The use of drones and AI technology will be employed by the Greek state in its comprehensive plan for 2024 to clamp down on the encroachment of public property and land, according to the Ministry of Finance.
Some of the key components in the proposed plan include the re-acquisition of encroached land; the setting up of an electronic auction system for coastal areas; and new regulations for housing public services, to efficiently utilize public property.
The plan encompasses seven interventions:
Coastline Utilization: The introduction of a legislative framework is underway to facilitate the exploitation of the coastline and beaches. This includes the development of a specialized electronic platform for auctions to enhance transparency in the processes and achieve competitive final prices. The draft legislation is expected to undergo public consultation in early January.
Acquisition of Encroached Land: A specialized information system is underway to streamline the application process for acquiring encroached public land for a period exceeding 30 years. Discounts of up to 80% on the market value and installment plans with monthly payments as low as €100 for 60 months are proposed. The objective is to collect €500 million over a five-year period.
Digital Management: The activation of a comprehensive digital tool by the General Secretariat of Information Systems and Digital Governance, in collaboration with the “Greek Cadastral,” is planned for the automatic preparation of diagrams detailing geometric changes in public properties. Additionally, the update of geospatial information in the digital database of public assets with the 2021 and 2022 forest maps and approved forest maps is being promoted.
Public Property Utilization: Legislation will be modernized to align the utilization of public properties with market needs and sustainability best practices. Collaboration with other entities within the broader public sector managing properties will be fostered.
Housing of Public Services: Efforts will intensify to rationalize the housing of public services through competitive tenders and the preparation of architectural programs according to standards issued by relevant authorities. The search for buildings meeting modern energy efficiency and safety requirements will continue, and spaces in public properties will be leased by the Land Registry for service housing.
Detection of Offenders: New technological means, such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems (UAVs or drones), will be employed in conjunction with artificial intelligence applications to identify violations and locate encroachments on communal areas in nearly real-time.
