Greece: Deadline looms for land clearing, with hefty fines for non-compliance

Greece is entering the final stretch for property owners to comply with new regulations requiring the clearing of their land. The deadline is set for June 15, by which date owners, usufructuaries, and tenants must have cleaned their plots and registered the action on the electronic platform 'akatharista.apps.gov.gr'. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance fire prevention measures across the country.

The new legislation, Law 5182/2026, introduces significant changes, including specific exemptions for agricultural land and stringent controls that will continue until the end of the anti-fire season on October 31. Fines for non-compliance are substantial, starting at 200 euros and potentially reaching up to 2,000 euros. The law applies to various types of properties, including those within urban plans or settlement limits, as well as plots within 100 meters of settlement boundaries that are not classified as forest land.

Beyond the initial clearing, owners must formally declare the work completed on the 'National Registry for Compliance with Property Preventive Fire Protection Measures' platform. Alternatively, declarations can be made at Citizen Service Centers (KEP) or local Fire Service stations. The responsibility for clearing falls not only on the owner but also on the usufructuary, tenant, or legal possessor of the property, though the exact legal liability in cases of non-compliance remains to be clarified.

Violators face escalating penalties. A fine of 100 euros is imposed for failing to declare the cleaning, while failing to both clean and declare the plot results in a 500 euro fine solely for the non-declaration. Making a false declaration is a criminal offense punishable by at least six months imprisonment and a 5,000 euro fine. If a property remains uncleared, municipalities or fire services can conduct the cleaning themselves and impose fines calculated at 1 euro per square meter, with a minimum of 200 euros and a maximum of 2,000 euros.

In parallel, Greece is exploring innovative fire prevention strategies inspired by countries like the United States, Australia, Portugal, and Spain. These include 'prescribed burning,' a controlled clearing of low vegetation in specific areas during March and April to reduce fuel load before summer. The Ministry is also considering 'controlled grazing' as a method to manage vegetation. These new practices are being developed in collaboration with experts, foresters, and academic institutions, and have received support from organizations like WWF.