Relations between Cosco and gov’t close to breaking point

Relations between the government and the operator of Piraeus Port Authority (OLP) could reach breaking point just weeks before the general election as an informal meeting between OLP and members of the Port Planning and Development Commission last Friday not only failed to resolve the problems for the implementation of Cosco's investment but probably generated new ones too.

The meeting focused on the memorandum Cosco submitted before Easter to have the obstacles to its 612-million-euro investment plan lifted. This master plan requires decisions on land usage and construction terms, which along with the environmental study will lead to a presidential decree.

However, besides the various objections and terms introduced by the Culture Ministry, there are also significant problems stemming from the Environment Ministry: Its officials appear to view the port as part of the...