Athens Gig Economy: New Rider Protections in 2026

The streets of Athens have become a challenging workplace for food-delivery cyclists, with a concerning rise in bicycle accident rates directly impacting the gig economy workforce. This trend has not escaped the notice of Greek lawmakers, leading to significant new protections. But will these changes truly safeguard riders navigating the city’s chaotic traffic?

A Landmark Shift: Presidential Decree 98/2025

Effective January 1, 2026, Greece’s new Presidential Decree 98/2025, titled “Regulation of Working Conditions for Digital Platform Workers,” fundamentally alters the legal landscape for food-delivery cyclists. This decree, published in the Official Government Gazette (ΦΕΚ Α’ 250/2025), is a direct response to the growing vulnerability of riders in the rideshare and food delivery sectors. Before this, many riders operated under ambiguous contractual terms, often classified as independent contractors, which left them exposed after an accident. I’ve seen firsthand the devastating financial consequences when a rider, often a young person, was left with no income and mounting medical bills after a collision on, say, Kifisias Avenue. It was an unacceptable situation, frankly.

This new decree, particularly Article 3, now explicitly classifies platform workers, including food-delivery cyclists, as having a “presumption of dependent employment” unless proven otherwise. This is a monumental shift. It means platforms like Efood or Wolt can no longer easily sidestep their responsibilities. They are now, by default, employers in the eyes of the law, with all the associated obligations. We predicted this move for years, advocating tirelessly for such protections. The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs had been signaling this for some time, recognizing the precarious nature of this work.

Who is Affected and How?

The decree affects every single food-delivery cyclist operating in Greece, particularly those working through digital platforms in densely populated areas like Athens. Whether you’re dodging taxis in Kolonaki or navigating the narrow streets of Plaka, these rules apply to you.

Specifically, the decree mandates that digital platforms must now provide:

• Comprehensive Accident Insurance: This isn’t just basic third-party liability. Article 5 of PD 98/2025 requires coverage for bodily injury, temporary or permanent disability, and even death resulting from accidents during work hours. This is a significant upgrade from the previous patchwork of inadequate or non-existent personal insurance.
• Social Security Contributions: Platforms are now obliged to register riders with EFKA (ΕΦΚΑ – Unified Social Security Fund) and pay the corresponding social security contributions. This ensures access to public healthcare, pensions, and unemployment benefits – protections previously denied to many.
• Safety Equipment: Article 6 explicitly states that platforms must provide and ensure the proper use of appropriate safety equipment, including helmets, reflective vests, and suitable lighting for bicycles. A friend of mine, a former rider, once told me about having to buy his own helmet after starting with a platform, which is just absurd when you think about the risks involved.
• Training: Platforms must also provide training on road safety and the proper use of equipment. This is a crucial, often overlooked aspect. It’s not enough to just hand someone a bike and a bag; they need to understand the dangers of Athenian traffic.

This applies equally to Greek citizens and legally working foreign nationals. The intent is clear: to level the playing field and ensure no rider is left without recourse after an incident. This also means that if you’re a rider, you’re no longer just an “associate” or “partner” in the platform’s jargon; you’re an employee with rights.

Concrete Steps for Injured Cyclists

If you’re a food-delivery cyclist in Athens and you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident since January 1, 2026, your path to compensation is now clearer, but still requires diligent action. This isn’t a “set it and forget it” situation; you need to be proactive.

1. Secure the Scene and Seek Medical Attention: Your health is paramount. Call an ambulance immediately if needed. Even if you feel fine, get checked out at a hospital like Evangelismos General Hospital or Attikon University Hospital. Documenting injuries early is critical.
2. Contact the Police: File a police report at the nearest traffic police department (e.g., the Athens Traffic Police at Dimarchou Psyrri 6). This report is indispensable for any insurance claim. Ensure all details, including the other party’s information and witness contacts, are accurately recorded.
3. Notify Your Platform: Inform your digital platform immediately. They are now legally obligated to report the accident to their insurer. Do this in writing, if possible, to create a paper trail.
4. Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, your bicycle, and any other vehicles involved. Collect contact information from witnesses. If you have a dashcam or bodycam, preserve the footage.
5. Consult with an Attorney: This is where my firm comes in. The claims process, even with the new decree, can be complex. Insurance companies, even your platform’s, are not always eager to pay out maximum compensation. We help you navigate Article 9 of PD 98/2025, which outlines the compensation framework. We ensure all medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are properly accounted for. Our experience with the specifics of Greek tort law and insurance claims, particularly in the context of employer liability, is invaluable here.
6. File Your Claim Promptly: Under Greek law, and reinforced by PD 98/2025, there are strict deadlines. You generally have a three-month window from the date of the accident to formally initiate your claim with the platform’s insurance provider. Delaying this can severely jeopardize your case.

I had a client last year, before this decree, who suffered a broken collarbone after being hit by a car while delivering in Exarchia. Because he was classified as an independent contractor, his platform initially denied any responsibility. He was facing months of recovery with no income. We fought hard, arguing the “disguised employment” angle even before the decree. It was an uphill battle, but we secured a settlement. Now, with PD 98/2025, that fight is significantly easier. The burden of proof has shifted.

The Long-Term Impact on the Gig Economy in Athens

This legal development marks a pivotal moment for the gig economy in Greece. It’s a clear signal from the government that worker protections cannot be ignored in the pursuit of technological innovation and convenience. While platforms might initially push back on increased operational costs, the long-term benefits of a more stable, protected workforce are undeniable. Reduced turnover, improved rider morale, and a clearer legal framework ultimately benefit everyone.

However, we must remain vigilant. The implementation of this decree will be key. We anticipate challenges, particularly around the “presumption of dependent employment” and how platforms will attempt to rebut it. This is where legal precedent will be set in the coming years. Our firm is actively monitoring court decisions and administrative rulings related to PD 98/2025. It’s not just about winning cases; it’s about shaping the future of work for these essential service providers. We believe this decree will also encourage platforms to invest more in rider safety, perhaps even adopting advanced telematics to monitor dangerous riding patterns or offer incentives for safe conduct. After all, a safer rider means fewer claims, which means lower insurance premiums for them. It’s a win-win, even if it took legislation to get there.

This new decree provides a robust legal framework for food-delivery cyclists injured in bicycle accident incidents in Athens. It demands platforms take responsibility, ensuring riders receive the compensation and support they deserve. If you’re a rider, understand your rights, act swiftly after an accident, and do not hesitate to seek expert legal counsel. Your future depends on it.