Consensus-Building
#26Key Findings
Greece scores relatively poorly in international comparison (rank 26) with regard to consensus-building.
Various government bodies provide expertise during the policy formulation stage. In the absence of a formal expert committee, the government often seeks guidance from the scientific community when challenges arise.
Representatives of capital and labor groups are required to negotiate with the government on labor relations issues. Employer and employee groups are invited to participate in parliamentary committee sessions discussing labor issues, but the government is not obligated to act on the outcomes of consultation talks.
Social welfare and environmental groups have limited involvement in the early policymaking stages. The country has made notable progress in the availability and openness of public data, and is highly ranked for the reusability of government data.
Various government bodies provide expertise during the policy formulation stage. In the absence of a formal expert committee, the government often seeks guidance from the scientific community when challenges arise.
Representatives of capital and labor groups are required to negotiate with the government on labor relations issues. Employer and employee groups are invited to participate in parliamentary committee sessions discussing labor issues, but the government is not obligated to act on the outcomes of consultation talks.
Social welfare and environmental groups have limited involvement in the early policymaking stages. The country has made notable progress in the availability and openness of public data, and is highly ranked for the reusability of government data.
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Graph View
To what extent is the government successful in effectively harnessing the best available scientific knowledge for policymaking purposes?
10
9
9
The government is able to harness the best available scientific knowledge for policymaking purposes.
8
7
6
7
6
In most cases, the government is able to harness the best available scientific knowledge for policymaking purposes.
5
4
3
4
3
Only rarely is the government able to harness the best available scientific knowledge for policymaking purposes.
2
1
1
The government is not able to harness the best available scientific knowledge for policymaking purposes.
In Greece, there is ample opportunity for the formulation and expression of scientific opinions, both in support of and against government initiatives. Universities and research centers in the country operate independently and are not subject to government control.
Historically, the interaction between the scientific community and the government was weak, but significant progress has been made. While evidence-informed policymaking has advanced, it remains somewhat fragmented (Ladi et al., 2022). Various government bodies and non-governmental organizations provide expertise during the policy formulation stage.
For example, the “National Council for Research, Technology, and Innovation” (ESETEK) is a high-ranking expert committee loosely connected to the Ministry of Development, focusing on scientific research, technology, and innovation. In economic and fiscal policy, the Council of Economic Advisors (SOE) and the Hellenic Fiscal Council (EDS), both hosted by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, serve as advisory bodies to the Minister of Finance.
Similar expert committees exist in other policy areas, though the presence of such committees varies widely across ministries. Some ministries have established mechanisms for integrating scientific evidence into policymaking, while others have not.
Even in the absence of a formal expert committee, the government often seeks guidance from the scientific community when challenges arise. A notable example is the government’s collaboration with scientists during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022). The government relied on scientific advice and adopted recommendations on healthcare policy from the Committee of Epidemiologists and the National Committee on Vaccinations, both hosted by the Ministry of Health.
The members of the National Committee on Vaccinations did not always agree, and they were free to express their disagreements. The government, however, retained the responsibility for making final decisions on contested issues. Similarly, in late 2023, the government established a new scientific committee to advise on artificial intelligence, a rapidly emerging challenge for governments and public administrations (Presidency of the Government 2023).
While government officials and non-governmental experts engage with each other, this exchange is infrequent. However, the experts consulted represent a wide range of perspectives, ensuring diversity in the policy advice provided.
In education policy, for example, successive governments have faced strong criticism from academics who disagreed with the education ministers on reform efforts. During the recent economic crisis and its aftermath, academics and teachers, often allied with political parties and trade unions, mobilized students and civil servants against education reforms.
In labor market policy, Greek trade unions frequently consult experts affiliated with their organizations rather than the government. During consultations on new bills, non-governmental experts are invited and consulted both before the bills are submitted to parliament and during discussions in parliamentary committees.
Despite this engagement, the government does not always adopt expert opinions. In Greece’s parliamentary system, characterized by single-party majority governments and infrequent coalition governments, the government may choose not to reconcile differing expert opinions. Instead, it may proceed with its policy agenda and pass legislation that has faced criticism from the scientific community.
