On Friday, the Ministries of Justice and Digital Governance will present a new regulation allowing witnesses to testify remotely from certified locations—a major step toward modernizing judicial procedures and reducing logistical burdens.

Greek Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou explained that this initiative will significantly ease the strain on law enforcement, which currently dedicates substantial resources to prisoner transfers. “We have established a system with approximately 150 certified locations where a witness or defendant can provide testimony via an official video conference without needing to travel,” he stated.

The project’s first phase is complete, and the government is now exploring additional sites for further implementation. The goal is to streamline legal proceedings by minimizing travel-related delays and reducing case postponements.

The Personal Identification Number Reform

Papastergiou also addressed the introduction of a new Personal Identification Number (PIN), which will consist of three alphanumeric characters combined with a taxpayer identification number (AFM). This reform aims to consolidate Greece’s current four separate registries into a single, unified system to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies.

The digital platform for the PIN is ready but will go live only after the necessary ministerial approvals. Citizens with newly issued IDs will not need to reapply for another one, as their existing documents will be updated accordingly.

The MyStreet Application

The minister also introduced MyStreet, a digital tool designed to enhance municipal oversight of public space usage. The application will enable authorities and the public to verify whether businesses lawfully occupy shared spaces. This measure is expected to improve transparency and curb unauthorized commercial encroachments on public areas.

With these reforms, Greece is advancing toward a more efficient, transparent, and digitally integrated governance framework.