Press Release: Athens 31. August 2026
A new statement-answer (E-002432/2026) by the EU Commission blocks the evacuation plan of the neighborhood of Prosfygika in Athens. The European Commission confirms the protection of the fundamental rights of the residents of the Community of Squatted Prosfygika.
In June 2025, the Region of Attica approved a resolution describing the Prosfygika buildings as “vacant,” advancing a redevelopment project that would be funded through European Union resources within the Attica 2021–2027 program.
Residents and supporters reject this gentrification plan as factually false and legally unfounded, warning that it would result, if implemented, in the forced displacement of more than 400 people and the destruction of one of the largest self-organized communities in Europe together with its 22 autonomous structures of social welfare and solidarity. The Community of Prosfygika, backed by a local and international support movement, has opposed the regional government of Attica through active resistance on the social, political and legal levels in order to protect these eight historical buildings,the community itself and its residents that belong to the most vulnerable social groups.
On June 12, a written question was submitted and signed by 32 members of the European Parliament from different parties (Left, Greens, Social democrats and independent MEPs).Two more questions had been submitted few weeks before by different MEPs of different parties supporting the Community, which were on the same basis regarding the illegal funding by the E.U. of the plan of the Region of Attica and the violation of the human rights of the residents.
On June 25th, following the City Council of Athens’ official stance of unequivocal recognition and support for the community, the hunger strikers Aristotelis and Suzon suspended their hunger strike after 140 and 55 days respectively. Despite Aristotelis’ condition still being critical up to this date, this agreement, which was quickly followed by the reveal of the absence of the previously declared European Union funding, is being understood as an important victory for the community.
On July 14th, four special rapporteurs of the Council of Human Rights of the U.N. published a report(Ref.: AL GRC 3/2026) addressing the Greek Government and claiming that the procedure that the Region of Attica is following through their gentrification plan is illegal and it violates human rights, urging the Region of Attica to respect the international law and its obligations regarding human rights.
Despite the announcements of the European Commission, of the Special Rapporteurs of the U.N.and of the municipality of Athens, the Mitsotakis Government declared an imminent eviction of the community, stating that
“every squat will be evacuated and every squatter will be thrown out . As long as this government exists, the squatters will be thrown out, and because we are generous we will proceed with care for vulnerable groups and children.” (Pavlos Marinakis, 07/20/2026)“
Nowadays, on August 19th, the European Commission, through Executive Vice President Raffaele Fitto, issued a response with the following points. The European Commission’s initial approval of the midterm review of the Attica 2021–2027 program, which includes the “Promoting access to affordable and sustainable housing,” is in an extremely early stage of the process. The response explicitly states that at every stage, all State Members must strictly comply with the obligations arising from EU law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
Therefore, any government intervention aimed at the forced eviction of residents could constitute a violation of the relevant EU provisions, which would expose the Greek government and the Region of Attica to the consequences of such actions, including the risk of losing all approved European funds.
Furthermore, the Commission states that there is a legal obligation to consult in advance with those residing in the complex, which results in the obligation to implement the Resolution of the Municipality of Athens from June 24 and to negotiate with the Community of Prosfygika as “affected parties.” Until now the Region of Attica has not engaged in any dialogue with the more than 400 residents of Prosfygika which is, according to the Commission, a violation of the EU law.
At the end of the statement, the Commission emphasizes “the need to develop mitigation measures and cooperation mechanisms to reduce the risks of eviction and homelessness.” Furthermore, it emphasizes that eviction without the prior provision of a concrete, tailored, independent, and dignified alternative solution is contrary to European and international law. At the same time, it recalls that the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Social Charter require the highest level of legal protection for those at risk of eviction, fully ensuring that solutions are sought.
In its official statement the Community highlights that this position serves as a decisive political and legal tool for the defense of the Community:
“This position states (…) that any violent or coercive intervention that does not involve formal dialogue with the Community of Prosfygika and does not guarantee a dignified alternative constitutes a violation of European law.” (8/22/26)
Regarding the Mitsotakis Government which:
„aimed at dismantling the community (…), we call to strengthen our presence and resistance in Prosfygika and, in the event of a repressive operation for mass actions everywhere, wherever each and every person may be.“ (08/17/26)
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