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	<title>ENERGY Archives - Greek News Agenda</title>
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	<link>https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/tag/energy/</link>
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	<lastBuildDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:17:25 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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	<title>ENERGY Archives - Greek News Agenda</title>
	<link>https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/tag/energy/</link>
	<width>32</width>
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	<item>
		<title>Greece at the Center of a New Eastern Mediterranean Energy Architecture</title>
		<link>https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/greece-at-the-center-of-a-new-eastern-mediterranean-energy-architecture/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[iandrianopoulos]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:17:24 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Government]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ENERGY]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/?p=24201</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="1024" height="652" src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG-20260612-WA0001-1-1024x652-1.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG-20260612-WA0001-1-1024x652-1.jpg 1024w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG-20260612-WA0001-1-1024x652-1-740x471.jpg 740w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG-20260612-WA0001-1-1024x652-1-512x326.jpg 512w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/IMG-20260612-WA0001-1-1024x652-1-768x489.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
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<p>Energy security and resilience in the Eastern Mediterranean were at the core of the meetings held by the Greek delegation, led by the Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, during its visit to the United States. Cooperation among the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean—through the 3+1 platform (<a href="https://ypen.gov.gr/ypegrafi-i-diakiryxi-gia-tin-idrysi-tou-kentrou-energeias-anatolikis-mesogeiou-sto-chiouston-sto-plaisio-tis-protovoulias-31/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>cover photo</em></a>), the East Mediterranean Gas Forum, and the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum—appears to be gaining momentum, taking on a more concrete form, and establishing clear rules for the region. This is the first time that energy diplomacy has moved beyond the narrow boundaries of economic transactions and begun to carry significant geopolitical implications. In this new energy landscape, Greece aspires to play a decisive role as an anchor of stability.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Feature5535bab0-53a3-471d-9d55-52b2d4a8f41c-1080x701.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-24204" /></figure>
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<p><strong>10<sup>th</sup> Ministerial Meeting of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF)</strong></p>
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<p><a href="https://emgf.org/pages/viewcontent/articalid.aspx?ArtID=2176" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The 10<sup>th</sup> Ministerial Meeting of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF)</a> was held on June 8 at the headquarters of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., under the chairmanship of Greek Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou and hosted by the United States Department of Energy and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. Participants included Michalis Damianos, Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Cyprus; Karim Badawy, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; Saleh Ali Al-Kharabsheh, Jordan’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources; heads of delegations from the governments of Israel, Italy, and Palestine; as well as representatives of the European Union and the World Bank.</p>
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<p>The meeting took place nearly three years after the previous ministerial session, during which Greece assumed the Forum’s presidency. It is particularly significant because the EMGF remains only forum that brings together the governments of Jordan, Israel, and Palestine, alongside its permanent members - Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Italy, and France - and its observers: the European Union, the United States of America, and the World Bank. The crisis in the Middle East had led to repeated postponements of meetings. Nevertheless, the importance of energy security in the region and the protection of energy infrastructure brought all member states back to the table.</p>
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<p>According to the joint communiqué, the participants “discussed ways in which member states can leverage the EMGF to promote the development of interconnected and resilient energy systems in the Eastern Mediterranean, founded on natural gas, while also highlighting the region as a strategic energy corridor linking the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.” At the same time, the participants emphasized their renewed commitment to strengthening cooperation within the Forum, with full respect for the rights of member states over their natural resources in accordance with international law. They also pledged “to promote constructive cooperation aimed at enhancing energy security and the resilience of energy systems, while also highlighting the interdependence between natural gas and electricity networks at a critical juncture.”</p>
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<p>As of August 1, Israel will assume the presidency of the EMGF following a unanimous decision supported by the votes of Jordan and Palestine. Sources at the Ministry of Environment and Energy stressed that energy cooperation transcends the region’s troubled past and present, while Mr. Papastavrou stated that “we are building a framework of cooperation with full respect for international law, based on mutually accepted principles and commercial rules that strengthens stability and discourages unilateral and revisionist behavior.”</p>
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<p><!-- wp:image {"id":24205,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-18-135318-1080x607.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-24205" /></figure>
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<p><strong>Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum</strong></p>
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<p>The Eastern Mediterranean took center stage on Wednesday during a panel discussion on the future of European energy resilience, held as part of <a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/programs/global-energy-center/global-energy-forum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum</a>. Focusing on the shared priorities of Greece and Cyprus regarding interconnections and energy security, the Greek Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou  outlined the region’s emerging energy architecture, with Greece at its center, and highlighted the government’s efforts to achieve greater energy independence.</p>
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<p>A key element of this energy architecture is the Vertical Gas Corridor, which strengthens energy security across Southeastern and Central Europe by creating a community of 100 million people and a network of interconnected infrastructure that supports both European and transatlantic energy resilience. The framework established by the East Mediterranean Gas Forum helps foster cooperation and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. It provides a platform that advances the region by promoting collaboration rather than competition.</p>
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<p><!-- wp:image {"id":24206,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-18-131626-1080x521.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-24206" /></figure>
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<p><a href="https://www.great-sea-interconnector.com/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Great Sea Interconnector (GSI)</em></a></p>
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<p><!-- wp:image {"id":24207,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-18-131415-1080x507.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-24207" /></figure>
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<p><a href="https://www.gregy-interconnector.gr/index_en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>GREGY Interconnector</em></a></p>
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<p>The Greece–Cyprus–Israel triangle, on the one hand, and its expansion into a quadrilateral with the participation of the United States—known as the “3+1” framework—has highlighted the strategic value of regional partnerships. Major projects such as the <a href="https://www.great-sea-interconnector.com/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Sea Interconnector (GSI)</a> and <a href="https://www.gregy-interconnector.gr/index_en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GREGY Interconnector</a> are shaping an integrated energy ecosystem that extends beyond national borders.</p>
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<p><!-- wp:image {"id":24208,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/oCjHybvTjrPJ8RyZss0j5bLvQI8JUlVBetqrpVSU-1024x722-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-24208" /></figure>
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<p><a href="https://www.imec.international/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)</em></a></p>
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<p>At the same time, the major diagonal of <a href="https://www.imec.international/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)</a> is taking shape. This ambitious connectivity project aims to link India with Europe through the Middle East by leveraging ports, rail networks, highways, and digital infrastructure. “Thus, the Eastern Mediterranean—and our country in particular—is, in reality, at the center of this new geometry,” the Minister remarked. At the same time, emerging initiatives such as IMEC and Greece’s cooperation with the United States are creating a broader global framework, underscoring Greece’s role as a gateway connecting Europe with the Eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East, and even wider regions.</p>
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<p><strong>The “3+1” energy cooperation framework </strong></p>
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<p>The Greek delegation also traveled to Houston, where it participated in the 2<sup>nd</sup> ministerial meeting of the 3+1 energy cooperation framework, which brings together Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the United States. Interconnection projects once again featured prominently in the discussions, alongside joint initiatives aimed at strengthening—and potentially expanding—regional cooperation. Particular emphasis was placed on cybersecurity and the protection of critical energy infrastructure. The participants also agreed to establish a dedicated task force to address these issues. Stavros Papastavrou stressed that “the weaponization of energy is not acceptable in the region,” while U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright emphasized that “cooperation through trade prevails over conflict.” This is expected to form a new doctrine of cooperation and serve as the cornerstone of an emerging energy mosaic that excludes no one—except provocations and unilateral claims in the Eastern Mediterranean. In this context, the participants also agreed to hold their next meeting in Israel in December 2026.</p>
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<p>A new geopolitical reality is now taking shape, with cooperation at its core as a necessary prerequisite. States that are unable or unwilling to adapt to these new conditions and the commercial rules that increasingly shape international relations risk choosing a path of isolation. All participants in the 3+1 framework endorsed this view as a fundamental principle, with the message of unity and shared objectives emerging as the dominant theme of the meeting.</p>
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<p><!-- wp:image {"id":24209,"width":"845px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.50120890621053","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/Picture1-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-24209" style="aspect-ratio:1.50120890621053;width:845px;height:auto" /></figure>
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<p><em>Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou addresses the EMEC founding declaration signing ceremony at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy in Houston, Texas, describing the moment as historic. (Photo: Environment and Energy Ministry)</em></p>
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<p><strong>The East Mediterranean Energy Center (EMEC)</strong></p>
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<p>With the prevention of any weaponization of energy as its guiding principle, the signing of the declaration establishing the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center (EMEC) followed at Rice University. The declaration was signed by U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Greek Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou, Cyprus’s Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Michalis Damianos, and Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter. Senior executives from major U.S. energy companies participated in the ceremony following the signing of the declaration, including representatives of Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Cheniere Energy.</p>
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<p>Greek Minister, Stavros Papastavrou, in cooperation with U.S. Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, brought the discussion on establishing the Center back to the forefront. The shared commitment to advancing energy security in the Eastern Mediterranean, expressed during the P-TEC meeting held in Athens in November 2025, was followed by the Greek minister’s visits and consultations in the United States in both March and June 2026. The latter visit culminated in the signing of the declaration that formally launches the establishment of the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center (EMEC).</p>
