Today, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had an online meeting with the Executive Vice President of the European Commission and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis.
The Prime Minister had a meeting with Mr. Dombrovskis at 11.00 at the Maximos Mansion, while an online meeting will follow at the Ministry of Finance with the Minister Christos Staikouras.
The teleconference began with the issue of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Vice President of the Commission sent his congratulations to the Greek government, regarding the disbursement of an amount of 3.8 billion euros from the Recovery Fund and expressed his satisfaction for the work that has been done regarding the settlement of the issue of “red” loans .
“The government is implementing a perfect plan, aimed at boosting employment and creating new, better jobs.”
Dobrovskis also spoke about the RRF green energy investments and its progress – changes due to the war, while he pointed out that the investment plans through the Recovery Fund will help Greek small and medium enterprises.
After the advance of 4 billion euros, Mr. Dobrovskis officially announced the approval for the disbursement of the first installment of 3.6 billion euros.
Start for large infrastructure projects
“Large infrastructure and modernization projects are starting throughout the country and in many sectors with emphasis on the green economy and the digital transition. Greece pioneered the formation of the recovery fund and was one of the first three countries to draw up their plan. Let us remember that we hold the first place in terms of resources in terms of population and in terms of our GDP “, underlined Mr. Mitsotakis who said that the first loan from this money was given to a small and medium enterprise for its upgrade.
He also said that large projects such as “save”, a program that is particularly important at a time when electricity bills are rising, are being supported.
“We will also have the opportunity to look at the consequences of the war in Ukraine, starting with the rapid rise in international energy prices and the inflationary pressures that threaten the recovery of the entire European economy. A single European strategy is crucial. “No national budget can shoulder the burdens caused by the explosion in the energy market”, stressed Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Therefore, he continued, it is necessary to take measures at the next summit and stressed the need for European solutions.
“Otherwise, our continent will be confronted with the hydra of populism. “We have experienced it again and we must not allow a new rise of populism to block the path of truth, democracy, rights.”
He also said that they would have the opportunity to discuss the future of the European Stability Pact “which must take into account the new reality that is taking shape and the need to defend ourselves”.
Mr. Mitsotakis also noted that Greece has never stopped the reforms with which we know “that this money is connected”.
Mr. Dobrovskis congratulated Greece and the team that prepared its plan.
“Greece is ready to create a strong economy and move to a greener, more innovative economy. “The package to be given to Greece is one of the largest given to EU member states,” he said, noting that it contributes to growth and energy independence. “This will reduce the bills for households and businesses in Greece. “Reforms will be supported to make Greece more competitive,” he stressed.
Watch their statements:
The trade Commissioner later tweeted:
Latest News
BoG: Feb. Current Account Deficit up by 1.8bln
At current prices, exports dropped by 10.3% (‑10.7% at constant prices) and imports grew by 5.7% (9.4% at constant prices).
Greece Becoming a ‘Refuge’ for German Pensioners
The government's policies to attract foreign property buyers to boot the economy is working, reports German newspaper Handelsblatt
Iran Activates Air Defense System- Reports of Attack by Israel
An Iranian official said explosions reported by Iran's media were the result of the activation of the country's air defense system, yet media reports attribute them to a drone attack by Israel
Poll: Greeks, EU Citizens Eager to Vote in European Elections
EU citizens are eager to vote in the upcoming elections for the European Parliament in June, with eight in 10 saying the current geopolitical situation makes voting imperative
Mitsotakis-Erdogan Meeting in Ankara Fixed for May 13
The Greek PM himself made the announcement from Brussels on Thursday, while he also responded to a question on Athens' intent to create a marine park in the central Aegean, an environmental initiative
Greece Aims to Boost Energy Capacity, Economy with Offshore Wind Farms
Greece’s Energy Ministry is pushing legislation to accelerate the construction of the first floating wind farms in Greek seas
Reuters: Greek Economy Surges After Decade of Pain
Nevertheless, the article also highlights some of the challenges facing the country, with a falling birthrate and labor shortages posing a threat to the long-term outlook
IMF: Greek Growth in 2024 at 2%; Debt to Ease to 158.8% of GDP This Year
Projected consumer prices are forecast to rise by 2.7%
Major Increase in Russian Natgas Imports by Greece in 1Q 2024
Russian state natgas exporter Gazprom dominated imports to the country, mostly through the overland pipeline entering via a northern frontier pipeline
Lamda Development Announces First Profitable Year for The Ellinikon Project
The ATHEX-listed developer reported 206 million euros in EBITDA for FY23, a 69%-percent increase from 2022 results