Greek Bar Associations Call for Immediate Repeal of Migration Decision Provisions

The Coordinating Committee of the General Assembly of Greek Bar Associations, meeting in Xanthi, welcomed the introduction of free legal guidance for applicants seeking international protection. However, it criticized specific provisions of Joint Ministerial Decision No. 120961/26 on migration, stating they “contradict the institutional role of lawyers, infringe on their independence, confidentiality and ethical duties.”

The committee demanded the immediate repeal of the contested articles, notably article 9 paragraph 3 (which introduces extra fees for lawyers when beneficiaries request voluntary departure within two months) and article 13 paragraphs 1‑2 (allowing ministry staff to attend legal guidance sessions). It announced that lawyers will not take part in implementing the decision until the provisions are revoked and urges all bar members registered with the Ministry of Migration and Asylum to abstain from providing legal advice in the meantime. The body also plans to seek a meeting with the Migration Minister and cites the European Council of Bars’ call for full lawyer independence in migration matters.