Study finds municipalities understaffed and underfunded
A new study by the Greek Company for Local Development and Local Government (EETAA) has identified significant funding, staffing and organizational gaps across Greece's municipalities, highlighting challenges that continue to affect local government operations.
State funding remains essential
According to the study, the average municipality spends approximately €7.5 million annually, while locally generated revenue covers only 28% of operating costs. The remaining funding is provided through transfers from the central government.
Temporary contracts dominate workforce
The report found that municipalities employ 140,195 workers, of whom 74,289, or 53%, are on temporary contracts, underscoring a heavy reliance on non-permanent staff.
Engineering departments are operating at just 48% of required staffing levels, leaving 4,263 vacancies that have delayed infrastructure projects and contributed to missed deadlines for projects financed by European Union funds.
Staffing levels also remain low in other key sectors, with civil protection services operating at 45% capacity and municipal police forces at just 26%
Recommendations and government response
EETAA recommends filling 26,465 permanent positions over the next four years through recruitment conducted by the Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection (ASEP). The proposed hiring plan is estimated to cost €684 million annually and would be accompanied by a five-year staffing strategy for local authorities.
Interior Minister Thodoris Livanios said the government plans to recruit permanent personnel for municipal daycare centers, signaling the first step toward strengthening staffing levels in local government.
