In a resolution adopted unanimously at its plenary session in Yerevan on 9 May 2025, the EUJ expressed concern that the proposals, put forward by the Greek Minister of Justice, would allow for disciplinary proceedings to be initiated solely on the basis of judges’ decisions – an approach it said does not meet European standards of justice.
The EUJ urged the Greek authorities to abandon the practice of launching disciplinary procedures on the merits of judicial decisions. It also called for a reconsideration of proposed amendments that would impose stricter deadlines for issuing decisions, combined with automatic disciplinary actions against judges deemed non-compliant.
According to the resolution, Greece has already seen signs of disciplinary abuse, with Supreme Court officials ordering investigations against judges and prosecutors in cases where they opted for restrictive measures instead of pre-trial detention or granted suspensive effect to appeals.
The EUJ emphasised that judicial interpretation of the law, assessment of facts, or weighting of evidence must not be grounds for civil or disciplinary liability—except in cases of intent or gross negligence. It also criticised unrealistic deadlines that fail to consider available resources, warning that such measures could unjustly hold courts accountable for systemic shortcomings.
The responsibility for ensuring an adequately staffed judiciary and proper procedural frameworks, the EUJ stressed, lies with the legislative and executive branches—not with judges.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated in Greece as the Ministry of Justice launched an attack on the Union of Judges and Prosecutors. The ministry cited constitutional provisions banning strikes by judicial officials after the union announced two-hour work stoppages from 10.00 to 12.00 between 30 June and 2 July in protest at the proposed changes.
The Union responded that these brief interruptions were not traditional strike actions but were aimed at informing the public of the scale of judicial degradation that the new Code of Civil Procedure would bring. “We must raise awareness about the extent of the deterioration of justice being introduced,” the Union stated.
______________________________________________
Are you seeking news from Greece presented from a progressive, non-mainstream perspective? Subscribe monthly or annually to support TPP International in delivering independent reporting in English. Don’t let Greek progressive voices fade.
Make sure to reference “TPP International” and your order number as the reason for payment.