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Greece Extends Reduced VAT on Household Electricity to Ease Energy Costs Until 2027

Government Decision Bolsters Household Incomes Amid Rising Energy Costs

The Greek government has decided to extend the reduced Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate on electricity for households until March 31, 2027. The decision was approved during a recent cabinet session as part of continued efforts to ease financial pressure on consumers.

Rationale Behind The Measure

Following the meeting, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos stated that the reduced VAT rate had originally been set to expire on March 31, 2026. However, with electricity prices remaining broadly in line with last year’s levels, the government opted to prolong the measure for an additional year. The move is intended to help households manage their monthly expenses against the backdrop of persistently high energy costs.

Fiscal Impact And Broader Policy Objectives

The extension is expected to cost the state approximately €40 million. Officials describe it as part of a wider strategy to cushion the impact of energy prices and strengthen disposable income for families. Maintaining the lower VAT rate is seen as a stabilising step during a period of ongoing economic uncertainty.

Short-Form Video Unleashed: Transforming The Living Room Experience

The Mobile Origins Of A Big-Screen Revolution

Short-form vertical videos, initially designed for smartphone viewing, are increasingly gaining traction on larger screens as viewing habits continue evolving across digital platforms. YouTube said audiences now watch more than 2 billion hours of Shorts content on televisions every month, highlighting the growing role of connected TV devices in short-form video consumption. The figures reflect a broader shift in how viewers engage with mobile-first formats beyond traditional smartphone environments.

Expanding Horizons In The Living Room

According to Kurt Wilms, television has become YouTube’s fastest-growing screen category. The company said integrated recommendations and search functions on smart TV interfaces are increasingly exposing users to Shorts content, even when viewers did not originally intend to watch short-form videos. As a result, living room viewing is becoming a larger part of YouTube’s overall content ecosystem.

Innovative Adjustments For Enhanced Engagement

To support this transition, YouTube has introduced interface changes designed specifically for larger screens. Features, including side-by-side comments and expanded layouts, aim to create a more interactive viewing experience while also improving engagement opportunities for creators. Sarah Ali said the updated viewing experience is intended to help creators expand audience reach across global markets and connected devices.

The Convergence Of Audio And Visual Media

Growth in living room consumption is also extending beyond short-form video into podcasting and long-form creator content. YouTube reported that viewers spent more than 700 million hours watching podcasts on living room devices during 2025, up from 400 million hours the previous year. At the same time, streaming platforms including Netflix are increasing investments in video podcasts and creator-led programming through partnerships with companies such as iHeartMedia, Barstool Sports and Spotify. The trend reflects a broader convergence between mobile-first content formats, streaming television and creator-driven media ecosystems.

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