] On July 22, 2003, the European Commission has announced
] that it had sent the Greek authorities an initial letter
] of formal notice drawing attention to the fact that
] prohibiting electrical, electromechanical and electronic
] games in all public places, with the exception of
] casinos, could in practice restrict the import of these
] products in contravention of the rules of the EC Treaty
] on the free movement of goods. The general ban on the
] above-mentioned games introduced by Greek Law No 3037 of
] July 29, 2002 made it totally impossible to provide and
] supply electronic games equipment and programmes,
] particularly in public places, or to perform related
] activities (for example, the installation, repair and
] maintenance of such equipment and programmes). The law's
] broad scope initially forbade all gaming activity.
] Reportedly, the ban has already been narrowed to include
] only devices generating "any form of financial gain for
] players or third parties". However, the law could still
] represent a disproportionate restriction on the freedom
] of establishment and the freedom to provide services,
] since the law does not treat games of skill (which are in
] principle not harmful) any different than games of chance
] (which may be regulated by Member States in order to
] preserve public order or to ensure consumer protection).

Translation:

Last year, following a public outcry because a Greek official was caught gambling, a new law was passed in Greece (#3037) which banned "electronic or mechanical gaming". The wording of the new law was horrible, and as a result, the Greek police cracked down on *all* computer games -- GameBoys, internet multiplayer games, everything. Arcades were shut down, and internet cafe owners were arrested and hauled into court for such absurd things as allowing patrons to play Counter-Strike and online chess! Judges have been throwing the cases out, saying the new laws are unconstitutional, and certain guidelines have since been produced saying that the law is supposed to be focused on *gambling* machines and not *gaming* machines, but things are still chaotic.

This news from the European Commission is a follow-up, as the EU is filing formal protests against the Greek law. Greece, so far, is standing firm, claiming that it can legislate what it wants to legislate, even if it means making illegal in Greece, things that are not only legal but are thriving import/export and service businesses in other EU countries!

It's an interesting battle, not just for the effect on gaming, but also because it's going to help define the rights of the EU countries as to just how independent they're allowed to be when they're passing some law which conflicts with laws in other EU nations. Keep your popcorn handy . . .

European Commission Protests Greek Ban on e-Gaming