EFKA director Alexandros Barberis discussed the Thessaloniki International Fair announcements, overdue debts, the pension system and age limits, as well as EFKA’s digitization process in a recent interview. Speaking to Mega TV about the TIF announcements, Barberis emphasized that “the exhibition and what is presented there is the exclusive responsibility of the Prime Minister,” adding that “the government’s goal is to facilitate and offer the best to citizens. e-EFKA will present new services and applications in its relationship with the public at the exhibition. Together with Minister Kerameos, we will present modern services that will be put into operation immediately after the exhibition. They will contribute to daily life and reduce bureaucracy.”
Read: Pensions: How retirees can earn up to €110 extra monthly with the right strategy
Regarding overdue debts, he pointed out that “the reason they increase is the additional fees that burden anyone who does not pay their obligations. What I know is that pensioners meeting specific criteria will receive the €250 subsidy.”
Alexandros Barberis: When expecting a pension, you must know that contributions paid are a critical factor
Referring to the pension system and age limits, he explained that “when someone chooses the lower contribution scale, they know that the contributory part of their pension will be smaller. Insurance is mandatory, and when you expect a pension, you must know that contributions paid are a critical factor. Therefore, someone should choose a higher scale so that the pension percentage is greater.”
“There is a slightly increasing retirement trend, not particularly high and not very different from the average of the last five years. Today, there is no issue of changing retirement age limits, nor does it mean that recalculation will necessarily have a negative result,” noted Alexandros Barberis.
Alexandros Barberis on EFKA digitization: Everyone can view their insurance history from 2002 onwards
Finally, regarding EFKA’s digitization, he stated: “Currently, everyone can view their insurance history from 2002 onwards. Two major projects are being implemented in the organization: one is digitizing the history before 2002 and registering printed material. We have started with many former insurance funds and many former supplementary funds. All archival material must be utilized. The completion of scanning is expected by the end of 2025. Converting the data for utilization will take about seven months, so by summer 2026. I cannot say there will be no delays, but I can say they will be significantly limited.”
