EC warns Greece over computer game ban
The European Commission has sent Greece a warning that its ban on the use of electronic games, including computer games, in all public and private places, including cybercafes, clashes with EU law on the free movement of goods and services and the freedom to set up enterprises, the Commission announced yesterday. A law which came into effect on July 29 last year caused widespread dismay and drew international ridicule because, carelessly worded, it banned all games on all computers, including chess. In September, the Finance Ministry clarified that games could be installed in computers «provided the use of the devices does not result in any form of financial gain for players or third parties.» In October, the Commission sent Greece an initial letter of formal notice. Yesterday’s «supplementary letter of formal notice» is the first step on the road toward the Court of Justice.
