Ministry of Finance proposes new framework for public property management by HPPC

The proposed provisions amend Article 196 of Law 4389/2016 and clarify the framework governing the transfer and management of State-owned properties and assets of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO).

In particular, the legislation provides that the Hellenic Public Properties Company (HPPC) shall retain ownership and possession of State and GNTO properties that had already been transferred to, and were being managed by, the company prior to the entry into force of the new provisions. At the same time, the categories of assets excluded from transfer are further clarified and include seashores, beaches, wetlands, Ramsar and Natura protected areas, archaeological sites, and exclusively forested land. An exception to this restriction applies to forest areas that form part of the private property portfolio of the Ministry of National Economy and Finance or the GNTO.

The draft bill further stipulates that HPPC will continue to manage properties excluded from transfer unless responsibility for their administration has been assigned to another public authority. In addition, legal entities that have entrusted the management of their properties to HPPC will retain the right to revoke such arrangements. HPPC will continue to exercise administration, management, and exploitation rights over these assets in its own name and on its own behalf.

Particular emphasis is also placed on the protection of public property against unlawful occupation. Under the proposed framework, properties transferred to HPPC that are illegally occupied by third parties will be subject to the immediate application of the statutory eviction procedures. Furthermore, HPPC is granted concurrent authority alongside the competent public authorities to initiate administrative and judicial actions for the protection of such assets, while the relevant administrative enforcement measures will be issued and executed upon the company’s instruction.

The proposed amendments form part of a broader Ministry of Finance bill that also includes measures addressing the energy crisis, tax and payroll regulations, the out-of-court debt settlement mechanism, public sector pension matters, and regulations governing the gaming market.

The draft bill will remain open for public consultation until 15 June.