Citations:
The website of ESTEK is https://esetek.gov.gr/en/home/
Ladi, S., Panagiotatou, D., and Angelou, A. 2022. “The Greek Ecosystem of Science for Policy.” In EUR 31022 EN, edited by Krieger, K., and Melchor Fernandez, L. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union. https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC128855#:~:text=The%20study%20provides%20a%20mapping,research%20and%20policymaking%20in%20Greece
Presidency of the Government. 2023. “First Session of the Committee on Artificial Intelligence, 25/10/2023.” https://www.primeminister.gr/2023/10/25/32870
Historically, the interaction between the scientific community and the government was weak, but significant progress has been made. While evidence-informed policymaking has advanced, it remains somewhat fragmented (Ladi et al., 2022). Various government bodies and non-governmental organizations provide expertise during the policy formulation stage.
For example, the “National Council for Research, Technology, and Innovation” (ESETEK) is a high-ranking expert committee loosely connected to the Ministry of Development, focusing on scientific research, technology, and innovation. In economic and fiscal policy, the Council of Economic Advisors (SOE) and the Hellenic Fiscal Council (EDS), both hosted by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, serve as advisory bodies to the Minister of Finance.
Similar expert committees exist in other policy areas, though the presence of such committees varies widely across ministries. Some ministries have established mechanisms for integrating scientific evidence into policymaking, while others have not.
Even in the absence of a formal expert committee, the government often seeks guidance from the scientific community when challenges arise. A notable example is the government’s collaboration with scientists during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022). The government relied on scientific advice and adopted recommendations on healthcare policy from the Committee of Epidemiologists and the National Committee on Vaccinations, both hosted by the Ministry of Health.
The members of the National Committee on Vaccinations did not always agree, and they were free to express their disagreements. The government, however, retained the responsibility for making final decisions on contested issues. Similarly, in late 2023, the government established a new scientific committee to advise on artificial intelligence, a rapidly emerging challenge for governments and public administrations (Presidency of the Government 2023).
While government officials and non-governmental experts engage with each other, this exchange is infrequent. However, the experts consulted represent a wide range of perspectives, ensuring diversity in the policy advice provided.
In education policy, for example, successive governments have faced strong criticism from academics who disagreed with the education ministers on reform efforts. During the recent economic crisis and its aftermath, academics and teachers, often allied with political parties and trade unions, mobilized students and civil servants against education reforms.
In labor market policy, Greek trade unions frequently consult experts affiliated with their organizations rather than the government. During consultations on new bills, non-governmental experts are invited and consulted both before the bills are submitted to parliament and during discussions in parliamentary committees.
Despite this engagement, the government does not always adopt expert opinions. In Greece’s parliamentary system, characterized by single-party majority governments and infrequent coalition governments, the government may choose not to reconcile differing expert opinions. Instead, it may proceed with its policy agenda and pass legislation that has faced criticism from the scientific community.
Citations:
The website of ESTEK is https://esetek.gov.gr/en/home/
Ladi, S., Panagiotatou, D., and Angelou, A. 2022. “The Greek Ecosystem of Science for Policy.” In EUR 31022 EN, edited by Krieger, K., and Melchor Fernandez, L. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union. https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC128855#:~:text=The%20study%20provides%20a%20mapping,research%20and%20policymaking%20in%20Greece
Presidency of the Government. 2023. “First Session of the Committee on Artificial Intelligence, 25/10/2023.” https://www.primeminister.gr/2023/10/25/32870
Graph View
To what extent does the government facilitate the participation of trade unions and business organizations in policymaking?
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9
9
The government is able to effectively involve trade unions and business organizations in policy development.
8
7
6
7
6
Most of the time, the government is able to effectively involve trade unions and business organizations in policy development.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is rarely able to effectively involve trade unions and business organizations in policy development.
2
1
1
The government is not able to effectively involve trade unions and business organizations in policy development.
