Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced a reduction in VAT on menstrual products from 24% to 13%, effective from 1 January 2027, describing the measure as an issue of social and gender equality.
Speaking to Alpha Radio, Mitsotakis said the current tax treatment places an unfair burden on essential products used by women and girls.
"There are girls who cannot afford to buy even these basic products," he said.
Free products in schools under consideration
The prime minister also revealed that he has asked officials to examine programmes that would provide menstrual products free of charge in schools, prioritising areas facing greater social and economic challenges.
The proposal forms part of a broader effort to address what campaigners often describe as "period poverty" and improve access to essential hygiene products for students.
Tax cut aimed at correcting an imbalance
Mitsotakis noted that menstrual products are currently subject to Greece's highest VAT rate of 24%, despite being basic necessities.
The reduction by 11 percentage points is intended to correct that imbalance by combining tax relief with targeted social policy.
Part of wider cost-of-living discussion
The announcement came during a discussion on inflation and possible tax reductions.
Mitsotakis said the government remains committed to lowering taxes where possible but argued that broader VAT cuts would create significant fiscal pressures.
He presented the reduction on menstrual products as a targeted measure capable of delivering a clear social benefit without undermining public finances.
Source: Proto Thema
