Greece’s National Authority for Higher Education (ETHAAE) completed the evaluation of three new private university Law Schools. Only one received approval: the University of Nicosia’s UNIC Athens.
The Law Schools of CITY College – University of York Europe Campus and Keele University Greece were rejected.

CITY College – University of York Europe Campus

Rejection and Response

The Law School of York in Greece did not receive certification from ETHAAE.
Dean Professor Georgios Dellios said the decision surprised them because, according to him, it did not assess the program itself.

He argued that the committee report included factual errors and poor documentation. The university plans to submit an appeal within the legal deadline.

He stressed that their criticism targets the specific committee and not ETHAAE as a whole.

Keele University Greece

Concerns About Impartiality

Dean Aris Charalambakis raised strong objections to the evaluation process.
He questioned the impartiality of a committee member from the Bar Association who had recently opposed private Law Schools publicly.

He also questioned the qualifications of several committee members.

Three Main Reasons for Rejection

1. Infrastructure and Library

The committee considered the library insufficient.
The Dean responded that a full Law library can only be built after the school begins operating.
He added that digital databases already provide wide access and that a partnership with Nomiki Vivliothiki is underway.

2. Academic Staff

The initial team of 9–10 staff members was deemed small.
Charalambakis said this number was enough for first-year needs.
He added that more professors would be hired immediately after receiving an operating license and that over 100 qualified academics had already expressed interest.

3. Curriculum Structure

The committee claimed the curriculum did not match those of Greek public universities.
The Dean disagreed. He said the program aligns with Greek standards but also includes elements of common law to prepare “European lawyers.”

Next Steps for Keele

The university plans to update the library and staff list easily.
Possible curriculum adjustments are also under review.
Keele expects to resubmit its file in late January or February for evaluation for the 2026–27 academic year.

University of Nicosia – UNIC Athens Approved

Program Launch

On 5 December, UNIC Athens completed student registration for its new Law program.
ETHAAE certified the LLB, and the school now welcomes its first students for the 2025–2026 academic year at its new facilities in Elliniko.

Statements from Leadership

Dean Achilleas Emilianides described the launch as a historic moment, noting that UNIC Athens now becomes Greece’s 4th operating Law School.

He highlighted the program’s international academic standards and strong focus on Greek Law.

Director of the Law School, Professor Irini Stamatoudi, emphasized UNIC’s 30-year history in legal education and its strong record of graduates in top legal roles across Europe.

She added that UNIC Athens has already attracted distinguished academics returning to Greece after years abroad.

Program Overview (UNIC Athens)

The LLB is a four-year degree taught in Greek and fully focused on Greek Law.
The curriculum combines foundational and advanced subjects with a strong European perspective.
Graduates gain access to legal careers in Greece and abroad.

The school follows a modern education model that blends technology, research, and practical skills.

Reactions from Professor Lazaratos

Legal Challenges

Professor Panos Lazaratos of the University of Athens questioned the recognition of programs offered by private universities and their building inspections.
Together with Professor Konstantinos Pantos, he filed appeals against all ETHAAE certifications issued in October.
The Council of State (StE) will hear the cases on 5 February 2026.

Lazaratos has also contacted the UK Office for Students, asking it to review the licensing process for the British university branches in Greece:
Open University, Keele University, and University of York.

Main Objections

He argues that the British parent universities and relevant professional bodies have not formally recognized the Greek programs.
He claims this violates academic integrity standards.

He also refers to “opaque procedures and irregularities” during evaluations, which, according to him, justify the appeals.