Action plan for the day after
The European Union was quick to offer relief aid in the wake of the devastating wildfires that swept parts of Greece in August. Apart from emergency aid, the EU is also offering Greece the possibility of redistributing up to 500 million euros of Third Community Support Framework (CSF III) funds. In addition, Greece will receive up to 400 million euros in credit from the forthcoming CSF IV. All this aid will come, however, under one condition. That is, the Greek State must draw up a comprehensive plan for reforestation, fire-fighting, protection and regeneration of the devastated regions. Our EU partners have indirectly criticized the inadequate programs that were in place before the catastrophic summer fires. The ball is now in our court. The Greek State must take action on the basis of a sound plan. Any future failures will be tantamount to premeditated arson.
