European Union Initiates Legal Action Against Greece for Neglecting Flood Risk Map Updates
The European Commission is suing Greece for not updating its flood risk maps in accordance with EU regulations. Greece missed the March 2020 deadline set by the 2007 Floods Directive, becoming the only EU member to not meet this requirement.
17 November 2023 · 02:38 UTC
Although initially promising to address this by June 2023, Greece later admitted to being unable to comply within the year. The Commission emphasizes that flood risk maps are vital tools for flood prevention, raising risk awareness, guiding emergency services, informing insurance decisions, and aiding in safe land-use and urban development. This legal action follows criticism of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for inadequate disaster preparedness and management after recent wildfires and floods in Greece.
