The Administration of the Athens Court of Appeals — Greece’s largest appellate court — presented its annual report for the 2025–2026 judicial year at a special event. The report outlines efforts to upgrade services with the overarching goal of delivering higher-quality, faster justice. According to court leadership, this strategy rests on three key pillars: the creation of a dedicated criminal division to expedite case resolution; the digital transformation of services through new technological tools; and the comprehensive renovation of the court’s 11-story building, which spans 75,000 square meters.
Leadership and Operational Overview
The presentation was led by members of the Court’s three-member Administration: President Sofia Lignou, and appellate judges Dimitris Kontopoulos and Kostas Sargiotis, alongside department heads, secretaries, and administrative staff. Senior judges discussed ongoing initiatives at the country’s largest judicial complex, as well as plans for future projects. They also acknowledged persistent operational challenges — including managing daily foot traffic of approximately 5,000 citizens — underscoring the scale and complexity of their responsibilities.
Innovation in Data Protection
Judge Kostas Sargiotis highlighted a new, ambitious initiative to anonymize judicial decisions using artificial intelligence, aiming to fully safeguard personal data and uphold privacy rights. A cooperation memorandum with the Ministry of Digital Policy is expected to formalize this effort.
Critical Support from the Hellenic Red Cross
Special recognition was extended to the Hellenic Red Cross for its vital support at the Athens Court of Appeals. As noted by Pelopas Laskos, General Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, the organization saved 11 lives across Greek courts this year alone. At the Athens Court, social workers from the Red Cross creatively engage minors during their mothers’ trials. A permanent Red Cross team — comprising one doctor, four rescuers, and a social worker — operates at the ‘Gaipolis’ Conference Center, where hearings in the Tempe rail disaster case are held.
In cases involving specialized dialects — particularly Amharic, Urdu, and Swahili — where professional interpreters are unavailable, Red Cross volunteers step in to provide interpretation services.
A Symbol of Justice
“The Athens Court of Appeals is both a cornerstone of Greek society and the cutting edge of our justice system,” said General Secretary Pelopas Laskos in his opening address. “It handles the majority of second-instance cases nationwide and the most significant first-instance matters. Our duty is to pass justice on to the next day — one that makes increasing demands on us.”
President Sofia Lignou emphasized two urgent infrastructure priorities for public and building safety: waterproofing of the eighth floor — which leaks during every rainfall — and additional security upgrades yet to be detailed.