Greece runs two parallel systems depending on where the request comes from — and which one applies changes your entire defense strategy.
Greece’s implementation of the EU Framework Decision on the European Arrest Warrant, governing surrender between member states.
For a defined list of serious offences meeting a minimum sentence threshold, Greek courts do not check dual criminality before surrender.
Once arrested, you are brought before the Public Prosecutor at the Court of Appeal — not a local magistrate’s court.
The Judicial Council of the Court of Appeal decides whether surrender proceeds, generally on a compressed timeline compared to ordinary extradition.
Greece is party to the 1957 European Convention on Extradition and separate bilateral treaties with around 14 non-EU states, including the US, Australia, Brazil, and Mexico.
Where no treaty exists, Articles 436 et seq. of the Greek Code of Criminal Procedure apply directly, and fill gaps in treaty-based cases too.
Unlike the EAW catalog offences, non-EU extradition generally requires the alleged conduct to be a crime under both countries’ laws.
Most of Greece’s treaties limit how deeply Greek courts examine the underlying merits of the foreign case itself.
Greek law recognises several statutory bars — but which ones are realistically available depends heavily on whether you’re facing an EAW or a traditional extradition request.
Where Greek authorities request an INTERPOL notice for someone abroad, in support of a request to bring them back to Greece.
Where a foreign notice concerns someone travelling through or living in Greece, with knock-on effects for banking, residency, or travel.
Notices can be challenged before the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files regardless of your location. See our full CCF appeal guide →
An EAW applies between EU member states and follows a fast-track process under Law 3251/2004 with limited grounds to refuse. Ordinary extradition applies to non-EU requests and follows treaty law plus the Greek Code of Criminal Procedure, generally requiring dual criminality.
Yes. Representation is provided by the network lawyer admitted to practice in Greece, working together with the rest of the network on strategy.
Greek law does not set an absolute constitutional bar. Nationality weighs heavily in traditional extradition requests, but Greek nationals can still be surrendered under an EAW for prosecution in another EU state.
EAW cases are designed to move in weeks rather than months. Traditional extradition to non-EU countries can take considerably longer, particularly where appeals are involved.
Yes, though the available routes and deadlines differ between EAW and traditional extradition cases — early legal advice is important given how compressed EAW timelines can be.
Speak with us confidentially before your next hearing or deadline.