Arbitrarily: With the “Mykonos model” the fast track demolitions across Greece

Satellites, drones, but also… artificial intelligence to detect the arbitrary

The “Mykonos Model” with checks on all tourist destinations is instituted by the government in order to deal with arbitrariness in residences, tourism and catering businesses, but also to ensure free access to the beaches.

The new model for detecting and demolishing illegals will include:

• Fast track process of identifying and demolishing trespassers using new technologies such as satellites, artificial intelligence and drones.
• Reduction of demolition deadlines which today can be as long as 2 years
• Strict penalties with the suspension of operation of the arbitrary business and the interruption of electricity supply
• Priority in the demolition of new arbitrary which were detected after the 2011 red line

In addition, a special inspector of Control and Suppression of Arbitrary Building is established while funding for demolitions is transferred from the decentralized to the central administration.

The Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, Nikos Tagaras, stated that, “The model of mixed echelons of controls in Mykonos is our guide for controls everywhere. After all, this is what we institute. At the same time, we adopt a full monitoring system with a process of identifying and recording arbitrary construction with modern technological means (satellites, drones, artificial intelligence). We demonstrate in practice the political will of the Government to bring order to the area, with respect for the Environment and our fellow citizens. Dealing with arbitrary construction is a matter of Equality, it is a matter of Democracy”.

As announced on Sunday, following a government decision and an order from the leadership of the competent Ministry of Environment and Energy, inspections were carried out by Inspectors of the Corps of Inspectors and Auditors, in Mykonos.

With the aim of observing urban planning legality, respect for the natural and urban environment, as well as the right of free access of citizens and visitors to the coasts, from April 2023 until Sunday 21 April 2024 the Construction and Demolition Inspectors have visited the island five times (specifically on 03.04.2023, on 10.04.2023, on 14.07.2023, on 21.12.2023 and on 01.04.2024). They conducted intensive checks to detect illegal construction in 13 businesses and one private project and monitored demolition and compliance procedures.

It is noted that the checks are in full progress and will continue both in Mykonos and in other tourist destinations, the findings of which will be made public by the Ministry of Environment and Energy.

During these days the Parliament is debating the bill of the Ministry of Environment and Energy, which includes the reform of the demolition of illegal buildings and other urban planning provisions, proposed to the Parliament by the Minister of Environment and Energy Theodoros Skylakakis and prepared by the Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy Nikos Tagaras and the General Secretary of Spatial Planning and Urban Environment Efthymis Bakoyannis.