Greece freezes construction on Milos as Cyclades development crackdown widens

The amendment, introduced by the Ministry of Environment and Energy, imposes an immediate suspension of building permits and construction activity in off-plan areas of Milos, specifically targeting zones containing unique geological formations. The freeze will remain in place until a new Special Urban Plan is finalized for the island.

Environment Minister Theodoros Skylakakis said the suspension is necessary to prevent irreversible damage while the state organizes long-term zoning regulations.

Mr. Skylakakis's ministry has been under mounting pressure from local communities and environmental groups to protect Milos from the wave of luxury resort development that has swept the island in recent years as investors moved beyond saturated destinations like Mykonos and Santorini.

The construction freeze follows a series of legal setbacks for major resort projects on Milos, including a Council of State ruling that temporarily blocked a 127-pool luxury development and the suspension of a separate five-star resort spanning an entire peninsula.

The broader legislative package accompanying the amendment also authorizes a state-funded capital increase for the Independent Power Transmission Operator and establishes a new regional authority to manage traffic infrastructure and waste management

The bill is expected to pass a plenary vote Thursday.