In addition, the Commission is proposing to extend the scope of the regulation to cover the whole of the European Union.

The Greek government has announced the permanent abolition of the 35% reduction on widow’s pensions introduced by the Kataragolou law, marking a significant shift in social policy. The decision was made public during a speech by Niki Keramea, Minister of Labor and Social Security, at the House of Representatives. This move effectively ends the controversial cuts that had been affecting thousands of pensioners since their implementation in 2023. According to the announcement, all beneficiaries who received widow’s pensions after the enactment of the Kataragolou law will now receive 70% of their deceased spouse's pension without further reductions. Additionally, these individuals will not be required to pay back any retroactive amounts, ensuring financial stability for affected families.

Keramea emphasized that this change is part of broader efforts to restore social justice and ensure legal security for citizens. She stated that the government has used surplus revenues generated by the insurance funds—primarily due to the effective implementation of the digital work card—to fund this initiative. These funds were initially allocated towards reducing tax rates and eliminating personal differences among retirees. The minister also highlighted that the current fiscal performance of the insurance funds, particularly over the first four months of 2026, has exceeded targets by over 517 million euros, allowing for additional support to retirees.

This decision comes as a response to widespread criticism from both political parties and civil society organizations regarding the impact of the Kataragolou law on vulnerable groups. Many advocates argued that the law disproportionately affected women and elderly individuals, creating uncertainty and hardship for families reliant on widow’s pensions. The removal of the 35% cut aims to address these concerns and provide long-term financial relief to those who have suffered under the previous regulations.

In her speech, Keramea stressed that the government remains committed to maintaining the overall balance of the social security system while addressing past injustices. She noted that the changes are not only about correcting historical wrongs but also about reinforcing trust in the state’s ability to protect its citizens. By restoring full pension payments, the government seeks to enhance the quality of life for retirees and their dependents, especially in times of economic uncertainty.

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions from various stakeholders. Supporters of the decision view it as a necessary step toward fairness and transparency in the social welfare system, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights of widows and other vulnerable groups. On the other hand, some critics argue that the government should have acted sooner to prevent the prolonged suffering of affected families. Others raise questions about the sustainability of such measures given ongoing economic challenges and budget constraints.

Looking ahead, the government plans to introduce a new legislative proposal to formalize these changes and ensure their long-term implementation. This process will involve consultations with relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Finance and the National Insurance Organization. The proposed legislation is expected to be debated and voted upon in the upcoming parliamentary session, which is scheduled for late July 2026. Once passed, the law will officially end the period of reduced widow’s pensions and restore full entitlements for eligible recipients.

As the government moves forward with this reform, it faces the challenge of balancing immediate social benefits with long-term fiscal responsibility. While many see this as a positive step toward greater equity, others remain cautious about the potential implications for future budgets. Nonetheless, the decision represents a clear commitment to addressing past grievances and improving the living conditions of retirees and their families.