The Greek government is considering new measures to allow debtors to e-EFKA to repay their debts in an increased number of installments, amid rising overdue debts primarily affecting self-employed individuals and farmers.
The issue of payment arrangements for debts owed to e-EFKA (the social security organization in Greece) is at the forefront of economic discussions as many debtors could potentially repay their debts in up to 120 installments. This consideration arises in the context of a dramatic increase in overdue debts, predominantly affecting professionals and farmers, with a staggering 87.31% of these individuals owing less than 30,000 euros. The economic hardship is particularly acute for self-employed workers, including freelancers and agricultural producers, prompting professional organizations to call for renewed payment schemes that accommodate larger installment plans.
As of the end of the third quarter of 2025, total overdue debts to e-EFKA reached 50.68 billion euros, increasing by 1.84 billion euros compared to the previous year. This worrying trend indicates that the debt crisis is not only persisting but also deepening, compounded by the burdens placed on the self-employed through rising contribution fees. Furthermore, an accumulation mechanism of additional charges has been functioning for years, exacerbating the financial strain on these groups.
In response to these growing concerns, the Greek government appears to be leaning towards implementing restructuring measures to alleviate the debt burden on vulnerable self-employed individuals. With the mounting pressure from various professional associations, there is a clear push to activate arrangements that offer extended repayment options, which are seen as a crucial step to prevent a larger economic fallout among this demographic and stabilize the overall economic situation.
