Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced an extension of the deadline for landowners to clear their plots during a visit to the Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, emphasizing the importance of prevention ahead of what is expected to be an increasingly challenging wildfire season.
Mr. Mitsotakis urged Greeks to take responsibility for clearing their properties, stating,
“This isn’t just about imposing fines or sanctions — although those will happen — it’s fundamentally about recognizing that this protects our own property and contributes to a collective effort to confront a worsening phenomenon.”
The new deadline for lot clearing has been extended to June 15, in light of anticipated extreme weather conditions this summer.
The Prime Minister warned that while Greece’s economic outlook may be optimistic, the outlook regarding the climate crisis is the opposite: “The hardest part is ahead. We must prepare for worst-case scenarios.”
The briefing included a detailed overview of wildfire preparedness for the upcoming season. Mitsotakis highlighted that in 2025, Greece will have the largest-ever number of firefighters and acknowledged the growing participation of certified community volunteers.
He also emphasized the integration of advanced technology in wildfire prevention and detection.
The country has doubled its number of drone bases since last year’s successful pilot program, supported by private-sector donations.
Additionally, Mr. Mitsotakis spoke about the “AIGIS” program — a comprehensive upgrade initiative for Civil Protection equipment. The goal is to significantly increase the number of contracted projects by the end of the year so that new equipment can begin arriving next year.
The Prime Minister underlined the importance of proactive action by landowners, noting that last year, 500,000 citizens cleared their lots, a move that not only safeguarded their own assets but also helped firefighters, particularly in defending urban fringes from approaching wildfires.
“The climate crisis is already here,” Mitsotakis said. “We know our summers will be hotter, drier, and more conducive to wildfires. We must be ready.”