ELTA Agencies Challenge New Procurement Model: "Time Has Run Out"

Business

January 19, 2026

1 min read

Business

Jan 19, 2026

1 min read

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ELTA Agencies Challenge New Procurement Model: "Time Has Run Out"

1 min read

Helen Morales

Politics, Economics and U.S. News

Published on: Jan 19, 2026

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ELTA agencies across Greece criticize the new procurement model, arguing it was imposed without consultation and threatens their viability.

ELTA agencies across Greece are voicing growing frustration over a new procurement model they say was implemented without consultation and now threatens their financial stability.

Claims of No Prior Consultation

Agency representatives strongly dispute ELTAs assertion that the new model was the product of extensive nationwide discussions, insisting that no such dialogue ever took place.

Allegations of Unilateral Implementation

According to agencies, the procurement model was never presented for review or feedback and instead announced unilaterally as a finalized decision.

Key Arguments Raised in Agency Letter

The agencies argue that the repeated claim of extensive consultation is inaccurate and that no details of the models financial impact were ever officially shared with them.

Lack of Financial Transparency

They state that ELTA has not provided essential information such as performance reports for the first 3 months, the fee calculation methodology or evidence supporting claims that most agencies have not suffered losses.

Concerns Over Withheld Funds

Agencies also highlight that for 4 years ELTA has withheld 1 percent from monthly settlements reportedly for vulnerable and remote branches, without disclosing how these funds are distributed.

Reductions in Commissions

The letter lists several commission cuts including drops in intake commissions from 42 percent to 30 percent, additional services commissions from 42 percent to 20 percent and delivery commissions reduced by 25 percent after the 3rd day.

Impact of Permanent Structural Reductions

These reductions, agencies argue, are permanent and cumulative, making continued operations financially untenable.

Criticism of Pricing Strategy

ELTAs management is accused of adopting flawed pricing policies by offering extremely low rates to large e shops and major senders and making agreements with other couriers at prices that do not cover distribution costs.

Consequences of Current Policies

Agencies claim this strategy compresses revenue, shifts the financial burden onto them and pushes away small and medium sized customers who are ultimately more sustainable.

Broad Agency Participation

A total of 89 out of approximately 150 agencies responded to a collective call, contradicting ELTAs claim that 75 percent of agencies maintained or increased earnings.

Consensus Among Agencies

There is widespread agreement that the new model is not viable, that financial pressure is severe and that their continued operation is uncertain.

Challenges for Remote Regions

Many of the signing agencies are located in remote or island areas where operational costs are higher and where courier services are essential for local communities.

Lack of Communication With Management

Agencies say there is no consistent communication from ELTAs management to clarify issues or resolve problems, with only a firm stance that the old model will not return.

Questioning Sustainability

They ask how sustainability can be defined when the majority of agencies declare they are unable to continue operations under the new system.

Declining Operational Volume

In just 5 months more than 35 percent of shipment volume has been lost without any effective response from management.

Warnings of Severe Consequences

Mass closures of agencies
Loss of hundreds of jobs
Risk of losing a functional nationwide courier network

Concerns Over Repeated Model Changes

Since 2017 ELTA has changed its procurement model 5 times, each time to the detriment of agencies and with cumulative revenue losses.

Call for Immediate Intervention

Agencies argue that immediate institutional action is needed before the network becomes irreversibly dismantled.

Non Political Nature of the Initiative

They emphasize that their movement is not political or union driven but a fight to preserve their businesses and safeguard hundreds of jobs.

Final Appeal to ELTA

Agencies accuse ELTA of continuing to spread misleading information instead of addressing the crisis and urge the company to act before it is too late quoting their words "ALLOS CHRONOS DEN YPARCHEI".