File photo.
A public consultation on an Environment Ministry bill drew unusually high participation, closing with approximately 700 comments. The draft legislation, titled, “Modernizing Renewable Energy Production Law,” sparked intense opposition over two key provisions.
The first designates “acceleration zones” for renewable energy projects outside Natura protected areas, where standard environmental licensing would not apply. WWF Greece warned the EU directive’s transposition is being done “in a fragmentary, delayed manner with omissions,” ultimately “undermining a proper transition to renewables.” The Hellenic Ornithological Society criticized the deliberate omission of wildlife sensitivity maps from the draft.
The second contested provision would allow urban development within Natura 2000 zones. Twelve environmental organizations jointly warned the proposal “opens Pandora’s box for degrading protected areas under the guise of urban planning.” The Greek Association of Urban-Regional Planners called the regulation’s consequences “incalculable, potentially uncontrollable and catastrophic“ for ecologically sensitive areas.