Commission to Back 32 Greece Reform Projects with €20m

Syntagma Square, Athens © Maria Theofanopoulou

Thirty-two projects in Greece have been selected to receive EU funding, following a decision adopted this week by the European Commission.

The EC will release 20 million euros from its Structural Reform Support Program (SRSP) for technical assistance to the selected endeavors while setting out the priorities, objectives and expected results of these reform projects, which aim to help Greece face economic and social challenges and make the country more cohesive and competitive, particularly in view of its exit from the grueling bailout era in August.

At the same time, the projects will contribute to boosting jobs and growth and improve the daily lives of the country’s residents.

“Nearing the end of its stability support program, Greece is at an important juncture. It is crucial that the country continues with modernizing its economy and administration, and the Commission is committed to supporting these reform efforts,” said Valdis Dombrovskis, in charge of Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union.

“Reforms take time to bear fruit, but if fully implemented they can lead to robust and sustainable growth. We already see the first positive signs in Greece – the economy is growing, confidence is strengthening, employment is set to increase steadily, investment started to recover, which ultimately means more and better quality jobs,” he added.

The new measures come on top of over 100 projects coordinated by the Commission in Greece, with the aim to offer technical support focusing on ventures that will reform revenue collection procedures, modernize public administration at national and local levels, and enhance the quality and efficiency of the judicial system. Fighting fraud, corruption and money laundering are also top priorities, as are improving the investment climate, promoting exports, better management of natural resources, and implementing Energy Union initiatives.

Additionally, support will also go towards education and social welfare systems, with the EC moving ahead to enhance funding access for small and medium-sized enterprises.