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<p>The aim of the Center is to serve as a platform for strengthening regional energy security, expanding infrastructure development, and promoting commercial opportunities. With the support of Congress, the Center will enhance the economic and energy resilience of regional partners by facilitating investment, improving market integration, and supporting the development of advanced energy systems and infrastructure. Its activities will focus on increasing cross-border energy trade, improving system reliability, and positioning U.S. companies to compete in high-value regional projects. Within this framework, the Center will seek to foster cooperation among the governments participating in the 3+1 framework, as well as technical and financial institutions, academia, and the private sector. It is now increasingly clear that the Eastern Mediterranean is set to assume a new role as a key pillar of stability and prosperity, while also strengthening the transatlantic relationship between Europe and the United States.</p>
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<p>(Sources: <a href="https://www.amna.gr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.amna.gr/</a>, <a href="https://ypen.gov.gr/ypegrafi-i-diakiryxi-gia-tin-idrysi-tou-kentrou-energeias-anatolikis-mesogeiou-sto-chiouston-sto-plaisio-tis-protovoulias-31/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://ypen.gov.gr/</a> )</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/w16-72647.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-24210" style="width:850px;height:auto" /></figure>
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<p><strong>Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce Holds Meetings in the United States on Energy Policy in the Eastern Mediterranean</strong></p>
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<p>A series of meetings and discussions on energy policy in the Eastern Mediterranean was organized in Washington, D.C., by the <a href="https://www.amcham.gr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham Greece)</a> on the occasion of the 3+1 Energy Ministerial Meeting held in the United States. According to a statement by AmCham Greece, the discussions highlighted the growing role of Greece and Cyprus as regional energy hubs, as well as the potential for connecting Eastern Mediterranean energy resources with European markets.</p>
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<p>In cooperation with the Atlantic Council, AmCham Greece organized the first Eastern Mediterranean Energy Business Forum, with the participation of AmCham Cyprus. The initiative took place within the framework of the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Forum and aimed to bring the perspective of the Greek business community into the discussions on the energy policy agenda of the 3+1 framework. The forum brought together government officials, business executives, and energy policy experts.</p>
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<p><em>(Source: </em><a href="https://www.amna.gr/mobile/article/1001194/Epafes-Ellinoamerikanikou-Emporikou-Epimelitiriou-stis-IPA-gia-tin-energeiaki-politiki-stin-An-Mesogeio" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>https://www.amna.gr/</em></a><em> )</em></p>
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<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Read also:</p>
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<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/energy-is-power/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“Energy Is Power of Security, Growth and Influence” says Minister Stavros Papastavrou</a></p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/greece-at-the-center-of-a-new-eastern-mediterranean-energy-architecture/">Greece at the Center of a New Eastern Mediterranean Energy Architecture</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr">Greek News Agenda</a>.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>The Economist Conference “Investing in Change: How Crete Is Being Transformed”</title>
		<link>https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/the-economist-conference-investing-in-change-how-crete-is-being-transformed/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[iandrianopoulos]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 09:32:42 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Creative Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Government]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CRETE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CULTURE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ENERGY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[INFRASTRUCTURE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TOURISM]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/?p=24113</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="1130" height="667" src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/economist-kriti-cover.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/economist-kriti-cover.jpg 1130w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/economist-kriti-cover-740x437.jpg 740w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/economist-kriti-cover-1080x637.jpg 1080w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/economist-kriti-cover-512x302.jpg 512w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/economist-kriti-cover-768x453.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1130px) 100vw, 1130px" /></p>
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<p>On May 29, the Grand Arsenal of Chania hosted an event that captures the new era opening for Greece’s largest island, Crete.  <a href="https://events.economistenterprise.com/events-conferences/investing-in-change-how-crete-is-being-transformed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Economist  and Powergame.gr  organized the conference “Investing in Change: How Crete is Being Transformed,”</a> with thematic pillars spanning from development and tourism to infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, road safety, circular economy, and culture.</p>
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<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Crete is currently at a pivotal development crossroads. Major infrastructure projects that are being implemented or planned — from road networks and water management works to energy interconnections — combined with strategic investments in tourism and hospitality, are shaping a new development model for the island and for the Greek periphery as a whole. Strengthening infrastructure resilience, ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources, upgrading the tourism product and attracting international investment constitute decisive factors for the long-term prosperity of Crete and of Greece. The main pillars to be addressed during the conference include:</p>
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<li>The strategic importance of major infrastructure projects for Crete’s economic growth</li>
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<li>Investments in tourism and the transition to a high-quality, sustainable hospitality model</li>
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<li>The role of energy and interconnections in shaping a new productive landscape</li>
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<li>The contribution of local production and the primary sector to the island’s extroversion</li>
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<li>The cooperation between Government, Local Authorities and the private sector in accelerating development.</li>
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<p><em>(Source, agenda and key speakers: </em><a href="https://events.economistenterprise.com/events-conferences/investing-in-change-how-crete-is-being-transformed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>https://events.economistenterprise.com/</em></a><em>  )</em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/rdj4nobq-1024x683-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-24116" style="aspect-ratio:1.499288451012589;width:739px;height:auto" /></figure>
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<p>In the context of the conference, <a href="https://www.primeminister.gr/en/2026/05/29/38626" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis participated as the keynote speaker in a conversation with Mariana Mazzucato, Professor in the Economics of Innovation and Public Value at University College London</a>. The discussion was moderated by Alasdair Ross, Countries Editor for The Economist’s The World Ahead, and Joan Hoey, Greece analyst and Europe consultant for the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/wzwojqhw-768x512-1.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-24117" style="width:734px;height:auto" /></figure>
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<p>In his opening remarks, referring to Greece’s economic transformation and the investments being made in Crete, the Prime Minister noted, among others:</p>
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<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“We are in Crete, and this is an island which has benefited tremendously from significant public investment. And let me just highlight three projects of great importance. The first, which has already been completed, is the two electric interconnections between Crete and the mainland. These are important not only for reasons of energy security, but also because Crete used to burn diesel oil in order to produce electricity, and now it can benefit from an interconnected network and also leverage the significant renewable potential that the island has.”</p>
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<p>“The second incredibly big public investment has been the new airport in Iraklion. When we’re looking at the potential of this island as the sort of the epicenter of the dynamic Greek tourism industry, we cannot envision an island growing to the 21<sup>st</sup> century with 20<sup>th</sup> century infrastructure. The old airport in Heraklion is struggling to meet the increased demands of people wanting to come to Crete. So building a brand new airport was a priority for us. It will be ready hopefully in 2028. 70% of the project has been completed.”</p>
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<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“And the third big infrastructure project was building a new highway that essentially runs across the northern part of the island. Again, a very significant public investment in infrastructure which is necessary to drive the island forward.”</p>
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<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“So for us, when we look at our agenda, public investments do play an important role alongside policies that foster entrepreneurship, bring in investment, and leverage the comparative advantages of our country. And of course, also all these projects, they’re being constructed by our big construction companies. So this is essentially a public-private partnership, given that these are concession models, which in our mind work very, very well. So this is no longer just about stabilizing the country, improving its image abroad. I think this work to a great extent has been done. Of course, we always need to be very vigilant. This is about the new phase of growth in which public investment plays a very, very important role, especially here in Crete.”</p>
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<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><em>(Source: </em><a href="https://www.primeminister.gr/en/2026/05/29/38626" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>https://www.primeminister.gr/en/2026/05/29/38626</em></a><em> , Photos: </em><a href="https://www.ertnews.gr/perifereiakoi-stathmoi/chania/k-mitsotakis-ependyontas-stin-alligi-pos-metamorfonetai-i-kriti/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>https://www.ertnews.gr</em></a><em> )</em></p>
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<p><!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxLnT8vLalI","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --></p>
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxLnT8vLalI
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<p><em>Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in conversation with Mariana Mazzucato at the “Investing in Change: How Crete Is Being Transformed” conference in Chania</em></p>
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<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
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<p><!-- wp:image {"id":24118,"width":"738px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.500027380756804","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/63923-image9-5-1-1920x1440-1-1080x720.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-24118" style="aspect-ratio:1.500027380756804;width:738px;height:auto" /></figure>
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<p><a href="https://www.presidency.gr/enarktiria-omilia-sto-synedrio-ependyontas-stin-allagi-pos-metamorfonetai-i-kriti/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos A. Tasoulas, officially opened the proceedings of the conference</a> noting, among others: "Twenty-eight centuries ago, the beauty and wealth of Crete were described in the Odyssey by Odysseus himself, speaking to Penelope in Book 19: ‘There is a land called Crete in the midst of the wine-dark sea, fair and fertile, surrounded by water, with countless people and ninety cities...’ It is this Crete that has brought us together today—to speak about its beauty and its potential for the sustainable development of its natural wealth, which it has preserved through the centuries."</p>
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<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><em>(Source: </em><a href="https://www.presidency.gr/enarktiria-omilia-sto-synedrio-ependyontas-stin-allagi-pos-metamorfonetai-i-kriti/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>https://www.presidency.gr/</em></a><em>)</em></p>
