GREECE Trends and Developments Contributed by: Angela Livgieri and Dimitra Panopoulou, ALG Manousakis Law Firm
have obtained, subject to prior submission and evalu- ation of the event’s purpose and content via the same system. Patient organisations may organise events independently without notifying or obtaining approval from EOF, provided there is no pharmaceutical com- pany involvement. In cases where financial support is provided by companies, such support is permissible only in collaboration with recognised scientific health entities, requires EOF approval, and is subject to a maximum contribution of EUR 3,500 per company. The 2025 Circular maintains the ability of public sector entities to organise up to three scientific events per year, while substantially increasing the overall spon- sorship cap to EUR20,000 (previously EUR10,000), with a maximum contribution of EUR2,500 per phar- maceutical company/sponsor and a total maximum contribution of EUR20,000 from all pharmaceutical companies/sponsors. Regarding such events, the 2025 Circular introduces two significant institutional innovations. First, Course Cycles may be held up to ten times per entity annu- ally, in-person, online or in a hybrid format and may be organised by universities, hospitals or recognised scientific health entities. These courses target HCPs and aim to provide continuous, comprehensive pro- fessional education. Second, Satellite Symposia are introduced for the first time within domestic scien- tific events, with a strictly scientific, non-promotional character. These symposia do not require separate EOF approval when included in the official conference program. Key restrictions include a prohibition on any references to product brand names and a limit of three participations per HCP per conference as a compen- sated speaker or chairperson. Furthermore, the 2025 Circular introduces substantial- ly updated maximum allowable limits for accommoda- tion and meal expenses of HCPs participating in sci- entific events or expert committees. For events held within Greece, the daily accommodation cost shall not exceed EUR320 (previously EUR150), while the daily meal allowance is capped at EUR100 (previously EUR70). For events held abroad, the daily accommo- dation cost may reach EUR400, with a maximum daily meal allowance of EUR150.
Of particular importance, the 2025 Circular strength- ens accountability requirements by introducing enhanced reporting obligations and stricter enforce- ment measures. Under the 2025 framework, a specific sanction has been established for violations involving inaccurate reporting or failure to submit a final report: a prohibition on organising scientific events, conven- ing advisory panels of experts or providing sponsor- ships under the Circular for a period of one year and, in the case of repeat violations, for a period of two years. Additionally, the 2025 Circular establishes specific submission deadlines: applications for domestic events must be submitted at least eight days prior to the event, while applications for international events require a minimum of 15 days’ advance notice. Spon- soring companies are further required to submit annu- al financial reports to EOF by 30 June of the following year. In conclusion, by addressing previously unresolved ambiguities and longstanding interpretative uncertain- ties, the new framework seeks to: • enhance regulatory clarity and transparency; • improve compliance; and • promote greater legal certainty for all stakeholders. This development is anticipated to positively influence industry practices, particularly in regulatory compli- ance, sponsorship frameworks and reporting require- ments. The 2025 Circular represents a significant step forward in Greece’s pharmaceutical regulatory land- scape, aligning national practices with evolving Euro- pean standards while: • maintaining robust oversight of scientific events and healthcare professional engagement; • ensuring transparency; and • preventing inducement.
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