Greece Mandates Plot Cleaning: New Rules, Deadlines, and Fines Introduced
Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Greece has issued a new joint ministerial decision establishing clear rules for the cleaning of plots and open spaces to prevent fires.
- Property owners, legal possessors, usufructuaries, and tenants must clean their properties between April 1 and June 15 annually and maintain them until October 31.
- Non-compliance will result in fines ranging from 500 euros to 2,000 euros, with potential criminal charges for false declarations.
The Greek government has taken decisive action to bolster fire prevention measures with a new joint ministerial decision (KYA) that clarifies responsibilities for cleaning private and open spaces. This move, detailed in the latest regulations, aims to significantly reduce the risk of wildfires, a perennial threat during Greece's hot summers.
clear rules for the prevention of fires, strengthening control, transparency and the effectiveness of interventions by the competent bodies.
The new KYA, which specifies provisions from Law 4662/2020 and incorporates amendments from Law 5281/2026, sets clear deadlines and obligations for property owners. The cleaning period is now fixed from April 1 to June 15 each year, with ongoing maintenance required until the end of the high-risk fire season on October 31. This structured approach is designed to ensure proactive rather than reactive measures are taken.
owners, legal possessors, usufructuaries and tenants of real estate are obliged to clean plots and undeveloped areas outside the plan with a building, as well as open spaces from April 1 to June 15 each year, and to maintain them throughout the fire season (until October 31).
Crucially, the decision introduces a transparent system for compliance through an electronic platform, katharista.apps.gov.gr, where property owners must submit a declaration of cleaning. This digital oversight, supported by checks from municipalities and the Fire Service upon complaint, aims to enhance accountability. The penalties for non-compliance are substantial, ranging from fixed fines for procedural lapses to per-square-meter charges for uncleaned areas, and even criminal charges for false declarations, underscoring the seriousness with which the authorities are treating fire prevention.
after the completion of the work, the responsible parties must submit a declaration of cleaning by June 15 to the special electronic platform of the ministry.
From a Greek perspective, these measures are not just regulatory but vital for safeguarding our natural landscapes and communities. The annual struggle against devastating wildfires necessitates such clear, enforceable rules. While international coverage might focus on the economic impact or disaster response, for us, this is about protecting our homes, our heritage, and our very way of life. The government's emphasis on prevention and clear accountability reflects a commitment to learning from past tragedies and building a more resilient future.
500 euros, if neither cleaning nor declaration has been carried out
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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