Government Pushes Public Bodies to Settle Debts
The Greek Ministry of National Economy and Finance is urging public sector entities to settle overdue debts owed to private individuals and companies. Officials are preparing to publish a public list naming agencies that fail to meet their obligations.
Overdue public sector debts exceeding EUR 3 billion have become a central focus of the 2026 state budget. A budget execution circular highlights the need to reduce arrears in order to strengthen public finances and improve liquidity across the economy.
The circular stresses that lowering outstanding obligations is vital for restoring fiscal health. Public bodies are instructed to investigate possible additional debts, including cases involving legal disputes, missing documentation, unclaimed payments or payment delays due to seizures.
Transparency Measures and Oversight Intensify
Deputy Finance Minister Thanos Petralias notes in the circular that agencies delaying payments will appear on a public debtor list, a move designed to reinforce transparency and accountability.
Entities that repeatedly fail to clear their obligations will face strict oversight as part of the ministry’s enforcement strategy.
Major Public Sector Debtors
Several major categories of public bodies currently hold significant overdue debts:
Hospitals EUR 1.7 billion
Social Security Funds EUR 590 million
EOPYY National Health Insurance Organisation EUR 248 million
Local Government Organisations EUR 239 million
Legal Public Entities EUR 236 million
