Greece’s government on Wednesday unveiled 14 administrative measures designed to reduce red tape and make the state more accessible to citizens, businesses and property owners.
The draft bill, titled “Interventions for a More Citizen-Friendly State,” was presented by Vice President of the Government Kostis Hatzidakis. It introduces changes in how certificates are issued, how government circulars are published, how notaries operate and how citizens interact with public services.
Hatzidakis said the bill focuses on administrative reforms aimed at easing everyday procedures. The draft is expected to enter public consultation in the coming days and could be submitted to Parliament for a vote in March.
Below is a breakdown of the 14 measures and what they mean for citizens in Greece and abroad.
Replacing Paper Certificates With Sworn Declarations
One of the most significant reforms replaces the submission of supporting documents with a sworn declaration in cases where the state already holds the relevant information.
Although Greek law already provides for the automatic retrieval of documents by public authorities, interoperability gaps have created delays. Under the new framework, citizens will no longer be required to submit certificates that are already available within the administration.
These include frequently requested documents such as marriage and death certificates, university degrees, land registry certificates and citizenship certificates — roughly 30 types in total.
Authorities will automatically accept the declaration unless it is manifestly unfounded. False declarations will carry stricter fines and criminal penalties proportionate to any unlawful financial benefit. Those convicted will lose the right to use sworn declarations in the future.
Limiting State Property Claims
The bill also restricts when the state can claim ownership of private property.
Hatzidakis referenced past disputes in areas such as Saronida and central Karditsa, where the state asserted ownership claims. Under the new provisions, the state will refrain from asserting ownership or filing lawsuits in cases where private individuals or their legal predecessors have registered property titles before 1975.
The measure does not apply to cases of mere possession or adverse possession; formal registration is required.
It also covers individuals who were settled on land by state decision, such as refugees from Asia Minor who received titles during the administration of former Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos.
Digital Tracking of Applications and Complaints
In cooperation with the ministries of interior and digital governance, citizens will be able to track the status of their applications online. They will see which official is responsible, the stage of review and an estimated completion timeline.
The system has already been used in the housing program “Spiti Mou 2” and will be expanded to other services.
Additionally, the Integrity Advisor, a role established by the Interior Ministry, will gain expanded powers to systematically monitor citizen complaints. Citizens will be able to track named complaints using a unique code, improving transparency and accountability.
Fewer Court Appeals in Socially Sensitive Cases
In disputes of particular social importance, the state will refrain from filing appeals against court rulings awarding financial compensation for moral damages.
This applies to cases involving loss of life or disability due to natural disasters, accidents in public buildings or infrastructure, public transport incidents, terrorist attacks, workplace accidents or medical acts or omissions in public hospitals.
Material damages are not included.
Enforcing Compliance With Court Decisions
To address delays in implementing court rulings, all judicial decisions will be transmitted to the Internal Audit Unit within each ministry. The reform aims to prevent situations in which citizens must return to court to enforce a prior judgment.
In cases involving financial compensation, standard enforcement procedures will still apply.
Mandatory Publication of Circulars and Service Hours
Government circulars — interpretive instructions issued to public bodies — must be posted not only on the Diavgeia transparency platform but also on the official websites of ministries and agencies.
Publication will be mandatory within six months of the law’s enactment; otherwise, the circular will not take effect.
Public services will also be required to post their operating hours online within three months of the law’s publication.
Uniform Interpretation of the Law
A centralized administrative body will be created to ensure consistent interpretation of legislation when reviewing citizen appeals. Decentralized bodies will no longer handle certain appeals within narrowly defined local jurisdictions, reducing contradictory rulings.
Expanding the EFKA Model
The government plans to extend the service model used by EFKA — Greece’s Electronic National Social Security Entity — to other public services through ministerial decisions.
Potential areas include land, agricultural and veterinary services. Hatzidakis highlighted Certification Centers (KYD), which currently receive a share of farmers’ subsidies, suggesting that additional professionals such as agronomists, veterinarians and accountants could be certified to provide services under state supervision.
Notaries as One-Stop Shops for Property Transfers
The reform significantly upgrades the role of notaries, allowing them to function as one-stop shops in real estate transactions.
With interoperability between notaries and the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), notaries will be able to:
- Collect required documentation
- Submit transfer tax declarations
- Withhold outstanding debts to the state and EFKA from the sale price
- Pay land registry fees
Parties will only need to appear for the contract signing itself.
Changes to Property Transfer Requirements
The bill abolishes the mandatory drafting of topographic diagrams for property transfers within urban planning zones, provided certified implementation acts are available.
A certified engineer’s statement confirming compatibility with land registry requirements will still be required.
Heirs facing liquidity constraints will be allowed to pay inheritance tax at the time of property transfer, with the tax deducted from the sale price.
Finally, AADE will gain the authority to permanently release the transfer of seized property under certain conditions.
source: ot.gr
