Transport Subsidies to Be Distributed to Greek Islanders, Businesses

Greek island residents and businesses who have registered for the “transport equivalent” program will be receiving  a total of 40 million euros in subsidies, the development and shipping ministries announced this week.

Under the joint ministerial decision, payments will be made covering transport costs for applications submitted through to September 30, 2022. The first round of payments, according to the ministries, are scheduled to be made starting on April 24 to 133,704 eligible islanders and to 165,858 in the second round.

More specifically, a total of 7,449,721,14 euros will be distributed to 133,704 eligible island applicants to cover the April 29, 2022-June 30, 2022 period and 11,083,105,25 euros to 165,858 applicants covering transport costs for the July 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022 period.

The program – known as “metaforiko isodynamo” – subsidizes islanders and island businesses for transport needs. The program also offers special discounts for fuel and the transportation of goods and people. According to the announcement, 32,068 residents and 3,274 business owners living on 48 islands will be receiving a total of 4,123,652,00 euros to cover fuel costs.

Meanwhile, applications filed by 11,965 island-based businesses in the first half of 2022 are currently being assessed. A total of 16,000,000 euros in subsidies will be distributed after cross-checks are completed.

Once finalized, the Greek government will have disbursed 71,000,000 euros in 2022 to island businesses and residents for transport and fuel costs. By mid-May 2023, a total of 40,000,000 euros will go towards transport needs of island businesses and residents.