In Greece: from the institutional framework to planning practice

Abstract

The paper examines the evolution of the Greek planning system following the institutional reforms of the late 1990s, which introduced a hierarchical structure of plans and integrated sustainable development principles into national, regional, and local levels. Although these reforms aimed to align with European planning policies and strengthen planning integration, empirical research in Central Macedonia reveals a persistent gap between framework and practice. Despite the system’s hierarchical and integrative ambitions, planning remains largely oriented towards allocating new land for development, undermining sustainability goals and reflecting the enduring weaknesses of the Greek planning tradition.