The Special Secretariat for Alternative Dispute Resolution (SGEAD) of the Ministry of Justice organized an informational workshop titled “Strengthening the Institution of Mediation: the Mediation Training Program”, implemented in cooperation with the Recovery and Resilience Fund, as part of the action “Acceleration of Justice Delivery.” The event took place on October 22, 2025, at the Seventh Event Venue.
In her opening remarks, the Special Secretary for Alternative Dispute Resolution of the Ministry of Justice, Ms. Olympia Anastasopoulou, highlighted the objectives of the workshop: the dissemination of the institution of mediation, the transformation of the Greek mindset, and the promotion of recourse to out-of-court dispute resolution processes. In her subsequent speech entitled “Alternative Dispute Resolution: The Path to Outreach and Investment Solutions,” Ms. Anastasopoulou emphasized that while Greece has not yet reached the full potential of alternative dispute resolution, the necessary framework has
now been established. Strengthening mediation constitutes a strategic choice of the Ministry of Justice, forming part of a holistic approach to streamlining judicial workload, enhancing public trust, and reinforcing the Rule of Law. Greece is the only country worldwide with a dedicated institutional framework for a Secretariat, which demonstrates the significance of this initiative for a reliable, modern, outward-looking system of alternative dispute resolution through institutional, organizational, and digital upgrades of the methods, targeted legislative initiatives (e.g., Law 5197/2025, Articles 11 and 59), and the adoption of the unitary model (a unified system of domestic and international arbitration) to attract investment. The key to success lies in the adoption of best
international practices with a focus on the public and the mediation community in Greece.
The Special Secretary also presented the implementation timeline, specifying that applications from beneficiaries would be submitted from October 30 to November 13, 2025, with provisional results published on November 14. The period for submitting any objections was set from November 15 to 19, and the final results will be posted after the completion of the objections review process. The commencement of courses is scheduled for December 1, 2025, onwards.
The President of the Plenary of Presidents of Bar Associations of Greece and of the Athens Bar Association, Mr. Dimitris Vervesos, elaborated on why Bar Associations and the Plenary of Presidents support mediation and arbitration. He referenced Articles 130 and 132 of the Lawyers’ Code, the establishment of the first mediation centers initiated by Bar Associations, the high proportion of lawyers on the list of mediators (90%), and the contribution of lawyers to the emerging Code of Alternative Dispute Resolution. As a result, the participation in the first co-funded training program for 12,000 lawyers will provide knowledge and skills on various forms of alternative dispute resolution and raise awareness among the legal profession and civil society.
The Head of the Ministry of Justice’s NSRF Executive Structure, Mr. Nikos Vasileiou, described the workshop as the inaugural event for actions funded by the Recovery and Resilience Fund aimed at strengthening institutions. This action includes two projects: (a) the development of an information system primarily to support mediation centers free of charge, and secondarily to become a long-term asset of the Ministry of Justice, and (b) the dissemination of information to lawyers, trainee lawyers, and accredited mediators on mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods. The success of these projects relies on the close cooperation between the Plenary of Presidents of Bar Associations, the representatives of the companies Knowledge Society and Next.com, and the assistance of Ms. Karina Apostolidou, a lawyer and experienced NSRF project manager.
The Technical Advisor (CEO) of Knowledge Society Single-Member Ltd, Mr. Petros Balios, presented the training process, the environment, and the operation of the electronic platform lawtrain.gr, through which interested participants will submit their applications online. Mr. Balios emphasized that “the Mediation Training Program is not merely an educational initiative but a means of strengthening the institution and transforming judicial culture in the country. It is in the hands of all of us—institutions, professionals, and citizens—to make Mediation an integral part of the modern Rule of Law and a pillar of Social Cohesion.”
Also present and participating in the discussion were Mr. Socratis Tsachiridis, Accredited Mediator and Trainer at KEDIVIM – Panteion University, and Ms. Anna Zournatzi, Member of the Board of the Athens Bar Association and President of AKKED-PROMETHEAS.
The event was honored by the presence of the Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Pelops Laskos; the President of the Piraeus Bar Association, Mr. Ilias Klappas; the Vice President of the Athens Bar Association, Mr. Dimitrios Anastasopoulos; the Deputy Mayor of Alimos, Mr. Ioannis Mariolis; former Vice President of the Athens Bar Association, Mr. Themistoklis Sofos, LL.M.; former Secretary General of the Board of the Athens Bar Association, Ms. Christina Kontouri; Legal Counsel to the Minister of Justice, Mr. Socratis Mergianos; Legal Counsel to the Minister of Justice, Ms. Angeliki Karageorgou; COO of Nextcom, Mr. Nikos Thomos; and Head of Unit of the NSRF Executive Structure, Mr. Anastasios Kiamos.
Additionally, Heads and Staff from the Ministry of Justice and the country’s Judicial Services, Regional Representatives, Members of Bar Associations, Members of the Central Mediation Committee (KED), Members of OPED, Bank and Financial Chamber employees, law firms, and companies also attended.
