Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-003115/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)
A bank of systemic importance has decided to transfer 850 ATMs to a private company, incurring charges of up to EUR 4.95.
The move raises concerns about banking exclusion and unfair practices.
In Greece, a series of ‘coincidences’ in the practices of systemic banks have been recorded, mainly between 2018 and 2019, reinforcing suspicions of cartels.
In October 2019, almost all major banks announced charges at the same time: EUR 2.50 for making a withdrawal from an ATM belonging to another bank, EUR 0.15 to EUR 0.30 for printing a balance and EUR 6 to EUR 10 for issuing a new card.
Meanwhile, deposit interest rates remained extremely low (0.01 %) and mortgage rates were almost identical across the board, with a spread of 2 % to 2.5 %.
Point-of-sale commission fluctuated uniformly between 0.90 % and 1.20 %. In 2020, the Hellenic Competition Commission carried out spot checks on banks, following complaints about concerted practices.
The European Commission has imposed significant fines for bank cartels: on Deutsche Bank for interest rate manipulation, on Crédit Agricole for government bonds and on Italy for point-of-sale charges. Meanwhile, national authorities such as those in France and Italy have strengthened checks, placed limits on commission and facilitated the entry of fintech companies, enhancing competition and consumer protection.
- 1.How will the Commission investigate possible breaches of Articles 101 and 102 TFEU by Greek banks?
- 2.Has the Hellenic Competition Commission been checked in relation to the absence of sanctions in the banking sector in recent years?
- 3.How can the Greek banking system be made healthier?
Submitted: 28.7.2025