New framework for faster citizen recovery after natural disasters presented in Parliament

Greece is set to streamline its disaster response with a new legislative framework aimed at accelerating citizen and area recovery after natural disasters. Deputy Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Kostas Katsafados, presented the core elements of this initiative to the Parliament's Committee on Trade and Production.

The new framework seeks to create a faster, simpler, and more transparent process for those affected by natural catastrophes. This legislative push is part of a broader effort to modernize the state aid system and adapt it to the escalating challenges posed by the climate crisis. Experience from recent years has highlighted the need for a unified state approach, encompassing prevention, immediate operational management, and subsequent recovery.

Katsafados emphasized that the country has made significant strides, achieving holistic climate crisis management and establishing cohesive cooperation among relevant bodies. He acknowledged that continuous improvement remains a priority, focusing on strengthening the Fire Service's human resources, leveraging new technologies, and upgrading operational equipment.

“

We all want, as quickly as possible, areas that have been affected by various natural disasters to be able to return to normalcy as soon as possible.

A key aspect of the proposed legislation is the unification of procedures for all types of natural disasters. "We will no longer use different procedures for floods, fires, or earthquakes. There will now be a single management system," Katsafados stated. This aims to create a functional and predictable framework for all affected individuals, regardless of the disaster's nature.

Furthermore, the bill integrates building repair and reconstruction processes into the e-Permits system. This digital approach is expected to reduce execution times, enhance transparency, and maintain safety standards. Citizens will be able to track all stages of the process electronically, ensuring accountability and efficiency in aid disbursement, with the goal of returning affected areas to normalcy swiftly.

“

We will no longer use different procedures for floods, fires, or earthquakes. There will now be a single management system.