At a time when cost pressures remain a key concern, the Ministry of Development is seeking to shift the battle over prices to the digital realm. A key tool in this ambitious effort is the“e-Consumer”platform, which, in its upgraded form, is designed to extend beyond supermarkets.
Banks, electricity, and insurance are now part of the app’s ecosystem, in a project with a budget of 1.23 million euros. However, the challenge isn’t just about the design. With a target implementation date of 2030, the question is whether the tool will have a tangible impact on the market immediately.
The new version of the platform is organized around four key pillars, with the first expanding the scope of price tracking. Beyond basic goods, users will be able to compare the cost of electricity, banking services, and insurance products, creating a personalized “basket” of expenses. With geolocation tools (GPS), the comparison takes on local characteristics, even at the neighborhood level.
The second pillar strengthens the connection between consumers, retailers, and government agencies by introducing support and communication features powered by artificial intelligence.
At the same time, the product list is being expanded to include bulk and private-label products. The fourth pillar, with the introduction of a digital assistant, facilitates the transition to more personalized services.
The Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations (HCAP) plays a pivotal role in the project’s implementation through its Strategic Contracts Unit.
The timeline, however, remains lengthy. The process began on February 28, 2025, and is scheduled to be completed on December 31, 2030. At the operational level, the main technical interventions are concentrated in the first year following the signing of the contract.
The migration of the platform to G-Cloud is expected to be completed within two months of the contract signing, while the implementation study is expected to be completed in three months. The main upgrade and expansion phase is scheduled for nine months, followed by a two-month pilot operation and debugging.
Legal commitments must be completed by April 2027, while the eligibility of expenses expires in 2028.