Parliamentary committee reviews reforms to public sector recruitment

The Parliamentary Committee on Finance met on September 21, 2026, to discuss proposed government legislation aimed at streamlining public sector recruitment and appointments. The reform introduces a standardized annual timeline: positions will be announced during the first two months of the year (January and February), with applications to be submitted within three weeks of each vacancy announcement.

According to Georgios Papageorgiou, Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC), candidates will be required to rank their preferences for up to three positions following the application cycle. Standardized written examinations are slated for the final four months of each year. The PSC and relevant Advisory Committees are tasked with determining the specific exam types and timing. Candidates must be notified of the examination content and date at least two months in advance via the Official Gazette.

While this framework aims to improve administrative efficiency, the committee is also reviewing temporary provisions to suspend the general written exam for the final months of 2026. The discussions involved representatives from trade unions PASYDY and ISOTITA. Additional agenda items included regulations regarding internal promotions in shrinking government departments and alignment with European standards for financial supervision.