Steps to progress in Greece’s performance in the rule of law in 2024, compared to the two previous years, notes the European Commission’s annual report released today, while pointing out that the challenges remain and more effort is needed to address them.

Overall, regarding the recommendations in the 2024 Rule of Law Report, the European Commission points out that Greece has noted the following steps:

• “some further progress” in continued efforts to create a strong historical persecution and final decisions in corruption cases, including high -level corruption.

• “Significant progress” in further promoting the process of adopting legislative and non -legislative guarantees to improve the protection of journalists, in particular with regard to abusive lawsuits against journalists and their safety, in accordance with the approved Memorandum of Understanding and taking into account European standards.

• “Further progress” in strengthening efforts to ensure effective and timely consultation in practice with the parties concerned on legislative plans, including complying with the institutional timetable for public consultation.

• “Limited progress” in the evaluation of the existing legal framework for the registration of civil society organizations and the establishment of a structured dialogue.

On this basis, and taking into account other developments that took place during the reference period, the European Commission this year addresses four recommendations to Greece, against six recommendations last year. These recommendations are:

First, to continue efforts to create a strong historical persecution and final decisions in corruption cases, including high -level corruption.

Secondly, to improve the framework of ‘lobbying’, including revising the definition of ‘lobbying’ and ensuring its effective implementation.

Thirdly, to continue efforts to strengthen legislative and non -legislative guarantees to improve the security and protection of journalists, in particular with regard to abusive actions, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding and taking into account European standards for the protection of journalists.

Fourth, to develop a regular and constant structured dialogue with civil society organizations and to simplify registration requirements for civil society organizations in order to maintain an open framework for their operation.

In particular, with regard to “justice”, the European Commission’s report points out that, after a recent reform in Greece, the judiciary is involved in appointments to the higher positions of the judiciary. Initiatives are also promoted by the judicial power to restore public confidence in the judicial system. It is also clear that “proceeds in a satisfactory way,” the implementation of the new judicial map to civil and criminal justice, as well as projects to improve digitization. However, the report notes that “the duration of judicial proceedings still creates serious challenges” and, although the initial signs of recent reforms are encouraging, it is still too early to evaluate the results.

In the “Corruption” chapter, the report points out that a new national action plan to fight corruption is ongoing and the National Transparency Authority has a new Board of Directors. It is also reported that the police have been made to organize organized crime and improve disciplinary procedures. It is also noted that “a interoperable joint case management system is ongoing, as efforts to improve the history of persecution and final decisions in corruption cases, including high -level cases, continue.”

Regarding the law on asset statements, the European Commission stresses that it has been revised to facilitate the process of submitting and verifying interest declarations. In addition, the European Commission says that the amendments to the rules for the funding of political parties provide a clearer basis for the return or suspension of state funding. Effective application and enforcement of “lobbying” rules has improved, but further measures are required. It is also noted that efforts made to mitigate corruption risks in public conventions and improve licensing procedures are considered “positive” by businesses.

In the Freedom of the SMEs, the European Commission report stresses that the resources of the media regulatory authority have been reinforced as the number of workers has increased, but there are still concerns about its independence and funding. It is also noted that new procedures for appointment of administrative bodies are introducing positive changes, while concerns about the legislative framework and political independence of the public service media remain.

Regarding the transparency of media ownership, according to the European Commission, it is reinforced by the continued operation of the printed media register and the electronic register. In addition, reference is made to the new law passed in June 2025, which enhances publicity and transparency in the print and electronic press, enhancing editorial independence and institutional guarantees in state advertising, online journalism and copyright protection. According to the European Commission, the legal framework concerning the right to access documents has improved significantly, and there are still challenges in its implementation. Regarding the safety of journalists, according to the European Commission, “there have been several positive developments”, although “there are still challenges in practice”. It is emphasized that efforts based on measures taken in previous years constitute significant steps on legislative and non -legislative guarantees to improve the protection of journalists, in particular with regard to abusive actions.

Finally, in the chapter for “the functioning of institutions and the institutional counterbalances” and the European Commission, the European Commission stresses that participation and transparency in the legislative process could be further improved. According to the European Commission, efforts are being made to ensure that the judiciary is more involved in the supervision of the immunity regime of government members, however, remain the challenges previously identified in the appointment of members of the Independent Authorities established by the Constitution.

The European Commission also notes that progress with the post -Pylos wreck is a positive development for the launch of deficiencies in investigating incidents allegedly inappropriate for police officers. Regarding cooperation with civil society organizations, it has not yet been on a regular and continuous basis.