MEP Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI) has asked the European Commission to address gaps in industrial accident prevention and response following an explosion at a scrap metal plant in Aspropyrgos, Attica, on 13 July 2026, which injured 11 people, some with severe burns. The MEP argues that residents of the Thriasio Plain, home to refineries, LPG plants and other Seveso Directive facilities, remain unprotected despite repeated warnings and a series of fires at industrial sites.
The parliamentary question, submitted on 13 July 2026, contains two concrete asks. First, Nikolaou-Alavanos demands to know the Commission's view on the absence of a response plan for a large-scale industrial accident in Western Attica, despite the area hosting numerous Seveso facilities and a history of incidents. Second, he challenges the reliance on self-assessments by business groups under the Seveso III Directive (2012/18/EU) for evaluating substance risks and accident consequences, arguing that this places responsibility on those who cause accidents.
The question reflects a policy orientation toward stronger EU oversight and mandatory public safety measures, criticising both the EU and the Greek government for prioritising business costs over protection. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will signal whether it sees scope for tightening Seveso III implementation or enforcement in high-risk industrial zones.