Council of Europe: Greece has failed to implement ECHR rulings for 18 years
The Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers sharply criticized Greece for its continued failure to implement the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) judgments concerning the freedom of association of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace.
During its meeting held in Strasbourg on December 2–4, the Committee revisited the “Bekir Usta and Others” group of cases, which center on the rights of associations belonging to the Turkish community of Western Thrace.
Criticism Over Non-Execution of Judgments
The Committee condemned Greece for still not executing the ECHR judgments regarding the İskeçe Turkish Union (İskeçe Türk Birliği), the Rhodope Turkish Women’s Cultural Association (Rodop İli Türk Kadınları Kültür Derneği), and the Meriç Minority Youth Association (Meriç İli Azınlık Gençleri Derneği).
Despite nearly 18 years having passed, the Committee described the failure to restore the associations’ legal status as “unacceptable.” It also underlined that, although Greece amended its legislation in 2017, the associations—after exhausting domestic remedies—still failed to obtain redress.
Reference to Recent ECHR Judgment
Recalling the ECHR’s recent Sağır and Others judgment, the Committee noted that the rejection of the registration of the İskeçe Turkish Women’s Cultural Association was not justified. It emphasized that, should the association reapply, domestic courts must properly examine the request.
Call for Legal Amendments Without Delay
The Committee welcomed steps indicated in a report submitted by Greek authorities showing an intention to amend the Civil Code. However, it called on Greece to finalize the process without further delay. The issue will be reviewed again at the Committee’s June 2026 meeting.
Reaction from Minority Representatives
Halit Habip Oğlu, President of the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF), criticized Greece for “politicizing” the implementation of ECHR rulings and deliberately prolonging the process.
“For nearly 18 years, our associations have suffered, and the freedom of association of our community continues to be violated,” he said.
