Council of State: Local Govts Cannot Regulate Building Terms, Conditions

A ruling by the Council of State, Greece’s highest administrative court, has handed down a ruling that expected to send shockwaves through the country’s all important construction sector.

Specifically, the high court’s 5th section has ruled that no legal provision has transferred jurisdiction for issuing building permits and construction rules and restrictions to local government authorities.

In fact, the decision’s reasoning states that such a prospect is not cited or implied in the constitution.

The decision, 1728/2025, stems from a case involving the municipality of Athens, with a majority of justices ruling that a decision by the city council was null and invalid.