The EU sues Greece for not updating flood maps

The European Commission has initiated legal proceedings against Greece for not revising its flood risk and hazard maps in accordance with EU regulations.

The Commission points out that Greece missed the March 2020 deadline set by the EU's 2007 Floods Directive, making it the only EU nation not in compliance.

The Greek government had promised to meet EU requirements by June 2023, but later admitted it would not manage this task before year's end, prompting the Commission's lawsuit.

Flood maps are considered crucial for preventing floods and managing associated risks, as they increase public awareness, aid in the crafting of reduction strategies, and support emergency response planning for services like civil protection and firefighters. These maps also influence insurance assessments and guide decisions on land use and urban planning to prevent new risks.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has faced severe criticism, especially from opposition parties, for inadequate emergency preparedness and poor disaster management following recent deadly wildfires and floods in Greece.