Greece has made progress in its rule of law performance in 2024 compared to the previous two years, according to the European Commission's annual report released on Tuesday. However, the report also highlights that challenges remain and that further efforts are needed to address them. Concerning the recommendations in the 2024 Rule of Law Report, Greece has made: 

-Some further progress on continuing efforts to establish a robust track record of prosecutions and final judgments in corruption cases, including high-level corruption. 
-Significant progress on further advancing with the process of adopting legislative and non-legislative safeguards to improve the protection of journalists, in particular as regards abusive lawsuits against journalists and their safety, in line with the adopted -Memorandum of Understanding and taking into account European standards on the protection of journalists. 
-Some further progress on stepping up the efforts to ensure the effective and timely consultation in practice of stakeholders on draft legislation, including by observing the statutory timeframe for public consultation. 
-Limited progress on the evaluation of the existing legal framework for the registration of civil society organisations and the establishment of a structured dialogue. 

On this basis, and considering other developments that took place in the period of reference, in addition to recalling the relevant commitments made under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, and the relevant country-specific recommendations under the European Semester, it is recommended to Greece to: 

-Continue efforts to establish a robust track record of prosecutions and final judgments in corruption cases, including high-level corruption. 
-Improve the lobbying framework, including by reviewing the definition of a lobbyist and ensuring effective implementation.
-Continue ongoing efforts to strengthen legislative and non-legislative safeguards to improve the safety and protection of journalists, in particular as regards abusive lawsuits, in line with the adopted Memorandum of Understanding and taking into account European standards on the protection of journalists. Develop a regular and sustained structured dialogue with civil society organisations, and simplify registration requirements for civil society organisations in view of maintaining an open framework for them to operate. 

According to Commission’s report in Greece, following a recent reform, the judiciary is being involved in appointments to the highest positions in the court system. Initiatives to restore public trust in the justice system are put forward by the judiciary. The decision to launch disciplinary proceedings against judges on grounds resulting from the content of their decisions gave rise to a debate within the magistracy. Major reforms related to rule of law are being undertaken in dialogue with the Commission and financed under the Recovery and Resilience Facility and supported by the Technical Support instrument. The implementation of the new judicial map in civil and criminal justice, and projects to improve the level of digitalisation are advancing well. Efforts to promote the use of alternative dispute resolution, including plans to revise existing legislation, are welcomed by businesses. The length of court proceedings still raises serious challenges and, although initial signals from the implementation of recent reforms are encouraging, it is still early to assess results. 

Anti-corruption framework 

A new National Anti-Corruption Action Plan is being developed, and the National Transparency Authority has a new Management Board. Organisational changes in the police force were made to better combat organised crime and improve disciplinary procedures. An interoperable common case management system is in preparation as efforts to improve the track record of prosecutions and final judgments in corruption cases, including in high-level cases continue. A reorganisation of the police aims to strengthen integrity. The law on asset declarations was revised to facilitate the process of submission and verification of interest declarations. Amendments to the rules on political party funding provide clearer grounds for reimbursement or suspension of state funding. The effective implementation and enforcement of the rules on lobbying has improved but further measures are needed. Efforts to mitigate corruption risks in public procurement and improve licensing procedures are seen as positive developments by businesses. 

Media freedom and pluralism

Resources of the media regulator have been strengthened as the number of employees has increased but concerns remain regarding its independence, and funding. The new appointment procedures of administrative bodies introduce positive changes, while concerns about the legislative framework and political independence of the public service media persist. Transparency of media ownership is strengthened by the continued operation of the Registry for Print Media and the Registry for Electronic Press. A new law strengthening publicity and transparency in the printed and electronic press, reinforcing editorial independence and institutional safeguards regarding state advertising, byline journalism and copyright protectionwas adopted in June 2025. 

The legal framework concerning the right of access to documents has been improved significantly, while challenges remain in its implementation. There have been several positive developments in the landscape for journalist safety, although challenges remain on the ground. Efforts building on measures taken in previous years amount to important steps concerning legislative and non-legislative safeguards to improve the protection of journalists, in particular as regards abusive lawsuits.

Institutional checks and balances 

The positive trend of avoiding expedited legislative procedures continues and the statutory timeframe for public consultations is being observed, while participation and transparency in the law-making process could be further improved. Efforts are under way to ensure that the judiciary is more involved in overseeing the immunity regime for members of the Government. 

Previously identified challenges regarding the appointment of members of independent authorities established by the Constitution remain. Progress with the judicial investigation following the Pylos shipwreck is a positive development to start addressing deficiencies in investigating incidents of alleged misconduct involving law enforcement officers. 

Engagement with civil society organisations is not yet placed on a regular and sustained basis. 

See also:
Marinakis on the annual EU Rule of Law Report: A positive confirmation of government efforts