Minister Highlights Greece’s Commitment to Green Initiatives for its Islands

Chalki island, Greece. Photo source: Visit Greece

Sustainable development approaches have been adopted by the Greek government, which are crucial not only for the country as a whole but especially for its islands, according to Stefanos Gikas, the Greek Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy.

During his participation in two conferences on Corfu, Gikas emphasized that Greece’s sustainable development strategies focus on green transition, environmental protection, and the sustainable management of resources.

‘GR-Eco Islands’ conference

At the conference dedicated to the “GR-Eco Islands” initiative, the Deputy Minister noted that seven Ionian islands are among 39 selected in Greece to implement green pilot projects.

He highlighted that these projects are already taking shape, specifically mentioning the island of Chalki, where implemented policies have led to residents receiving energy bills with zero charges.

Gikas pointed out that the General Secretariat for the Aegean and Insular Policies has successfully executed various projects over the last five years, addressing issues from water shortages to supporting cultural events and heritage on the Greek islands.

“Our ongoing communication and focus on island municipalities across our country—from Kastelorizo to Crete to the Diapontia islands—have allowed us to gather knowledge and experience while gaining a deeper understanding of the unique characteristics of each island,” he added.

The “GR-Eco Islands” initiative demonstrates the Hellenic Government’s commitment to promoting both the green and digital transformation of the Greek islands, alongside efforts for their decarbonization. This innovative policy approach has the potential to inspire and drive change worldwide.

The initiative is funded by the National Strategic Reference Framework, with an initial budget of 157 million euros, which may increase to 280 million through contributions from Greece’s regional entities.

Kick-off conference of the Greek EUSAIR presidency

At the kick-off conference for the Greek presidency of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR), deputy minister Gikas presented the initiatives of the Ministry of Shipping and Insular Policy on various critical issues.

EUSAIR, a macro-regional strategy adopted by the European Commission, aims to foster social, economic, and territorial cohesion while reducing disparities in the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region through cooperation. Specifically, it seeks to enhance cooperation and cohesion while addressing inequalities among the ten member countries involved in the program, which encompasses the Adriatic region, the Ionian Sea, and the Western Balkans. The EUSAIR includes four EU member states (Croatia, Greece, Italy, Slovenia) and six non-EU countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, San Marino, and Serbia).

During the kick-off conference, Gikas emphasized the significance of the EU’s macro-regional strategies in achieving broader goals for European integration. He outlined the Ministry of Maritime Affairs’ positions regarding the key pillars of action, which include blue growth, regional interconnectivity, environmental sustainability—often referred to as the “green” transition—and sustainable tourism.

This marks the second occasion that Greece has assumed the presidency of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR). During its presidency, which runs from June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025, Greece will oversee the renewal of the mandate for European institutions, the adoption of the new EU Strategic Compass, and preparations for Europe beyond 2027.