Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to meet with the country’s university rectors this afternoon at the Maximos Mansion, in a high-level discussion focused on tackling unlawful activity within higher education institutions.

The Prime Minister is expected to call for full cooperation from university administrations in addressing persistent issues of lawlessness on campuses. According to government sources, this meeting will reinforce the administration’s position that further institutional and financial support for universities depends on active engagement by rectors in maintaining order.

Campus Safety in the Spotlight

The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts to restore security and lawful conduct in academic institutions. In the region of Attica alone, 26 unauthorized student “squats” or self-managed spaces have been cleared over the past six years, leading to more than 470 arrests. In 2023, ten spaces were returned to university control — most notably, the occupied cafeteria of Athens Law School. Prime Minister Mitsotakis previously praised the rector’s role in restoring the space, presenting it as a model for future collaboration.

The government’s stance is increasingly firm. Mitsotakis has reportedly warned that rectors who fail to act will face consequences. Today’s meeting will likely reinforce that message.

Tightening Accountability and Funding Conditions

The Prime Minister and the Ministry of Education are expected to emphasize the importance of strict monitoring of campus safety plans, with evaluations scheduled on a weekly and monthly basis. Institutions will be held accountable for the use of €10 million in government funds allocated in 2021 for safety improvements.

Future financial support will depend on transparent reporting and demonstrable progress, according to government officials. Universities that fall behind on security planning could face sanctions.

Legislative Measures and Disciplinary Reforms

Greek Minister of Education and Religious Affairs Sofia Zacharaki will also attend the meeting. Earlier this month, she outlined a comprehensive seven-point plan to combat university lawlessness, which includes significant disciplinary and administrative reforms. A draft bill containing these measures is ready and will soon be submitted to Parliament.

Key proposals include:

  • Establishment of a single disciplinary council at each institution.
  • Swift disciplinary proceedings, completed within two months.
  • Student suspension for up to 24 months in cases involving violence or major property damage, with automatic expulsion following final criminal convictions.
  • Sanctions for rectors and academic staff who neglect legal obligations.
  • Mandatory security plan submission and updates by July.
  • Creation of a Violence Monitoring Observatory within the Ministry of Education.
  • Full activation of university security units.
  • Mandatory use of academic ID cards for campus entry.
  • Introduction of criminal penalties for campus violence.
  • Financial restitution by students responsible for damaging university property, with debts referred to tax authorities if unpaid.