The recent circular issued by the General Secretariat for Communication and Information, signed by Dimitris Kirmikiroglou, outlines new transparency requirements stemming from Article 31 of Law 5253/2025 in Greece. This law is in compliance with the European Media Freedom Act, which emphasizes the need for accountability and clarity in media-related expenditures. The circular serves to inform public sector entities about these obligations, marking a significant shift in how public funds are managed and disclosed.

For the first time, public sector bodies are mandated to disclose their planned expenditures for state advertising as well as contracts for procurement and services related to media service providers or online platforms prior to actual expenditure. This requirement extends to various public sector entities, including ministries, decentralized administrations, local government authorities, and public and private legal entities as defined by existing legislation. This initiative is expected to enhance transparency and trust in government spending, especially regarding public advertising.

The establishment of these obligations is an essential move towards fostering greater transparency in public communication and expenditure in Greece. As the country aligns more closely with European standards for media freedom, these changes could promote better governance and accountability within public institutions. The implications of adhering to these requirements could also influence the relationship between media outlets and the government, as officials will now need to be more vigilant about how public funds are allocated for advertising purposes.