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

In detail, according to an announcement by the Ministry, 80% of the scheduled electronic auctions have already been posted and completed, while, due to the very high interest and in order to complete the entire tender process without any problems, the Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kostis Hatzidakis, decided to extend the process until June 28 in order to gradually complete the remaining pending auctions.

And the direct contracts of adjacent businesses and hotels receiving direct leases without an auction are expected to be completed within 10 days. At the same time, the Ministry is taking initiatives to support the local Land Services, while, for the first time this year, their inspection work is assisted by the new myCoast citizen complaint application, the downloading and use of satellite imagery, and the use of drones with a focus on beaches of high crime and use.

Auctions are now conducted exclusively online, enabling those operators who qualify to participate in conditions of transparency and fair competition. In particular, the electronic auctions are conducted through the dedicated digital platform.

To date, 959 auctions have been posted on the platform, while the total number of auctions is expected to exceed 1,200 this year. Of the 959 auctions, 735 have been completed with the award of the beach to the highest bidders, while the rest have been declared ineligible and will be re-auctioned in the coming period.

At the same time, there are 6,500 active contracts that do not need to be re-auctioned until the end of their lease period but are subject to the same rules on penalties and fines as the new concessions. Finally, the new law also established "inaccessible beaches,"  i.e., highly protected areas located in Natura areas where the concession and consequently the placement of umbrellas, sunbeds, etc. are prohibited.

In addition, with regard to the direct contracts of neighbouring businesses and hotels that receive direct leases without an auction, specific instructions have already been given to local authorities in order to speed up the procedures, especially in the Cyclades and Halkidiki, where demand is high. 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 with the new concession regulations is also progressing, and it is estimated that the improved image of Greek beaches and seashore areas will be gradually established by the end of June. It is recalled that the new system provides for strict rules and intensive controls aimed at ensuring free access for citizens to beaches, the transparent use of public property, the protection of the environment, the upgrading of tourist products, and the respect and safety of bathers.