a recent commentary, our partner Petros Pantazopoulos examines Council of State Decision No. 1500/2025, a ruling that...
22/04/2026

In a recent commentary, our partner Petros Pantazopoulos examines Council of State Decision No. 1500/2025, a ruling that brings the court’s power of ex officio review in tax disputes back into focus.

The decision further clarifies that, among the issues subject to ex officio review, is the legality of the statutory authorization on the basis of which the regulatory act was issued, where that act formed the basis of the tax assessment. The Court’s reasoning is rooted in the constitutional foundation of statutory authorization, offering an important clarification for tax litigation.

At the same time, the ruling may prompt further discussion as to why other issues with an equally constitutional basis remain outside the scope of ex officio review.

Petros’ commentary highlights the legal significance of the judgment and its potential implications for the handling of tax disputes in Greece.

Read the full commentary here: https://shorturl.at/BEvwg

Where does executive responsibility really end?A recent decision by the Hellenic Council of State (Decision 1862/2025) p...
16/04/2026

Where does executive responsibility really end?

A recent decision by the Hellenic Council of State (Decision 1862/2025) provides a clear and much-needed answer.

In a case concerning AML/CFT compliance, the Court annulled administrative fines imposed by the Bank of Greece on a former CEO of a Greek systemic bank, setting important boundaries on executive liability.

Key legal takeaways:
Reporting obligations are not unlimited
The Court clarified that the duty to report suspicious transactions to the AML Authority lies exclusively with the designated AML Compliance Officer. Senior executives, including the CEO, are responsible for internal reporting, not direct disclosure.

Position alone does not create liability
Personal liability for due diligence failures requires proven, active involvement in the relevant transactions. Holding a senior role, in itself, is not enough.

Outcome
Four fines were annulled, reinforcing a fundamental principle: accountability must be tied to actual conduct, not merely to hierarchy.

This decision marks an important development for corporate governance, drawing clearer lines around the responsibilities of senior management and safeguarding against disproportionate administrative sanctions.

A significant case that highlights the evolving legal framework of executive accountability.

Omnibus I Directive is reshaping the ESG landscape in the EU.With fewer companies in scope and lighter obligations under...
09/04/2026

Omnibus I Directive is reshaping the ESG landscape in the EU.
With fewer companies in scope and lighter obligations under both CSRD and CS3D, the shift is clear:

• From compliance-heavy frameworks ➡️ to strategic ESG integration

But this is not a step back.

It’s an invitation for companies to rethink ESG as a tool for:
• risk management
• capital allocation
• long-term resilience

Swipe through the carousel for the full breakdown and follow the link for the full article by
Maria El. Stefanaki, Fortsakis Diakopoulos & Associates Law Firm Counsel & ESG Officer

Link: https://shorturl.at/WNGIS

We are pleased to be recognized in The Legal 500 EMEA 2026 rankings.With a Top-Tier distinction in TMT and a strong pres...
30/03/2026

We are pleased to be recognized in The Legal 500 EMEA 2026 rankings.

With a Top-Tier distinction in TMT and a strong presence across five additional practice areas, this year’s results reflect the breadth of our expertise and the consistency of our work across complex mandates.

Equally, individual distinctions across the firm highlight the strength of our team, combining deep sector knowledge with a practical, forward-looking approach.

We thank our clients and peers for their continued trust.

Address

Μητροπόλεως 38
Athens

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 20:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 20:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 20:00
Thursday 09:00 - 20:00
Friday 09:00 - 20:00

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