Greece’s Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris has added his voice to the ongoing debate over civilian access to firearms, emphasizing that any form of gun ownership must remain tightly regulated and limited exclusively to the home.
Speaking in a televised interview, he clarified that he does not support widespread gun availability and stressed the need for a robust framework governing any potential change.
According to Plevris, individuals already possess the right to defend themselves when an intruder enters their residence, regardless of whether they own a weapon. Therefore, any legislative adjustment must focus solely on enhancing security while preventing irresponsible use.
A controlled approach to self-defense
Plevris acknowledged that hunting rifles are already present in many rural households but warned that untrained use of firearms can pose serious risks. He entirely rejected the idea of citizens carrying guns in public spaces and emphasized that the current discussion within government circles revolves only around home self-defense.
He also argued that individuals acting in legitimate self-protection should not face prolonged legal battles, yet he underscored the inherent danger of firearms: without strict limitations, accidents or tragic outcomes are more likely to occur. His remarks reflect a cautious stance consistent with Greece’s long-established regulatory approach to civilian gun ownership.
Background of gun ownership in Greece
Greece maintains one of the most closely supervised gun-ownership systems in Europe. Firearms may be owned only under clearly defined conditions, and authorities closely monitor each step of the licensing process.
Most legal guns in the country are hunting rifles and shotguns, particularly in rural areas where hunting remains woven into local tradition. Prospective owners must complete background checks, psychological evaluations, and periodic license renewals. They must also follow strict rules on secure storage inside the home. Public carrying of firearms is almost entirely prohibited, keeping everyday access sharply limited.
This regulatory framework evolved gradually as Greece confronted both cultural realities and public-safety concerns, especially given the historical flow of illegal weapons throughout the wider Balkan region. Over time, lawmakers strengthened licensing requirements and enforcement mechanisms to ensure that armed force remains firmly under state control.
As a result, Greece consistently records relatively low levels of gun violence compared to many other countries, supported by strong penalties for unauthorized possession. This historical and legal context shapes today’s national conversation on self-defense and informs discussions—such as those raised by Minister Plevris—on whether narrowly defined and tightly supervised home gun ownership should be reconsidered within Greece’s long-standing safety-centered framework.