![Teleconference between Greek PM and EU Trade Commissioner](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/mitsotakis-1.jpg)
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:
The trade Commissioner later tweeted:
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
Latest News
![Cosco: Container Traffic Decline at Piraeus Port Continues](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/olp1-scaled-1-2048x1312-1-600x384.jpg)
Cosco: Container Traffic Decline at Piraeus Port Continues
This strategic shift has diminished Piraeus's standing as a prominent Mediterranean port and a key transshipment hub post-Suez Canal.
![Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/power-lines-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates
According to reports, the government will resume an electricity subsidization program, given that forecasts cite disruptions – i.e. higher rates
![ELSTAT: 6.3% Increase in Output Price Index for Agriculture and Livestock](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ot_georg_PROIONTA_money-1-600x352.png)
ELSTAT: 6.3% Increase in Output Price Index for Agriculture and Livestock
The 6.3% rise in May 2024 is largely driven by an 8.8% increase in the crop output group, particularly due to changes in olive oil prices, and a 0.5% increase in the animal output group.
![Balkans Blackout Highlights Climate Threats to Power Grids](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/blackout-1-600x457.png)
Balkans Blackout Highlights Climate Threats to Power Grids
The surge in electricity demand during the heat wave and the power deficit in Balkan markets have driven up prices in the Greek wholesale electricity market.
![Greece in Top 4 Destinations Favored by European Tourists](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ploio-600x400.jpg)
Greece in Top 4 Destinations Favored by European Tourists
Greece was selected by 5.9% of respondents who were asked where they would vacation this year, up from 5.4% in the same survey last year
![Scope Affirms Greece’s BBB- Ratings; Revises Outlook to Positive](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/euros-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Scope Affirms Greece’s BBB- Ratings; Revises Outlook to Positive
The international ratings firm raised Greece to investment grade in early August 2023
![First Seaplane Test Flights to Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/hellenic-seaplanes-pilotikes-ptiseis-ydatino-pedio-lavriou-600x450.jpeg)
First Seaplane Test Flights to Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros
After decades of on-again, off-again efforts to schedule regular seaplane routes to Greece's numerous island and coastal destinations the prospect now appears within sight
![ELSTAT- Overall Import Price Index for May 2024 up 2.8% y-o-y](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/unnamed-41.jpg)
ELSTAT- Overall Import Price Index for May 2024 up 2.8% y-o-y
The same price index had decreased 20.8% from May 2022 to May 2023
![Over 7 in 10 Employees Feel Their Contributions Are Not Appreciated](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ergasia-ergazomenos-600x300.jpg)
Over 7 in 10 Employees Feel Their Contributions Are Not Appreciated
Specifically, the option "Subjective opinions are prioritized over objective data" ranked highest in importance for young employees, with a score of 3.89 out of 4
![OECD: Job Vacancies on the Rise in Greece](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ergasiabusinness-768x556-1-1-600x434.jpeg)
OECD: Job Vacancies on the Rise in Greece
By the fourth quarter of 2023, job vacancies per unemployed person had risen by more than 4, with the index reaching 446 units compared to 100 units in late 2019