Environment, Energy and Climate Change Minister Yiannis Maniatis says that the bill on the Athens-Attica Urban Plan that was voted in principle paves the way for development.

Mr. Maniatis pointed out that the new plan includes specific interventions to the city center as well as eight other municipalities of western Attica. While he is pleased with this development, he was disappointed for being forced to withdraw the Thessaloniki Urban Plan because he lacked the parliamentary majority to have it passed. He hopes that the bill can be re-tabled with amendments so that it can be voted on in the fall.