- My Greek Expat Journey
- Posts
- š±Millions of Greeks Still Without New ID Cards
š±Millions of Greeks Still Without New ID Cards
Greece remains the only EU country still relying on non-machine-readable IDs
Chloe Mason
November 07, 2025
š Hey there expats,
In this weekās newsletter, weāre sharing with you our weekly roundup of news in Greece, concerning bureaucracy, immigration or administrative changes within legislation, tax or real estate.
Did you know? The Battle That Freed Greece
The Battle of Navarino, a pivotal naval confrontation on October 20, 1827, became the turning point in the Greek War of Independence (1821ā1829).
Taking place in the Bay of Navarino, the combined fleets of Britain, France, and Russia, who were allied with the Greek revolutionaries, faced the OttomanāEgyptian armada. The Allied admirals had entered the bay to enforce a ceasefire, but a tense standoff accidentally erupted into a full-scale battle. The ensuing conflict was a decisive victory for the Allies, resulting in the complete destruction of the OttomanāEgyptian fleet.
Although the Battle of Navarino was a crucial turning point, it did not immediately secure Greek independence, which required another two and a half years of conflict and diplomacy. The article concludes by noting that the battle, while sealing the fate of the Greek Revolution, also marked the beginning of foreign intervention in modern Greece.
Read the full article here.
In the news
š Millions of Greeks Still Without New ID Cards
As of November 2025, less than 2.5 million Greeks have obtained the new EU-compliant ID cards, leaving millions still needing to apply before the August 2026 deadline. The government urges citizens to book appointments early to avoid delays, as the rollout faces long queues and limited appointment availability across the country. Read here.
š Mitsotakis hails US energy ties, eyes Greece role as regional gas hub
Greeceās Prime Minister Mitsotakis praised expanding U.S.āGreece energy cooperation, highlighting new gas exploration agreements as a milestone in the countriesā strategic partnership. He emphasized that Greece aims to become a regional energy hub for Southeastern Europe, strengthening both energy security and geopolitical influence in the Eastern Mediterranean. Read here.
Upcoming events
šāāļøAthens Marathon 2025 ā Sun 9 Nov in Athens. The iconic route ending at the original Olympic Stadium. Read here.
š¬ Peloponnese International Documentary Festival ā 21st to 30th November, the Peloponnese International Documentary Festival will take place across multiple towns including Kalamata.
šNeed to Update Your Greek ID Card or Passport? š¬š·
At My Greek Expat Journey, we help expats navigate Greeceās evolving administrative maze ā including the rollout of the new EU-compliant ID cards and passport renewals. With long delays already affecting millions of residents, starting early is key. Our experienced local partners handle the paperwork, appointments, and translations for you, saving hours of frustration and ensuring every detail is correct.
Ready to simplify your Greek bureaucracy? Book a free 15-minute discovery call to learn how we can assist with your ID or residency updates today.
That's it for this week's newsletter! As always, feel free to reach out with any questions, suggestions, or if you'd like to be featured.
Wishing you a fantastic week ahead filled with Greek adventures and memorable experiences.
Yassas!
The āMy Greek Expat Journeyā Team
Follow Us: