Independent NGOs submit joint report to European Commission: Rule of Law backsliding in Greece
The report highlights entrenched and interrelated structural problems in the justice system, legislative processes, transparency, press freedom, civic space, and personal data protection. According to the signatories, current practices are weakening democratic checks and balances and undermining institutional accountability.
Criticism of “Fast-Track” and Omnibus Legislation
The joint submission criticizes the adoption of hundreds of legal provisions without adequate public consultation, as well as the increasing use of omnibus bills combining unrelated issues under accelerated legislative procedures.
The NGOs argue that such practices reduce legal predictability, limit parliamentary scrutiny, and restrict public oversight—core components of a functioning rule-of-law framework.
Press Freedom and Media Ownership Concerns
The report raises serious concerns about media pluralism, noting that ownership concentration in the hands of a small number of actors threatens diversity of viewpoints. It also refers to ongoing allegations of pressure on journalists and insufficient transparency in public procurement processes, which the organizations say erodes public trust.
The NGOs further contend that previous assessments by the European Commission do not fully reflect the realities observed on the ground in Greece.
Shrinking Civic Space and Data Protection Issues
The document also details cases where civil society organizations have allegedly been targeted or faced restrictions narrowing their operational space. Structural deficiencies in personal data protection mechanisms are cited as an additional concern.
According to the report, these issues are not isolated but form part of a mutually reinforcing cycle of democratic regression.
Statement from Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe
Halit Habip Oğlu, President of the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe, described the findings as a serious warning for the Greek government. He stated that the Western Thrace Turkish community is directly affected by the challenges facing civil society.
Habip Oğlu referred to the legal case involving 17 individuals who were allegedly targeted by a local news outlet and whose case has been escalated to a higher court as a “concrete example” of the broader concerns outlined in the report.
Commission Review Pending
The European Commission is expected to assess the submission within the framework of its annual Rule of Law review covering all EU Member States. While the NGOs have urged the Commission to give closer attention to field-based findings, the Greek authorities have not yet issued an official response.
