Crisis Management Unit

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assists through its Missions, Greek citizens abroad in emergency situations, such as the deterioration of the security situation in a specific country/region, natural and man-made disasters or accidents.

In this framework, the Crisis Management Unit, which operates at the Ministry, deals with humanitarian and consular emergencies with international aspects, in coordination and cooperation with other competent Authorities.

Therefore, the Unit also functions as a coordinating body between the services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Ministries. In emergency situations it is activated and operates on a 24-hour basis, providing the necessary organizational support to the services of the Ministry involved in dealing with these situations.

In addition, it facilitates the communication of the Diplomatic Missions of other countries accredited in Athens with Greek competent Authorities, in cases of emergency where their nationals are in need of assistance.

Institutional Framework

The operation of the Crisis Management Unit is provided for in article 86 of the Foreign Ministry Statute (Law 4781/2021).

Moreover, while the primary responsibility for consular assistance and handling of emergency situations of a consular nature is national, the provision of consular protection is an obligation of the Member States of the European Union and is provided for in Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, as well as in Article 46 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

Consular assistance in emergency situations

Consular assistance to Greek citizens abroad is provided by Greece’s Consular Missions abroad.

If Greece is not represented in a third country, consular protection for Greek citizens is provided by the authorities of any member state of the European Union.