The platform for the registration of elevators will open in July, aiming for Greece to have, for the first time, a complete record and certification system by the end of November, Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakos announced in an interview with ERTNews.

“There is no issue of fines,” stressed Mr. Theodorikakos, explaining that until now, the registration process was fragmented among municipalities, with different systems and regulations that didn’t function properly. “It wouldn’t have been possible for the process to be completed by June 30 and fines imposed on that basis.”

“For an elevator to be safe, it must have quality certification. This is done by specific companies accredited by the Hellenic Accreditation System. However, there was no way for this to be completed by June 30. We therefore made a simple decision, which will require the support and participation of all citizens. We will launch the digital platform in the first half of July, with a submission deadline of November 30,” he said.

The Minister emphasized: “It’s unacceptable that 50 years after the restoration of democracy in Greece, we still don’t have a national elevator registry. This is not about bureaucracy—it’s about the safety of our citizens.” The details will be finalized in Parliament by mid-July. The platform will be open to apartment building managers, property owners, and those responsible for public buildings.

“This is the first time such legislation has been introduced. Our goal is for ‘Made in Greece’ and everything the Greek economy offers to be synonymous with quality,” Mr. Theodorikakos added.

On a lighter note, he remarked, “I don’t think Mr. Androulakis will claim we’re stealing his idea,” and pointed out that “it’s good when government and opposition views converge.”

Asked about the OPEKEPE case, he said the case file must be examined carefully. “Just because a name appears in a case file doesn’t mean guilt,” he noted, adding, “My motto is transparency everywhere, for everyone, in everything.” He highlighted the government’s decision to bring OPEKEPE under the full supervision of the Ministry of Development and the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) to ensure proper funding for farmers.

Finally, Theodorikakos announced that the first support scheme of the new development law is going live, offering €150 million in grants and tax relief for companies submitting key investment plans.