Law 5344/2026 (Government Gazette A΄ 168/16.10.2026) reforms mediation and arbitration, strengthening opportunities to resolve disputes before they are heard in court.
From 1 March 2027, the mandatory preliminary procedure will apply, subject to the statutory conditions and exceptions, to:
• Certain family disputes.
• Property and other civil disputes within the categories specified in Article 614 of the Greek Code of Civil Procedure.
• Certain inheritance disputes.
• Claims under the ordinary procedure before the Single-Member Court of First Instance exceeding €20,000, and claims falling within the jurisdiction of the Multi-Member Court of First Instance.
• Certain corporate disputes, including company dissolution and the rights of withdrawing or excluded partners.
Specific provisions also cover certain disputes concerning the correction of initial cadastral registrations between private parties and the Greek State, local authorities or public-law entities. These disputes are subject exclusively to a mandatory introductory mediation session.
Participation in the prescribed initial procedure is a prerequisite for the claim to be heard in court. Reaching a settlement remains voluntary.
For individuals, businesses and legal practitioners, the reform makes early case assessment, evidence gathering and procedural planning increasingly important. The Code’s individual provisions take effect in stages.