Greece has established executive and legislative mechanisms that involve representatives of capital and labor in expert commissions and public hearings. Legislation adopted in 1990 and amended in 2021 requires that these representatives negotiate with the government on issues such as salaries, wages, and other aspects of labor relations. For example, the National General Collective Labor Agreement (EGSSE) was negotiated and signed by the national social partners in 2021 (Eurofound 2022), incorporating the European Social Partners Framework Agreement on Digitalization (2020). The social partners also established working groups to address digitalization issues, such as the right to disconnect and maintaining legal working hours for remote workers.
When draft legislation on labor issues is submitted to parliament, the “Permanent Committee on Social Affairs” is convened to debate the legislation. Representatives of employers and employees are invited to participate in these committee sessions.
In Greece, all members of the private sector and labor are involved in negotiations. These negotiations occur between associations representing employers – such as SEV (industrialists), ESEE (merchants), and GSEVEE (small firms) – and the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE). Similar negotiations take place between the government and the Confederation of Civil Service Unions (ADEDY) regarding public employee salaries.
Although organizational density in Greece is relatively low (approximately 19%; OECD 2021), collective agreements are extended to cover non-organized employers and employees. These agreements are periodically renegotiated, as they may last between one and three years. Additionally, sector-level negotiations between employers and employees are common.
In cases of labor disputes, the Mediation and Arbitration Agency (OMED), established in 1990, supports collective negotiations and intervenes between conflicting interests.
Since 2022, a new institutional mechanism, the “Council of Social Partners,” has involved representatives of capital and labor in consultations on employment policy. This council is attached to the national Public Employment Service (DYPAS) and can also be convened by the Minister of Labor.
During the economic crisis of the previous decade, the participation of social partners in policymaking was often nominal, with wages, salaries, and other labor-related issues being negotiated between the Greek government and representatives of Greece’s creditors (the “Troika”). However, participation is no longer merely tokenistic.
While the government can balance the interests of capital and labor, it is not obligated to act on the outcomes of consultation talks. The Ministry of Labor alone has the authority to decide on minimum wages and working hours, in line with relevant EU regulations and directives.
Citations:
Eurofound. 2022. “Collective Bargaining and Social Dialogue – Back to Normal in 2021?” https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/en/resources/article/2022/collective-bargaining-and-social-dialogue-back-normal-2021#:~:text=In%20Greece%2C%20the%20National%20General,European%20social%20partners%20(2020)
OECD. 2021. “Greece – Main Indicators and Characteristics of Collective Bargaining.” https://www.oecd.org/employment/collective-bargaining-database-greece.pdf
Sotiropoulos, D. A. 2019. “Political Party–Interest Group Linkages in Greece Before and After the Onset of the Economic Crisis.” Mediterranean Politics 24 (5): 605-625.
The legislation regulating collective agreements between capital and labor is 1896/1990. Ιt was amended in 2021 through Law 4808/2021.
The website of the Ηellenic Federation of Enterprises, i.e. the association of Greek industrialists (SEV), is https://en.sev.org.gr/
The website of the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) is https://gsee.gr/
The website of the Confederation of Civil Service Unions (ADEDY) is https://adedy.gr/
The website of the Mediation and Arbitration Agency (OMED) is https://www.omed.gr
The website of the Hellenic Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen, and Merchants (GSEVEE) is https://www.gsevee.gr/en-us/about
The website of the Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (ESEE) is https://esee.gr/en/home-en/
The website of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs is is
https://www.hellenicparliament.gr/Koinovouleftikes-Epitropes/CommiteeDetailView?CommitteeId=583b7a49-8542-41c0-8e16-e1c22246bfa6
Τhe law adopted in 2022 on the Council of Social Partners is Law 4921/2022.
When draft legislation on labor issues is submitted to parliament, the “Permanent Committee on Social Affairs” is convened to debate the legislation. Representatives of employers and employees are invited to participate in these committee sessions.
