Pressemitteilung von ClientEarth, WWF und Greenpeace vom 8.9.2025 (engl. Original)
NGOs worry that time is running out for the Commission to act – with a brand-new tender by the Greek government for additional fossil fuel exploration and exploitation near marine protected areas closing on 10 September.
ClientEarth, WWF and Greenpeace lodged a complaint with the European Commission in 2023 to hold the Greek government to account for serious and systematic breaches of EU environmental legislation. They are asking again for the Commission to halt the repeated greenlighting of offshore oil and gas exploration near Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). They warn that failing to do so would set a dangerous precedent, neglecting cornerstone environmental law in favour of fossil fuel companies’ interests.
ClientEarth lawyer Francesco Maletto said: “Oil and gas drilling in the home of whales and dolphins, in the midst of devastating climate impacts - how much clearer a mandate does the Commission need to act? The Commission has a clear legal and moral obligation to uphold EU environmental law. These activities are putting irreplaceable marine ecosystems at serious risk, all for fossil fuels that are driving ecological breakdown and climate chaos. Protecting nature is climate action. Expanding fossil fuels is not.”
WWF Greece legal sector leader Anna Vafeiadou said: “At a time when the climate crisis is intensifying at an alarming rate, there is simply no justification for planning new oil and gas exploration and exploitation projects. In the ominous shadow of the escalating climate crisis and in light of the recent groundbreaking advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice, we call on the Greek Government to be a true climate champion and stop all plans for new oil and gas drilling in Greek seas. We also urge the Commission to fulfil its duty as the Guardian of the Treaties and to act with the urgency that the climate crisis demands”.
Meanwhile, the Greek government’s efforts to promote investments in the hydrocarbon sector comes at a time when devastating climate impacts in the country are clear to see. These crises unfold amidst a backdrop of bold declarations from the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis regarding Greece’s alleged leadership on climate and conservation action.
Die vollständige Pressemitteilung finden Sie hier.