The Minister of Justice, Giorgos Florides met today with European Commissioner responsible for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, MacGrath.
During the meeting, which took place in an excellent atmosphere, Mr. Florides briefed on the critical reforms made in recent years in the direction of modernizing and accelerating the Greek justice system with the European Commissioner acknowledging the significant progress and congratulating the leadership of the Ministry for the “impressive performance”, as he said, in the rapid issuance of decisions and the digitalization of procedures.
Mr. MacGrath announced that in the new Multiannual Financial Framework it is foreseen that almost three times more funds (€800 million) will be allocated to Member States for the further modernisation of the judiciary, calling on our country to actively participate in the submission of relevant proposals.
The European Commissioner expressed his satisfaction with the “excellent progress made by the Greek Government in the field of the rule of law“, underlining that “certainty regarding the rule of law enhances investor confidence and creates an environment in which the economy grows, businesses invest and new jobs are created“.
In this context, Mr. Florides presented a series of important changes in the Justice Sector, (implementation of a new Judicial Charter, introduction of an Electronic Case File in civil proceedings, contribution of digital transformation, etc.etc.), which have yielded measurable results, as now, trials are determined in just 7 months instead of 4.5 years, judgments in civil trials are now issued in 390 days instead of 800, while the publication of a will is carried out by notaries in just 6-7 days instead of 450 days required in the courts.
Specifically for the Electronic Case File, on which Mr. McGrath, showed particular interest, the Minister of Justice explained that it is an institutionalized tool, (the creation of which in civil litigation was provided for by Law 5221/2025) where lawyers can file all documents electronically from their office and electronically monitor the progress of the case from the Court of First Instance to the issuance of a decision by the Supreme Court.
At the same time, judges gain immediate and full electronic access to all the case details, thus strengthening confidence in the institution of justice thanks to the transparency and reliability of electronic procedures.
The Minister of Justice also referred to the upcoming legislative initiatives and in particular the adoption of a modern and effective Alternative Dispute Resolution Code, which aims to strengthen the institutions of mediation, arbitration and judicial mediation.
Florides concluded by referring to the forthcoming incorporation of the European directive on abusive actions against the press (SLAPPs) into national legislation and thanked the European Commissioner and his colleagues for their valuable contribution, stressing that “the reform effort will continue, as justice enters a new era.”
