Greece to Launch Fully Digital Disaster Aid System in September, Minister Says

Greece will introduce a comprehensive overhaul of its state disaster relief system next month, replacing decades-old bureaucratic procedures with a fully digital platform aimed at speeding up compensation for wildfire and disaster victims, Deputy Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Kostas Katsafados told iefimerida.gr in an interview.

Mr. Katsafados, who oversees state relief efforts, said the

new legislation will be submitted to parliament in early September, replacing a legal framework rooted in rules nearly 50 years old. "Our goal is one: that a person tested by a natural disaster faces an effective mechanism that supports them quickly, fairly and with absolute transparency," he said.

The reform comes as Greece continues assessing damage from recent wildfires, including major blazes in Western Attica. Mr. Katsafados said building inspections in the region were completed within two days, with survey teams from the General Directorate for Reconstruction of Earthquake Victims working until nightfall to keep pace.

He said staff would be deployed to the Mandra municipality starting Monday to help local officials process damage claims and meet strict timelines.

Under the new system, citizens will be able to track their applications in real time through a digital platform, from submission through document verification to final payment, eliminating the need for repeated in-person visits to government offices.

The legislation will also expand eligibility for households facing co-ownership disputes or incomplete property titles — a common obstacle in rural Greece that has historically excluded eligible claimants.

Mr. Katsafados said the new framework introduces stronger digital cross-checks and verification systems alongside faster processing, aiming to balance speed with accountability.

"There cannot be compensation without oversight, because that ultimately harms the real victims," he said.

Beyond housing assistance, the legislation establishes a broader support package including initial emergency aid, rental or co-habitation subsidies for temporary housing, lump-sum payments, and temporary relocatable housing units where needed.

Mr. Katsafados described the overall goal as shifting from simple financial compensation toward full reconstruction of affected communities, preventing the abandonment of fire-damaged towns and villages.

"We're moving the focus from a simple payout to a comprehensive process of rebuilding the physical, social and economic life of these areas," he said, adding that implementation will begin gradually once the bill passes in early September.

By Eleni Bolovini

Διαβάστε περισσότερα στο iefimerida.gr

Greece will introduce a comprehensive overhaul of its state disaster relief system next month, replacing decades-old bureaucratic procedures with a fully digital platform aimed at speeding up compensation for wildfire and disaster victims, Deputy Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Kostas Katsafados told iefimerida.gr in an interview.

Mr. Katsafados, who oversees state relief efforts, said the new legislation will be submitted to parliament in early September, replacing a legal framework rooted in rules nearly 50 years old. "Our goal is one: that a person tested by a natural disaster faces an effective mechanism that supports them quickly, fairly and with absolute transparency," he said.

The reform comes as Greece continues assessing damage from recent wildfires, including major blazes in Western Attica. Mr. Katsafados said building inspections in the region were completed within two days, with survey teams from the General Directorate for Reconstruction of Earthquake Victims working until nightfall to keep pace.

He said staff would be deployed to the Mandra municipality starting Monday to help local officials process damage claims and meet strict timelines.

Under the new system, citizens will be able to track their applications in real time through a digital platform, from submission through document verification to final payment, eliminating the need for repeated in-person visits to government offices.

The legislation will also expand eligibility for households facing co-ownership disputes or incomplete property titles — a common obstacle in rural Greece that has historically excluded eligible claimants.

Mr. Katsafados said the new framework introduces stronger digital cross-checks and verification systems alongside faster processing, aiming to balance speed with accountability.

"There cannot be compensation without oversight, because that ultimately harms the real victims," he said.

Beyond housing assistance, the legislation establishes a broader support package including initial emergency aid, rental or co-habitation subsidies for temporary housing, lump-sum payments, and temporary relocatable housing units where needed.

Mr. Katsafados described the overall goal as shifting from simple financial compensation toward full reconstruction of affected communities, preventing the abandonment of fire-damaged towns and villages.

"We're moving the focus from a simple payout to a comprehensive process of rebuilding the physical, social and economic life of these areas," he said, adding that implementation will begin gradually once the bill passes in early September.

By Eleni Bolovini

Διαβάστε περισσότερα στο iefimerida.gr