Georgios AFTIAS

Policy topics Georgios AFTIAS is active on

What Georgios AFTIAS has said (63)

• 2026-07-06 “Commissioner, vice president, thank you very much indeed. Thank you. Because your, comments on the budget were, welcomed. Well, we heard that money has to go in real time to a real place. That's very true. So what people what do people want from us? What do the companies want? Well, we very often say in Greece that to have, to make money, we have to fund the regions because they know what to do. So I think you know that perfectly well. 17 countries are paying for a very, expensive energy, but we need energy. So the small SMEs as well and companies that have huge opportunities and the EIB has done very well on that front, but I think we also need to provide more funding for housing because so thank you very much.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2026-06-22 “Thank you very much. Now, recently we heard from Mrs. Lagarde. So I can't talk in a binding manner about the future of interest rates. These are times of uncertainty as a result of war in the Middle East, and we need to make it our priority to create a competitive Europe, a Europe that is able to withstand geopolitical tensions and to resist pressure. We also need to ensure we can support companies. That's why macroeconomic stability has to be our main objective in order to ensure our competitiveness. We need to support SMEs. We need to help them get access to credit. We need to reduce bureaucracy. And we finally need a green light for growth. At the same time, we need to support savings and investment Union pushed that forward and at the same time, we need to adopt the 28th regime to ease cross-border activities in the interests of the single market. In addition to this, we need to pursue a banking union a bit faster, particularly when it comes to deposit guarantee schemes. The financial stability that this create will help growth. Another important factor are government. Sorry national member state budgets. They need to make better use of EU funds and we need new own resources. I've taken on board some very interesting proposals on that front from other colleagues own resources. Are going to be important for paying off the RF. And it's also important that we should support social cohesion. We want to ensure that Europe is there for citizens.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• 2026-06-22 “I'm going to be very brief. Miss Lagarde, first of all, where are we with the digital euro? What is happening with liquid money, and what will the effect on budgets and companies be? I can't remember when when Greece fought to be in the was fighting before you stood behind us here. And Greece went from being a black sheep to a disciplined member of Europe. Thank you.”
  Digital euro
• 2026-06-22 “We need an EU which responds to the real needs of our citizens and companies. For the countries of southeastern Europe in particular, which have borders with countries like Russia and Turkey, and thinking of Greece in particular. But these countries face very serious energy issues as well as security issues. And I'm sure you know what I mean by that. The EU budget has to support the economic and financial stability of the EU. It needs to support European savings products, and there needs to be action taken against tax evasion. We also need to see a better strategic role for the European Investment Bank. Areas that are particularly severely affected require support, and there also needs to be a particular fund for Ireland and mountain regions. Colleagues, these funds need to serve the strategic interests of the European Union. We have to first think about human beings, then society, and then the support of our citizens. We are all living through a period of inflationary pressure. The problem we share, and we need to see that reflected in our political priorities in our societies, our governments. We need support for our SMEs, which is the very fabric of our society. At the First Shadows meetings. We all said that we need a strategy that brings together the needs of citizens, companies and our societies. I'd like to thank you for your cooperation and look forward to your comments.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2026-01-19 “Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission 18.3.2026 Written question The protection of EU external borders is a high priority for the Commission. Greece has been allocated more than EUR 1.7 billion through the previous and current instruments for financial support for external borders and visa [1] and the Border Management and Visa Policy Instrument (BMVI) [2] to support the management of its borders, including measures at the EU external border in Evros. The Commission has so far focused funding where the needs are the most urgent and where EU funding provides real added value. This has included financing for mobile and stationary units, border surveillance systems and equipment, refurbishment of border crossing points, new installations for IT systems, plus the maintenance of equipment. Going forward, and following the trend observed in the last years, it is clear that the overall needs for border management must be reassessed as part of the preparation of the next Multiannual Financial Framework. With this in mind, in July 2025, the Commission presented its proposals for the next Multiannual Financial Framework for the period 2028-2034, which include a proposal for a regulation for the Schengen area, for European integrated border management and for the common policy on visas [3] . [1] Regulation (EU) 515/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 establishing as part of the Internal Security Fund, the instrument for financial support for external borders and visa. [2] Regulation (EU) 2021/1148 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing, as part of the Integrated Border Management Fund, the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy. [3] COM/2025/541 Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Union support for the Schengen area, for European integrated border management and for the common policy on visas for the period 2028 to 2034.”