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<p><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_26_1237" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, delivered a Keynote speech</a> about the importance of European connectivity for sustainable development. Mr Tzitzikostas noted, among others, "Europe is investing in Crete. Through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), through its infrastructure and transport budget, through the European Investment Bank, through cohesion policy, and through investments in transport, energy, and tourism. It is investing through the Recovery and Resilience Facility, which, with €1.37 billion in funding, supports 93 businesses, 72 of which are small and medium-sized enterprises. Europe invests because it believes in this place. It invests because it recognizes its potential. It invests because Crete is not Europe’s periphery. Crete is the center of the Mediterranean. Europe, therefore, is not merely a source of funding. It is a partner; it is an ally. And connectivity is not a technical issue—it is a political one. It is a choice. It is a vision.”</p>
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<p>“Crete possesses everything it needs to play a leading role and to become a strategic asset for Greece, which can and should develop into a central hub of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), indeed serving as one of its key terminal gateways. Just as Greece is evolving into a strategic hub for the whole of Eastern Europe through the Aegean–Black Sea rail and road corridor project that we have signed and are now launching—a project that has been my highest priority since I first assumed office. Crete has the geography, the culture, and the people. It now also has the infrastructure that is being built. The new era has already begun. Here. In Crete. In Chania."</p>
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<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>(Source: <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/commission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://ec.europa.eu/commission/</a> )</p>
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<p><!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TDT-lC_2TI","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --></p>
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TDT-lC_2TI
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<p>Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas presented the plans and progress of the major infrastructure projects that are transforming Crete.</p>
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<p>Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou focused on the dynamic relaunch of Greece’s hydrocarbons programme, the prospect of the first exploratory drilling operation in the Ionian Sea in half a century, and Crete’s emergence as a new energy hub for the country were at the center of remarks by. He outlined Greece’s strategy for the role of natural gas and hydrocarbons within Europe’s evolving energy landscape. According to the minister, the presence of two of the world’s largest private oil companies, Chevron and Exxon Mobil, in Greece’s offshore concession areas is neither a temporary development nor simply a reflection of the policy shift in the United States following the election of Donald Trump. Rather, he argued, it is the result of a long-term and systematic effort that began several years earlier, with Greece making sustained investments in energy infrastructure and the collection of critical geological data.</p>
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<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><em>(Source: </em><a href="https://www.amna.gr/home/article/996884/Economist-Impact-St-Papastaurou-Oi-duo-megaluteres-idiotikes-petrelaikes-etaireies-ston-kosmo-drastiriopoiountai-stin-Ellada" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>https://www.amna.gr/</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.economistas.gr/energeia/76769_papastayroy-gkazi-stis-ereynes-ydrogonanthrakon-i-kriti-ethnikos-energeiakos-kombos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>https://www.economistas.gr/</em></a><em> )</em></p>
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<p><!-- wp:image {"id":24119,"width":"730px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.5036917080668624","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/mendoni-econ01-1-1024x681-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-24119" style="aspect-ratio:1.5036917080668624;width:730px;height:auto" /></figure>
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<p>Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni noted, among others, "Culture is an important instrument of social cohesion. It brings society together in a variety of ways. At the same time, however, it is also a powerful driver of development.” The minister also referred to Greece’s approximately 28,000 archaeological sites and monuments—“an astonishing number,” as she described it—emphasizing that Crete is perhaps the place in the Mediterranean with the highest concentration of cultural assets, monuments, and archaeological sites. "Crete is also one of the most multilayered cultural landscapes, because it is not only home to an extraordinary wealth of archaeological sites and monuments spanning thousands of years, from antiquity to modern times. It is also defined by the immense strength of its traditions and intangible cultural heritage, expressed through its language, dances, songs, and gastronomy. Crete brings all of these elements together.” “At a time when major investments—such as the Northern Road Axis of Crete, the island’s energy interconnection projects, and the new airport at Kastelli—are creating critical infrastructure, what is needed, in my view, is a unifying element that ties all these developments together. That element is culture." Lina Mendoni also referred to the celebration marking the inclusion of the Minoan Palaces on the UNESCO World Heritage List, an inscription that took place in July 2025.</p>
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<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><em>(Source: </em><a href="https://www.amna.gr/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>https://www.amna.gr/home/</em></a><em>)</em></p>
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<p><!-- wp:image {"id":24121,"width":"727px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/1000143232-768x1024-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-24121" style="width:727px;height:auto" /></figure>
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<p>Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni noted "Crete is a place with a deep historical memory, a strong identity, and a decisive contribution to Greece’s development trajectory. At the same time, it embodies all the elements that make Greek tourism unique." She also underlined that Crete offers a unique and multifaceted tourism product, combining natural beauty, cultural heritage, and a strong gastronomic identity, thereby reinforcing its position as a year-round, 12-month destination. Addressing the role of Greek tourism, the minister noted that it remains a key pillar of the economy, employment, and regional development, making an especially significant contribution to Crete. The minister further referred to the major infrastructure projects being implemented by the government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, which are creating new development prospects for Crete and significantly strengthening the island’s connectivity and competitiveness, alongside substantial private-sector investments in tourism.</p>
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<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><em>(Source: </em><a href="https://mintour.gov.gr/i-ypoyrgos-toyrismoy-olga-kefalogianni-sto-synedrio-ton-powergame-gr-kai-economist-sta-chania-ependyontas-stin-allagi-pos-metamorfonetai-i-kriti/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>https://mintour.gov.gr/</em></a><em>  )</em></p>
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<p><!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urLze-QCCKM\u0026amp;t=5928s","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --></p>
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urLze-QCCKM&amp;t=5928s
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<p><em>Video of the Conference “Investing in change: How Crete is being transformed” (GR)</em></p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/the-economist-conference-investing-in-change-how-crete-is-being-transformed/">The Economist Conference “Investing in Change: How Crete Is Being Transformed”</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr">Greek News Agenda</a>.</p>
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		<title>Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ address at the 2nd Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris</title>
		<link>https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/prime-minister-kyriakos-mitsotakis-address-at-the-2nd-nuclear-energy-summit-in-paris/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[iandrianopoulos]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:52:38 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Government]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spotlight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ENERGY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GOVERNMENT & POLITICS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NUCLEAR]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/?p=23638</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="2560" height="1708" src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/26-03-10_0015__DPC5528-scaled.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" srcset="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/26-03-10_0015__DPC5528-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/26-03-10_0015__DPC5528-740x494.jpg 740w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/26-03-10_0015__DPC5528-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/26-03-10_0015__DPC5528-512x342.jpg 512w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/26-03-10_0015__DPC5528-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/26-03-10_0015__DPC5528-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/26-03-10_0015__DPC5528-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis participated in the 2<sup>nd</sup> Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris (10/3). At this summit — the second since 2024, when the first Summit was held in Brussels — 41 countries participated.</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.primeminister.gr/en/2026/03/10/38080" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated in his speech</a>, among other points:</p>
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<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“In Greece, in recent years, we have, invested heavily in renewables. Twenty years ago, we generated more than half of our electricity from coal. Today we generate more than half of our electricity from wind and solar. Renewables have turned us from a net electricity importer to a net electricity exporter. They have lowered our prices and strengthened our energy security. Given our superior resources, we will continue to invest in solar and wind, coupled with investments in batteries, pumped hydro and natural gas as a transitional fuel.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>But the tide is turning. Nuclear energy is clearly having a comeback. Countries with nuclear power want to build more reactors and countries that abandoned nuclear power are reexamining their position. This is a welcome shift.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>I came to Paris today to announce that Greece is also turning the page. It is time for my country to explore whether nuclear energy, and specifically small modular reactors, can play a role in the Greek energy system. We will set up a high-level ministerial committee to make a definite recommendation to the government on this front.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Our need for electricity is only going to grow. So no matter how much we expand renewables, we will need long-term predictable baseload power. No technology can match what nuclear can offer us.</p>
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<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Α topic that Greece cares a lot about is nuclear power in shipping. This is a proven technology that is already used for decades in military and other niche applications. At this point, we have no credible solutions to decarbonize shipping. Nuclear should be part of this conversation as well. It is a topic in which Greece plans to lead, separately from whether nuclear might have a role to play within Greece’s own system.</p>
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<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>So, dear friends, this is a major day for Greece. We are writing a new chapter. Please consider Greece to be a friend of nuclear energy. Whether nuclear will end up playing a role in Greece remains to be seen. But at a time of great geopolitical upheaval, all options must be on the table. Our task is to make nuclear part of the solution again.”</p>
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<p><!-- wp:image {"id":23642,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/26-03-10_0010__DPN6754-1080x720.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-23642" /></figure>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/26-03-10_0003__DPN6624-1080x720.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-23643" /></figure>
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<p><em>&nbsp;</em></p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/26-03-10_0009__DPC5472-1-1080x720.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-23650" /></figure>
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<p><em>(Source: <a href="https://www.primeminister.gr/en/2026/03/10/38080" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.primeminister.gr/en</a>)</em></p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/prime-minister-kyriakos-mitsotakis-address-at-the-2nd-nuclear-energy-summit-in-paris/">Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ address at the 2nd Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr">Greek News Agenda</a>.</p>
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		<title>Athens International Airport: Greece&#8217;s first energy-self-sufficient airport</title>
		<link>https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/athens-intl-airport-energy-self-sufficient/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[nefeli mosaidi]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 09:07:44 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Innovation | Tech | Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ENERGY]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/?p=22987</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="659" height="451" src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/building17-athens-international-airport.png" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/building17-athens-international-airport.png 659w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/building17-athens-international-airport-512x350.png 512w" sizes="(max-width: 659px) 100vw, 659px" /></p>
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<p>Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (AIA) was established in 1996, under the form of a <em>société anonyme</em> operating according to the rules of the private economy, as a public-private partnership with a concession agreement – a pioneer step for Greece.</p>
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<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>It is the largest airport in Greece and one of the largest and most state-of-the-art airports in Europe. It is one of the most important transport hubs in Southeast Europe and the main gateway to Greece.</p>
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<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>In 2024, passenger traffic reached 29,725,613 people, while in the first 11 months of 2025 it reached 31,000,068 million passengers, an increase of 6.6% compared to 2024. Also, there were 250,006 flights in 2024, while in the first 11 months of 2025, there were 264,113, which is a 5.6% increase.</p>
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<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>In 2016, AIA became the first airport in Greece to achieve carbon neutrality, while in December 2019, it announced through its initiative "ROUTE 2025" its official commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2025.</p>
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<p><!-- wp:image {"id":22986,"width":"850px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none","align":"center"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/w12-203337w12191543mail.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-22986" style="width:850px;height:auto" /></figure>
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<p>During his visit to the airport on December 12, on the occasion of the AIA event for "ROUTE 2025," EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, stated that AIA is the first airport in Greece with a zero carbon footprint and -thanks to the installation of one of the largest photovoltaic power stations in Europe- it now produces on its own all of the energy that it uses – something that seemed impossible just a few years back.</p>
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<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>It should be pointed out that the Athens Airport’s achievement of a net zero footprint comes 25 years before the deadline set under the European Green Deal, for EU to become the first climate-neutral continent, meaning net zero greenhouse gas emissions.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>According to data presented at the event for "ROUTE 2025" by AIA CEO Yannis Paraschis, CO₂ emissions have been reduced from 65,000 tons in 2005 to 29,000 tons today, while passenger traffic has more than doubled, and this was achieved without carbon offsets.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>AIA's strategy was based on three key pillars: Full electrification (with the creation of a new high-power charger network, replacing existent vehicles with electric ones, and phasing out conventional fuels in the airport's daily operations), energy self-sufficiency thanks to photovoltaics, and the energy upgrade of buildings with the goal of completely eliminating natural gas.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The member states that invest in decarbonization now will be the ones that produce the technology of the future. Today, Athens Airport is showing us the way.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Sources: Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund, AMNA, AIA official website</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/athens-intl-airport-energy-self-sufficient/">Athens International Airport: Greece&#8217;s first energy-self-sufficient airport</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr">Greek News Agenda</a>.</p>
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		<title>An impressive growth for Renewable Energy in Greece</title>
		<link>https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/growth-renewable-energy-greece/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[nefeli mosaidi]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Apr 2025 05:44:21 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Policy | Analysis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ENERGY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ENVIRONMENT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/?p=19085</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="754" height="562" src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/SER.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/SER.jpg 754w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/SER-740x552.jpg 740w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/SER-512x382.jpg 512w" sizes="(max-width: 754px) 100vw, 754px" /></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>During the last years, Greek economy has been marked by a remarkable growth in the field of renewable energy. According to a <a href="https://thegreentank.gr/en/2025/01/30/admie-dec2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">recent report by environmental think-tank Green Tank</a>, Greece reached a new clean energy milestone last year, with the production of clean energy (renewables and large hydro) being the highest of the decade. This achievement underlines Greece's ongoing commitment to renewable energy, carbon neutrality by 2050, and its efforts to become a green energy hub for Southeast Europe.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/greece-revised-national-energy-and-climate-plan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Under the recently revised National Energy and Climate Plan</a>, Greece aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 58% over the next five years, by 80% by the end of the next decade, and to achieve total carbon neutrality - as well as complete energy independence - by 2050. The revised national plan for 2025-2050 calls for the share of renewable energy sources in electricity generation - currently around 57% - to rise to 75% by 2030 and 95.6% by 2035.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:image {"id":19079,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/cleanest-energy-mix-1080x608-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19079" /></figure>
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<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The development of new renewable energy projects, new technologies, new electricity interconnections and energy-saving measures will require combined investments of 436 billion euros by 2050, according to the National Energy and Climate Plan. This will contribute 6 billion euros a year to gross added value and increase GDP by 2.5% by 2050.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Thanks to dynamic investment in renewables, the country has gone from being an energy importer in 2019 to a stable exporter in 2024, which is very important for the country's energy self-sufficiency.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The renewable energy field is certainly one of the most important examples of investment in new fixed productive capital on Greek territory, while these investments have already produced tangible results in the electricity generation mix. Estimates of the value of these investments over the last five years reach around 9.5 billion euros in renewable energy plant construction projects, complementary projects and infrastructure and network projects.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:image {"id":19081,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/hydro.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19081" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/@mpikman?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Evangelos Mpikakis</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-large-dam-with-water-coming-out-of-it-uc_IXsa24zU?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>
<p><!-- /wp:image --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>More specifically, according to the data provided by the Greek Independent Power Transmission Operator (<a href="https://www.admie.gr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">IPTO or ADMIE</a>) S.A., a total of 25.2 TWh of electricity was generated on the interconnected grid from renewable energies - excluding large hydro - reaching a production level more than twice that of 2019 (12.2 TWh), suggesting an average annual growth rate of 15.6%. This rapid increase in renewable energy capacity, combined with the adoption of the policy of total decarbonization by 2028 - despite its adjustment due to the energy crisis and the war in Ukraine - has led to a radical shift in the electricity generation mix.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:image {"id":19080,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/demande-electricite-1080x504-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19080" /></figure>
<p><!-- /wp:image --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>According to <a href="https://www.dianeosis.org/2025/02/prokliseis-kai-prooptikes-tis-dieisdisis-twn-ape-stin-elliniki-ilektroparagogi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">a study by the Greek think-tank diaNEOsis</a>, the largest share (55.3%) of electricity demand in the interconnected system in 2024 was covered by renewable energy sources (including hydropower), which was achieved for the first time in 2023 (51.4%), with the share of coverage rising continuously and rapidly. On the contrary, in addition to - and despite - the drastic reduction in the use of lignite, it seems that in 2024 Greece also managed to annihilate net electricity imports, making the country a net exporter, a first since 2000.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Addressing the 3rd Inter-Parliamentary Forum of the OSCE (<a href="https://www.osce.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe</a>) PA South East Europe Delegations, held in Kastoria on March 27-30, the new Deputy Minister of Energy (Hellenic Ministry of Environment and Energy), Nikos Tsafos, pointed out that the installation of around 13 GW of solar and wind power alone has contributed to the increase in renewable energy sources in the electricity mix.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:image {"id":19084,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/ser1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19084" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/@publicpowerorg?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">American Public Power Association</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/solar-panels-on-green-field-513dBrMJ_5w?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>
<p><!-- /wp:image --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>With regard to the share of renewable energy in the energy mix, Greece is making steady progress, having exceeded the European average by 2023. Greece has increased the share of renewable energy in the energy mix by 61% between 2014 and 2023, ranking 7th out of 36 European countries in terms of the evolution of the share of renewable energy in the energy mix for the reference period.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><a href="https://www.dianeosis.org/2025/02/prokliseis-kai-prooptikes-tis-dieisdisis-twn-ape-stin-elliniki-ilektroparagogi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">According to diaNEOsis</a>, total net production exceeded demand by 307 MWh, corresponding to 0.6% of demand. This picture is not very different if we include the unconnected islands, which are mainly electrified by oil- and gas-fired power plants, the relative contribution of renewables being much smaller. In particular, according to “Green Tank” data for the whole of 2024, renewables record a slightly lower relative contribution to meeting demand across the entire power system, but retain an absolute majority, with a share of 50.8%.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:image {"id":19082,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/petrole.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19082" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@giggiulena?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Mario Caruso</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/grayscale-photography-of-factory-at-night--f-7GR0GyEY?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>
<p><!-- /wp:image --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The rapid rate of increase in the installed capacity of renewables and the achievement of record levels of their share in electricity generation are undoubtedly having a very positive impact on the detachment of the Greek economy from both coal combustion and the associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as well as from foreign energy imports. However, this development also brings with it a number of new technical challenges, which need to be met effectively and promptly to avoid creating obstacles to the increased penetration of renewable energy sources.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Based on the original article which appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grecehebdo.gr/une-progression-spectaculaire-des-sources-denergie-renouvelables-en-grece/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GrèceHebdo</a> (Intro photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/@micahbg?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Micah Giszack</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-row-of-wind-turbines-in-a-field-fWzyvcUmt_s?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Unsplash</a>)</p>
