Greece faces second EU fine over Zakynthos landfill

Greece is facing a second European Court of Justice ruling over the hazardous state of a landfill on the Ionian island of Zakynthos, located within a national park. Despite ceasing operations in 2017, the site remains unrestored, prompting EU legal action.

Authorities have proposed constructing a massive retaining wall to stabilize the towering waste pile before environmental rehabilitation begins. The landfill, initially covering 8,240 square meters in 1996, expanded illegally to 92,000 square meters, accumulating over 528,000 tons of waste.

Successive inspections since 2011 revealed severe environmental violations, leading to Greece’s first EU condemnation in 2014. Though ordered closed, the landfill remained operational until at least 2017, with landslides damaging waste treatment infrastructure.

Restoration costs, estimated at €5.2 million, will be covered by landfill levies, as EU funding no longer supports dumpsite rehabilitations. Officials hope the project will avert further penalties as Greece scrambles to comply with EU regulations.

Kathimerini