The GNCHR publishes its annual Rule of Law Report on Greece

Publication of the GNCHR Rule of Law Report

GNCHR Findings Reflected at the European Level at ENNHRI’s and EC’s RoL Reports

 

The Greek National Commission for Human Rights (GNCHR), Greece's National Human Rights Institution accredited with A-status in accordance with the UN Paris Principles, publishes its annual Rule of Law Report on Greece, submitted to the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI) as part of the European rule of law monitoring process. The GNCHR's contribution informed both ENNHRI's 2026 Regional Rule of Law Report and the European Commission's 2026 Rule of Law Report – Country Chapter on Greece.

 

Read the GNCHR Rule of Law Report here 

 

1. The GNCHR's Main Findings

In its report, the GNCHR expresses serious concern regarding a number of structural issues that continue to affect the quality of the rule of law in Greece. These include:

• the absence of systematic and timely consultation of the GNCHR during the legislative drafting process;
• the limited use of Human Rights Impact Assessments (HRIAs);
• the shrinking civic space, particularly affecting civil society organisations active in the field of migration;
• delays in the execution of judgments of both domestic courts and the European Court of Human Rights;
• persistent shortcomings in the administration of justice; and
• the need to strengthen the institutional independence and resources of the GNCHR in light of its continuously expanding mandate.

To address these challenges, the GNCHR recommends, among other measures:

• establishing mandatory and timely consultation with the GNCHR during the preparation of draft legislation;
• systematically carrying out Human Rights Impact Assessments;
• strengthening the GNCHR's financial and human resources; and
• improving the functioning of the national coordination mechanisms in which the GNCHR participates.

 

2. The ENNHRI Regional Rule of Law Report

The concerns identified by the GNCHR are reflected to a significant extent in ENNHRI's Regional Rule of Law Report, which highlights a number of common developments across Europe. The report is available here

According to the report:

• many National Human Rights Institutions continue to face inadequate funding and staffing;
• civic space is shrinking, while human rights defenders are increasingly subjected to pressure and restrictions;
• the quality of law-making is adversely affected by limited consultation, insufficient timeframes and the inadequate use of Human Rights Impact Assessments;
• disinformation has become an increasingly significant challenge to democracy and the rule of law; and
• structural challenges persist in areas such as judicial independence, the implementation of international and regional court judgments, the protection of human rights at borders, and the functioning of accountability and oversight mechanisms.

The Regional Report also emphasises the essential role of National Human Rights Institutions in strengthening democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights, while calling upon States to ensure their meaningful participation in legislative processes and to provide them with adequate and sustainable resources.

 

3. The European Commission's Rule of Law Report on Greece

This year's European Commission Rule of Law Report, which is available here, contains several references to the work of the GNCHR and draws upon its findings in assessing the state of the rule of law in Greece.

In particular, the Commission refers to:

• its consultation with the GNCHR during the preparation of the report;
• the GNCHR's observations concerning the role of Independent Authorities;
• the GNCHR's positions regarding the operating environment for civil society organisations;
• the GNCHR's interventions concerning the protection of fundamental rights during the legislative process; and
• the GNCHR's broader contribution to monitoring the rule of law in Greece.

Overall, the European Commission identifies progress in several areas, including:

• the digitalisation of the justice system;
• improvements in judicial efficiency;
• the strengthening of the National Council for Radio and Television;
• initiatives aimed at enhancing the protection of journalists; and
• the launch of the constitutional revision process.

At the same time, the Commission issues four key recommendations to Greece, calling on the authorities to:

1. strengthen the track record of investigations, prosecutions and final judgments in corruption cases;
2. improve the transparency framework governing lobbying activities;
3. complete the reforms aimed at protecting journalists and addressing Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs); and
4. strengthen the structured dialogue with civil society organisations while simplifying the regulatory framework governing their operation.

The GNCHR will continue to closely monitor developments and contribute, through independent analysis, evidence-based recommendations and constructive engagement with the competent authorities, to strengthening the rule of law and ensuring the effective protection of human rights in Greece.