![Environmental fines…à la carte](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/περιβαλλον.jpg)
Environmental fines à la carte are promoted by the Ministry of Environment and Energy. The government changes the process of imposing fines for violations that harm the environment and links their amount to the turnover of each company. In other words, if two companies are caught for a similar environmental crime, the lowest fine will be imposed to the one with the lowest turnover, as well as to those which show shrinking income – something really common in Greece where the circulation of “black” money has not yet been controlled.
However, according to an amendment tabled to the energy efficiency bill, for anyone who causes any pollution or any other environmental degradation, depending on the severity, the frequency, the recurrence and the damage that the breach entails in the protection of the public interest,it is provided by a simple written recommendation and by fines (from 500 euros up to 5,000,000 euros), until the temporary or permanent cessation of the operation of a business. However, the fines imposed to the companies that pollute the environment are distributed according to the category of the violation, as follows:
(a) for minor offenses, the fine shall not exceed 0.5% of the annual turnover (gross revenue) and may range from 500 euros to 50,000 euros;
(b) for infringements of moderate severity, the fine shall not exceed 1.5% of the annual turnover and shall range from 10,000 euros to 200,000euros ;
(c) for serious infringements, the fine shall not exceed 6% of the annual gross revenue and shall range from 40,000 euros to 800,000 euros;
d) for very serious infringements, the fine shall not exceed 10% of the turnover and shall range from 100,000 euros to 5,000,000 euros.
In case of recurrence, the percentages on the company’s turnover will double. The percentage criterion will not apply to projects and activities that do not have economic nature. The payment or regulation of final administrative sanctions imposed for environmental violations will be a condition for the granting of a state grant for a project or activity or for its inclusion in a state aid scheme.
As for the four categories of violations, they will be specified later on by a Ministerial Decision. It is also noteworthy that the limits of administrative fines (minimum and maximum) and any other details regarding their imposition can be adjusted by a joint decision of the Ministers of Finance and the Ministers of Environment and Energy.
Who will impose the fines?
Fines and penalties will be imposed on the recommendation of the services or competent bodies, as follows:
a) From the relevant Head of the Region, if the amount of the fine is up to 200,000 euros.
b) By the Decentralized Administration Coordinator, if the fine ranges between 200,000 euros up to 500,000 euros.
c) From the competent body of the Ministry of Environment and Energy, if the amount of the fine exceeds 500,000 euros.
In case of imposition of a fine, after an environmental inspection carried out by the General Directorate of the Body of Inspectors and Auditors of RIS, regardless of the amount of the fine, the decision will be issued by the competent body of the ministry.
What businesses are threatened with a cessation of operations?
If a business or activity causes environmental degradation, it may be temporarily banned from operating until the appropriate measures are taken to prevent pollution. At the same time, it may be fined, equal to twice the daily gross operating income and at least 500 euros for each day of violation of the ban.
The competent Head of the Region will have the right to impose a permanent cessation of operation of the company, if it does not comply with the measures indicated by the competent services or if the adoption of effective measures is not possible.
The fines will be collected in favor of the “Green Fund” and, by decision of the Minister of Environment and Energy, the collected revenues will be distributed to Municipalities and Regions, in the area where the pollution was caused and will be used exclusively to finance rehabilitation and upgrading programs of the enviroment.
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
Latest News
![ELSTAT: 1.5% Increase in Business Turnover in May 2024](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/epixeiriseis_2-600x414.jpg)
ELSTAT: 1.5% Increase in Business Turnover in May 2024
The most significant increase in turnover in May 2024 compared with May 2023 was recorded from the enterprises of the Accommodation and Food Service Activities, sector which grew by 14.8%.
![Cosco: Container Traffic Decline at Piraeus Port Continues](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/olp1-scaled-1-2048x1312-1-600x384.jpg)
Cosco: Container Traffic Decline at Piraeus Port Continues
This strategic shift has diminished Piraeus's standing as a prominent Mediterranean port and a key transshipment hub post-Suez Canal.
![Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/power-lines-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates
According to reports, the government will resume an electricity subsidization program, given that forecasts cite disruptions – i.e. higher rates
![ELSTAT: 6.3% Increase in Output Price Index for Agriculture and Livestock](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ot_georg_PROIONTA_money-1-600x352.png)
ELSTAT: 6.3% Increase in Output Price Index for Agriculture and Livestock
The 6.3% rise in May 2024 is largely driven by an 8.8% increase in the crop output group, particularly due to changes in olive oil prices, and a 0.5% increase in the animal output group.
![Balkans Blackout Highlights Climate Threats to Power Grids](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/blackout-1-600x457.png)
Balkans Blackout Highlights Climate Threats to Power Grids
The surge in electricity demand during the heat wave and the power deficit in Balkan markets have driven up prices in the Greek wholesale electricity market.
![Greece in Top 4 Destinations Favored by European Tourists](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ploio-600x400.jpg)
Greece in Top 4 Destinations Favored by European Tourists
Greece was selected by 5.9% of respondents who were asked where they would vacation this year, up from 5.4% in the same survey last year
![Scope Affirms Greece’s BBB- Ratings; Revises Outlook to Positive](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/euros-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Scope Affirms Greece’s BBB- Ratings; Revises Outlook to Positive
The international ratings firm raised Greece to investment grade in early August 2023
![First Seaplane Test Flights to Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/hellenic-seaplanes-pilotikes-ptiseis-ydatino-pedio-lavriou-600x450.jpeg)
First Seaplane Test Flights to Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros
After decades of on-again, off-again efforts to schedule regular seaplane routes to Greece's numerous island and coastal destinations the prospect now appears within sight
![ELSTAT- Overall Import Price Index for May 2024 up 2.8% y-o-y](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/unnamed-41.jpg)
ELSTAT- Overall Import Price Index for May 2024 up 2.8% y-o-y
The same price index had decreased 20.8% from May 2022 to May 2023
![Over 7 in 10 Employees Feel Their Contributions Are Not Appreciated](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ergasia-ergazomenos-600x300.jpg)
Over 7 in 10 Employees Feel Their Contributions Are Not Appreciated
Specifically, the option "Subjective opinions are prioritized over objective data" ranked highest in importance for young employees, with a score of 3.89 out of 4