MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Protecting areas of particular natural beauty and controlling building activities in the EU: a new hotel in Sarakiniko – development or environmental disaster? – E-000556/2025

Question for written answer  E-000556/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D)

A building permit was recently issued for the construction of a 5-star hotel in Sarakiniko, an area of the Greek island of Milos known for its unique natural landscape. The move was met with outcry from the local community and environmental organisations. It also highlights possible shortcomings in regional planning and in the protection of areas of particular environmental importance.

In view of the European directives on environmental protection and sustainable development, can the Commission say:

• 1.What measures does it intend to take to ensure that areas of particular natural beauty, such as Sarakiniko, are protected from uncontrolled building activities?
• 2.How does the Commission assess the effectiveness of national procedures for issuing building permits in areas of environmental importance and what does it propose to strengthen checks and transparency in relation to these procedures?
• 3.Are there any European programmes or funding tools that could support enhanced regional planning and environmental protection in regions such as Milos?

Submitted: 6.2.2025