“Revival” of settlements or a new loophole for construction on the islands?

A new regulation introduced by the Environment Ministry extends to all Greek islands the framework for the “revival” of abandoned and declining settlements. The framework was established in 2014 but has remained largely inactive, according to a report by *Kathimerini*. The provision was included in an otherwise unrelated bill concerning the Athens and Thessaloniki water utilities, EYDAP and EYATH, which was opened for a brief public consultation before being submitted to Parliament.

The existing framework allowed entities owning such settlements to submit private urban development plans for their reconstruction. Until now, it applied to mainland Greece, Crete, Rhodes and Evia. Under the new regulation, the remaining islands will also be included, while development may be pursued through a Special Urban Plan capable of establishing specific land uses and building regulations for the area concerned.

Permitted uses include housing, retail premises, hotels and other tourist facilities. An investment plan may cover not only the existing settlement but also adjacent agricultural land or areas outside designated planning zones, up to a total area of 200 stremmas, or 20 hectares.

50+ islands have abandoned settlements (zero population from 1981 to the latest census) or declining settlements (population <150, with a rate of change of up to 5%).

The regulation applies to abandoned settlements that recorded zero population in both the 1981 census and the latest census, as well as to declining settlements with fewer than 150 inhabitants and limited population change. According to data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority, more than 50 islands contain settlements falling into these categories.

The ministry argues that the measure will help address demographic decline, attract new residents and strengthen local economies through organised planning. Urban planners and environmental organisations counter that demographic concerns are being used as a pretext to promote large-scale tourism and residential developments, including construction outside designated planning zones.

Source: Kathimerini