ΑΤΗΕΝS – Greek authorities, despite facing a shortage of inspectors to handle the flood of complaints from the #MyCoast app and phone calls have managed to impose fines totaling €1.15 million ($1.26 million) on businesses obstructing access to public beaches.

This action followed more than 12,500 inspections—2,500 conducted in a single week—triggered by complaints that businesses, unconstitutionally leasing public beaches, were occupying excessive space. These beaches are supposed to be accessible to the public free of charge.

“The general picture from the mass checks of recent weeks has clearly improved compared to previous years, as the majority of businesses operating on beaches have complied with the new rules and legal framework,” the Finance Ministry stated.

In July, the ministry reported that it had carried out over 10,000 inspections in response to complaints submitted via #MyCoast, a mobile app enabling citizens to report obstructed beach access, as well as through phone calls, according to Balkan Insight.

Violations identified included the absence of required signs, excessive occupation of space by umbrella loungers, and cases where beach space was unlawfully occupied due to the lack of a proper lease.

While Greece had previously allowed up to 50 percent of beach space to be leased, this limit was often exceeded, prompting a reduction to 30 percent. However, it was not disclosed whether luxury resorts, some of which have blocked public access and taken over beaches, were among those being checked.

The regions attracting the most complaints and prioritized for inspections were Halkidiki in northern Greece, Eastern Attica, Preveza in northwestern Greece, the Dodecanese, the Cyclades, Corfu, and Chania in Crete.

A 2023 public outcry against the privatization of beaches—initially sparked by protests on the islands—has largely subsided this year, even as the government continues to grant more beach leases.

In May, the Finance Ministry introduced a new procedure for granting coastal and beach concessions through electronic auctions, reporting that it had granted 1,800 concessions. Simultaneously, efforts were made to prevent businesses from barring public access to beaches.

However, the ministry noted that 150 electronic auctions were unsuccessful due to either lack of interest or bidders withdrawing shortly before signing contracts, though there were reports of businesses setting up without leases.

It was not specified how long businesses found in violation were shut down or if they were allowed to reopen, potentially continuing to breach their lease agreements as has occurred in the past. Additionally, it was unclear whether their sunbeds and umbrellas were confiscated.

In April, the government published a list of 198 “untrodden beaches” that are now off-limits to bars, restaurants, and large public gatherings, aiming to curb rampant development on islands and responding to the 2023 protests over beach takeovers.

“The main goal is to combine environmental protection with sustainable development,” said Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, as reported by the New York Times, though critics argue the measures do not go far enough.

“The environment is a valuable component of the Greek tourist product,” Hatzidakis emphasized.

Under this new initiative, the government aims to place public assets “under a strict framework of rules, penalties, and obligations,” Hatzidakis added. He also promised increased inspections, transparency, and law enforcement, even as the government continues to attract more luxury resorts.

The beaches on the protected list are located in areas included in the European Union’s Natura program, a network of vulnerable habitats across Europe that are safeguarded under European law. These include beaches on Milos, Naxos, Lesbos, Samothrace, and the southern Peloponnese.

https://balkaninsight.com/2024/08/05/greece-reports-successful-crackdown-on-illegal-beach-occupiers