Greece
In Greece, the human rights situation in 2026 is defined by a paradoxical "split": the country has achieved historic milestones in LGBTQ+ equality, yet it faces severe international criticism for the erosion of the rule of law, systemic migrant pushbacks, and the targeting of civil society.
The government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis continues to navigate the fallout from long-standing surveillance scandals and a growing rift with European democratic standards.
1. Rule of Law and the "Predatorgate" Scandal
Greece’s reputation for judicial independence and institutional transparency has been under intense pressure due to the wiretapping scandal (Predatorgate).
Surveillance Impunity: As of 2026, investigations into the state's use of Predator spyware against journalists and opposition politicians have largely stalled. In late 2025, a Supreme Court prosecutor cleared state agencies of responsibility, a move that sparked outcry from the European Parliament.
The Tempi Train Crash: Public trust remains fractured following the 2023 Tempi rail disaster. Mass protests in 2025 highlighted perceived government efforts to shield high-ranking officials from accountability, which critics cite as a primary example of "rule of law failings."
Press Freedom: For the fifth consecutive year, Greece ranks at the bottom of the EU for press freedom. Journalists face frequent SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) and a climate of self-censorship driven by state surveillance concerns.
2. Migration and "Systematic" Pushbacks
Greece’s border policies are perhaps its most condemned human rights issue by international bodies.
ECtHR Rulings: In January 2025, the European Court of Human Rights issued a landmark ruling confirming that Greece’s practice of "pushbacks"—forcefully returning migrants to Turkey without processing asylum claims—is systematic and violates the prohibition of collective expulsion.
The Pylos Shipwreck Investigation: Legal proceedings continue in 2026 regarding the 2023 Pylos shipwreck. While the Greek Naval Court initially hesitated, 17 Coast Guard officers now face charges, though human rights groups warn of a lack of political will for a full, transparent trial.
Technology at Borders: New reports in 2026 highlight the use of AI-driven surveillance and sound cannons at the Evros land border, which the Hellenic Data Protection Authority has flagged for privacy violations.
3. LGBTQ+ Rights and Religious Backlash
Greece has recently become a leader in the region for LGBTQ+ rights, though this has sparked a cultural counter-movement.
Marriage Equality: Following the historic 2024 law legalizing same-sex marriage and adoption, 2025 and 2026 have seen the first wave of families navigating the new system.
Surrogacy Restrictions: In late 2025, the government amended the civil code to specifically prohibit surrogacy for same-sex couples and single men, a move seen as a concession to the powerful Greek Orthodox Church and conservative factions within the ruling party.
Hate Speech: There has been a documented surge in homophobic rhetoric from far-right parties like Spartans and Niki, who have repeatedly proposed bills in Parliament to repeal marriage equality throughout late 2025.
4. Shrinking Space for Civil Society
The Greek government has introduced increasingly restrictive regulations for NGOs, particularly those working on migration.
The "NGO Registry": New legislative changes in January 2026 have effectively criminalized certain activities of unregistered NGOs. Simple misdemeanors (like aiding a migrant's stay) are now elevated to felonies if committed by members of specific migration-focused groups.
Criminalization of Activists: High-profile cases against human rights defenders (such as Panayote Dimitras) remain active in 2026. International observers argue these cases are "politically motivated" to deter activists from documenting border abuses.