For decades, Greek citizens often faced frustrating delays, endless paperwork, and long queues when dealing with public services. That is now changing, thanks to the introduction of four-digit hotlines designed to simplify access to essential services.

The first of these numbers, 1555, was launched four years ago under the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance. Before its introduction, citizens often struggled to find the right office or procedure for issues such as pension applications. Today, a call to 1555 is enough to receive clear guidance and have requests processed without unnecessary obstacles.

The system has dramatically improved response times. Calls are now answered in an average of just 17 seconds, with almost 13 million calls handled to date. This shift marks a significant departure from the inefficiency that once characterized public service in Greece.

Building on this success, authorities recently launched a second number, 1566, dedicated to healthcare. Operational since mid-July, it provides a single point of contact for navigating the National Health System. Citizens can book appointments, receive information, lodge complaints, or request special assistance for vulnerable groups—all with one call.

Meanwhile, the 166 emergency number remains active, but the government is consolidating more than 100 scattered call centers into a single, round-the-clock service channel. The goal is to create a unified system with clear procedures, expanding into additional areas of public support over time.

Digital transformation is also advancing in taxation. The new Taxpayer Service Center (KEF) offers a multi-channel platform—phone, email, chat, and video—integrated with modern customer relationship management tools. This allows greater transparency and efficiency in processing tax-related requests.

Officials stress that the overarching objective is to provide faster, simpler, and more transparent services across sectors where citizens have long faced bureaucratic obstacles. With the steady rollout of these hotlines and digital platforms, Greece is moving closer to a streamlined, citizen-friendly public administration.