Strong interest, which exceeds initial estimates, is recorded by businesses for their participation in the new process electronic auctions granting the use of beaches and coastline, according to the new framework recently legislated by the Ministry of National Economy and Finance.

In detail, 80% of the planned electronic auctions have already been posted and completed, while, due to the very high interest and in order to complete the entire bidding process without interruption, by decision of the Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kostis Hatzidakis, the deadline was extended until June 28 process in order to gradually complete the remaining pending auctions. And the direct contracts of neighboring businesses, hotels that receive a direct lease without an auction are expected to be completed within 10 days. At the same time, the Ministry undertakes initiatives to support the local Real Estate Services, while, for the first time this year, their audit work is assisted by the new application for submitting complaints by citizens myCoast, the reception and utilization of satellite images and the use of drones with an emphasis on beaches with high levels of crime and use.

The auctions are now done exclusively electronically, enabling those entrepreneurs who meet the conditions to participate in terms of transparency and fair competition. In particular, the electronic auctions are conducted through the special digital platform (https://eauctions.gsis.gr).

To date, they have been posted on the platform 959 auctions, while the auctions in total are expected to exceed 1,200 for this year. Of the 959 auctions, 735 have been completed with the awarding of the beach to those businesses that paid the highest price, while the rest were deemed barren and are scheduled to be re-auctioned in the near future. At the same time, there are also 6,500 active contracts that do not need to be re-auctioned until their lease period ends, but are governed by the same penalty and fine rules as those for new concessions. Finally, with the new law, the “deceited beaches” were also established, that is, highly protected areas located in Natura areas where concessions and, by extension, the placement of umbrellas, sunbeds, etc., are prohibited.

In addition, regarding the direct contracts of neighboring businesses, hotels that receive direct lease without an auction, specific instructions have already been given to the local services in order to speed up the procedures, especially in the Cyclades and Halkidiki where the demand is increased. The signing of the relevant contracts is expected to be completed within 10 days.

At the same time, the compliance of companies with active existing contracts to the new concession regulations is progressing and it is estimated that the new improved image on Greek beaches and seaside resorts will gradually take shape from the end of June. It is recalled that the new system provides for strict rules and intensive controls with the aim of ensuring the free access of citizens to the beaches, the transparent use of public property, the protection of the environment, the upgrading of the tourist product and the respect and safety of bathers.

Initiatives to strengthen Real Estate Services

Additionally, in order to avoid delays, the Ministry is implementing a series of initiatives to strengthen and support local Real Estate Services.

At the same time, echelons of officials from the Ministry of National Economy and Finance led by the General Secretary of Public Property Naya Kollia are going to go to the Real Estate Services of the above areas where great interest is recorded in order to supervise and speed up the necessary procedures for the completion of the project.

In addition, in the direction of strengthening the Real Estate Services and following a relevant contract for the project “Completion of the registration procedures in the National Land Registry, protection and utilization of the Public Property under the responsibility of the General Secretariat of Public Property of the Ministry of National Economy and Finance” with TAIPED, the approval of the contractors who will strengthen the Real Estate Services and contribute to the management of the huge volume concerning the declaration of the rights of the Greek State in the land register.

Finally, it is recalled that, as happened last year, the possibility of moving Real Estate Services staff is foreseen in order to staff and support areas where there is a heavy load.