  Asylum & border control
• 2025-11-17 “E-004579/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission acknowledges the challenges faced by the Aegean islands, including limited transport, health infrastructure, natural hazards and pressure linked to migration. In the 2021–2027 programming period, the cohesion policy regional programmes for South and North Aegean benefit from increased allocation (EUR 679 million total public funding versus EUR 424.1 million in 2014-2020) 1 , including resources targeted at port infrastructures and road network (EUR 56 million), health and hospital infrastructures (EUR 28 million) and healthcare services (EUR 9.4 million). Additionally, the regions receive support from funding provided through sectoral programmes. The Commission also supports Greece in managing migration, with a focus on the Greek islands. Since 2015, over EUR 5 billion 2 in EU funding have been given to support actions such as accommodation facilities on the islands and services for third-country nationals in the East Aegean. Furthermore, measure 16931 of the Greek recovery and resilience plan 3 consists of actions to upgrade touristic ports and promote sustainable development initiatives (green and blue development), including in the Aegean islands. 2. Under the two regional programmes, through the European regional development fund, some EUR 43 million are foreseen for support to small and medium-sized enterprises’ competitiveness aiming to strengthen entrepreneurship, improve productivity and support sectors where the Aegean islands have demonstrated economic potential and comparative advantages, in line with the national smart specialisation strategy. The regions can also benefit from the resources allocated under the national programme ‘competitiveness’. 1 https://www.pepba.gr/; https:/www./pepna.gr/. 2 This refers to financial support under the asylum, migration and integration fund, the internal security fund and the emergency support instrument for the 2014-2020 multiannual financial framework as well as support under the asylum, migration and integration fund, the border management and visa instrument and the internal security fund for the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework. 3 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resiliencefacility/country-pages/greeces-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-11-07 “E-004401/2025 Answer given by Mr Kubilius on behalf of the European Commission The Delegated Regulation 1 adopted by the Commission on 28 August 2025 concerning the InvestEU fund provides that in the area of defence final beneficiaries receiving more than EUR 10 million of EU funding shall be established in the EU or an associated country and shall not be controlled by non-associated third country entities unless they provide a guarantee approved by the country in which they are established. Such guarantee shall provide assurances that the involvement of the entity will not contravene the security and defence interests of the EU and its Member States. Currently, only Norway and Iceland are associated to InvestEU. These countries have contributed to the InvestEU Fund on the basis of Article 81 of the Agreement on the European Economic Area 2 . In line with that Agreement, the amendments proposed in the Delegated Regulation of 28 August 2025 ensure that entities established in these associated countries benefit from similar conditions as entities established in Member States. As a candidate country to the EU, Türkiye participates in EU programmes and could in principle be associated to InvestEU. The specific conditions for its association would need to be agreed between Türkiye and the Commission based on the association agreement as ratified by the European Parliament. However, at this advanced stage of implementation of the programme, the Commission does not envisage the association of Türkiye or any other non-EU associated countries to InvestEU. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2025/1774/oj. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/agree_internation/1994/1/oj/eng.”
