The visit covered a wide range of topics, including media freedom and safety of journalists, migration policies, human rights and equal treatment, the use of spyware, the rule of law, and the fight against corruption. At the end of the visit, the Chair of the delegation Sophie IN ‘T VELD (RE, NL) issued the following statement on behalf of the delegation.

“The members of the delegation express their deep condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the tragedy at Tempi. We also wish to pay respect to the Greek people. The words “Pare me otan phtaseis” have become the expression of the immense pain and grief, of the disbelief of so many young lives lost. This tragedy affects the nation as a whole. As Europeans we stand with the Greeks.

The delegation is grateful for the rich and frank exchange with all interlocutors. It regrets that the Prime Minister, government ministers, police representatives, the Supreme Court Prosecutor and other officials were unavailable or refused to meet.

Although Greece has a solid institutional and legal framework, a vibrant civil society and independent media, the delegation notes that there are very serious threats to the rule of law and fundamental rights. Checks and balances, essential for a robust democracy, are under heavy pressure. Scrutiny by dedicated bodies and by free press is hollowed out, justice is extremely slow and ineffective, leading to a culture of impunity. Corruption is eroding public services and…