Granting citizenship in Greece: looking for the devil in the (administrative) details

Reports in recent months about an increase in the number of honorary naturalizations have reignited the debate surrounding the granting of citizenship to foreigners, its connection to migration, and, fundamentally, the organic link between individuals and a nation. The reasons for granting honorary Greek citizenship to foreign nationals are often reasonable and potentially desirable. There are numerous examples of individuals of other nationalities who have rendered exceptional services to the country and were therefore granted citizenship as an honor. Examples include Katherine Fleming, Michael Herzfeld, and Mark Mazower.

Within this context, part of the public discussion has focused on whether individuals with limited ties to a state can acquire its citizenship through expedited procedures, justified by their exceptional contributions. Specifically, the recent naturalization of a basketball player, who was granted Greek citizenship despite having lived and worked in Greece for less than two years, has brought this expansive interpretation of citizenship under scrutiny. The justification that “through his professional activities, he can offer significant services to the country by contributing to the distinctions of the national team” (Government Gazette 2547/B/18.04.2023) is, for many, deemed insufficient.

In any case, the granting of citizenship in modern states is primarily linked to populations of migratory origin who have resided in these states for several years. Academically, the discussion on citizenship is highly multifaceted and extensive, and a comprehensive presentation lies beyond the scope of this text. However, a key aspect of the debate concerns the relationship between citizenship and integration.

Here, the connection can follow two paths with different starting points and directions: Should the granting of citizenship be viewed as the result and culmination of a successful integration process, as is traditionally interpreted in Greece? Or should citizenship serve as the starting point, leading to successful integration? Moreover, how do relevant legislative and administrative provisions influence the granting of citizenship to different generations of migrants?