CoS Upholds Constitutionality of Law for Private Univ.

Greece’s Council of State (CoS), the country’s highest administrative court, ruled by majority that a new law allowing the operation of non-state universities is constitutional, rejecting legal challenges filed by university professors and private college representatives.

The judges interpreted Article 16 of the Greek Constitution—which stipulates education is an obligation of the state and shall be provided exclusively by institutions that are fully self-governed public law legal persons—in light of evolving legislative and case law developments within European Union law, formally opening the door for the establishment and operation of private universities in Greece—provided that they ensure a high standard of education.

According to a statement issued by the President of the Council of State, Michalis Pikramenos, the court reached its decision after two plenary sessions. The ruling concerns the legality of setting up and operating branches of Higher Education Legal Entities (NPIEs) in Greece.

The full official announcement by the Council of State President followed deliberations held on April 11, 2025, regarding these landmark cases.

The operation of private universities in Greece has been a highly contentious issue for decades, with proponents of the state’s exclusivity claiming private universities would degrade education overall and favor the more privileged, while those for private institutions argue private tertiary education would benefit competition and increase the quality.

Commenting on the historic decision, Greece’s Education Minister, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, called it a “vindication” for the determination to “tear down barriers, break long-standing taboos, [and] overcome ideological fixations.” He added that it offered more choices and opportunities to students.

Source: tovima.com