2024 Greek coastal development law
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On February 29, 2024 the Greek Parliament passed a bill that relaxed coastal protection regulations.[1] The bill, which was supported by the majority New Democracy party, passed with 158 votes in favor and 142 against.[2] All eight opposition parties voted against the legislation.[1]
Deputy Minister of Finance Harry Theoharis stated that the law is intended to "protect the great richness of the country's long coastline."[3] In practice, the bill provides for the following:
- Establishment of a process for the auctioning of rights to beaches by Greece's land registry through an electronic system.[2]
- Designation of protected and remote beaches, particularly those designated as Natura 2000, which cannot be developed.[2]
- The establishment of stricter rules on the management of beaches and free access for citizens, as well as the establishment of obligations for those leasing beaches.[2]
- The use of new technologies to improve the monitoring of beach concessions.[2]
- Stricter penalties for violating rules, with fines being set based upon the level of the infringement.[2]
- The removal and demolition of illegal structures.[2]
The government insists that these provisions will be good for business and will protect the environment.[3] Minister of National Economy and Finance Kostis Hatzidakis claimed that the law seeks to better utilize Greece's coastline.[2] He said "This summer a lot will change on our beaches. With the new law we are improving the protection of our beaches, we are putting stricter rules on their management and ensuring free access for citizens. At the same time, we are creating a more effective control mechanism by using new technologies (drones, satellites) to ensure that the new rules are strictly enforced. Last summer we gave a good example and everyone understood that we are not joking about protecting our beaches. This year we will be even more effective."[2]