A new study by the Greek Company for Local Development and Local Government (EETAA) found serious shortfalls in funding, staffing and organization across Greece’s municipalities in 2025.
The average municipality spends €7.5 million a year, but local revenue covers only 28% of costs, with the rest coming from state transfers. Of 140,195 municipal employees, 53%, or 74,289 people, hold temporary contracts. Engineering posts are filled at 48%, leaving 4,263 vacancies that delay projects and cause missed EU funding deadlines.
Civil protection staffing stands at 45%, and municipal police at 26%. The study recommends filling 26,465 positions within four years through ASEP exams, at an estimated annual cost of €684 million, plus a five-year staffing plan. Interior Minister Thodoris Livanios said he plans to hire permanent staff for municipal daycare centers.
