Laws, Regulations & Policy

Greece’s Civil Protection body has launched the 24-hour single European emergency 112 number set to warn of potential dangers, including wildfires.

Shipping, ports, marine tourism, island policy and safety at sea are the top priorities of the Greek Shipping Ministry, according to Minister Yiannis Plakiotakis.

Strong winds and extremely high temperatures have prompted Greece’s Civil Protection authority and the national fire brigade to issue warnings for the high risk of forest fires.

The Greek ministries of tourism and transport have expressed keenness to strengthen ties and boost cooperation to resolve critical issues.

A partial ban on the notorious quad bikes, seen in dozens roaming the Greeks islands during the summer months, has been lifted.

Three areas in Greek tourism will be seeing changes in the immediate future, according to Tourism Minister Haris Theoharis.

A stalled network of seaplanes that would facilitate travel and transportation between the Greek islands is a top priority for the government.

The Greek government is reportedly expected to lift all banking restrictions – in place since June 2015 – in the coming fall.

Greek Tourism Minister Haris Theoharis has ordered the increase of inspections at swimming pools that operate in tourist accommodation units in Greece.

A new regulatory framework involving the short-term rental market in Greece should be expected after the end of this year’s tourism season.

Aiming to ensure public health by preventing the adverse effects of smoking in all public places, Greece is looking to fully implement its anti-smoking law.

Greek tax inspectors in June carried out 7,735 checks to businesses on tourism destinations, with the average rate of violations reaching 32 percent.

The European Commission decided to refer Greece to the Court of Justice of the EU for failing to transpose the rules on personal data protection.

Greece will aim for sustainable tourism development by balancing supply and demand, according to the country’s new tourism strategy.

Greece’s Tourism Ministry has begun a dialogue with the Greek Property Managers Association (PASIDA) regarding legal issues that surround Airbnb-style rentals in the country.

A new EU ruling entitles air travelers to compensation of up to $700 if a connecting flight on the same reservation is delayed or cancelled.

The terms for the relocation of the Parnitha Casino to Marousi – scheduled for completion by 2021 – will go up for public consultation in the coming fall.

Greece’s citizen protection ministry has called off tender for the issue of new IDs, saying it will relaunch a competition for securer cards.

Greek Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis called for a strategic plan which will lay the foundations so that Greek tourism can enter a new era.

Ursula von der Leyen steps in on November 1, as the new European Commission president and the first woman to take on the five-year position.