![\"Environment](\"https:\/\/www.ekathimerini.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/amna-clouds-natura-forest-nature-320x200.jpg\")
What would it take to curb planning chaos and better protect the natural environment? Greece\u2019s Ministry of Environment and Energy argues the answer is not stricter limits on out-of-plan construction, but allowing limited urban development within parts of protected Natura 2000 areas.<\/p>\n
The provision is part of a draft law submitted to Parliament without changes following public consultation, alongside measures extending legalization pathways for unauthorized structures in forests and other targeted exemptions.<\/p>\n
In its explanatory report, the ministry says the Natura measure is necessary because major cities such as Ioannina, Kastoria and Nafplio, entire islands and more than 1,000 settlements fall within protected zones. It describes the change as a \u201chighly limited possibility,\u201d not an obligation, to expand urban plans in order to address decades of unregulated sprawl, particularly in peri-urban areas.<\/p>\n
Notably, the report argues that extending planning into protected areas would help end \u201cplanning disorder\u201d while improving environmental protection \u2013 a rationale that has drawn criticism.<\/p>\n
The report also labels as an \u201cabsolutely necessary exception\u201d a provision allowing construction of a monastery chapel on Mount Hymettus despite a building freeze.<\/p>\n
It further justifies extending legalization for unauthorized facilities in forest areas \u2013 including livestock units, religious sites and tourist infrastructure \u2013 citing public-interest uses and legal uncertainties tied to overlapping land and forest registries.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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