Reports

Under Action 14, countries have committed to implement a minimum standard to strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of the mutual agreement procedure (MAP). The MAP is included in Article 25 of the OECD Model Tax Convention and commits countries to endeavour to resolve disputes related to the interpretation and application of tax treaties. The Action 14 Minimum Standard has been translated into specific terms of reference and a methodology for the peer review and monitoring process. The minimum standard is complemented by a set of best practices.  The peer review process is conducted in two stages. Stage 1 assesses countries against the terms of reference of the minimum standard according to an agreed schedule of review. Stage 2 focuses on monitoring the follow-up of any recommendations resulting from jurisdictions' stage 1 peer review report. This report reflects the outcome of the stage 1 peer review of the implementation of the Action 14 Minimum Standard by Greece.

The OECD's Development Assistance Committee (DAC) conducts periodic reviews of the individual development co-operation efforts of DAC members. The policies and programmes of each DAC member are critically examined approximately once every five years. DAC peer reviews assess the performance of a given member, not just that of its development co-operation agency, and examine both policy and implementation. They take an integrated, system-wide perspective on the development co-operation and humanitarian assistance activities of the member under review.Since its last peer review, a severe economic recession brought about significant cuts to Greece’s national budget – including official development assistance. However, Greece has maintained its commitment to development co-operation. In response to the refugee and migration crisis Greece mobilised resources and its population to provide significant support to asylum seekers and refugees, and adapted its domestic policies to create conditions for peaceful co-existence between refugees, asylum seekers and the Greek population. As the economy recovers and Greece considers stepping up its development co-operation, this review recommends a number of steps that the government might take including building a new vision for development co-operation and putting in place the structures and systems to achieve it.

Money in politics is a double-edged sword. It is a necessary component of the democratic process, enabling the expression of political support as well as allowing for competition in elections. Yet, if the financing of political parties and election campaigns are not adequately regulated and monitored, money may also be a means for powerful special interests to capture the policy process. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the political finance mechanisms in Greece, drawing on international standards and good practices. It provides concrete guidance on developing a solid legislative framework and an effective oversight mechanism for political finance. Finally, the report suggests ways to improve integrity in the short and medium term.

This Internal Audit Manual is designed to support the modernisation and standardisation of audit practices in Greek public organisations. It encompasses an array of practical processes and templates, and provides concrete guidance on 1) establishing a modern and effective internal audit function in public entities, 2) taking a risk based approach to developing a multi-annual audit plan, 3) conducting a fraud risk assessment, 4) helping organisations and programmes prepare for audit, and 5) delivering a successful audit from the planning phase to conducting and reporting.