Greek MEP Georgios Aftias (PPE) has called on the European Commission to increase cohesion fund grants for small and medium-sized enterprises and provide immediate financial support to households struggling with soaring energy costs due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. The question, submitted on 9 April 2026, highlights the disproportionate impact on Greece and other southern European countries, where incomplete electricity interconnections exacerbate price spikes.
Aftias specifically asks whether the Commission will provide additional cohesion fund grants to SMEs, which have been hit hard by high electricity costs, and whether it will take immediate financial measures to support households facing an unreasonable burden. The question does not specify numerical targets or deadlines but signals a push for greater EU solidarity through cohesion policy.
The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. Its response will indicate whether it views the current cohesion framework as sufficient or is open to targeted top-ups, potentially signalling a shift towards more crisis-responsive cohesion spending. This could benefit southern EU member states and energy-intensive SMEs, but may face resistance from net contributor countries concerned about budget discipline.
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