Policies for formalizing informal development in Europe : lessons learnt from Albania and Greece
Potsiou, Chryssy
Powerpoint presentation.
Informal development is the product of complex socio-political processes that differ significantly from country to country and from region to region. Nor is the phenomenon is not a novel issue for Europe, especially for the Southern and Eastern parts of the region. Important changes in the region over the last twenty years, like the establishment of free market economies and rapid urbanization, have increased informal development activities. There is no simple solution to preventing and legalising informal development. The problem is linked to the national level of economic wealth, in combination with the level of social and economic capital in society. On the other hand solutions are linked to the level of consistent land policies, good governance, and well established institutions and systems. Research on informal development therefore deals with complex issues that can only be addressed through in-depth studies of these issues and systems at national, regional, as well as local levels. This paper presents the resolutions of the joint FIG /UN HABITAT, GLTN research for case study for Albania and Greece. The purpose of this study is to provide just such an in-depth analysis of the situation in two neighbouring countries whose historical and cultural backgrounds vary significantly. The research also shows that they are very different with regard to how they respond to informality in terms of regulations, priorities and political approaches. The study covers the issue of informal development in Greece and Albania at a detailed level, engaging all the many complexities and variables associated with the issues and the different systems and institutions. Some of the aspects under investigation are the existing relevant legislation and the legalization procedures and applied penalties. Also considered are the weaknesses of property registration, planning and development permitting systems and their impacts; the urban regeneration options and the mechanisms for affordable housing; and monitoring of future development and safeguarding of the environment. Included in the study are recommendations for the improvement of these systems.
Event: International Land Management Symposium
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