Greece is introducing stricter enforcement measures against draft evasion and military desertion, with fines reaching up to €6,000 and tax authorities now playing a central role in collecting penalties.

Under a new joint decision by the Ministries of Finance and National Defense, fines imposed for military-related violations will now be treated like any other public debt owed to the state. This means unpaid penalties may be collected through standard tax enforcement procedures.

Authorities estimate that more than 37,000 draft evasion cases are currently pending across the country.

Automatic Tax Registration and Collection

The financial penalty will be imposed by the director of the relevant military recruitment office and formally communicated to the individual involved.

The decision will include personal details such as the person’s tax identification number, military registration number, the legal basis of the violation and the amount owed.

The case will then be transferred to the tax office for formal registration and collection of the debt.

Even citizens without a tax identification number will not avoid the process. Under the new framework, tax authorities will first issue a tax number and then proceed with registering the debt.

Fines Reach €6,000

Individuals declared draft evaders face an administrative fine of €6,000, while reservists who fail to meet their obligations face fines of €1,000.

In cases of military desertion, the fine is set at €1,000 for each month of absence and can reach a total of €6,000.

If the desertion lasts less than one month, the amount will be calculated proportionally on a daily basis.

The administrative sanctions do not replace criminal penalties, which continue to apply under Greece’s Military Penal Code.

Additional Restrictions Beyond Financial Penalties

The new measures also include a series of administrative restrictions for those classified as draft evaders.

Among the penalties:

• Certain military deferments linked to studies or social reasons will not be granted.
• Military status certificates will not be issued.
• Individuals may be banned from leaving the country or working on international shipping routes.
• Passports may not be issued or renewed, except in specific cases involving Greeks permanently living abroad.

Those convicted irrevocably of draft evasion or desertion may also lose the right to vote and be barred from professions requiring a state-issued license.

When Fines Can Be Cancelled

The new framework also outlines procedures for cancelling or deleting fines in certain situations, including:

• Resolution of the military status issue
• Incorrect imposition of a penalty
• Death of the individual involved