In Greece, all members of the private sector and labor are involved in negotiations. These negotiations occur between associations representing employers – such as SEV (industrialists), ESEE (merchants), and GSEVEE (small firms) – and the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE). Similar negotiations take place between the government and the Confederation of Civil Service Unions (ADEDY) regarding public employee salaries.
Although organizational density in Greece is relatively low (approximately 19%; OECD 2021), collective agreements are extended to cover non-organized employers and employees. These agreements are periodically renegotiated, as they may last between one and three years. Additionally, sector-level negotiations between employers and employees are common.
In cases of labor disputes, the Mediation and Arbitration Agency (OMED), established in 1990, supports collective negotiations and intervenes between conflicting interests.
Since 2022, a new institutional mechanism, the “Council of Social Partners,” has involved representatives of capital and labor in consultations on employment policy. This council is attached to the national Public Employment Service (DYPAS) and can also be convened by the Minister of Labor.
During the economic crisis of the previous decade, the participation of social partners in policymaking was often nominal, with wages, salaries, and other labor-related issues being negotiated between the Greek government and representatives of Greece’s creditors (the “Troika”). However, participation is no longer merely tokenistic.
While the government can balance the interests of capital and labor, it is not obligated to act on the outcomes of consultation talks. The Ministry of Labor alone has the authority to decide on minimum wages and working hours, in line with relevant EU regulations and directives.
Citations:
Eurofound. 2022. “Collective Bargaining and Social Dialogue – Back to Normal in 2021?” https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/en/resources/article/2022/collective-bargaining-and-social-dialogue-back-normal-2021#:~:text=In%20Greece%2C%20the%20National%20General,European%20social%20partners%20(2020)
OECD. 2021. “Greece – Main Indicators and Characteristics of Collective Bargaining.” https://www.oecd.org/employment/collective-bargaining-database-greece.pdf
Sotiropoulos, D. A. 2019. “Political Party–Interest Group Linkages in Greece Before and After the Onset of the Economic Crisis.” Mediterranean Politics 24 (5): 605-625.
The legislation regulating collective agreements between capital and labor is 1896/1990. Ιt was amended in 2021 through Law 4808/2021.
The website of the Ηellenic Federation of Enterprises, i.e. the association of Greek industrialists (SEV), is https://en.sev.org.gr/
The website of the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) is https://gsee.gr/
The website of the Confederation of Civil Service Unions (ADEDY) is https://adedy.gr/
The website of the Mediation and Arbitration Agency (OMED) is https://www.omed.gr
The website of the Hellenic Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen, and Merchants (GSEVEE) is https://www.gsevee.gr/en-us/about
The website of the Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (ESEE) is https://esee.gr/en/home-en/
The website of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs is is
https://www.hellenicparliament.gr/Koinovouleftikes-Epitropes/CommiteeDetailView?CommitteeId=583b7a49-8542-41c0-8e16-e1c22246bfa6
Τhe law adopted in 2022 on the Council of Social Partners is Law 4921/2022.
To what extent does the government facilitate the participation of leading social welfare CSOs in policymaking?
10
9
9
The government is able to effectively involve leading social welfare CSOs in policy development.
8
7
6
7
6
Most of the time, the government is able to effectively involve leading social welfare CSOs in policy development.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is rarely able to effectively involve leading social welfare CSOs in policy development.
2
1
1
The government is not able to effectively involve leading social welfare CSOs in policy development.
The involvement of prominent social welfare CSOs in the initial stages of policymaking on key issues is limited.
Greece maintains an official national registry of social welfare CSOs, managed by the National Centre for Social Solidarity (EKKA), a branch of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. However, the registry’s primary purpose is to accredit local social welfare CSOs authorized to carry out welfare tasks, such as childcare and elderly assistance, rather than to facilitate policy consultation. The board of trustees of EKKA includes a representative of the national confederation of persons with disabilities (EKKA 2024). Although government officials sometimes consult social welfare CSOs informally before drafting legislation, formal consultations are infrequent.
