Probe into unlicensed road in protected mountain area

A disputed 6km road built in the protected alpine part of Grammos, northwestern Greece, has raised concerns about environmental violations.

Despite initial claims from the Epirus Regional Authority that the road was pre-existing and cleared for military purposes, new documents reveal that local authorities requested military assistance for road construction in 2023, and not for maintenance, contradicting their statements that the road had existed since 1948.

Inspectors from the Natural Environment & Climate Change Agency noted the opening of a road in place of a path within the area, while the Environment Inspectors Office confirmed there was no environmental approval in place.

The Environment Ministry has launched a probe following a public outcry and parliamentary inquiries. The project was halted in early October. Military officials noted that the initiative...