Post Office Closures Across Greece — What It Means for Zakynthos.

Concerns Raised Over the Future of Local ELTA Branches in Machairado and KatastariIn recent days, many residents of Zakynthos have expressed concern after reports surfaced that the ELTA (Hellenic Post) branches in Machairado and Katastari may be closing. The issue has caused understandable confusion, particularly after national media confirmed that ELTA is implementing a restructuring plan affecting over 200 post offices across Greece.
The plan, announced by the Hellenic Post and the Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations (HCAP), aims to modernize postal operations and improve financial sustainability amid falling demand for traditional mail services. However, this move has sparked strong reactions from local communities, especially in smaller towns and islands where post offices play a vital social role.
To clarify the situation, the Member of Parliament for Zakynthos, Mr Dionysios Aktypis has issued an official statement, addressing misinformation and outlining his actions to ensure continued postal services for the island.

🗣️ Statement from the MP of Zakynthos (Translated into English)ELTA Machairado & Katastari
🛑 Response to the inaccuracies and misinformation from the Prefectural Committee of PASOK–KINAL Zakynthos
Following the recent press release by the Prefectural Committee of PASOK–KINAL Zakynthos regarding the operation of the ELTA branches in Machairado and Katastari, I feel it is my duty to set the record straight.
The citizens of Zakynthos have the right to know the real facts and not be misled by false impressions or unfounded claims.
From the moment I was informed of the possible suspension of the ELTA branches in Machairado and Katastari, I acted immediately and responsibly. I submitted a parliamentary question to the Minister of National Economy and Finance, Mr. Kyriakos Pierrakakis, and the Minister of Digital Governance, Mr. Dimitris Papastergiou, entitled ‘Suspension of operations of the ELTA branches of Machairado and Katastari, Zakynthos – The need to safeguard universal postal service for the citizens of the island.’
In my question, I raised clear and substantiated points regarding the criteria behind these closures, whether the relevant ministries were informed, what plans exist to maintain universal postal coverage, and how the government intends to secure ELTA’s sustainable presence in Zakynthos.
I also made it clear, during a recent briefing between New Democracy MPs and the ELTA administration, that certain actions were carried out hastily, without sufficient consultation or transparency. I emphasized that communities must not be treated as secondary, especially when decisions affect elderly residents, farmers, and small businesses who rely on local post offices for essential services.
While ELTA must modernize, this cannot happen at the expense of local society. We need realistic, fair, and well-planned solutions developed through genuine dialogue with local authorities and residents. Whatever decisions are made must not disrupt the daily lives of citizens or weaken the social fabric of our communities.
Zakynthos needs representation with a voice, vision, and responsibility — not political point-scoring. I will continue to stand firm in Parliament to find a fair and sustainable solution for ELTA that combines modernization with the protection of local needs.”

📬 What’s Happening NationallyAccording to official reports, ELTA plans to close or suspend around 204 post office branches nationwide as part of a wider modernization effort. The organization says these changes are needed to focus on digital transformation, courier services, and e-commerce logistics, given that traditional letter-mail volumes have dropped dramatically in recent years.
However, critics argue that such closures disproportionately affect rural and island communities, where post offices are not only service centers but also places of social interaction and connection — particularly for the elderly or those without easy access to online services.
The Greek government has acknowledged ELTA’s financial challenges and has called for “sustainable and socially fair” reforms. Since ELTA is now part of the national privatization fund (the “Superfund”), it is subject to EU rules that limit direct state subsidies — meaning any solution must balance commercial viability with the obligation to provide universal postal service to all citizens.

📍 What This Means for ZakynthosWhile ELTA has not yet officially published a final list of which branches will close permanently, the offices in Machairado and Katastari have reportedly been affected by the current restructuring plan, leading to uncertainty among residents.
At this stage:

• The main post office in Zakynthos Town is expected to remain open.
  
• Smaller branches like Machairado and Katastari may face suspension or consolidation into larger regional centers.
  
• The MP of Zakynthos has intervened in Parliament to ensure that postal access across the island — especially in rural and elderly communities — is protected.
  

Residents are encouraged to verify the latest information directly with ELTA Zakynthos or through local municipal announcements.

💬 In SummaryThe potential closure of ELTA branches in Machairado and Katastari forms part of a nationwide restructuring by the Hellenic Post aimed at financial recovery and modernization. While necessary from an operational standpoint, the plan has raised concerns about equal service access for citizens in smaller or remote communities.
Local representatives, including the MP for Zakynthos, have pledged to defend the island’s right to fair and continuous postal service, insisting that modernization must not come at the cost of social inclusion.
As the national discussion continues, the people of Zakynthos — like many across Greece — await concrete assurances that essential services will remain accessible to everyone, everywhere.