There is, however, a legislative mechanism for consultation in Greece. CSOs and interested citizens can participate in the electronic deliberation required before any ministry submits draft legislation to parliament. Ministries, such as the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the newly established Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family (2023), are mandated to upload draft legislation to their official websites and invite public feedback before finalizing the bill for submission to parliament. Following this process, the “Permanent Committee on Social Affairs” is convened to debate the legislation, with representatives of CSOs and social welfare experts invited to participate. Despite these mechanisms, the involvement of leading social welfare CSOs in policy development remains less than desirable.
Citations:
EKKA. 2024. “https://ekka.org.gr/index.php/en/”
The website of the “Permanent Committee on Social Affairs” is https://www.hellenicparliament.gr/Koinovouleftikes-Epitropes/CommiteeDetailView?CommitteeId=583b7a49-8542-41c0-8e16-e1c22246bfa6
Greece maintains an official national registry of social welfare CSOs, managed by the National Centre for Social Solidarity (EKKA), a branch of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. However, the registry’s primary purpose is to accredit local social welfare CSOs authorized to carry out welfare tasks, such as childcare and elderly assistance, rather than to facilitate policy consultation. The board of trustees of EKKA includes a representative of the national confederation of persons with disabilities (EKKA 2024). Although government officials sometimes consult social welfare CSOs informally before drafting legislation, formal consultations are infrequent.
There is, however, a legislative mechanism for consultation in Greece. CSOs and interested citizens can participate in the electronic deliberation required before any ministry submits draft legislation to parliament. Ministries, such as the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the newly established Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family (2023), are mandated to upload draft legislation to their official websites and invite public feedback before finalizing the bill for submission to parliament. Following this process, the “Permanent Committee on Social Affairs” is convened to debate the legislation, with representatives of CSOs and social welfare experts invited to participate. Despite these mechanisms, the involvement of leading social welfare CSOs in policy development remains less than desirable.
Citations:
EKKA. 2024. “https://ekka.org.gr/index.php/en/”
The website of the “Permanent Committee on Social Affairs” is https://www.hellenicparliament.gr/Koinovouleftikes-Epitropes/CommiteeDetailView?CommitteeId=583b7a49-8542-41c0-8e16-e1c22246bfa6
To what extent does the government facilitate the participation of leading environmental CSOs in policymaking?
10
9
9
The government is able to effectively involve leading environmental CSOs in policy development.
8
7
6
7
6
Most of the time, the government is able to effectively involve leading environmental CSOs in policy development.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is rarely able to effectively involve leading environmental CSOs in policy development.
2
1
1
The government is not able to effectively involve leading environmental CSOs in policy development.
Prominent environmental CSOs in Greece have minimal involvement in the early stages of policymaking on crucial environmental issues. Although numerous environmental CSOs exist, they often lack sufficient organizational strength and fail to form lasting alliances.
Criticism of government measures and the mobilization of environmental CSOs against successive governments’ environmental policies and industrial investment plans have occurred but are not systematic. These actions rarely gain nationwide traction and are often confined to local settings (Velegrakis and Frezouli 2016).
For example, in the fall of 2021, an alliance of environmental CSOs mobilized against draft legislation that bureaucratized the registration process for voluntary associations in Greece. Around 300 CSOs, including environmental groups, co-signed a petition and participated in protests (Hellenic Platform for Development 2024).
In the summer of 2022, environmental CSOs critically assessed the government’s “Voluntary National Review on the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” before its submission to the UN. The CSOs also drafted their own review (Presidency of the Hellenic Republic 2022: 16). During this period, the Greek government engaged in systematic consultations with stakeholders, including environmental CSOs. The Ministry of Energy and Environment also held talks with 11 environmental CSOs that opposed the environmental policy measures under preparation.
As in other policy sectors, the relevant ministry is required to upload draft environmental legislation to its official website and solicit feedback from organizations and citizens before finalizing the bill for submission to parliament. Subsequently, there is a legislative mechanism for consulting environmental CSOs, with MPs consulting representatives of environmental CSOs and experts in environmental studies during parliamentary debates. The parliament has also established a “Special Permanent Committee on Environmental Protection” to monitor developments in Greece’s natural environment.
