EU Funding for Greece Projects to Rise with Focus on Green Economy

EU funding for projects to be implemented in Greece, is expected to increase by 8 percent compared to the previous seven-year program, said European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas during the National Development Strategy Conference held in Athens, this month.

According to a European Commission proposal, a total of 19.2 billion euros – up from 17.8 billion euros in 2014-2020 – is to be allocated to Greece under the EU’s National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) for 2021-2027, focusing primarily on projects in agriculture, migration, and the transition to the green economy.

The final decision will be announced in the second half of the year.

More specifically, investment projects in solid fuels, such as gas, and solid waste management will no longer be eligible for funding under the new NSRF program.

Speaking at the event, the new European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, underlined that Greece still has plenty of work to do to meet targets on waste management, sustainable transport systems, and high-speed internet access – all of which must be achieved under the current financing program. The commissioner called on the government re-examine the processes, identify the problem areas, and adopt a different approach.

Greece is aiming with the 2021-2027 funding package to achieve the following EU goals: contribute to a “smarter Europe” by rolling out innovative and smart technologies; a greener and more sustainable Europe, by reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to clean energy, implementing a circular economy, adapting to climate change, and preparing for risk prevention and management; an interconnected Europe by enhancing mobility and regional ICT reach; a more social Europe by securing and enforcing social rights; and a Europe closer to its citizens by promoting the sustainable and integrated development of urban, rural and coastal areas, as well as by supporting local initiatives.