  EU competences on defence · EU policy on screening foreign investment in strategic sectors and critical infrastructure
• 2025-09-19 “E-003639/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission EU rules provide Member States with a wide range of tools to respond to price spikes. The Commission adopted the Affordable Energy Action Plan 1 with further measures for more affordable energy. The Commission supports the implementation of such measures in Southeastern Europe. The Commission recently also appointed a European Coordinator for Central and South-East European interconnectivity. Under the Energy Union Task Force, the Commission invited Member States of the region to follow-up with national transmission system operators and regulatory authorities on these actions. It also set up the Energy Highways Initiative which includes the South-Eastern Europe electricity interconnections. The Clean Industrial Deal announced further measures to support industries, such as power purchase agreements guarantees provided by the European Investment Bank 2 . The new Clean Industrial State Aid framework encourages clean energy and decarbonisation investments, and creates a framework for support to energy-intensive users for electricity costs. The Connecting Europe Facility for Energy (CEF-E) already supports investments in crossborder energy infrastructure, including electricity interconnections. Projects of Common Interest (PCI) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMI) are eligible to apply for financial support. Greek interconnection projects received funding from CEF in the past, and will continue to be eligible if included on the Union list of PCIs and PMIs. The Greek Recovery and Resilience Plan includes investments in interconnections and the upgrade of the distribution network. Furthermore, also other EU funding instruments, such as those under Cohesion Policy can provide financing to electricity infrastructure. 1 https://energy.ec.europa.eu/strategy/affordable-energy_en. 2 https://www.eib.org/en/press/all/2025-247-eib-group-increases-2025-financing-ceiling-to-record-eur100billion-to-step-up-investments-in-security-and-defence-energy-grids-and-europe-s-tech-leadership.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• 2025-09-15 “E-003531/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission Protecting EU external borders in their entirety is an utmost priority for the Commission and a responsibility of all Member States. The Commission provides funding to Member States through the Border Management and Visa Policy Instrument (BMVI) 1 , which contributes to supporting effective European integrated border management at the external borders. The Commission can also allocate funding from the BMVI thematic facility 2 to finance additional operations in Member States. Furthermore, Greek border management authorities and other organisations are actively participating in the EU programme on innovation on security, including border management, and have received over EUR 300 million of funding, including over EUR 40 million dedicated to border management innovation. Since 2015, Greece has received more than EUR 1.5 billion from the Internal Security Fund – Borders and Visa 3 and BMVI to support the management of its borders, which are the EU’s external borders. Greece would also receive additional funding for the purposes of the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum 4 , including funding for the screening of third country nationals crossing the external borders in compliance with Regulation (EU) 2024/1356 5 . 1 Regulation (EU) 2021/1148 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing, as part of the Integrated Border Management Fund, the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy. 2 The support can take the form of EU actions, specific actions or emergency assistance. For more info: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/funding/borders-and-visa-funds/integrated-border-management-fund-bordermanagement-and-visa-instrument-2021-27_en. 3 Regulation (EU) No 515/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 establishing as part of the Internal Security Fund, the instrument for financial support for external borders and visa. 4 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_3161. 5 Regulation (EU) 2024/1356 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 introducing the screening of third-country nationals at the external borders and amending Regulations (EC) No 767/2008, (EU) 2017/2226, (EU) 2018/1240 and (EU) 2019/817.”
  Asylum & border control
• 2025-07-14 “E-002860/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The Commission and the EU Agencies active in Greece 1 are providing significant financial, operational, and technical support to help the responsible ministries and services in Greece. The total amount of financial support under the EU Home Affairs Funds made available to Greece since 2015 is just over EUR 5 billion 2 , providing Greece with the means for a comprehensive migration management policy. The Agencies have been supporting Greece with deployments of technical equipment and staff, in line with their mandates. In order to address the incentives of irregular migration, the Commission works with countries of origin and transit to intensify cooperation on border management, returns, combating migrant smuggling and developing legal migration channels. Following the mid-term review of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) 3 and the revision of the multi-annual financial framework, Greece will also benefit from an additional EUR 103 million under the AMIF to support the needs related to the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum 4 , including the improvement of reception conditions 5 . The Commission remains ready to provide additional support to Greece to address the extraordinary situation in Crete and Gavdos if necessary. 1 The European Agency for Asylum (EUAA), the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) and EU Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol). 2 This refers to financial support under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and Internal Security Fund for the 2014-2020 multiannual financial framework as well as support under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Border Management and Visa Instrument and the Internal Security Fund for the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework. 3 Regulation (EU) 2021/1147 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, OJ L 251, 15.7.2021, p. 1–47. 4 Communication from the Commission to the European parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a New Pact on Migration and Asylum, COM(2020) 609 final. 5 This support comes on top of the basic allocation of EUR 434 million for Greece under the AMIF for the 20212027 period.”
  Asylum & border control
• 2025-07-03 “E-002723/2025 Answer given by Mr Kubilius on behalf of the European Commission The EU budget supports the competitiveness of the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base via different programmes, supporting Member States or entities which are based and controlled in the EU. Neither Türkiye nor its defence industries are allowed to receive any funding from that source. In the current multiannual financial framework, EU defence programmes do not allow for the participation of third countries except where the legislation explicitly provides this. To this date, this has only been the case for countries being part of the European Free Trade Association that are also members of the European Economic Area (EFTA EEA), and for Ukraine. The Security Action for Europe 1 instrument provides financial assistance to Member States only. Based on the Regulation, some third countries (acceding countries, candidate countries and potential candidates, and other third countries with whom the EU has entered a security and defence partnership) can participate in common procurement with Member States as any other third country which means that they are allowed to buy defence products originating from the EU or from Ukraine and EFTA EEA countries in common procurement with Member States. This allows to increase the level of aggregation of the demand necessary to scale up the EU industrial capacity and at the same time ensures that Member States participating to the procurement obtain better prices. However, Türkiye’s industrial entities are not eligible for these acquisitions, unless an international agreement is concluded on this matter with the EU. So far, no such agreement has been concluded by the Council. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/1106/oj/eng.”