Overall, consistent consultation between environmental CSOs and government officials is lacking, and there is no comprehensive policy to involve these CSOs in policymaking.
The weakness of environmental organizations in Greece is also reflected in the minimal political influence of Green parties, which consistently fall short of the 3% electoral threshold required by electoral law to elect MPs in national elections. The reasons for the electoral failure of Green parties in Greece (van Versendaal 2023) are similar to the challenges faced by environmental CSOs: a lack of a political culture that prioritizes environmental issues, antagonistic political trends that polarize the political party system and society, and persistent internal conflicts within the environmental movement.
Citations:
Greenpeace. 2022. “Press Release on the Meeting of Environmental CSOs with the Minister of Energy and Environment.” https://www.greenpeace.org/greece/issues/perivallon/47046/anakoinosi-perivallontikon-organoseon-synantisi-ypen/
Presidency of the Hellenic Government. 2022. “Voluntary National Review on the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” https://hlpf.un.org/sites/default/files/vnrs/2022/VNR%202022%20Greece%20Report.pdf
Van Versendaal, H. 2023. “Why Greece’s Parties are Failing to Bloom.” He Kathimerini July 30. https://www.ekathimerini.com/in-depth/analysis/1216628/why-greeces-green-parties-are-failing-to-bloom/
Velegrakis, G., and H. Frezouli. 2016. Environmental Conflicts and Social Movements: 12 Greek Case Studies. Athens: Harokopeion University.
The website of the “Special Permanent Committee on Environmental Protection” is https://www.hellenicparliament.gr/Koinovouleftikes-Epitropes/CommiteeDetailView?CommitteeId=9f9d3ea9-40b0-4571-916e-8fa9fde448c7
Criticism of government measures and the mobilization of environmental CSOs against successive governments’ environmental policies and industrial investment plans have occurred but are not systematic. These actions rarely gain nationwide traction and are often confined to local settings (Velegrakis and Frezouli 2016).
For example, in the fall of 2021, an alliance of environmental CSOs mobilized against draft legislation that bureaucratized the registration process for voluntary associations in Greece. Around 300 CSOs, including environmental groups, co-signed a petition and participated in protests (Hellenic Platform for Development 2024).
In the summer of 2022, environmental CSOs critically assessed the government’s “Voluntary National Review on the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” before its submission to the UN. The CSOs also drafted their own review (Presidency of the Hellenic Republic 2022: 16). During this period, the Greek government engaged in systematic consultations with stakeholders, including environmental CSOs. The Ministry of Energy and Environment also held talks with 11 environmental CSOs that opposed the environmental policy measures under preparation.
As in other policy sectors, the relevant ministry is required to upload draft environmental legislation to its official website and solicit feedback from organizations and citizens before finalizing the bill for submission to parliament. Subsequently, there is a legislative mechanism for consulting environmental CSOs, with MPs consulting representatives of environmental CSOs and experts in environmental studies during parliamentary debates. The parliament has also established a “Special Permanent Committee on Environmental Protection” to monitor developments in Greece’s natural environment.
Overall, consistent consultation between environmental CSOs and government officials is lacking, and there is no comprehensive policy to involve these CSOs in policymaking.
The weakness of environmental organizations in Greece is also reflected in the minimal political influence of Green parties, which consistently fall short of the 3% electoral threshold required by electoral law to elect MPs in national elections. The reasons for the electoral failure of Green parties in Greece (van Versendaal 2023) are similar to the challenges faced by environmental CSOs: a lack of a political culture that prioritizes environmental issues, antagonistic political trends that polarize the political party system and society, and persistent internal conflicts within the environmental movement.
