Greece Mobilises State Support to Rebuild Fire-Hit Communities

by · Greek City Times

Greece has launched a comprehensive recovery plan to support communities affected by recent wildfires, providing emergency financial assistance, housing support, property repairs and measures to help residents, businesses and farmers rebuild.

The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection said the State Aid mechanism is coordinating a wide range of interventions focused on protecting citizens, rapidly assessing damage, delivering financial support and restoring fire-affected areas.

The programme is being coordinated by Deputy Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Kostas Katsafados, with government agencies working to accelerate assistance for affected communities.

Damage Assessments Underway in Fire-Affected Areas

Teams of engineers from the General Directorate for the Restoration of Effects of Natural Disasters (GDAEFK) are carrying out inspections of damaged buildings in affected areas.

Assessments have already been completed in the regional units of Boeotia, Argolida, Western Achaia, Aigialeia and Phocis, while inspections continue in Western Attica and Rethymno.

In Porto Germeno, seven three-member engineering teams are currently conducting inspections, while 11 additional teams will join the effort in the municipal unit of Vilia.

The inspections aim to:

  • identify dangerous buildings;
  • determine whether properties remain suitable for use;
  • record the extent of damage;
  • document eligibility for financial assistance;
  • define the boundaries of affected areas.

Immediate Financial Assistance for Fire Victims

The State Aid mechanism has already been activated to provide immediate financial support.

Affected residents can receive:

  • €600 emergency living allowance for damaged primary residences;
  • up to €6,000 for basic repairs and replacement of household equipment for damaged primary homes;
  • 50% of the amount for secondary residences.

Applications are submitted through local municipalities and require supporting documents, including the GDAEFK inspection report, tax forms, family status certificates and relevant disability documentation where applicable.

Temporary Housing Support

Residents forced to leave their homes because of wildfire damage can access temporary housing assistance.

The measure applies to owners or occupants of primary residences classified after inspection as:

  • temporarily unsuitable for use (“yellow” buildings);
  • dangerous for use (“red” buildings).

Support is provided either through rental assistance for alternative accommodation or through a cohabitation subsidy for those staying with another person.

Rental assistance amounts to:

  • €300 per month for one person;
  • an additional €50 per extra household member;
  • up to a maximum of €500 per month.

The cohabitation subsidy provides 50% of the equivalent rental assistance amount.

Government Support for Repairs and Reconstruction

Beyond immediate aid, Greece is activating a housing assistance framework to fund repairs and rebuilding of wildfire-damaged properties.

For homes requiring reconstruction, financial support reaches €1,000 per square metre, covering buildings up to 150 square metres.

For lighter damage affecting non-structural elements, authorities will provide a faster repair process with fixed compensation rates per square metre without requiring a full engineering study.

Additional Measures for Businesses and Farmers

The Government Committee for State Aid (KEKA), meeting on 3 August 2026, approved additional support measures for affected citizens, businesses and agricultural operations.

The package includes:

  • Business and agricultural grants covering 70% of assessed damage, up to €500,000 per beneficiary;
  • Six-month suspension of tax and insurance obligations for certified affected individuals and businesses;
  • 12-month suspension of enforcement actions against affected individuals and legal entities;
  • Employee contract suspension options for severely damaged businesses;
  • Three-year ENFIA property tax exemption for buildings and agricultural land in officially declared emergency areas.

Special Support for Porto Germeno, Psatha and Alepochori

Authorities are also preparing targeted measures to help restore tourism and local economic activity in Porto Germeno, Psatha and Alepochori.

A special tourism “pass” programme will be introduced for the next tourist season to encourage visitors and support local businesses.

The government is also planning a dedicated My Business Support scheme for businesses in these areas, based on the economic losses recorded compared with previous years.

The recovery plan aims to provide immediate relief while supporting the long-term rebuilding of communities affected by Greece’s wildfires.

How Fire Victims Can Apply for State Support

Residents affected by the wildfires can submit applications for emergency financial assistance, housing support, household equipment compensation and other State Aid measures through the official First Aid for Natural Disastersplatform on gov.gr. Applicants will need their Taxisnet credentials to access the service.

Applications and information are available here:

Emergency Financial Assistance for Natural Disasters (gov.gr)

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