Mail and parcel deliveries delayed for weeks in Greece

According to Kathimerini newspaper, letters and packages sent via the Hellenic Post (ELTA) have faced significant disruptions in distribution, with delays stretching into several weeks.

The situation has been exacerbated by the government’s decision to shut down a number of ELTA branches, combined with the increased workload caused by the Christmas holiday season. As a result, the remaining post offices have struggled to cope with the surge in mail volume.

Another contributing factor is the limited capacity of automated sorting systems used by Greek postal services. Robotic sorting machines can only process parcels weighing up to 5 kilograms and within specific size limits. Mail that cannot be sorted automatically must be transferred to other units for manual processing, further slowing down delivery times.

Earlier, the government announced plans to close more than 200 ELTA branches, citing changes in communication technologies and rising service costs. Following public backlash, the number of closures was reduced to approximately 40 branches