Greece’s highest administrative court has rejected a legal challenge brought by
Greece’s highest administrative court has rejected a legal challenge brought by Santorini entrepreneurs against government-imposed traffic restrictions in high-risk areas of the island. The Council of State (StE) ruled that public safety takes precedence over economic freedoms, especially in areas facing geological hazards such as landslides.
The court’s decision follows increased seismic and volcanic activity on Santorini, prompting emergency regulations aimed at protecting both locals and visitors from potential landslide zones. The disputed ministerial decree, issued in May 2025, restricts vehicle traffic and public access to certain locations on the island, including Ammoudi Bay, a well-known area near the town of Oia.
Court Ruling Prioritizes Human Safety
In its ruling (StE 411/2025), the Council of State emphasized that the protection of human life and physical safety outweighs any business-related concerns. The court stated that civil protection measures should not be delayed or designed around commercial interests, particularly when they address documented natural hazards.
The measures had been introduced following expert assessments from the Hellenic Geological and Mineral Research Authority and the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization, both of which confirmed the landslide risks in specific parts of Santorini, including steep caldera cliffs.
Background of the Dispute
A group of local businesses operating
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