Battle in the Council of State over the New Building Regulation: What the petitioning municipalities and organizations argued
The Council of State in Greece is deliberating on a comprehensive legal framework regarding building regulations, following petitions from several municipalities and citizens.
The Greek Council of State is currently engaged in deliberations concerning the New Building Regulation (ΝΟΚ), taking into consideration a range of legislative changes that began with the old Town Planning Law and include significant amendments from recent laws. The ongoing discussions are particularly focused on the legal frameworks introduced by Articles 132 of Law 5106/2024, Article 41 of Law 5167/2024, and Articles 66-71 of Law 5197/2025, alongside Presidential Decree 94/2025. These regulations impact urban planning and environmental governance across various municipalities in Greece.
Municipalities such as Alimos, Kifisia, Philothei-Psychiko, Amarousiou, and others have brought petitions against these legal changes, arguing that they could exacerbate urban issues and diminish local environmental standards. Furthermore, civil associations and many local citizens from Attica have joined in the appeals, emphasizing their concerns over the implications of these regulations on their communities. Support for the petitioners has also emerged from the Technical Chamber of Greece and a construction company, indicating broader professional concern over the potential consequences of the proposed laws.
The hearings reflect a growing public outcry regarding urban development practices, raising questions about environmental sustainability, regulatory compliance, and local governance. The outcomes of these deliberations could set significant precedents for future urban planning and environmental regulations throughout Greece, signaling the importance of community engagement in legislative processes.