Greece’s Ministries of Justice and National Defense have signed an agreement to repurpose military facilities no longer required for operational purposes for use by the country’s judicial services.
Justice Minister Georgios Floridis and Deputy Minister of National Defense Thanasis Davakis signed the cooperation agreement on Wednesday, September 2, at a ceremony held in the “Ioannis Kapodistrias” hall at the Ministry of National Defense.
Floridis described the agreement as the beginning of an ambitious new building program for the Ministry of Justice.
“I believe that through this agreement, it will be possible to fully renovate the spaces and buildings where justice is administered in Greece, thereby making a substantial contribution to strengthening the rule of law in our country,” Floridis said.
He added that the Justice Ministry was pleased that the Defense Ministry’s leadership had responded to its needs and requests, describing the initiative as ambitious and challenging but achievable.
Military properties to support the justice system
Davakis said the agreement represents a significant step toward stronger cooperation between the two ministries and more rational management of public property.
Under the agreement, available spaces and properties belonging to the Ministry of National Defense will be used and upgraded to address the accommodation needs of the justice system and create modern, functional facilities for the country’s judicial authorities.
The deputy defense minister described the initiative as being based on the principle of mutual benefit.
“On the one hand, the Justice system acquires the infrastructure it deserves, while on the other, the Ministry of National Defense secures the fair and prescribed compensation for the transfer of the use of its property,” Davakis said.
He added that the resulting resources would help support military personnel and cover the needs of the armed forces.
Former military sites already identified
Davakis pointed to several properties as examples of the initiative, including the historic buildings of the Former Hellenic Army Academy (Evelpidon), which currently house the Athens Court of First Instance.
He also cited the former Zisimopoulos Military Camp in Nafplio and Mantouvalos Camp in Gytheio as key projects demonstrating the value of cooperation between the two ministries.
Floridis said the agreement would allow the Justice Ministry to improve court facilities across Greece, while Davakis said the initiative could create long-term benefits for the national economy, the justice system and society through more effective use of public resources.
Both officials thanked the ministries’ staff and services involved in advancing and completing the agreement.
