This bulletin was prepared by our Greek member firm Papachatzis | Bairaktaris.

On 9 September 2026, the Greek Ministry of Justice placed the Draft Code of Alternative Dispute Resolution under public consultation, proposing a unified framework for arbitration, mediation and judicial mediation.

Among its key innovations, the Draft Code significantly expands mandatory pre-trial ADR, introduces sanctions for unjustified non-attendance, establishes a new mechanism for mediator settlement proposals and modernises Greece’s arbitration framework in closer alignment with the UNCITRAL Model Law.

However, the proposed framework also raises important legal and practical questions — particularly regarding limitation periods, confidentiality, transitional rules and the operation of judicial mediation.

Our Greek member firm Papachatzis | Bairaktaris participated in the public consultation and examined the Draft Code’s principal innovations, as well as provisions that they believe require further consideration.

Find their full article here and a summary below:

• A unified framework for ADR
  • The Draft Code brings together arbitration, mediation and judicial mediation in a single legislative framework, with common principles on confidentiality, party autonomy and good faith
• Expanded Mandatory Pre-Trial ADR
  • For a wide range of civil and commercial disputes, parties would be required to attempt mediation or judicial mediation before the case can proceed to a hearing, with limited exceptions
• Non-Attendance May Result in Sanctions
  • Unjustified failure to attend the initial mediation session may lead to a fine of €100 – €1,000 and potential consequences on legal costs
• The Mediator’s Proposal
  • When negotiations reach an impasse, the mediator may submit a written settlement proposal, with potential costs consequences if it is unreasonably rejected and the final judgment is similar
• A Modern Arbitration Framework
  • The Draft Code introduces updated rules on interim measures, joinder, third-party funding and the recognition of foreign awards, aligning more closely with the UNCITRAL Model Law

Key Points of Concern

The Draft Code raises several issues, including:

• Whether limitation periods remain protected during mandatory ADR;
• The extent of confidentiality;
• Transitional rules and potential overlap with existing regimes; and
• The practical operation of judicial mediation.

It is an ambitious reform and could signicifantly reshape dispute resolution in Greece, although important questions remain.

Get in touch with the team at Papachatzis | Bairaktaris if you have any questions or would like to learn more about this development.