Brussels, 15/07/2005 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has decided to ask Greece, the form of a letter of formal notice, for its observations on the compatibility with EU law of Greek national law (3021/2002) preventing companies “interconnected” with Greek mass media businesses from obtaining public contracts. Greek legislation obliges media companies (TV channels, radio stations, newspapers and magazines) to have nominative shares held by individuals ('natural persons'). Television and radio companies legally set up outside Greece in countries where such share obligations do not exist can be authorised to hold up to 15% of a company's capital. The Commission argues that the obligations restrict investment options and the freedom of establishment of companies registered in other Member States and is therefore incompatible with the EC Treaty. Greece now has two months to respond to the 'letter of formal notice' (warning letter), failing which the Commission will send the country a 'Reasoned Opinion'.