The municipality of Thira clearly reiterates its position on the strategic investment licensing process in an announcement, on the occasion of the move by the Ministry of Environment and Energy regarding the ESHASE Santorini Valvis Volcanic Spa in Vlychada. On 26.11.2025, the municipality received the document for the start of consultation on the strategic environmental impact study and the process was suspended after its immediate intervention.
At this point, it should be emphasized that the municipality recalls the explicit public commitment of the Secretary General of the Environment, Kyriakos Bakoyannis, during the presentation of the scenarios of the Special Urban Plan in November 2024. The Special Urban Plan is the institutional tool that determines land uses, building conditions, protection zones and overall spatial planning, in order to ensure that any future development will be compatible with the carrying capacity and character of the island. As was emphasized at the time, no strategic investment can be licensed before this critical process is completed.
The municipality calls on the government to strictly adhere to what it has publicly announced, underlining that the overwhelming majority of local society remains opposed to the implementation of strategic investments on the islands.
At the same time, it is requested that the exceptions provided for in the decision to suspend the issuance of building permits in areas outside the plan be abolished, as the exceptions concern precisely strategic investments.
At the same time, on the initiative of Mayor Nikos Zorzos, a resolution has been proposed to the South Aegean Regional Development Council for the institutionalization of a complete ban on strategic investments in the Cyclades. This is a move that attempts to institutionally shield the island area against development pressures that exceed its capabilities.
In support of this, the municipality points out that Santorini has exceeded the limits of its carrying capacity. Every new strategic investment in sensitive areas not only burdens the natural landscape but also permanently alters it. On the other hand, the uncontrolled expansion of the tourist share does not strengthen the local economy but weakens the income of existing businesses, intensifying sustainability pressures.
The Municipality of Thira closes the statement with a clear message. The island, the environment and social cohesion will be protected with consistency, determination and full commitment to the institutional framework that has already been put out for public consultation.