Citations:
Greenpeace. 2022. “Press Release on the Meeting of Environmental CSOs with the Minister of Energy and Environment.” https://www.greenpeace.org/greece/issues/perivallon/47046/anakoinosi-perivallontikon-organoseon-synantisi-ypen/
Presidency of the Hellenic Government. 2022. “Voluntary National Review on the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” https://hlpf.un.org/sites/default/files/vnrs/2022/VNR%202022%20Greece%20Report.pdf
Van Versendaal, H. 2023. “Why Greece’s Parties are Failing to Bloom.” He Kathimerini July 30. https://www.ekathimerini.com/in-depth/analysis/1216628/why-greeces-green-parties-are-failing-to-bloom/
Velegrakis, G., and H. Frezouli. 2016. Environmental Conflicts and Social Movements: 12 Greek Case Studies. Athens: Harokopeion University.
The website of the “Special Permanent Committee on Environmental Protection” is https://www.hellenicparliament.gr/Koinovouleftikes-Epitropes/CommiteeDetailView?CommitteeId=9f9d3ea9-40b0-4571-916e-8fa9fde448c7
Graph View
To what extent does the government publish data and information that empowers citizens to hold the government accountable?
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9
9
The government publishes data and information in a manner that empowers citizens to hold the government accountable.
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6
7
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Most of the time, the government publishes data and information in a manner that empowers citizens to hold the government accountable.
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3
4
3
The government rarely publishes data and information in a manner that strengthens citizens to hold the government accountable.
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1
1
The government does not publish data and information in a manner that strengthens citizens’ capacity to hold the government accountable.
The Greek government has developed a comprehensive data strategy as part of its broader “Digital Transformation Bible 2020–2025.” This strategy includes two key axes: one focused on developing data repositories to improve decision-making and administrative services, and the other on promoting open access, reuse, and maximization of public sector data. The strategy aims to “enhance participation, transparency, and public scrutiny, and promote entrepreneurship” (Ministry of Digital Governance 2024). The “Bible” is being implemented through various ongoing projects.
Compared to the previous decade, Greece has made significant progress in the availability, openness, and user-friendliness of public data. For example, the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) provides comparable data on Greece’s economic and social indicators. Additionally, detailed data on public employment in Greece is available through a dedicated website of the Ministry of Interior, which provides prompt updates. For instance, in early January 2024, detailed aggregate data for all categories of public service personnel for November 2023 was made available.
The government has actively encouraged data reuse, developed portals to facilitate interactive feedback and communication, and ensured the production of high-quality government information. As a result, Greece ranks among the OECD’s top ten countries for the openness, usefulness, and reusability of government data (OECD 2019).
Citations:
Greek Government. 2024. “Open Data.” https://digitalstrategy.gov.gr/en/sector/open_data
Ministry of Digital Governance. 2021. “Digital Transformation Bible 2020-2025.” https://digitalstrategy.gov.gr/en/vivlos_pdf?page=78
Ministry of Interior. 2024. “Statistical Data on Public Sector Personnel.”
OECD. 2019. “Open Government Data.” https://www.oecd.org/gov/digital-government/open-government-data.htm
The website of the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) is https://www.statistics.gr/en/home/
Compared to the previous decade, Greece has made significant progress in the availability, openness, and user-friendliness of public data. For example, the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) provides comparable data on Greece’s economic and social indicators. Additionally, detailed data on public employment in Greece is available through a dedicated website of the Ministry of Interior, which provides prompt updates. For instance, in early January 2024, detailed aggregate data for all categories of public service personnel for November 2023 was made available.
The government has actively encouraged data reuse, developed portals to facilitate interactive feedback and communication, and ensured the production of high-quality government information. As a result, Greece ranks among the OECD’s top ten countries for the openness, usefulness, and reusability of government data (OECD 2019).
Citations:
Greek Government. 2024. “Open Data.” https://digitalstrategy.gov.gr/en/sector/open_data
Ministry of Digital Governance. 2021. “Digital Transformation Bible 2020-2025.” https://digitalstrategy.gov.gr/en/vivlos_pdf?page=78
Ministry of Interior. 2024. “Statistical Data on Public Sector Personnel.”
OECD. 2019. “Open Government Data.” https://www.oecd.org/gov/digital-government/open-government-data.htm
The website of the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) is https://www.statistics.gr/en/home/