Legislation that would provide “free access” to pets on public beaches is to be set by the Greek Minister of Shipping and the Aegean Miltiades Varvitsiotis. According to “Greek Reporter”, the new regulation, which takes up recommendations made by the Greek Port Authority, involves the creation of certain beaches and swimming areas designated for pets. The beaches selected for the purpose must not be crowded and will not require an entrance fee. During a meeting held with representatives of the Panhellenic Animal Welfare and Environmental Federation on Wednesday, Varvitsiotis emphasized on the anachronistic framework of current legislation, in strong contrast to corresponding regulations in other European countries. The Greek minister claimed to have taken into serious consideration social media discussions as well as concerns voiced by thousands of citizens on the issue, noting further that Greece’s vast coastline and the dispersion of the population would “ally” for an equitable solution for both humans and animals.