Two online meetings on the implementation of EU Regulation 2024/1991 on Nature Restoration in Greece were held on 18 December 2025, organized by the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MoEE) and the National Museum of Natural History Goulandris / Greek Biotope Wetland Centre (EMFHG-EKBY), in collaboration with The Green Tank.
The purpose of the meetings was to inform and engage the relevant public authorities, research institutions, and other stakeholders on the steps for developing the National Restoration Plan.
During the meetings, Ioli Christopoulou from The Green Tank, who coordinated the sessions, presented the main provisions of the new Nature Restoration Regulation, while Dimitra Syrou outlined the actions already completed and those planned for mapping and stakeholder engagement.
In addition, Vasiliki Chrysopolitou from EMFHG-EKBY presented the requirements arising from the Regulation and introduced two participation tools designed to enable systematic contributions from stakeholders. The first tool allows stakeholders to record existing restoration measures and propose new ones, while the second records barriers to river connectivity. These tools aim to ensure evidence-based and meaningful stakeholder involvement in shaping the measures to be included in the National Plan.
The response was very strong, with over 400 participants across the two meetings, representing national, regional, and local authorities, the Hellenic Ministry of Environment and Energy Coordination Body (OFYPEKA) and the Protected Area Management Units (MDPP), research institutions, organizations, academic institutions, civil society groups, and businesses.
The National Restoration Plan is mandated by the EU Nature Restoration Regulation, which entered into force on 18 August 2024. Member States must submit their first draft plans to the European Commission by 1 September 2026. Following the Commission’s review and incorporation of feedback, Member States have a 12-month window from the initial submission to submit the final plans.
The National Restoration Plan is being developed under the project “Scientific and technical support to the General Secretariat for Natural Environment and Water in fulfilling the EU obligations of the country under Articles 14 and 15 of EU Regulation 2024/1991, including the preparation and submission of the National Restoration Plan”, with MoEE as the beneficiary, EMFHG-EKBY as the implementing body, and funding from the Green Fund.
As a project partner, The Green Tank supports the implementation by assisting with planning, stakeholder consultation, assessing the socio-economic aspects of the National Restoration Plan, and identifying synergies with other strategies and initiatives.
More information here.
