The Greek Ombudsman, within the framework of its constitutional and statutory mandate as Greece’s national equality body, responsible for promoting and monitoring the implementation of the principle of equal treatment, expresses its serious concern regarding recurring allegations of refusal to provide services to Israeli citizens which, according to complaints received by the Authority, appear to be linked to the individuals’ nationality and/or national origin.

Refusing access to a service offered to the public on the basis of a person’s nationality or national origin is incompatible with the principle of equal treatment, as enshrined in European Union and national law. The invocation of political, ideological or other beliefs does not exempt providers from the obligation to comply with the applicable legal framework prohibiting discrimination in the commercial provision of goods and services to the public.

Under Article 11(1) of Law 4443/2016, any person who, in the commercial provision of goods or services to the public, violates the prohibition of discriminatory treatment, including on grounds of national or ethnic origin, is punishable by imprisonment from six (6) months to three (3) years and a fine ranging from one thousand (€1,000) to five thousand (€5,000). Such acts are prosecuted ex officio.

The Greek Ombudsman calls upon all private individuals and businesses providing goods and services to the public to fully comply with the principle of equal treatment and to ensure that access to their services is provided without discrimination, irrespective of nationality, national or ethnic origin, or any other protected characteristic.

At the same time, the Ombudsman calls upon the competent administrative and law enforcement authorities to ensure the effective implementation of the applicable legal framework on equal treatment, the prohibition of discrimination and the prevention of racist behaviour, by investigating all relevant complaints and taking the measures provided for by law.

The Greek Ombudsman will continue to exercise its institutional role in promoting and protecting the principle of equal treatment, examining all relevant complaints and taking action wherever indications of potential violations of this principle arise.