Teleconference between Greek PM and EU Trade Commissioner

Today, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had an online meeting with the Executive Vice President of the European Commission and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis.

The Prime Minister had a meeting with Mr. Dombrovskis at 11.00 at the Maximos Mansion, while an online meeting will follow at the Ministry of Finance with the Minister Christos Staikouras.

The teleconference began with the issue of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Vice President of the Commission sent his congratulations to the Greek government, regarding the disbursement of an amount of 3.8 billion euros from the Recovery Fund and expressed his satisfaction for the work that has been done regarding the settlement of the issue of “red” loans .

“The government is implementing a perfect plan, aimed at boosting employment and creating new, better jobs.”

Dobrovskis also spoke about the RRF green energy investments and its progress – changes due to the war, while he pointed out that the investment plans through the Recovery Fund will help Greek small and medium enterprises.

After the advance of 4 billion euros, Mr. Dobrovskis officially announced the approval for the disbursement of the first installment of 3.6 billion euros.

Start for large infrastructure projects

“Large infrastructure and modernization projects are starting throughout the country and in many sectors with emphasis on the green economy and the digital transition. Greece pioneered the formation of the recovery fund and was one of the first three countries to draw up their plan. Let us remember that we hold the first place in terms of resources in terms of population and in terms of our GDP “, underlined Mr. Mitsotakis who said that the first loan from this money was given to a small and medium enterprise for its upgrade.

He also said that large projects such as “save”, a program that is particularly important at a time when electricity bills are rising, are being supported.

“We will also have the opportunity to look at the consequences of the war in Ukraine, starting with the rapid rise in international energy prices and the inflationary pressures that threaten the recovery of the entire European economy. A single European strategy is crucial. “No national budget can shoulder the burdens caused by the explosion in the energy market”, stressed Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Therefore, he continued, it is necessary to take measures at the next summit and stressed the need for European solutions.

“Otherwise, our continent will be confronted with the hydra of populism. “We have experienced it again and we must not allow a new rise of populism to block the path of truth, democracy, rights.”

He also said that they would have the opportunity to discuss the future of the European Stability Pact “which must take into account the new reality that is taking shape and the need to defend ourselves”.

Mr. Mitsotakis also noted that Greece has never stopped the reforms with which we know “that this money is connected”.

Mr. Dobrovskis congratulated Greece and the team that prepared its plan.

“Greece is ready to create a strong economy and move to a greener, more innovative economy. “The package to be given to Greece is one of the largest given to EU member states,” he said, noting that it contributes to growth and energy independence. “This will reduce the bills for households and businesses in Greece. “Reforms will be supported to make Greece more competitive,” he stressed.

Watch their statements: