Greece Submits Fifth Application for EU Recovery Fund Disbursement

The Greek government has submitted its fifth application to the European Commission for funding under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility.

According to the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, having successfully achieved 32 targets, Greece is now seeking a total of 3.1 billion euros, including 1.3 billion euros in grants and 1.8 billion euros in loans.

Greek Alternate Minister of National Economy and Finance, Nikos Papathanasis, filed the application, marking a continuation of the country’s successful participation in the Facility.

Greece has already received 18.2 billion euros from the first four programs, which represent more than half of the National Plan “Greece 2.0” budget.

If approved, the fifth application, submitted on December 20, will bring Greece’s total disbursements from the Recovery Fund to 21.3 billion euros.

In an announcement, Papathanasis highlighted that the funding will help drive vital reforms and infrastructure improvements, including projects focused on enhancing entrepreneurship, green transition, and public services.

“This marks another step in our commitment to achieving convergence with the rest of Europe, fostering sustainable development across the country,” Papathanasis said.

Key projects that were carried out and led to the fifth application include:

– Urban regeneration efforts in 750 municipalities, with notable initiatives such as Votanikos in central Athens and the Athenian Riviera
– Green transition projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions
– The “antiNERO” program for forest protection, wildfire prevention, and reforestation
– Anti-flooding and anti-erosion initiatives in Evros and Rodopi
– Over 20 innovation centers across Greek universities, alongside 70 research partnerships between universities and the private sector
– Energy-efficient upgrades for residential and commercial buildings
– The near-completion of the National Land Register project, 85 percent finished

Papathanasis also pointed to Greece’s strong position in EU funding absorption, which reflects the country’s efficiency in utilizing European resources.

“We are accelerating structural reforms that will benefit society and the economy, ensuring that every available euro supports our shared growth,” he said.

State Minister Akis Skertsos added that Greece has undertaken 12 critical reforms, including the establishment of a new Independent Authority for Water and Waste Management, faster judicial processes, and improvements in tax enforcement and broadband infrastructure.

“Greece’s growth rate is twice the EU average, thanks to both significant public investments and ambitious reforms,” Skertsos said. “Our goal is to maintain this momentum and continue delivering positive changes, particularly for the most vulnerable groups.”