Greece to launch platform for forest land regularization

The Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy is planning to launch a platform this autumn to address the regularization of approximately 100,000 illegal residential constructions located on forest lands. These unauthorized buildings were identified through the publication of forest maps.

To avoid the impracticality of mass demolitions, the government is considering a model where owners can undergo a regularization process instead of facing fines. However, several strict exclusions apply. Buildings that are not residential in nature, those constructed after July 28, 2011, or those located in protected areas such as Natura 2000 sites, archaeological zones, historical sites, coastal areas, or shorelines will be ineligible.

Additionally, structures located in mandatory reforestation areas or those that obstruct citizen escape routes or emergency vehicle access during fires will be excluded from the regulation. This initiative aims to resolve one of the remaining obstacles to completing the forest maps by the end of 2027.