Update: Greek newborns' DNA is now safe
01 July 2025
Remember the Greek newborn DNA scandal? The Greek health ministry had attempted a secret deal with two private companies, granting them access to the DNA data of 100,000 newborns. Following growing pressure and public outcry, the Greek health minister distanced himself from the deal that bore his signature and announced live on a radio station that the agreement had been put on hold.
After investigative journalists revealed the deal, the public Child Health Institute took a strong stance and refused to deliver any blood samples without parental consent. In the days that followed, other scientific associations condemned the deal, opposition party MPs raised the issue in both the Greek and European Parliaments, and most importantly, 195 scientists signed an open petition calling for the project's cancellation.
 | Nikos Goudis This is a perfect example of how independent investigative journalism can drive real change, even in a tightly regulated field like public health. |
Welcome to The European Correspondent
Europe lacks true European media: in Germany alone, there are more media devoted exclusively to football than news outlets specialising on Europe. The established players mainly focus on Brussels and European institutions. The European Correspondent aims to change that. We cover the whole of Europe and write for a community of citizens who want to look beyond their own national borders. Without European journalism, there is no European civil society.
〉Read our manifesto
〉The stories we would like to write for you
Become a donor!
The European Correspondent is fully funded by its readers. We can only produce the newsletter with your support - and work towards the bigger project: building true European media. Donate now!
With your help, we can create true European journalism. Thank you!
We are non-profit. Every donated € goes directly into The European Correspondent.