Greek municipalities are calling for urgent action to protect the environment, address mounting debts, and resolve legal disputes over public land, following a high-level meeting of the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDE) on Wednesday.
KEDE President Lazaros Kyrizoglou said the union’s Code Committee reviewed the first 58 articles of a proposed Local Government Code, which outlines municipal responsibilities.
The committee’s recommendations will soon be submitted to the Ministry of Interior for approval.
A major focus of the meeting was the island of Milos, where local officials are fighting to stop a controversial development project.
Milos Mayor Manolis Mikelis told the board that the municipality was unaware of a building permit issued for a 2,974-square-meter development in Sarakiniko, a popular beach area.
The permit, granted by other authorities, paves the way for a five-star hotel with 300 rooms, which locals say will destroy the area’s natural beauty. KEDE has backed the municipality’s demand to revoke the permit and protect the island’s environment.
The board also addressed the financial struggles of municipalities under emergency status, urging the Deposits and Loans Fund to create structured debt repayment plans.
Mr. Kyrizoglou emphasized the need for immediate support to ensure these municipalities can continue functioning.