«It is a national success that now they invite us to Brussels to talk about our efforts regarding the reduction of bureaucracy. Not only for gov.gr, but also for the rapid issuance of pensions, for 1555 and 1566, in EFKA and in Health, for the latest law with the 14 initiatives for a state more friendly to the citizen. Many times in Greece we underestimate these efforts, but they are recognized in Brussels, they are recognized by the Austrian government that organized this event in order to promote an alliance at a pan-European level regarding the reduction of bureaucracy».
This was emphasized by the Vice President of the Government, Kostis Hatzidakis, speaking yesterday in Brussels, at the conference for the creation of the “Alliance for the Reduction of Bureaucracy at the level of member states”, which was organized on the initiative of the Austrian government. Kostis Hatzidakis was invited to present the Greek experience, as his personal contribution to significant anti-bureaucracy reforms that he promoted from different government portfolios is recognized.
In his presentation, Kostis Hatzidakis initially referred to the progress Greece has made overall in the field of reducing bureaucracy through gov.gr. Among other things, he stressed that today more than 2,000 digital services are available, while 9 million citizens are served through gov.gr. In 2025 alone, 2.7 billion digital transactions were carried out, while 4 million digital copies of identity cards and driving licenses are already on citizens’ mobile phones. «Greece is now considered an example of success in the digital modernization of the state. But our effort does not stop here», he noted.
He then referred more specifically to four reforms that he himself promoted from different government positions:
First, in addressing pending pensions. When he took over the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, at the beginning of 2021, 174,000 main and 100,000 supplementary pensions were pending. With the simplification of the process, the better use of information already available to the State, the use of certified lawyers and accountants, the pension advance and fast-track pensions, within 28 months 670,000 main and supplementary pensions were issued. The average waiting time was reduced to about two months.
Second, in the creation of 1555, the single service line for issues of the Ministry of Labour and EFKA. Most cases are now resolved immediately. The more complex ones are referred to specialized employees, who examine the case and themselves communicate with the citizen. Today, 99.8% of requests are answered within a few days.
Third, in the simplification of environmental licensing. An environmental permit needed on average about two years and, in some cases, even six to eight. Today it is issued on average in less than six months. To achieve this, unnecessary stages were abolished, binding deadlines were established and a single digital platform was created for the submission of applications. At the same time, certified private evaluators are used, with the final decision remaining with the public authorities.
Fourth, he referred in greater detail to the recent law with 14 interventions for a state more friendly to citizens. For a series of data already in the possession of the State, a simple solemn declaration is now sufficient. At the same time, with the same law citizens can electronically monitor the progress of their applications. Certified professionals will be able to issue reports and certificates that will be accepted by the public administration, while the role of notaries as one-stop shops in real estate transfers is being strengthened.
Already, through the replacement of supporting documents held by the State with solemn declarations, about 40% of the administrative procedures recorded on the digital platform MITOS are being simplified and it is estimated that citizens and businesses will submit about 43 million fewer supporting documents every year.
Among others, the conference was attended by the European Union Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification Valdis Dombrovskis, the Vice President of the Belgian government and Minister of Finance and Budget Vincent Van Peteghem, the Italian Minister for Institutional Reforms and Regulatory Simplification Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati and the German Deputy Minister for European Affairs Gunther Krichbaum. In total, 16 member states of the European Union were represented.