Implementation of Greece’s NGO registration law (JMD 10616/2020)

17.11.2021

Priority question for written answer  P-005159/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Damian Boeselager (Verts/ALE), Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE)

Following the implementation of national legislation requiring the registration of NGOs active in international protection, migration and social inclusion (JMD 10616/2020), the Greek authorities have rejected registration applications by organisations offering legal services on the grounds that the objective of ‘development of activity’, among others, ‘in support of persons under deportation’ in the organisations’ statutes is ‘contrary to applicable Greek legislation’.

• 1.Does the Commission consider the position of the Greek authorities, that legal assistance to persons subject to deportation is unlawful, compatible with European values and the EU acquis, specifically with Directives 2008/115/EC, 2013/32/EU and 2013/33/EU and the Charter of Fundamental Rights?
• 2.Following its reply to Written Question P-005656/2020[1] and to the 2021 Rule of law report – Country chapter Greece[2], what is the Commission’s opinion on the compatibility of JMD 10616/2020 with EU law?

• [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-9-2020-005656-ASW_EN.html
• [2] https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/default/files/2021_rolr_country_chapter_greece_en.pdf