Rule of Law in Greece

The Rule of Law is the cornerstone of democratic societies. It ensures the proper functioning of institutions, the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, judicial independence and transparent governance. Its defence and strengthening are an immediate priority for Greek civil society, given the ongoing decline of the country's institutions.

Refugee Support Aegean (RSA) consistently highlights the central importance of the Rule of Law in Greece for safeguarding the fundamental rights and freedoms of every individual. Through its research, documentation, legal interventions and publications, RSA makes a systematic effort to strengthen the Rule of Law and to contribute to related debates at Greek and international level.

Rule of Law and refugee rights
We primarily focus on violations concerning asylum and refugee rights, such as:
  • the infringement of asylum and refugee rights,
  • illegal pushbacks,
  • NGO registration challenges in Greece, impacting the registration and operation of NGOs in Greece.
Rule of Law reports on Greece
We also closely monitor and contribute to discussions surrounding Rule of law reports in Greece, including the European Commission Rule of Law Report on Greece.
Furthermore, and in collaboration with other civil society organisations, RSA contributes to highlighting other critical aspects of the Rule of Law. These include:
  • human rights violations in Greece,
  • judicial delays and inefficiencies,
  • government transparency and accountability,
  • press and media freedom in Greece,
  • the role of civil society and legal oversight,
  • corruption and anti-corruption measures,
  • legislative deficiencies and poor law-making,
  • surveillance and privacy issues, including wiretapping.
On this page, we will publish all of RSA's content, analyses, and interventions related to the Rule of Law.

The European Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law Report, published on July 24, 2024, misleads readers about the state of the rule of law in Greece

Addendum to the Joint Civil Society Submission to the European Commission on the 2024 Rule of Law Report (Greece)

The European Commission should take immediate action to address the deterioration of media freedom and the rule of law in Greece and its impact on fundamental rights

Joint Civil Society Submission to the European Commission on the 2023 Rule of Law Report January 2023

six Greek civil society organisations, members of the Informal Forced Returns Recording Mechanism established by the Greek National Commission for Human Rights in response to systematic push back allegations in the country, submitted a briefing to the European Parliament Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), covering systemic breaches of the rule of law and the EU acquis by Greek authorities.

In its submission to the 2022 Rule of Law Report of the European Commission, RSA highlights developments and persisting concerns relating to the rule of law through the lens of the Greek asylum system.

The European Commission tabled legislative proposals to amend the Schengen Borders Code and to address so-called “instrumentalisation” in migration and asylum, two months after 12 Member States, including Greece, Cyprus, Hungary, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, requested the “adaptation of EU law to new realities” and after the European Council called on the Commission to take legislative measures.