Wednesday's cabinet meeting approved the same-sex civil marriage bill, the new court map of Greece, the Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad, and the bill for incorporation of European Regulation 2022/2065 on a Single Market For Digital Services.
The bill recognizing same-sex civil marriage was presented by State Minister Akis Skertsos, who said that it "introduces equality in civil marriage, meaning access to the institution of civil marriage for all Greek citizens without discrimination, regardless of sexual orientation. It protects the interests of children by regulating family law issues in same-sex families."
The Justice Ministry bill, presented by Justice Minister Georgios Floridis and Deputy Ioannis Bougas, consolidates the first-degree civil courts (Irinodikeia/magistrates' courts and Protodikeia/first-instance courts), so that all judges hear all first-instance cases, whether civil or criminal, and issue rulings faster. The bill also foresees a prefectural and regional first-instance courts, with special provisions for courts on islands or border areas, among others.
The Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad, presented by Foreign Affairs Minister George Gerapetritis and Deputy Minister Giorgos Kotsiras, foresees the support and development of networks and structure of diaspora Greeks in new ways, utilizes the experience of Greeks abroad to promote issues of Greek interest, and promotes language learning. Among other issues, it also foresees strengthening ties with the Greek Orthodox Church abroad, and upgrades consular services. The Plan reflects the importance Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' government attaches to the Greek diaspora and further strengthening of ties between the metropolitan center and the Greek communities abroad.
Digital Governance Minister Dimitrios Papastergiou presented the bill that foresees a coordinator for digital services and guarantees that actions and orders by relevant judicial or administrative authorities requesting information on illegal content are compliant with the Act for Digital Services. It also foresees a consulting commitee for digital services, and a register of intermediate service providers in Greece.