Council of State decision on the NGO Registry in Greece
The Council of State (StE) recently issued an important decision regarding the Registry of Greek and Foreign Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) operating in our country. The court examined the legality of the rules concerning the registration and operation of these organizations, which provide services to asylum seekers.
A specific provision of the law was at the center of the court's decision. According to it, the Secretary General for the Reception of Asylum Seekers had the right to evaluate various elements and decide on the registration or deletion of an organization from the official Registry. The Council of State ruled that certain points of this process are unconstitutional.
The judges emphasized that the NGO oversight process must be more transparent and based on specific criteria. This decision aims to protect the rule of law, ensuring that administrative decisions are not arbitrary but follow the principles of equality and legality.
The supreme court's decision is expected to bring about changes in the way the state cooperates with NGOs. The competent authorities will now have to adjust the operational framework of the Registry so that it is in accordance with the instructions of the Council of State.