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<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Read also via Greek News Agenda: <a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/greece-revised-national-energy-and-climate-plan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greece Unveils Revised National Energy and Climate Plan: Aiming for Carbon Neutrality by 2050</a>; <a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/greece-offshore-wind-farms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greece’s Offshore Wind Energy program draws strong investment interest</a>; <a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/greeces-renewable-energy-landscape/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greece’s renewable energy landscape</a></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/growth-renewable-energy-greece/">An impressive growth for Renewable Energy in Greece</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr">Greek News Agenda</a>.</p>
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		<title>Greece Unveils Revised National Energy and Climate Plan: Aiming for Carbon Neutrality by 2050</title>
		<link>https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/greece-revised-national-energy-and-climate-plan/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ioulia Livaditi]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Oct 2024 08:50:12 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Policy | Analysis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spotlight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CLIMATE CRISIS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ENERGY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GREEN POLICIES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/?p=16711</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="1500" height="1093" src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Ενέργεια.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="wind and solar power" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Ενέργεια.jpg 1500w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Ενέργεια-740x539.jpg 740w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Ενέργεια-1080x787.jpg 1080w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Ενέργεια-512x373.jpg 512w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/Ενέργεια-768x560.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Greece’s <a href="https://ypen.gov.gr/">Ministry of Environment and Energy </a>has introduced the updated<a href="https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-strategy/national-energy-and-climate-plans-necps_en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP)</a>, which outlines the country’s strategy to achieve specific energy and climate targets. The plan sets forth ambitious goals, including a 58% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, an 80% reduction by 2040, and achieving full carbon neutrality by 2050.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>During the press conference for the presentation of the plan, Environment and Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis noted that the updated NECP balances ambition with realism, taking into account progress since the original 2019 plan. He underlined hat Greece has exceeded previous targets for renewable energy integration and emissions reduction. Minister Skylakakis proudly stated that Greece is leading the way in these areas, saying that the country has "achieved better results than others" and has already surpassed its goals for renewable penetration and emissions cuts.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The revised strategy signals the end of energy subsidies and emphasizes efficient, cost-effective investments to facilitate the energy transition. Skylakakis pointed out that the NECP’s 2025-2050 revision will support Greece in becoming fully energy independent, stating, "For the first time since the Industrial Revolution, Greece has the opportunity to achieve energy independence."</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>"This plan will significantly reshape the country’s economy," he said, forecasting substantial changes in the years to come that will foster economic and industrial growth, improve the country's financial stability, and lay the groundwork for a robust Greek economy well into the future. Skylakakis also highlighted the NECP’s consumer benefits, noting that "investments with a very low marginal cost" will result in the provision of affordable, clean, and abundant energy.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>As Greece shifts to renewable energy, electrification, advanced technologies, and greater energy efficiency, the average electricity cost is expected to drop from 145 euros per megawatt-hour to 95 euros per megawatt-hour by 2050.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The primary aim of the updated NECP is to tackle climate change, with a strong focus on green electricity production. Currently, renewables make up 55% of electricity generation, with plans to increase this to 75% by 2030 and 95.6% by 2035. The NECP also outlines plans to install smart consumption meters for 7.5 million energy connections by 2030. Over the next two decades, biogas and hydrogen will be incorporated into energy use, and energy-saving initiatives will be central, with more than 800,000 building renovations scheduled between 2040 and 2050.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Following Skylakakis’s presentation, Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy Alexandra Sdoukou elaborated on the revised NECP’s key elements. She described the plan as a blueprint for a new growth model focused on green transition, digital innovation, reduced energy costs, modernized infrastructure, and boosting domestic value creation. She emphasized the NECP’s potential social impact, highlighting policies that will provide citizens with affordable, clean energy, while also spurring economic growth, increasing GDP, and generating jobs.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:gallery {"linkTo":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"><!-- wp:image {"id":16713,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/IMG-20241011-WA0000-1024x681-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-16713" /></figure>
<p><!-- /wp:image --></p>
<p><!-- wp:image {"id":16714,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/10/IMG-20241011-WA0001-1024x684-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-16714" /></figure>
<p><!-- /wp:image --><figcaption class="blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption"><em>Left to right: Environment and Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis; Governor of the Bank of Greece, Yannis Stournaras at the presentation of Greece's revised NECP | Source: Ministry of Environment and Energy</em></figcaption></figure>
<p><!-- /wp:gallery --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Professor Pantelis Kapros from the National Technical University of Athens, who is part of the NECP Inter-Ministerial Committee, addressed concerns over the costs of transitioning to green energy. He stated that "economic analyses show that the costs are manageable," noting that while investment will total 450 billion euros, these expenses are necessary and will be more efficient over time. He emphasized the importance of the plan’s financial feasibility.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Dimitris Kardomateas, Head of the Office of the Secretary General for Energy and Mineral Resources, underscored the ambitious targets, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 58% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. He stressed the importance of focusing on electricity generation, the main source of emissions, due to its potential for cost reductions. The technology is mature, ready, and supported by investors, but challenges remain in reducing legal delays to ensure timely implementation.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The Governor of the Bank of Greece, Yannis Stournaras, present at the NECP's unveiling, stressed that "there is no room for complacency in the face of climate change." He called for a cohesive action plan to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and emphasized that meeting these goals will require an investment of 436 billion euros by 2050. This initiative is expected to contribute 6 billion euros annually to the country’s gross value added and provide a 2.5% yearly boost to GDP. Additionally, it is anticipated to create 210,000 sustainable jobs each year.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>In the renewable energy sector, Greece aims to achieve a 76.8% share of renewables in electricity production by 2030, down slightly from the previous target of 80%. Solar capacity is projected to reach 13.5 GW, with onshore wind at 8.9 GW and offshore wind at 1.9 GW. These figures are close to those in the earlier plan. Energy storage targets include 6 GW, split between 4.32 GW in battery systems and 1.74 GW in pumped hydroelectric units—1.2 GW higher than in the original plan.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Natural gas will continue to serve as a transitional energy source, with installed capacity expected to rise by around 800 MW to 7.8 GW by 2030. To support investments in this area, a capacity mechanism will be developed in consultation with the European Commission. For the building sector, 409,000 energy-efficient upgrades are planned for this decade, while electric vehicles will benefit from an expanding charging network as prices continue to fall, approaching those of conventional cars.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Overall, Greece aims to cut CO2 emissions by 58.6% from 1990 levels, in line with the European Union’s goal of 55%. To meet these updated targets, an estimated €95 billion ($104 billion) in additional investment will be needed by 2030, funding initiatives like energy efficiency in buildings, expansion of solar and wind capacity, and energy storage enhancements. By 2050, total investment is expected to reach €330 billion ($363 billion), aiding Greece's goal of climate neutrality.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>This updated NECP reflects Greece's dedication to combating the climate crisis and speeding up its shift to renewable energy, setting an example for other EU nations and signaling new opportunities for investors and stakeholders in the green energy sector. You can view a presentation of the plan <a href="https://ypen.gov.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/%CE%95%CE%A3%CE%95%CE%9A-%CE%A4%CF%84%CE%95_Final.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> (pdf, in Greek).</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>I.L. With information from <a href="https://www.amna.gr/en/article/855770/Skylakakis-Govt-planning-transition-to-energy-independence-at-lowest-cost-possible" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APE-MPA</a>, <a href="https://ceenergynews.com/climate/greeces-new-energy-and-climate-plan-aims-for-2030-milestones-and-2050-climate-neutrality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Energy News</a>, <a href="https://www.tovima.com/climate/national-energy-and-climate-plan-net-zero-plan-to-drive-massive-investments-in-greece-for-climate-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">To Vima</a>, <a href="https://balkangreenenergynews.com/revised-greek-necp-halves-initial-expenditure-sum-keeps-focus-on-renewables/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Balkan Energy News</a></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/greece-revised-national-energy-and-climate-plan/">Greece Unveils Revised National Energy and Climate Plan: Aiming for Carbon Neutrality by 2050</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr">Greek News Agenda</a>.</p>
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		<title>Forty Greek islands are going “green”</title>
		<link>https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/forty-greek-islands-are-going-green/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ioulia Livaditi]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 14 Sep 2023 09:47:17 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Policy | Analysis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ENERGY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ENVIRONMENT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GREEN POLICIES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[INSULARITY]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/?p=12091</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="1199" height="798" src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/1199px-Psara-Black-Ridge-01.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/1199px-Psara-Black-Ridge-01.jpg 1199w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/1199px-Psara-Black-Ridge-01-740x493.jpg 740w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/1199px-Psara-Black-Ridge-01-1080x719.jpg 1080w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/1199px-Psara-Black-Ridge-01-512x341.jpg 512w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/1199px-Psara-Black-Ridge-01-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1199px) 100vw, 1199px" /></p>
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<p>The decarbonization of the small islands that have not been already included in the program to <a href="https://www.admie.gr/en/nea/deltia-typoy/map-interconnections-be-completed-2030" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interconnect the country's islands to the mainland electrical</a> system - operated by the Independent Power Transmission Operator (ADMIE), will move forward using hybrid systems (wind and photovoltaic stations combined with batteries) along with a series of "green initiatives." The "greening" of the 40 non-interconnected islands will contribute to the goal of the <a href="https://www.iea.org/policies/12750-greek-national-energy-and-climate-plan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP)</a> to reduce the share of liquid fuels in the electricity generation mix.</p>
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<p><!-- wp:image {"id":12093,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/1199px-Psara-Black-Ridge-01-1080x719.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12093" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Psarra, one of the 40 small islands that are included in the decarbonization plan | photo by&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psara#/media/File:Psara-Black-Ridge-01.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thanasis Christodoulou, Wikipedia</a></em></figcaption></figure>
