Greece “for the first time is acquiring a cohesive, holistic framework for spatial planning,” which aims to end fragmentation and arbitrariness by establishing clear rules for tourism development, renewable energy sources, and industry, stated Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou. Specifically, the minister outlined to APE-MPE the government’s strategy for shaping a new sustainable development model, spearheaded by spatial planning, environmental protection, and energy transition.
Papastavrou: Three pivotal Special Spatial Planning Frameworks
The minister emphasized that the government is simultaneously promoting three pivotal Special Spatial Planning Frameworks, while placing particular emphasis on natural environment protection, with restrictions on energy project installations in forests, Natura areas, and national parks. Simultaneously, he highlighted the importance of energy security for the country’s geopolitical stability, noting that now over 50% of electrical energy comes from renewable sources. Mr. Papastavrou also referenced the Special Environmental Studies for protected Natura 2000 areas, National Marine Parks, and the Antinero program, describing a comprehensive reform that connects development with sustainability and social cohesion. Notably, he made special reference to strengthening the Greek-French axis, with the establishment of a marine protection group, following a related announcement within the framework of the EU Council of Ministers in Paris.
Specifically, Mr. St. Papastavrou emphasized: “Greece has been changing in recent years – and changing with a plan. For the first time, our country is acquiring a cohesive, holistic spatial planning framework that responds to today’s needs while preparing our homeland for tomorrow.” As he characteristically noted: “For Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government, bringing order to space is a profound political choice. By establishing rules, we prevent arbitrariness, help the many, promote transparency, effectiveness, and equality. Spatial planning shows the way we decide how we will live, how we will develop, how we will protect our land, and how we will ensure that we leave future generations a Greece better than the one we inherited.”
New development model with three new Special Spatial Plans
It should be noted that the Ministry of Environment and Energy is simultaneously proceeding with the institutionalization of three pivotal Special Spatial Planning Frameworks: days ago we presented the SSF for Tourism, last week the SSF for Renewable Energy Sources was put to public consultation, and the SSF for Industry will follow soon.
According to Mr. Papastavrou: “These plans function complementarily, shaping a new development model where economic progress coexists with environmental protection and social cohesion. For example, in tourism, it is stipulated that the first 25 meters from the coastline are placed under full protection. No construction, no development. Only public benefit works are permitted, such as access for people with disabilities and ambulances.”
New spatial planning for renewable energy
Regarding the new spatial planning for renewable energy that was put to public consultation last week, the Minister emphasized: “In the energy sector, Greece has already made leaps. Today, over 50% of the electrical energy we consume comes from Renewable Energy Sources, while since 2024 our country has become a net exporter of electrical energy. This is an environmental success, simultaneously with a matter of national strength. Energy security is now a prerequisite for national independence and geopolitical stability.
The new Special Spatial Planning Framework for renewable energy sets clear limits and directions. It provides for prohibition of photovoltaics in forests, forest areas, and Natura regions. It prohibits wind farm installation in areas above 1200m altitude, in national parks, and in landscapes of particular natural beauty. For the first time, specific suitability areas for wind installation development are determined. Because the energy transition must respect nature and local society. Only this way can it be truly sustainable.” Simultaneously, he added, “we are taking steps on storage. On April 1st, 32 MW entered the system, with two batteries. And we’re progressing rapidly: we’re already at 210 MW, with an estimate to reach 700-800 MW by year’s end.”
Environmental initiatives
According to Mr. Papastavrou: “For the Mitsotakis government, sustainable development, with respect for local communities and the environment, constitutes the highest priority. That’s why our initiatives move on many levels. The minister notes that “last Thursday two more Special Environmental Studies (SES) were approved for Natura 2000 network areas in Thessaloniki, Chalkidiki, Preveza, and Arta.”
And he continues saying: “Since 2019 when Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government took office, SES have been approved for an additional 247 Natura areas, which together with the 75 previously approved SES, bring the protected Natura areas to 322 (out of 446 total) and now cover over 75% of the total network area in our country.”
Indeed, as he announced, “within 2026 the completion of SES issuance for the remaining 25% is scheduled. Together with the completion of institutionalizing the two major National Marine Parks, our country becomes a pan-European pioneer in marine environment protection.
“And we don’t stop there: last Wednesday I had a meeting in Paris with my French counterpart, Mrs. Monique Barbut, with whom we agreed to strengthen the Greek-French axis, with the establishment of a marine protection group, within the framework of EU Council of Ministers,” he characteristically mentioned.
Simultaneously, speaking about flood protection works, Mr. Papastavrou emphasizes that: “we are strengthening Antinero, the most extensive prevention program that has been designed and implemented in our country for protecting our forest ecosystems. Antinero was included in the European Commission’s ‘State of the Union’ report, published in September 2025 with the year’s achievements, as an emblematic example of how EU investment strengthens resilience against climate change, preparedness, and protection of local communities.”
As the Environment and Energy Minister characteristically stated in closing: “Greece needs development. But development with a plan, rules, and perspective. This is the major reform we are implementing today: to move from fragmentation and arbitrariness to organization, sustainability, and trust. For a Greece that plans its future with confidence, planning, and responsibility.”
