Will Greece join the list of European countries that have imposed bans on the burqa in public spaces and schools? The leadership of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum is leaving that possibility open.
Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris, in a wide-ranging interview with the news outlet Ta Nea (tanea.gr) and its “Face2Face” program, said he is positively inclined toward moving the country in the direction of a ban. His remarks have reignited debate over the issue, with Plevris arguing that the burqa “clearly offends women’s and human dignity.”
Officials at the ministry stress that discussions remain at an early stage. As reported by Ta Nea, a ban in schools—where minors are involved—is among the options being considered. Authorities are also examining possible restrictions in settings involving interaction with the public, such as public services and public transport.
For now, the government is reviewing the existing legal framework, the experience of other European countries, and relevant rulings of the European Court of Human Rights, which has allowed member states to impose restrictions, particularly where minors are concerned or in the context of social coexistence.
Officials stress that any move will hinge on whether a clear need arises in Greece, where the burqa is not seen as a widespread issue. The Islamic headscarf is not under consideration, with Minister Plevris drawing a distinction between it and full facial coverings, except in cases involving coercion of minors.
The issue has surfaced before, with the previous migration minister last June also floating the prospect of a ban at Greek universities.
The European Landscape
Greece’s deliberations unfold against a backdrop of similar measures elsewhere in Europe. France was the first to enact a full ban on face coverings in public spaces in 2011. Belgium and Austria subsequently adopted comparable legislation.
In Denmark, where a ban on face coverings in public spaces has been in force since August 2018, the government recently proposed extending the prohibition to schools and universities.
In Switzerland, voters approved a nationwide ban on face coverings in public and outdoor spaces through a referendum. Meanwhile, at the end of 2025, Portugal passed legislation banning face coverings for religious reasons in public spaces.