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<p>In the context of the latest revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) Directive, adopted in 2018, Greece achieved a special arrangement, securing free CO2 emission allowances for the decarbonization of the islands, which it must use until 2030. In light of this, the Ministry of Environment and Energy has launched the Island Decarbonization Fund, which will collect the funds from the auctions of these unused pollutant allowances, are estimated to range between €1.8 billion and €2 billion. In fact, with a leverage of 50%, it is estimated that around 4 billion euros will be directed to projects and actions for the decarbonization of the islands’ economy. Another fund, in the order of 450 million euros, is intended for the acceleration of interconnection of the islands that is implemented by the <a href="https://www.admie.gr/en/projects/projects-diasyndeseis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO-ADMIE)</a>.</p>
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<p>Part of the funds of the Decarbonization Fund will be used to finance electrical interconnection projects of the islands in order to speed up the implementation of the ADMIE’s planning, but also in energy saving projects., such as hybrid systems that will replace oil PPC units, prioritization of electric transport, renewal of the marine fleet with low-pollution technologies, energy efficiency and circular economy projects, sustainable waste and water management, green transformation of agriculture and tourism, etc.</p>
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<p><!-- wp:image {"id":12099,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Chalki_collage_resized-1080x635.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12099" /></figure>
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<p><a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/topics/business-r-d/7584-chalki,-the-first-gr-eco-island" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GR-eco Islands</a>, another government initiative set in motion in 2021, with the aim provide the islands with renewable energy sources and advance projects for green economy, energy autonomy and sustainable mobility, will also play a key role in the decarbonization of Greek islands. The actions of the “GR-eco Islands” initiative which will include the financing of waste management projects, water and energy production through energy communities, etc. will be financed by a 100 million euro fund secured by the NSRF 2021-2027, but in the second year the Decarbonization Fund will also participate in funding, alongside the private sector.</p>
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<p>The initiative has already been kicked off in the islands of Tilos, Agios Efstratios, Astypalaia and Halki, and will be extended to 36 more small islands: Symi, Agathonisi, Megisti, Arkioi, Marathi, Kasos, Pserimos, Gyali, Lipsi, Telendos, Nisyros, Megalonisi, Onousses, Psara, Fourni, Thymaina, Amorgos, Anafi, Donoussa, Heraklia, Antiparos, Schinoussa, Ios, Sikinos, Koufonisi, Folegandros, Thirasia, Kythnos, Kimolos, Serifos, Sifnos, Kea, Antikythira, Gavdos, Ereikoussa and Othoni. The initiative is moving forwards, and priority is given to the small islands of the Aegean, where polluting energy production units operate and which meet the criterion of double insularity – i.e. access to them is not direct through the mainland, but only through another island.</p>
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha0IlkjKPuk
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<p>As for the actions that can be supported with the Fund’s resources, they first of all concern the change of energy model on non-interconnected islands. The electrification of road and sea transport is also a priority; as far the islands’ ​​connection to the mainland is concerned, priority is given to the development of new and the modernization of existing port infrastructures as well as to the modernization of the boat fleet that services intra-island routes.</p>
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<p>Resources from the Decarbonization Fund will also be allocated to support of the "Saving Energy" (Exoikonomo) and "Moving Electric" (Kinoumai Ilektrika) existing programs, as they become adapted to the needs of the islands. Households, as well as tourism and hospitality units will be able to participate in the energy saving actions. As far as electric mobility is concerned, the replacement of conventional vehicles with electric ones will be subsidized, focusing on the rental cars fleet in the tourist island areas, as well as in the installation of battery chargers.</p>
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<p><!-- wp:image {"id":12100,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Tilos-Aiolika-Energeia.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12100" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Island of Tilos, wind turbine | Photo by <a href="https://eunice-group.com/projects/tilos-project/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eunice Energy Group (EEG)</a></em></figcaption></figure>
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<p>As far as the installation of hybrid systems is concerned, based on the revised NECP plan, Hybrid power generation systems will be promoted on those islands that remain non-interconnected, i.e. units that combine Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and energy storage, while RES projects will be supported on those that are interconnected. 240 MW of power are planned to go “green” by year 2026, of which 120 MW will be from the non-interconnected islands of Megistis, Antikythera, Gavdos, of Erekoussa and Othoni, and the other 120 MW of from hybrid power plants to be installed in Crete. These hybrid stations will use pumped storage systems with accumulators for storing energy from wind turbines or from photovoltaic panels.</p>
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<p>The decarbonization of the islands is at the heart of the investment interest of Greek and foreign companies. Among the investors are the German company Accusol, which cooperates with Siemens and has secured licenses for the installation of hybrid units on 9 Greek islands, the pioneer in hybrid technologies Siemens - Gamesa, Eunice, which promotes projects similar to the one operating in Tilos and in other islands, as well as the French company Akuo which participates in the Halki project.</p>
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<p>I.L. with information from <a href="https://www.kathimerini.gr/economy/562582183/ta-40-nisia-poy-tha-ginoyn-prasina/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kathimerini</a> and <a href="https://www.ot.gr/2022/12/29/english-edition/the-2-billion-euro-project-to-green-greek-islands/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oikonomikos Taxydromos</a></p>
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<p><!-- wp:image {"id":12101,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/work_4a1_ipto_resized-1080x390.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12101" /></figure>
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<p><em>Interconnection the islands to the electric grid of the mainland | Photo: <a href="https://www.admie.gr/en/erga/erga-diasyndeseis/diasyndesi-tis-kritis-me-tin-peloponniso" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO-ADMIE)</a></em></p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/forty-greek-islands-are-going-green/">Forty Greek islands are going “green”</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr">Greek News Agenda</a>.</p>
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		<title>Greece’s renewable energy landscape</title>
		<link>https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/greeces-renewable-energy-landscape/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[nefeli mosaidi]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Policy | Analysis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ECONOMY & DEVELOPMENT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ENERGY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ENVIRONMENT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GOVERNMENT & POLITICS]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/?p=11791</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="1280" height="720" src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/GreenEnergy1.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/GreenEnergy1.jpg 1280w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/GreenEnergy1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/GreenEnergy1-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/GreenEnergy1-512x288.jpg 512w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/GreenEnergy1-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></p>
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<p>Forty-one percent (41%) of electricity produced in Greece in 2022 was generated through Renewable Energy Sources (RES). According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Greece has enacted an impressive array of measures to support its ambitious climate goals while maintaining energy security. Fossil fuel reduction and its replacement with RES, mainly with solar and wind energy, is one of Greece’s top priorities, aided by the country’s geographical position, geological territory and climate.</p>
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<p>In its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, 80% by 2040 and reach net zero emissions by 2050, Greece has adopted the&nbsp;<a href="https://energy.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2020-01/el_final_necp_main_el_0.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">National Plan for Energy and Climate (NPEC</a>) since 2019. Its main targets ar: a) Decarbonization; b) Renewable Energy Sources (RES) as the dominant energy source; c) climate-neutral economy by 2050, in accordance with EU targets, and d) renovation of public buildings, industrial facilities, and residences using the latest energy standards.</p>
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<p><!-- wp:image {"id":11787,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/GreenEnergy2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-11787" /></figure>
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<p>Maximizing energy security through diversification of energy resources, price affordability and accelerated transition towards clean energy are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mfa.gr/en/energy-diplomacy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">at the forefront of Greece's energy policy.</a>&nbsp;Greece aspires to become a leading energy hub and serve as a gateway from East to West and South to North. As a result, Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean region have the potential to emerge as key facilitators of European energy security in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.</p>
<p>With respect to electricity interconnections, a new transmission line connecting the Greek grid to that of Albania will be fully operational by 2030. Additionally, electricity interconnections linking Greece with Israel and Cyprus, as well as with Egypt, will transform Greece into an energy hub for the transmission of electricity from the Middle East and North Africa to the markets of continental Europe. This electricity will be mainly generated by renewable energy sources, thus further contributing to Europe’s energy security, while also tackling climate change.</p>
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<p>Recognizing the importance of Renewable Energy Sources, Greece made an early shift towards a cleaner energy mix. It has developed substantial know-how, enabling the country to become a world leader in energy production via renewable energy sources (7th place among countries with the highest penetration of renewable energy in electricity generation in 2022). According to a report published on May 27th by the International Energy Agency (IEA), titled&nbsp;<a href="https://iea-pvps.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IEA_PVPS_Snapshot_2023.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Snapshot of Global PV Markets 2023</a>, Greece is ranked second globally in incorporating solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies in its electrical power output. On the list of countries with highest PV penetration, Spain comes first with 19.1%, followed by Greece at 17.5 %, Chile at 17% and the Netherlands and Australia at over 15%.</p>
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<p><!-- wp:image {"id":11788,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/GreenEnergy3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-11788" /></figure>
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<p>Greek wind and solar capacity has increased by 70% and 110%, respectively, between 2018 and 2022. As a result, Greece hit a new milestone in the fall of 2022, running completely on "clean" renewable energy for about five hours for the first time in its history. Furthermore, the early adoption of renewables in Greece’s energy mix resulted in a minimal increase of coal use for energy production to address the challenges presented by the Russian invasion of Ukraine since February of 2022.</p>
<p>Greece is determined to continue moving forward in order to achieve the most ambitious climate goals. To succeed in this endeavor, about 1/3 of the funds allocated to Greece by the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) will be directed towards green transition investments, with a view to green electricity production reaching 80% of total electricity by 2030. With more than 6,000 islands, of which 227 are inhabited, it goes without saying that energy autonomy of the islands is a priority for Greece’s energy future. Towards this goal, Greece initiated the<a href="https://clean-energy-islands.ec.europa.eu/news/gr-eco-islands-turning-greek-islands-models-green-sustainable-development" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">&nbsp;GR-eco islands&nbsp;</a>initiative, aiming to transform Greek islands into paradigms of green economy, energy autonomy, digital innovation and ecological mobility, with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/topics/business-r-d/7584-chalki,-the-first-gr-eco-island" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Chalki&nbsp;</a>being the first GR-eco island. Additionally,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/topics/business-r-d/7341-the-%E2%80%9Csmart-green-island%E2%80%9D-of-astypalea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Astypalea&nbsp;</a>in the south Aegean is about to become the first smart, green island in the Mediterranean with energy autonomy.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/topics/business-r-d/6474-tilos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Tilos&nbsp;</a>– another "green" island in the Mediterranean - is now powered by wind and solar energy, as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ferryhopper.com/en/blog/featured/off-the-track-greek-islands" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Agios Efstratios</a>, where 85% of the local energy stems from wind turbines and photovoltaics.</p>
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<p><!-- wp:image {"id":11789,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/GreenEnergy4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-11789" /></figure>
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<p>Greece also participates in the&nbsp;<a href="https://greenshippingchallenge.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Green Shipping Challenge</a>, an initiative launched during the World Leaders Summit of COP27 in 2022. In this framework and in consultation with the United States, Greece will host the 9th International&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mfa.gr/en/current-affairs/statements-speeches/announcement-by-the-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-on-the-organization-by-greece-and-the-united-states-of-america-of-the-international-conference-our-ocean-conference-in-2024-08062022.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Our Ocean Conference</a>&nbsp;in Athens in 2024.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Lastly, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iea.org/news/greece-must-build-on-its-successes-in-reducing-fossil-fuel-dependence-iea-report-says" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">International Energy Agency (IEA)</a>&nbsp;praises Greece for its progress in the energy sector. In its latest report, it states that Greece has set new and ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while sharply reducing coal-fired energy generation. Additionally, the IEA report commends Greece for reforming its electricity and natural gas markets, expanding its cross-border interconnections, and for passing legislation to enable the development of offshore wind generation.</p>
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<p><!-- wp:image {"align":"center","id":11790,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/GreenEnergy5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-11790" /></figure>
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<p>According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iea.org/reports/greece-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">IEA’s latest report</a>, the share of fossil fuels in energy supply in Greece fell from 90% (2010) to 82% (2021) of total energy supply, while the share of lignite-fired generation fell from 60% (2005) to 10% (2021), driving down the carbon intensity of electricity generation, mainly due to increased gas-fired generation &amp; generation from wind and solar photovoltaics (PV). Greece is also a global leader in the use of solar thermal energy to cover building hot water demand.</p>
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<p>Read also via Greek News Agenda:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/topics/politics-polity/7126-greece%E2%80%99s-green-agenda-on-energy-and-climate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Greece’s Green Agenda on Energy and Climate</a>;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/topics/business-r-d/7673-green-energy-in-greece-the-sustainable-answer-to-climate-and-energy-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Green energy in Greece | The sustainable answer to climate and energy crisis</a>;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/topics/business-r-d/7584-chalki,-the-first-gr-eco-island" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chalki, the </a><a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/topics/business-r-d/7584-chalki,-the-first-gr-eco-island" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">first </a><a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/topics/business-r-d/7584-chalki,-the-first-gr-eco-island" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gr-Eco Island</a>;<a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/topics/business-r-d/7341-the-%E2%80%9Csmart-green-island%E2%80%9D-of-astypalea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The "Smart Green Island" of Astypalea</a>;</p>
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<p>N.M. (Based on&nbsp;<a href="https://mailchi.mp/greekembassy/greece-in-america-may-9344005?e=8def6a2e50" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">an article from Greece In America</a>, the official newsletter of the Embassy of Greece in Washington)</p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/greeces-renewable-energy-landscape/">Greece’s renewable energy landscape</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr">Greek News Agenda</a>.</p>
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		<title>The 86th Thessaloniki International Fair 2022</title>
		<link>https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/the-86th-thessaloniki-international-fair-2022/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ioulia Elmatzoglou]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Sep 2022 05:33:38 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Culture & Society]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BUSINESS & TRADE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ECONOMY & DEVELOPMENT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ENERGY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[INNOVATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITIONS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[STUDY IN GREECE]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/the-86th-thessaloniki-international-fair-2022/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="800" height="450" src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/800_logo_picture.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="800 logo picture" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/800_logo_picture.jpg 800w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/800_logo_picture-740x416.jpg 740w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/800_logo_picture-512x288.jpg 512w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/800_logo_picture-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/800_logo_picture-610x343.jpg 610w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></p>
</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">The <a href="https://www.thessalonikifair.gr/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">86th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF)</a> opens its doors on Saturday, September 10, 2022 bringing together professionals, buyers and visitors from Greece and many countries across the world. TIF is Greece&rsquo;s largest trade event and is considered one of the leading business and industry fairs in Southeastern Europe, while it is of great political significance to the country. This year&rsquo;s exhibition is focused on circular economy, education &amp; entrepreneurship, startups &amp; innovation, gastronomy &amp; nutrition etc., while the United Arab Emirates is the honored country for 2022.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">Guided by the new reality in the world economy, the changing environment in the fields of health and energy, but also the galloping developments in technology, the 86th TIF declares its strong presence through its multidimensional character.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify"><span style="font-size: 12pt;color: #800000"><strong>Sections</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify">In the field of <a href="https://thessalonikifair.gr/en/clean-energy-sustainable-development-and-protecting-environment-will-be-stars-show-circular-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Circular Economy,</a> the 86th TIF will present the latest developments, solutions and products in the domains of clean energy and environmental protection. In view of a difficult winter ahead in terms of energy, the Circular Economy pavilion will present solutions regarding heating-cooling products, renewable and alternative energy sources, bioclimatic building design, environmental technologies, as well as waste management and recycling systems offering several options in the field of energy. Visitors can learn how to prevent waste production, how to plan in an environmentally friendly way, and how to reuse materials to reduce their environmental impact, aiming at saving consumers money and improving their quality of life.</p>
<p><img class=" size-full wp-image-8965" src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/digital_greece.jpg" alt="digital greece" style="margin: 10px auto" width="800" height="534" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify">In the field of <a href="https://thessalonikifair.gr/en/akademia?fbclid=IwAR36BTswz4yzM4K7gPv8eBk6AWT7_wsnoE4YddELgmW3rR3LyibXExNvgFY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Education</a>, TIF is a meeting point for the educational community. Visitors are informed, among other things, about new activities, innovative ideas and educational programs, networking options for educational institutions, career opportunities, and consulting career services. Particular emphasis is given to the advanced English-language university programs offered in Greece attracting every year many foreign students in a wide range of study fields.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">In the field of <a href="https://thessalonikifair.gr/en/digital-greece-start-ups" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Digital technologies</a>, the 86th TIF has created the &ldquo;Digital Greece&rdquo; thematic parc presenting more than 100 startups with emphasis in the domains of cultural and audiovisual industry, digital games, animation etc</p>
<p style="text-align: justify"><span style="color: #800000;font-size: 12pt"><strong>United Arab Emirates, TIF&rsquo;s honored country 2022</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify">Every year a different country is honored as the most important guest, highlighting and strengthening trade but also cultural relations between Greece and the honored country. Considering the importance of approaching new markets, <a href="https://thessalonikifair.gr/en/honored-country" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this year&rsquo;s TIF welcomes the United Arab Emirates (UAE)</a>, the first &ldquo;honored country&rdquo; from the Arab world in the history of the TIF.</p>
<p><img class=" size-full wp-image-8966" src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/arab_tif.jpg" alt="arab tif" style="margin: 10px auto" width="800" height="355" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify">The UAE is coming to the TIF with an impressive participation of companies and organizations aiming to explore possible areas of cooperation with Greek companies, and further economic relations with Greece. Technology and investments will be the focus of the United Arab Emirates&rsquo; participation, which will present in pavilion 13 of the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre the most developed sectors of their economy.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">Founded in 1971, the UAE is a federation of seven emirates. With Abu Dhabi as its capital and Dubai as its largest city, it is an important hub, of the international commercial and industrial world. They are ranked sixth globally in known oil reserves, 36th in terms of purchasing power of their economy, and one of the highest in the world per capita GDP, set at US $ 46,584.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">The UAE is a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and a member of the Arab League, the United Nations, the Islamic Council, OPEC, and the World Trade Organization.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify"><span style="font-size: 12pt;color: #800000"><strong>Paying tribute to the centenary of the Asia Minor catastrophe</strong></span></p>
<p><img class=" size-full wp-image-8967" src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Asia_Minor_Catastrophe.png" alt="Asia Minor Catastrophe" style="margin: 10px auto" width="798" height="260" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify">This year&rsquo;s TIF is also organizing an <a href="https://thessalonikifair.gr/en/century-ionia-tirace-pontus?fbclid=IwAR1CPdJGDCrkhZOwVoZAVjNDWxd8PhNR_aw7BbJ5fE3mZh0pkHgTD0LGgaE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exhibition paying tribute to the 100 years since the Asia Minor Catastrophe</a> and the forced migration of ethnic-Greeks from their homelands. Through a video installation the exhibition spans moments in the lives of Greek refugees before the forced exchange of populations, the refugees&rsquo; harsh journey from Asia Minor, Thrace and Pontus to Greece, as well as moments from their settlement in Greece.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify">The audiovisual installation tells the story of the successful integration of Greek refugees presenting rather the positive changes that occurred in the Greek society than the mourning for the lost homelands. The arrival of almost one and a half million refugees from Asia Minor and the Pontus to the "new" homeland was a catalyst that modernized the Greek state making the country stronger.</p></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/the-86th-thessaloniki-international-fair-2022/">The 86th Thessaloniki International Fair 2022</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr">Greek News Agenda</a>.</p>
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		<title>Six Greek cities to become EU climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030</title>
		<link>https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/six-greek-cities-to-become-eu-climate-neutral-and-smart-cities-by-2030/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ioulia Elmatzoglou]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 May 2022 05:13:12 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Innovation | Tech | Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ENERGY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ENVIRONMENT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[INNOVATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/six-greek-cities-to-become-eu-climate-neutral-and-smart-cities-by-2030/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p><img width="800" height="400" src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/800_EU_CITIES_MISSIONS_EN_SM.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="800 EU CITIES MISSIONS EN SM" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/800_EU_CITIES_MISSIONS_EN_SM.jpg 800w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/800_EU_CITIES_MISSIONS_EN_SM-740x370.jpg 740w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/800_EU_CITIES_MISSIONS_EN_SM-512x256.jpg 512w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/800_EU_CITIES_MISSIONS_EN_SM-768x384.jpg 768w, https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/800_EU_CITIES_MISSIONS_EN_SM-610x305.jpg 610w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_22_2591" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Six Greek cities, Athens, Ioannina, Kalamata, Kozani, Thessaloniki and Trikala</a> have been selected by the European Commission among 377 cities to participate in the <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/info/research-and-innovation/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/climate-neutral-and-smart-cities_en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EU Mission for 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030</a> in the domains of energy, transportation and urban planning. The Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities is a novelty of the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme for the years 2021-2027 and it aims to bring concrete solutions to the big challenge of climate change and digital transformation. The selection of the Greek cities is a great success for the country and it is the result of hard work and cooperation between the 6 cities and the Greek Environment Ministry in the last two years.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Cities play a pivotal role in achieving climate neutrality as they are home to 75% of EU citizens although they take up only 4% of the EU&rsquo;s land area. Furthermore, cities consume over 65% of the world&rsquo;s energy and account for more than 70% of global CO2 emissions. The aim of Cities Mission is to support cities in accelerating their green and digital transformation offering cleaner air, safer transport and less congestion and noise to their citizens as urban action significantly contributes to climate mitigation efforts. The Cities Mission will involve local authorities, citizens, businesses, investors as well as regional and national authorities. The 100 cities that have been selected will act as experimentation and innovation hubs to become climate -neutral and smart cities by 2030, 20 years earlier than the goal of climate neutrality set by the European Green Deal, paving the way to the rest of the European cities.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #800000;"><strong>Meet the six chosen Greek cities</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>Kozani, the energy producing area of Greece&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><img class=" size-full wp-image-8691" src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/800c_kozani.jpg" alt="800c kozani" style="display: block; margin: 10px auto;" width="800" height="583" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #999999;"><em>Photo: City of Kozani, @dimoskozanis&nbsp;</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Kozani is a city in northern Greece, capital of Kozani region of West Macedonia. The city is known for its large lignite power plants making it, so far, the leading energy producing area of Greece. After the Greek government&rsquo;s decision though about the closure of all coal-fired plants by 2028 (the deadline for Kozani being in 2023), local authorities have been preparing a new Strategic Plan for the city aiming to contribute to a smoother transition towards a clean energy regime. <a href="https://smartcity.cityofkozani.gov.gr/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The new plan includes policies</a> that will be innovative in energy efficiency through the development of Renewable Energy Sources enhancing at the same time the digital transformation of the local economy and governance. Through the participation in Cities Mission, Kozani will seek to achieve these new ambitious goals.</p>
<p><strong>Trikala, the first digital city of Greece&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><img class=" size-full wp-image-2436" src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/03/Kouris_Trikala_Kentriki_Gefyra_1029_new.jpg" alt="Kouris Trikala Kentriki Gefyra 1029 new" style="display: block; margin: 10px auto;" width="960" height="600" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #999999;"><em>Central Bridge @Trikala (photo:Kouris&copy;Greece-is)</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Trikala sits at the heart of the Greek mainland, located in the region of Thessaly and it has the reputation of being a frontrunner as a smart city, being labelled in 2004 as Greece&rsquo;s &ldquo;first digital city&rdquo;. Today under the name <a href="https://www.intelligentcitieschallenge.eu/cities/trikala">&ldquo;Smart Trikala&rdquo;,</a> public authorities have developed a wide range of digital solutions to help improve the lives of citizens and the city has performed highly in terms of innovation results. Trikala is one of the most dynamic medium-sized cities in Europe, being a pioneer in designing innovative ICT solutions in electromobility, energy, e-health and open governance for the benefit of its citizens.</p>
<p><strong>Ioannina, the lake city of Epirus</strong></p>
<p><img class=" size-full wp-image-8692" src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/800ioannina.jpg" alt="800ioannina" style="display: block; margin: 10px auto;" width="800" height="586" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #c0c0c0;"><em>Photo by @dimitris_christogiannis in @visit_ioannina&nbsp;</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Ioannina is the capital of Epirus, a north-western region of Greece, and a beautiful lake city with long history built on Egnatia Odos, an ancient route that connects Europe with Asia. The economy of Ioannina has purely urban characteristics determined by the fact that the city is the commercial and administrative center of the region. The sustainable urban development, with respect and protection of the natural environment are among the key elements and major strategic goals of all policy strategies and plans of the Municipality. <a href="https://2030.ioannina.gr/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Participation of Ioannina in Cities Mission</a> will bring multiple benefits in the city (environmental, social, economic, educational), such as improving air quality, promoting a healthier lifestyle, improving mobility, creating new jobs, and upgrading the environment while at European and national level climate change-friendly investments will be encouraged and smart technologies as well as holistic urban planning solutions will be introduced.</p>
<p><strong>Kalamata, the Mediterranean city of the southwestern Peloponnese&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><img class=" size-full wp-image-8693" src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/800_kalamata_sea.jpg" alt="800 kalamata sea" style="display: block; margin: 10px auto;" width="800" height="499" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #c0c0c0;"><em>Photo: Municipality of Kalamata FB page @kalamata.gr&nbsp;</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Kalamata is a Mediterranean city of the southwestern Peloponnese and the capital of Messinia, being faced occasionally with extreme weather events. To deal with the effects of climate change, local authorities in Kalamata have been implementing national and EU projects of more than 120 million Euros for the last 5 years, while at the same time through their participation in these programs local authorities have gained important knowledge and they have participated in beneficial synergies and networks.&nbsp;The Municipality has prepared its proposal for a climate-neutral and smart city through public&nbsp;<a href="https://mission.kalamata.gr/debates/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">consultation with citizens and visitors, scientists, and the business community of the city.&nbsp;</a></p>
<p><strong>Thessaloniki, a gateway for the Balkans&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><img class=" size-full wp-image-8694" src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/thessaloniki.jpg" alt="thessaloniki" style="display: block; margin: 10px auto;" width="800" height="229" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #999999;"><em>Photo: https://www.intelligentcitieschallenge.eu/cities/thessaloniki</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Thessaloniki, situated in northern Greece, is the country&rsquo;s second largest city. Home to the country&rsquo;s second-largest export and transit port, it is also the closest European Union port to the Balkans and the Black Sea zone. The Municipality of Thessaloniki is committed to the city&rsquo;s transformation into an integrated, open and participatory space, through the uptake and effective use of information and communication technology. Creating an interconnected city for everyone through data, enhancing citizen participation and increasing digital innovation are just a few of the objectives that the city aims to achieve through its <a href="https://www.intelligentcitieschallenge.eu/cities/thessaloniki">participation in the Mission Cities in other relevant EU programs.</a></p>
<p><strong>Athens, the historic capital of Greece&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><img class=" size-full wp-image-8695" src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/athens.jpg" alt="athens" style="display: block; margin: 10px auto;" width="1200" height="675" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Athens, the capital of Greece, is a historic city of myths and monuments, a dynamic and vivid place where entrepreneurs, creatives and visionaries are building the city they aspire to live in. Athens, named European Capital of Innovation for 2018, means great potential for growth and innovation, with an enduring entrepreneurial spirit seizing the benefits of digital economy. The Municipality of Athens has developed the <a href="https://www.atcom.gr/productions/case-studies/athens-smart-city/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;Athena Project&rdquo;</a> an innovative technology program aimed at improving the quality of life in the Greek capital for residents and visitors regarding the improvement of cleanliness and accessibility offering also a wide range of e-services.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="color: #800000; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Funding and networking for chosen cities&nbsp;</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The 100 cities that will participate in Cities Mission come from all 27 Member States, with 12 additional cities coming from countries associated or in the process of being associated to Horizon Europe. The cities will receive &euro;360 million of Horizon Europe funding covering the period 2022-23 in order to plan and implement research and innovation actions that will address clean mobility, energy efficiency and green urban planning. Mission Cities will get tailor-made advice and technical expertise by a Mission Platform run by the project <a href="https://netzerocities.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NetZeroCities</a> that will assist them to overcome the current structural, institutional and cultural barriers they face in order to achieve climate neutrality by 2030.The chosen cities will also have the opportunity to build joint initiatives through networking with other cities and ramp up collaborations in synergies with other EU programmes. Engaging citizens in the mission is of vital importance and it is strongly supported by the organizers.</p>
<p><img class=" size-full wp-image-8696" src="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/05/netzero.jpg" alt="netzero" style="display: block; margin: 10px auto;" width="1600" height="900" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The selected cities will increase their international visibility and they will have the opportunity to redefine their identity (city re-branding), serving as models for their wider regions and other urban centers promoting new forms of governance and developing a new economic climate action model.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MbzPpUnzLzo" width="560" height="315" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>Watch the video "Kozani, Mission 2030"&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fdimoskozanisofficial%2Fvideos%2F1772208976453757%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #800000;"><strong>Read also via Greek News Agenda</strong></span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/thinking-of-a-greek-smart-city-think-of-trikala/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Thinking of a Greek smart city? Think of Trikala!</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/athens-european-capital-of-innovation-2018/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Athens: European Capital of Innovation 2018</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/circular-economy-towards-a-new-production-and-consumption-model/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Circular Economy, towards a new production and consumption model</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/green-energy-in-greece-the-sustainable-answer-to-climate-and-energy-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Green energy in Greece | The sustainable answer to climate and energy crisis</a></p>
<p>I.E.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/six-greek-cities-to-become-eu-climate-neutral-and-smart-cities-by-2030/">Six Greek cities to become EU climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr">Greek News Agenda</a>.</p>
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