The deadline for cleaning overgrown plots in Greece has expired, with no further extension granted, as authorities prepare to begin inspections and impose fines on property owners who have not complied with the requirements.
According to sources from the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, inspections will begin on Tuesday, June 23, targeting owners who either failed to clear their plots or did not submit the required declaration through the official online platform.
More than 600,000 declarations of plot cleaning have reportedly been submitted through the government platform akatharista.apps.gov.gr.
The extension previously granted was introduced after authorities found that owner participation was lower than expected compared with previous years.
Plot cleaning requirement linked to wildfire prevention
The obligation to clear private plots is part of Greece’s wildfire prevention measures during the fire season. Authorities say removing dry vegetation and other materials can help reduce the risk of fires spreading.
However, some property owners have criticized the measure, not because they oppose the goal of preventing fires, but because they believe the responsibility is not being applied equally.
Several owners told Greek media that while citizens are being required to maintain their properties, some public areas remain uncleared.
Owners question fairness of the measure
Property owners in areas of Attica, including Pallini and Ano Glyfada, said they support fire prevention efforts but argue that municipalities should also ensure public spaces are properly maintained.
One owner in Pallini said the measure would be fairer if it applied to everyone and noted that many shared public areas were still covered with grass and bushes.
A property owner in Ano Glyfada raised similar concerns, questioning how authorities can impose fines on private citizens while nearby public areas remain neglected.
Owners also pointed to rubbish left in surrounding areas, including plastic and glass bottles and other potentially flammable materials, asking where local authorities are in protecting residents and the environment.
Fines for non-compliance
Property owners are required not only to clean their plots and submit their declaration, but also to keep the areas maintained throughout the fire prevention period, which lasts until the end of October.
The penalties include:
- €500 fine for those who have not cleaned their plot and have not submitted a declaration
- €100 fine for those who cleaned their plot but failed to submit the required declaration
- €5,000 fine and at least six months in prison for submitting a false declaration
Authorities are expected to continue monitoring compliance as inspections begin.
