Greece has proposed a legislative amendment that would allow the state to suspend the acceptance of asylum applications during declared emergencies, according to a report by the Baltic News Network (BNN).

The proposal targets situations the government classifies as emergencies. Under the draft amendment, Greek authorities could temporarily stop receiving and registering new asylum applications while an emergency designation remains in force.

Who the change affects

The measure would apply to people seeking international protection in Greece during a formally declared emergency period. Applicants who arrive outside such a period would follow the standard asylum procedure, with no change to existing registration and processing steps.

The suspension would not amount to a permanent refusal of asylum. Instead, it pauses the intake of new applications for the duration of the emergency, meaning applicants would need to wait until the suspension lifts before authorities register their claims.

What changes in practice

If the amendment passes, Greece's asylum service would gain a legal mechanism to halt application intake during crises. The country has previously faced sharp increases in arrivals that strained reception and registration capacity, particularly on islands near the Turkish coast.

Greece sits on one of the main entry routes for people seeking asylum in the European Union. Any change to how and when the country accepts applications therefore affects the broader EU asylum system, since the state of first entry normally handles the claim under EU rules.

Status of the proposal

The amendment remains at the proposal stage. It has not yet completed the Greek legislative process, and no effective date has been confirmed. Travelers and asylum seekers should monitor announcements from the Greek Asylum Service and the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum, the official channels that would publish the final text, its terms, and any deadlines once adopted.

Until the amendment becomes law, the current asylum procedure in Greece continues unchanged. Applicants can still lodge claims under existing rules.

This report summarizes publicly available information and does not constitute legal advice. Individuals with pending or planned asylum claims should consult the official Greek asylum authorities or a qualified legal representative for guidance on their specific circumstances.