Administrative reconsideration and hierarchical appeals in Greece

When the two procedures may be relevant

Where an individual administrative act harms lawful interests, Article 24 of the Administrative Procedure Code provides for review if no special administrative or quasi-judicial administrative appeal is available. An aitisi therapeias asks the issuing authority to revoke or amend its act. A hierarchical appeal asks the superior authority to annul it.

The distinction is not simply a choice of heading. A refusal of a permit or application may be governed by a special regime with its own body and deadline. Before writing a letter, obtain the full decision and identify the legislation governing it. This overview does not cover every special appeal procedure.

Preparing the request for review

Identify the act by its date, reference number and issuing authority. Explain the particular point you consider wrong and the change you seek. Separate an error in the facts from a disagreement about the application of the law. Clear reasoning helps the authority understand the scope of the request.

If refusal was based on a supposedly missing document, connect that document with proof of its original submission rather than simply stating that it was sent. Present new material separately from previously supplied documents and briefly explain why each item matters.

• The complete decision and notification details
• Original application and submission records
• Specific reasons for reconsideration
• Numbered attachments and a clear requested outcome

Submission reference, response and follow-up

Use the prescribed submission method and retain acknowledgment and a protocol number. Article 24 provides for notification of a decision within 30 days unless special provisions set a different period. Expiry of that period does not, by itself, mean the request has been granted.

Keep the reply and its attachments together and record when it was received. If the authority seeks clarification or forwards the file elsewhere, tell your lawyer. Maintain a single case record rather than relying on fragments of telephone conversations with different officials.

Reconsideration is not the same as suspension

An application for reconsideration should not be treated as a general way to halt the effects of a decision. Suspension needs separate examination. Whether and how an administrative review affects a judicial challenge deadline must also be checked: there is no single rule for every act and remedy.

Do not wait for the authority's response without first checking the available time limits. For a matter in Heraklion or elsewhere in Crete, the initial assessment should combine the file, competent body and practical objective. Some issues can be corrected administratively; others require timely judicial protection.