The Unit of Research and Analysis (M.E.T.A.) (art.1, par.8, Law No 2343/95 and Presidential Degree No 343/98) operates at a Directorate level and its responsibilities are to:

1. Monitor fiscal trends and developments in Greece and abroad

2. Gather, process and analyze statistical or other data and information related to the responsibilities and activities of the Ministry of Finance. Conduct research and draft relevant reports. Prepare comparative or other studies, submit proposals on the above-mentioned issues, as well as assist and support the Council for Fiscal Studies (art.56, Law No 2214/1994) and the Units of the Ministry of Finance.

3. Consider, process and evaluate proposals, requests and training data for the Ministry of Finance staff, as well as the legal entities under the jurisdiction of the Ministry, so as to determine the needs for professional training and education. Provide assistance and support to the School of Education for the Employees of the Ministry of Finance (S.E.Y.Y.O.), as to setting general guidelines for the School’s annual training plan.

4. Evaluate the performance of the above-mentioned School (S.E.Y.Y.O.) and submit recommendations to the Minister of Finance concerning necessary measures and adjustments for the improvement of the School’s administration, management and operation. Provide professional and technical support to the Minister of Finance in his duties as supervisor of the above-mentioned School.

5. Provide technical support to the political leadership and the Units of the Ministry of Finance, in connection with the development of international relations, the design of projects for international cooperation, the drawing up of international financial agreements and, in general, the representation of the Ministry in international delegations, meetings and associations.

6. Participate in Greek and international seminars, meetings and delegations. Draft relevant briefing documents and reports, so that the Greek and international experience is made available to the competent Units within the Ministry of Finance.

7. Review and utilize recommendations made by various Committees or working groups formed within the Ministry of Finance, as well as reports by international organizations, scientific institutes, experts and specialists, official foreign delegations to Greece and official delegations of the Ministry of Finance staff to foreign countries.

8. Draw up the Unit´s annual business plan and issue end of year report on its activities.

9. Edit journals, prepare special publications or reviews in order to publicize the results and conclusions of its research, studies and activities. Develop and distribute circulars containing instructions, guidelines and specialized advice to the Units of the Ministry of Finance in order to improve their efficiency.

10. Keep archives of studies, research, reports, publications and other materials developed by M.E.T.A.. Provide appropriate data to other Units within the Ministry subject to restrictions under the Secrecy Act and the Data Protection Act.

11. Any other issue related to the above, which is assigned to this Unit by the Minister of Finance or the Council for Fiscal Studies.