Business owners on the island of Milos say a government decision suspending building activity has left developers of small tourist units facing financial ruin. Parliament approved an amendment halting the issuance of building permits in all off-plan areas of the island until the end of the year and freezing construction along the northeastern coast.
The measure follows controversy over a hotel built near rare geological formations at Kaminia, close to Sarakiniko, and a court-ordered work stoppage at the large White Coast hotel project in Mytakas.
Developers said they had already secured loans, hired crews and joined state subsidy programs before construction stopped. Apostolos Moschovos, building a 12-room hotel, said he had completed 60% of the project and now faces uncertainty over loans and workers. Other owners said they support stricter controls and mild development, but called the blanket suspension unreasonable. Several owners said they were considering legal action against the Environment Ministry’s decision collectively.