Private collection agencies being mulled for recouping EFKA dues

The Single Social Security Entity (EFKA) could collect an extra 4 billion euros from large debtors as well as from debts that increase disproportionately due to very high additional fees and surcharges, if the appropriate mechanism were in place.

Already, the Social Security Debt Collection Center (KEAO) collects around €1-1.5 billion annually through arrangements and compulsory collection measures despite it being short-staffed.

Although the main debts have been decreasing recently, the total dues are increasing, having now reached €47.88 billion, worrying the government. For this reason, various scenarios are being considered, such as the creation of a single blacklist for debts to the state and pension funds, as today, EFKA and KEAO operate in the dark: They do not know the financial behavior of debtors over time, nor do they have access to information about past...