PRESS RELEASE
The law introducing non-state universities in Greece was declared constitutional following the intervention of Deon Policy Institute at the Council of State
Contact Information: media@deonpolicy.org
Boston – July 9 2025 – Greece has turned a new page in the history of higher education. Law 5094/2024, which for the first time allows the legal establishment and operation of non-state universities in the country, is now fully in effect. The recent ruling by the Council of State, which upheld the constitutionality of the law, marks a historic shift and opens the door to a new era in Greek higher education — one that is more competitive, more international, and more focused on quality.
Deon Policy Institute played an active and catalytic role in defending the law, participating in legal proceedings and publicly advocating for its constitutionality with a clear, evidence-based argument.
The Institute submitted a formal brief to the Council of State, defending the legitimate interest of citizens and stakeholders who stand to benefit from the law’s implementation. Its intervention focused on rejecting the objections of unconstitutionality and the need to establish clear yet applicable criteria for the recognition and operation of non-state, non-profit higher education institutions.
The Minister of Economy and Finance — and former Minister of Education and Religious Affairs — Kyriakos Pierrakakis, who introduced the legislation, stated:
“The Council of State’s decision confirms clearly that the establishment of foreign university branches in Greece, under specific safeguards, is fully aligned with the Constitution. This is a major institutional development that gives momentum to a mature and necessary reform in higher education.”
He continued:
“I want to recognize the contribution of the Deon Policy Institute, an independent think tank that highlights the value of research-driven public policy. Through its intervention before the Council of State, Deon submitted a rigorous and substantive legal argument in favor of the law’s constitutionality.”
“Beyond this specific case, Deon serves as a platform for collaboration among Greek scholars abroad, aiming to bring modern policy perspectives and contribute proposals on issues of broad institutional and societal importance. Progress in public policy requires ideas, knowledge, and cooperation — and every meaningful reform gains ground when it rests on this foundation.”
The recent decision of the Council of State confirmed the constitutionality of Law 5094/2024 without requiring an amendment to Article 16 of the Greek Constitution. Based on the theory of the “augmented Constitution,” as supported by prominent legal scholars, the ruling aligns Greece with European and international legal standards that allow non-stateuniversities to operate in EU member states.
"Former Deputy Prime Minister and Professor of Constitutional Law at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Evangelos Venizelos, responding to a question from journalists, stated:"
“Today’s decision by the Plenary of the Council of State regarding the law on non-state universities carries immense interpretive weight. I am pleased that the theoretical approach I have proposed — of an ‘Augmented Constitution’ shaped by its conformity with EU law and the ECHR — has been accepted.”
He added:
“It is an honor for Professor V. Skouris and me that the Council adopted the arguments we developed in our joint legal opinion. Finally, I am pleased that, even with years of delay, there is now broad acceptance of a position I have consistently advocated: that no constitutional revision is needed to regulate non-state universities under the current wording of Article 16.”
Why it Matters:
The importance of the decision extends well beyond legal interpretation. The ability to establish non-state universities in Greece brings immediate social, academic, and economic benefits. It opens the door for the return of thousands of Greek academics abroad who have clearly stated they would repatriate if high-quality non-state institutions were allowed to operate.
Until now, the Greek higher education system was deprived of the expertise and contributions of this global scientific community. Law 5094/2024 fills a decades-long institutional gap while simultaneously unlocking a major investment opportunity: already, ten organizations have expressed interest in founding non-state universities in Greece, with total planned investments exceeding €500 million.
Professor of Public Law at the University of Athens Law School, Giorgos Dellis — who defended the law before the Council of State — remarked:
“The Council of State took a bold stance on many fronts. It did not shy away from its role as guardian of the Constitution — a role that requires it to keep constitutional meaning alive and responsive to the present. By opening the door to branches of foreign non-state universities, the court updated the Constitution’s interpretation in light of modern realities and European and international developments. This landmark ruling will have long-term benefits for higher education, enhancing its liberal character and reversing the loss of students and scientists abroad.”
“Greece has always been a crossroads. It is time for that crossroads to include academic knowledge as well.”
The return of Greek academics is expected to boost the country’s research and innovation ecosystem, bringing new momentum to its universities. The establishment of non-state universities in regions outside major urban centers is also expected to support local development, creating jobs, stimulating demand for services, and building educational and research infrastructure.
Moreover, the new legal framework is expected to enhance competition within the public university system, encouraging improvements in quality, links to the labor market, and international collaboration. According to Deon Policy Institute’s Bringing Back Greek Scholars survey, the majority of Greek academics abroad say they would return if credible non-state academic institutions were available.
Looking ahead, the Deon Policy Institute is committed to continuing its work to modernize Greek higher education — attracting global talent, bringing Greek scientists home, and building universities that are open to society, the economy, and the world. Greece can and should become a regional center of academic excellence in Southeastern Europe — and we will be at the forefront of that effort.
About Deon Policy Institute
Founded in 2023 by young Greeks from the Diaspora, the Deon Policy Institute is an independent think tank aiming to become the bridge between the Hellenic Diaspora and Greek policymakers through rigorous research and evidence-based policy proposals.