The removal of bureaucratic obstacles and the simplification of procedures for the effective utilization of unclaimed inheritances, donations to the state, and public real estate are priorities for the government’s financial team.

Two bills that the Ministry of National Economy and Finance is expected to submit in the coming period aim to lay new foundations for the framework governing the registration and management of the state’s extensive real estate portfolio. The goal is to utilize it for both investment purposes and new social housing programs.

Regarding donations to the state, based on the provisions already announced, the bill will include, among other things:

– The establishment of a National Registry of Benefactors and Donors, which will be responsible for operating an electronic platform through which donors can submit their proposals for donations to the state. The Anti-Money Laundering Authority will have access to the platform to be informed about the details of donations, particularly those exceeding €500,000.

– The introduction of tax incentives, such as the abolition of income tax (22%) for foundations and legacies from the year they are registered as active in the bequest registry. A similar exemption is expected for the donation tax (0.5%) on donations to charitable institutions.

For unclaimed inheritances, a field currently lacking immediate registration mechanisms, the new provisions will include, among other things:

– Immediate notification of the state about the existence of inheritance rights, either by will or intestate succession, through connection with the National Citizens Registry and the Ministry of Justice’s information systems.

– Creation of a Registry of Guardians for Unclaimed Inheritances, Liquidators, and Public Inheritance Auditors, in which lawyers, accountants, and audit firms can register.

– Acceleration of the liquidation process, based on the value of the inheritance.

– Adjudication by the Single-Member Court of First Instance in cases of dispute over the state’s inheritance rights.

Regarding the real estate currently owned by the state:

The Hellenic Public Properties Company (ETAD) will play a central role in its utilization. A mapping of 36,000 properties has already been initiated, aiming to group them and create asset management companies, in which private investors will be invited to participate. Property groups will be formed, and public tenders for their utilization will be announced.

The Ministry of National Economy and Finance aims to announce the first tender in the coming months, which will concern the utilization of the first group of 1,000 properties. As part of this process, a separate tender procedure will be launched to move forward with the utilization of iconic public properties.