Covid-19 impact on civil and insolvency matters

Greece
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European Judicial Network
European Judicial Network (in civil and commercial matters)

1 Covid-19 impact on civil proceedings

1.1 Time limits in civil proceedings

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1.2 Judicial organization and Judiciary

By Ministerial Decision, all procedures carried out before the Greek courts and their services are suspended until 15 May 2020, with the exception of urgent and significant actions and cases.

The procedures carried out before the District Civil Courts and their services were suspended until 10 May 2020.

The operation of the judicial services is limited only to the necessary actions to carry out the necessary work and urgent cases.

Meetings and any other action related to the operation of the judiciary is carried out remotely, if possible, using technological means. IT communication tools and applications have been provided in order to secure video conferencing, and teleworking of judges, prosecutors and other legal actors.

Electronic submission of an application for the issuance of certificates is available in some of the major courts. In that case, citizens and lawyers have the opportunity to receive them electronically through a web portal.

1.3 EU Judicial Cooperation

Precautionary and containment measures have been adopted by the Greek Government in order to address the danger of the spread of the coronavirus, its socio-economic impact and to ensure the good functioning of the market and the public sector.

The Ministry of Justice, in its capacity as Central Authority under Civil Law Conventions/Treaties and in compliance with EU Regulations on Judicial Cooperation in Civil and Commercial Matters, has established a mixed system of remote working and physical attendance at the workplace in rotation.

Until now, the Central Authority is almost fully operational, although occasional delays in processing some requests are inevitable due to the persisting health crisis.

2 Insolvency related measures adopted or planned for adoption in member states after the outbreak of the pandemic

2.1 Substantive insolvency measures and related contracts affecting measure

2.1.1 Insolvency suspension

2.1.1.1 Suspension of duty to file for insolvency (debtors)

All relevant procedures are suspended from the 7th until the 30th of November 2020.

2.1.1.2 Protection of debtors about insolvency filing from creditors

All relevant procedures are suspended from the 7th until the 30th of November 2020.

2.1.2 Claim enforcement suspension and contract termination suspension

2.1.2.1 General / specific moratoria on claims enforcement / certain types of claims enforcement

All enforcement proceedings are suspended from the 7th until the 30th of November 2020.

2.1.2.2 Suspension of contract termination (general / specific contracts)

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2.2 Civil, including insolvency courts suspension and procedural suspensions

All courts’ hearing procedure were temporary suspended for public health protection reasons.

from the 7th until the 30th of November 2020. Suspension of insolvency proceedings from the 7th until the 30th of November 2020.

2.3 Other insolvency measures (those relating to avoidance actions, reorganization plans, informal agreements, and others if appropriate)

The Union of Greek Banks and the Minister of Finance has agreed that the banks will waive repayment of capital instalments under loan agreements with enterprises affected by the coronavirus pandemic, upon the debtor’s application.

2.4 Related non-insolvency measures (payment deferrals, bank loans, social security, health insurance, business subsidies)

For entities that have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic and their employees (as well as individuals who rent premises to such affected enterprises):

  • Extension of time for payments of tax without the accrual of interest or penalties
  • Extension of time for payment of social security contributions.
Last update: 22/10/2021

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