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Greece

Kodikas Dioikitikis Diadikasias (Code of Administrative Procedure)

Kodikas Dioikitikis Diadikasias (Code of Administrative Procedure), Law 2690/1999, Articles 5 and 5A; Law 4727/2020 (Digital Governance); Law 5143/2024, Article 59

RTI Rating: 64 (source)

Response Timeline

Initial Response
60 days
Residency Required
None

Competent authorities must respond within 60 days, or within time limits specified by special provisions. Refusal to grant access must be notified in writing within 30 days. Law 5143/2024 (effective October 9, 2024) eliminated the "reasonable interest" requirement for most documents.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

  • {'notes': 'Traditional postal mail accepted', 'method': 'mail'}
  • {'notes': 'Electronic submission permitted under Article 5', 'method': 'email'}
  • {'notes': 'In-person submission at agency offices', 'method': 'in_person'}

Requests may be submitted by any means of communication. Greece's Diavgeia (Clarity) program (Law 3861/2010, replaced by Law 4727/2020) proactively publishes government acts and decisions online at diavgeia.gov.gr. Acts must be uploaded to acquire an Internet Uploading Number (IUN) before execution. No official forms required for requests.

Required Elements

  • Identification of specific documents sought

Optional Elements

  • Requester name and contact information
  • Identification of requester
  • Specific description of documents sought

Fees

Costs for accessing information are limited to the actual costs for reproducing the documents. No specific per-page rates are codified in the law.

Exemptions

  • Cabinet Discussions
    Documents referring to discussions of the Cabinet of Ministers
  • Criminal and Administrative Investigations
    Documents where access may substantially obstruct the investigation of judicial, police or military authorities concerning a crime or administrative violation
  • Third-Party Personal Data
    Documents containing personal data related to the private or family life of a third party. Access requires demonstration of "reasonable interest"
  • Legally Protected Secrets
    Documents where disclosure would breach a secret protected by special provisions of law

Greek FOI law (Law 2690/1999, Article 5) provides limited exemption categories. The law lacks both a harm test and a public interest override provision. All exemptions appear discretionary ("may refuse") rather than mandatory. Greece has not ratified the Council of Europe's Tromso Convention.

Appeal Process

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Law 2690/1999 provides multiple administrative remedies (Articles 24-27): application for remedy, hierarchical appeal, special administrative appeal, quasi-jurisdictional appeal, and complaint. The Greek Ombudsman serves as mediator after administrative deadlines expire. No independent information commission exists. Final judicial review is available through the Council of State.

Records Retention

Retention Law
Νόμος 4610/2019 — Γενικά Αρχεία του Κράτους (Law 4610/2019 on the General State Archives)
Authority
Γενικά Αρχεία του Κράτους (General State Archives of Greece)

Ν. 4610/2019 (ΦΕΚ Α΄ 70/7.5.2019)

View retention law →

Sources & References