  Defence spending · EU competences on defence
• 2025-06-25 “E-002576/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission Ensuring fair competition in the EU Single Market is a key priority for the Commission. In this context, the E-commerce Communication 1 has been adopted. It includes a holistic approach to address the challenges posed by low-value imports to the EU, e.g. by carrying out of Priority Control Areas actions between various authorities to target customs controls on goods sold through e-commerce platforms. Moreover, the Digital Services Act 2 contains several measures to protect consumers online, e.g. requiring online marketplaces to ensure that the products sold on their platforms are compliant with relevant product safety requirements. In this regard, the Commission has initiated proceedings against AliExpress 3 and Temu 4 and, in parallel, continues its supervision of other online marketplaces, in coordination with the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network 5 . To further strengthen consumer law enforcement and ensure a fair levelplaying field for EU businesses, the Commission is also reflecting on a review of the CPC Regulation 6 . As announced in the Single Market Strategy 7 , the Commission intends to harmonise labelling rules via sectoral legislation and facilitate rollout of digital labelling solutions via the Digital Product Passport. The E-Surveillance WebCrawler to flag reappearing dangerous products published via Safety Gate Portal is also available. Regarding product compliance, the Market Surveillance Regulation 8 gives national market surveillance authorities certain powers ensuring that only products which comply with EU law are available in the EU. 1 Communication on a comprehensive EU toolbox for safe and sustainable e-commerce, available at: https://eurlex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0037. 2 Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services, available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj/eng. 3 „Commission accepts commitments offered by AliExpress under the Digital Services Act and takes further action on illegal products”, available at: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/commission-acceptscommitments-offered-aliexpress-under-digital-services-act-and-takes-further. 4 ‘Commission preliminarily finds Temu in breach of the Digital Services Act in relation to illegal products on its platform’, available at: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/commission-preliminarily-finds-temubreach-digital-services-act-relation-illegal-products-its. 5 More information available at: https://commission.europa.eu/live-work-travel-eu/consumer-rights-andcomplaints/enforcement-consumer-protection/consumer-protection-cooperation-network_en. 6 Regulation (EU) 2017/2394 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2017 on cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws and repealing Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004, OJ L 345, 27 December 2017, pp. 1–26. 7 COM(2025)500 - Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - The Single Market: our European home market in an uncertain world, available at: https://single-marketeconomy.ec.europa.eu/publications/single-market-our-european-home-market-uncertain-world_en. 8 Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products, available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32019R1020#:~:text=Regulation%20(EU)%202019/1020%20of%20the%20Europe an%20Parliament%20and%20of%20the.”
