The Greek government has called for faster legal procedures to support victims and families affected by major national tragedies, in a move aimed at reducing years-long court delays.
In a letter sent on April 22, 2026, Kyriakos Pierrakakis urged the Legal Council of the State to accelerate the handling of pending cases related to disasters in Mati, Mandra and Tempi.
The initiative seeks to provide relief to individuals who have remained entangled in lengthy legal disputes for years. It also extends beyond these specific cases to include other legal proceedings considered unnecessary or unlikely to succeed.
According to the letter, authorities are encouraged to prioritize out-of-court settlements and amicable resolutions, as well as requests to withdraw legal appeals. The aim is to avoid prolonged litigation in cases lacking strong legal grounds and to ensure faster compensation for those affected.
The move builds on previous legislative efforts addressing the disasters in Mati and Mandra, and aligns with a recent cabinet decision on handling cases related to Tempi. Under this policy, the state commits to refraining from pursuing appeals in compensation cases or withdrawing those already filed, facilitating quicker outcomes.
Early results suggest the approach is already having an impact. Since the adoption of the relevant measures, dozens of settlements have been processed, with total payments to beneficiaries reaching over €5.4 million—an increase compared to previous figures recorded in late 2025.
