Citizens footing the bill

The dire situation with regard to the illegal landfills scattered around the country, and the subsequent fines imposed by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), are just a reflection of the chronic ills that plague Greece. 

The Greek state is now sending the bill to the local authorities, who are responsible for this unacceptable phenomenon and have done very little to remedy the situation. 

The government hopes that by doing this municipalities will be forced to take action to shut down the 41 landfills that are still operating illegally across Greece and find alternative ways to manage waste.

But, regardless of who foots the bill – whether that be the central government or the municipalities themselves – what is certain is that at the end of the day, taxpayers will be the ones who have to shoulder the financial burden.

And what is most disconcerting of all is that the illegal landfills will still continue to exist.