Historic Win for Greek-born Adoptees Abroad: Citizenship Rights Restored
- greekglobalconsult
- Apr 23
- 2 min read
April 23, 2025
By: Rose Livaditis
In a landmark decision announced on April 23, 2025, Greece's government took a significant step towards restoring justice and identity to countless Greek-born individuals adopted abroad. Through a new ministerial decision, Greek adoptees born in the country and adopted internationally up until 1976 can now be officially registered in Greece’s municipal records, thereby securing undeniable proof of their Greek citizenship.
This transformative policy, signed by Interior Minister Theodoros Livanios and Deputy Minister Vassilis Spanakis, addresses a long-standing issue that dates back to the 1950s and 1960s. During those decades, numerous children born in Greek maternity hospitals were adopted by foreign families, often leaving these individuals without formal recognition of their Greek roots or legal citizenship status in Greece.
Even in cases of closed adoptions, this recent decision provides adoptees an opportunity to uncover and legally acknowledge their Greek heritage. Individuals can verify their Greek origins through DNA testing, accessing adoption records (where legally permitted), and utilizing support from advocacy groups that facilitate searches for biological relatives and documentation. This ensures a meaningful connection to their place of birth and cultural identity.
Notably, organizations like The Eftychia Project have played a pivotal role in assisting adoptees through this process. For instance, two adoptees, Teresa and Despina, successfully had their Greek citizenship restored in record time, joining others like Linda Carol Forrest Trotter and Dimitrios Xp, who regained their citizenship in 2018 and 2023, respectively.
Greece continues to evolve its approach to citizenship and heritage, demonstrating a commendable commitment to rectifying historical oversights and reinforcing the bonds with its global community.
Sources:
Ekathimerini: Greek-born adoptees abroad gain local registry rights
The Eftychia Project: Two more Greek adoptees have their Greek citizenship restored in record time
Ekathimerini: Our stories and our records belong to us
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