Mediation In
Vélo, Peloponnese

State Laws

Mediation in the North Aegean operates under national legislation and regional regulations. The region has implemented the national Mediation Act at the regional level. The North Aegean has specific provisions for court annexed mediation. The region promotes mediation as an alternative to litigation. The regional judiciary has implemented mediation programmes in many courts. The region provides funding for mediation programmes in family and commercial disputes.

Court-Mandated Programs

The North Aegean has mandatory mediation programmes in family courts. Courts may refer parties to mediation in commercial disputes. The region has court annexed mediation programmes in Mytilene and throughout the islands. Courts can adjourn proceedings to allow mediation to occur. The regional judiciary actively promotes mediation. Courts may consider costs orders where parties unreasonably refuse to mediate. On 15 October 2026 Parliament adopted the Code of Alternative Dispute Resolution, which repeals the mediation provisions of Law 4640/2019 from 1 January 2027. The Code widens the mandatory initial mediation session to most ordinary procedure claims above EUR 20,000 before the single member first instance court, all multi member first instance disputes and further family, property, inheritance, company and higher value motor vehicle claims, and raises the session fee from EUR 50 to EUR 150; employment disputes stay outside the requirement.

Licensing Requirements

Mediators in the North Aegean must comply with national requirements. The Ministry of Justice provides certification for mediators. The region has additional requirements for family mediators in court connected programmes. Mediators must complete training programmes approved by the Ministry. Continuing professional development must maintain accreditation.

Local Court Systems

The North Aegean has a court system with the Court of Appeal, High Courts, and District Courts. The region has implemented mediation programmes in many courts. Courts in Mytilene and throughout the islands have ADR programmes and mediation schemes. Local courts may have specific mediation programmes and referral procedures.

Legal Framework

Mediation in Greece follows the Code of Civil Procedure and the Mediation Act of 2010. The Act defines mediation as a voluntary and confidential process for resolving disputes. Greece has a developing court annexed mediation system. The Code of Civil Procedure contains provisions for court annexed mediation. Family mediation is regulated by specific provisions in the Family Code. The Act provides a legal framework for mediation, including confidentiality provisions and the enforceability of mediation agreements. Law 5344/2026, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Code (Κώδικας Εναλλακτικής Επίλυσης Διαφορών - ΚΕΕΔ), was enacted on 15 October 2026 (ΦΕΚ Α′ 168/16.10.2026), the first unified and systematic codification of arbitration, mediation and judicial mediation in Greek law. The Code replaces the Mandatory Initial Session (Υ.Α.Σ.) with an Introductory Mediation Session (Εισαγωγική Συνεδρία) and introduces a mediator's non-binding settlement proposal mechanism. Article 15 sets the catalogue of disputes subject to mandatory mediation: family disputes under Article 592 of the Code of Civil Procedure, patrimonial disputes under Article 614, succession disputes, claims under the ordinary procedure above €20,000, all claims heard by multi-member panels, company disputes under Law 4072/2012, and road traffic claims involving serious injury or death up to €60,000. Under Article 16 mediation is the default route for these disputes unless the parties agree otherwise. Since 16 September 2025 mandatory mediation also applies to the State and municipalities in cadastral disputes. The Code creates a Unified Digital Mediation Portal, electronic mediator registries and Judicial Mediation Offices in the Courts of Appeal of Athens, Thessaloniki and Piraeus.

While Greece operates under this legal framework, The Olive Branch's remote mediators bypass local court backlogs by providing swift, confidential, and mutually agreed-upon resolutions online.

Court System

Greek courts encourage mediation before proceeding to trial. Courts may refer parties to mediation and can adjourn proceedings to allow mediation to occur. Court-annexed mediation is available in major cities. The judiciary is implementing mediation programmes in many courts, particularly in family courts. Judges may suggest mediation at any stage of proceedings. Courts may consider costs orders where parties unreasonably refuse to mediate. The court system works with professional mediators and mediation organisations. Under Law 5344/2026, Judicial Mediation Offices operate within the Courts of Appeal of Athens, Thessaloniki and Piraeus, and a court may fine a party for unjustified absence from the Introductory Mediation Session.

Mediator Regulations

Mediators in Greece are not required to be lawyers, but many are. The Ministry of Justice provides certification for mediators. To become a certified mediator, one must complete training programmes approved by the Ministry. The training includes theoretical and practical components, typically 40+ hours. Certified mediators must complete continuing education requirements. There are several professional associations for mediators in Greece, including the Greek Mediation Association (Ελληνικός Σύνδεσμος Διαμεσολάβησης). Mediators must adhere to ethical codes of conduct. Article 123 of Law 5344/2026 introduces a three-tier certification system for mediators, with registration held on electronic mediator registries administered through the Unified Digital Mediation Portal.

Cultural Approach

Greek mediation culture emphasises relationship preservation and consensus. There is growing acceptance of mediation as an alternative to litigation. The approach tends to be informal and facilitative. Greek mediators often take a neutral role in helping parties reach agreements. The cultural context values harmony and preserving relationships. Family mediation is particularly well developed. Commercial mediation is gaining acceptance in business circles.

Typical Costs

Commercial mediation in Greece typically costs EUR €150-300 per hour or daily rates of EUR €1,000-2,500. Family mediation typically costs EUR €120-250 per hour. Court-annexed mediation may be subsidised or available at reduced rates. Small claims mediation may be free or low-cost. Costs are typically shared between parties unless otherwise agreed. Legal Aid (νομική βοήθεια) may be available for family mediation in eligible cases. Mediation costs are generally tax-deductible for businesses. The cost savings compared to litigation are significant. Under Law 5344/2026, unjustified absence from the Introductory Mediation Session attracts a fine of €100 to €1,000 payable to ΤΑΧΔΙΚ, rising to €500 to €1,000 in cadastral disputes.