The first REC in Greece was established in 1965 at the Institute of Child Health and legislation was passed in 1973. The Legislative Decree 97/1973 concerned approval of clinical drug research and was followed in 1978 by a Ministerial Circular (A2/oik3061/5.6.1978) which imposed the establishment of RECs at a local level.

A National Council of Medical Ethics & Deontology was established in the early 90s (Law 2071/1992) whose main objectives included participation in the forming of policy of the Ministry of Health & Welfare, handing down opinions on medical ethics, consultation to settle disagreements in RECs and the establishment of a Centre of Medical Ethics.

A National Bioethics Commission was established by Law 2667/1998 which investigates ethical implications and provides recommendations on policy.

There is a new National Committee of Deontology of Clinical Trials which will shortly be responsible for final approval of research projects. The ministerial decision providing for the by-laws regarding this committee was enacted on May 1st, 2004.