Greece negotiates urban planning reform with local mayors

The Greek government is engaged in negotiations with local mayors regarding a major reform of urban planning services. The central plan involves transferring the responsibilities of Building Services (YDOM) from municipalities to a newly proposed entity, the National Organization of Cadastre and Building Control (EOKED).

The Ministry of Environment and Energy and the Ministry of Digital Governance are currently working on the establishment of EOKED. A key point of contention is whether the transfer of these services should be mandatory or optional. The Hellenic Union of Municipalities and Communities (KEDE) is advocating for an optional model, allowing well-staffed and organized municipalities to retain their current services while those unable to manage them can hand them over to the new national body.

While the government seeks to avoid direct confrontation and find a middle ground to prevent a unified opposition from local authorities, the two sides remain divided on the structure of the reform. If the final framework does not address the core objections of the municipalities, local leaders have indicated they may seek recourse through the Council of State.