GREECE Law and Practice Contributed by: John Kyriakides, Vicky Kriketou, Angeliki Stryftou and Konstantinos Lygkonis, Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm
beyond doubt, common knowledge, or previously determined in other cases. In exceptional circum- stances, the court may order hearings for witness examination but generally relies on written submis- sions when determining the truth and reaching its judgment. 7.5 Expert Testimony Expert testimony is a recognised form of evidence in Greek civil proceedings. The court may appoint one or more experts to clarify technical or specialised issues, particularly when highly specialised knowl- edge is required or requested by a party with written motion. Experts are selected from a court-maintained list, and parties may also appoint their own techni- cal advisors to assist them who can provide opinions orally at hearings or in written reports rebutting expert testimonies. Parties may submit independent expert reports even if the court has not ordered expert evidence, although such reports are not binding. All expert evidence is considered probative, and parties may comment on or challenge the findings during the proceedings. 7.6 Extent to Which Hearings Are Open to the Public Civil hearings in Greece are generally open to the pub- lic, promoting transparency in judicial proceedings. However, transcripts of hearings are not automatically published, and court decisions are typically accessi- ble only to the parties and their legal representatives, or to third parties with a legitimate interest, unless intentionally released by the court for the purpose of creating jurisprudence or published by lawyers in legal journals. Judges may limit public access when neces- sary to safeguard privacy, protect sensitive informa- tion – such as in family law, labour disputes, or cases involving commercial secrets – or to prevent disclo- sure that could contravene public policy or accepted moral standards. 7.7 Level of Intervention by a Judge In ordinary proceedings, the process is largely writ- ten, based on the submission of pleadings and sup- porting evidence before the hearing. Oral arguments and witness examination are generally avoided and take place only under certain circumstances, and the
judge’s involvement is relatively limited compared with special proceedings, which are primarily conducted orally. In proceedings involving oral hearings, such as in spe- cial proceedings, Greek judges take a more proactive role. They may question witnesses, seek clarifications, direct the presentation of evidence, and oversee pro- cedural matters. While civil judgments are usually reserved and issued in writing after deliberation, the court may render an immediate decision in urgent cases, such as interim measures, to address imminent risks and provide prompt relief. 7.8 General Timeframes for Proceedings Civil litigation in Greece follows a structured process, beginning with the filing of a writ that outlines the claimant’s arguments (factual and legal basis) and requested relief. The plaintiff must serve the writ upon the defendant within 30 days for domestic residents, or 60 days for foreign or unknown-residence parties. Both parties are then required to submit their briefs and supporting evidence within 120 days for domestic residents and 180 days for foreign or unknown-resi- dence parties, with the option to file rebuttals. Following this, the court schedules a hearing, typically 12-16 months later in commercial cases, where no oral advocacy or witness cross-examination occurs. Parties may submit a memorandum of new facts up to 20 days before the scheduled hearing, with the opposing party allowed a rebuttal up to 15 days prior. After the hearing, the court deliberates and issues a judgment, which is generally required to be delivered within eight months, although delays are common, particularly in major cities. The judgment is formally served to the other party, usually by the most dili- gent litigant. Certain disputes, such as those in labour law, family law, or property leasing, are resolved more quickly, with hearings conducted orally and witness testimony presented directly before the court.
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