  EU competences on consumer protection and product standards · EU restrictions on unfair commercial practices
• 2025-06-23 “E-002517/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission The EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) 1 can only be activated at the request of Greece which has a deadline of 12 weeks as from when the first damage occurred, demonstrating that the total direct damage exceeds the thresholds specified in Article 2 Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002. The EUSF may cover a part of the costs for emergency and recovery operations incurred by public authorities 2 . Private damage is not eligible. Wildfire preparedness is high on the Commission’s agenda. The Commission is strategically pre-positioning and co-financing the stay of 650 firefighters in wildfire-prone countries 3 this summer to ensure faster response times and valuable knowledge sharing. For the 2025 wildfire season, the EU has 22 firefighting airplanes and 4 helicopters available from the rescEU transitional fleet and the European Civil Protection Pool, stationed in 10 countries. These capacities stand ready for Member States, should they request assistance through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism. The EU has allocated significant financial resources to build a permanent rescEU firefighting fleet. This will consist of 12 medium amphibious planes and 5 helicopters, financed by the EU budget, which will enter service progressively, with the first helicopter expected in 2026 and the first airplanes from early 2028. This will make an additional boost for European wildfire preparedness for the coming years. Under the 2021-2027 Cohesion Policy programmes, a total public funding of around EUR 3 billion has been allocated for the prevention and management of fire risks in the Member States. EUR 421 million from this amount has been assigned to Greece. The Greek recovery and resilience plan 4 funds investments in wildfire prevention and response worth over EUR 850 million. 1 Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3) as amended by Regulation (EU) No 661/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council of 15 May 2014 (OJ L 189, 27.6.2014, p. 143) and by Regulation (EU) 2020/461 of the European Parliament and the Council of 30 March 2020 (OJ L 99, 31.3.2020, p. 9). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32002R2012. 2 This means, for example, the recovery of essential infrastructure, provision of temporary accommodation to the population, cleaning-up operations, and protection of the cultural heritage. 3 Namely in Greece, Portugal, Spain, Italy and France. 4 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resiliencefacility/country-pages/greeces-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-06-12 “E-002368/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission The EU cohesion policy supports investments in port infrastructure to enhance access to coastal and island regions and strengthen local economies. In Greece, around EUR 228 million has been allocated to improve port facilities, aiming to boost connectivity and economic growth. Under the shared management principle governing Cohesion Funds, the competent national authorities are responsible for the selection of projects. The Greek Recovery and Resilience Plan 1 (RRP) ‘Upgrade Interventions for Regional Ports’ and ‘Tourism Development’ measures support significant investments in ports. The investments funded under RRP are identified by the competent national authorities and include part of the Argostoli port. Within the framework of the Recovery and Resilience Facility 2 (RRF) discussions with the Greek RRF Agency could be envisaged on the possibility of funding investments on additional ports. Since 2014, the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) has channelled around EUR 3.5 billion into 280 projects enhancing maritime transport, including over EUR 35 million for projects in 11 maritime ports in Greece 3 . With the 2024 CEF call's results 4 , 95% of the 2021–2027 CEF II budget has already been allocated. Future financing for maritime ports will depend on possible budget reflows as well as on the programming and budget decisions for the new Multiannual Financial Framework. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resiliencefacility/country-pages/greeces-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility_en. 3 Igoumenitsa, Iraklion, Kavala, Kerkyra, Kyllini, Lavrio (Sounio), Patra, Pireaus, Rafina, Thessaloniki and Volos. 4 https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/news-events/news/cef-transport-eu28-billion-94-projects-boost-sustainable-andconnected-mobility-across-europe-2025-07-03_en.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-06-11 “E-002342/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission 1. Safeguarding cultural heritage from natural and man-made disasters is a priority for the Commission. The cohesion policy may support the protection, development and preservation of cultural heritage sites that are officially designated as such, including churches. Under the regional programme ‘North Aegean’, some EUR 32.8 million have been foreseen for such actions. However, under the shared management principle governing the Cohesion Policy Funds, the selection and implementation of projects, including studies for the maturation of co-financed projects, falls under the responsibility of the national authorities. In January 2021, Greece applied for financial assistance from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) 1 following the earthquake in the islands of Samos, Ikaria and Chios in October 2020. The application was eligible for EUSF aid, and the Commission paid Greece EUR 2 531 301 in 2021. The implementation period ended in 2023 and according to the final report submitted by the Greek authorities, the eligible operations financed by the EUSF did not include measures to protect cultural heritage, including churches. The assistance was used for the restoration of infrastructure in the field of water, wastewater and education, the provision of temporary accommodation, for rescue services, securing preventive infrastructure and cleaning up operations. 2 Technical assistance for the implementation of cohesion policy co-financed projects is provided under the ‘Technical Assistance and Beneficiary Support Programme’ supplemented by additional technical assistance funds under regional and sectoral programmes. 1 Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3) as amended by Regulation (EU) No 661/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council of 15 May 2014 (OJ L 189, 27.6.2014, p. 143) and by Regulation (EU) 2020/461 of the European Parliament and the Council of 30 March 2020 (OJ L 99, 31.3.2020, p. 9). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32002R2012.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-06-02 “E-002202/2025 Answer given by Mr Kubilius on behalf of the European Commission Council Regulation (EU) 2025/1106 on Security Action for Europe (SAFE) 1 aims at financially supporting Member States to increase their defence readiness. Loans can only be accessed by Member States. SAFE establishes eligibility conditions for participation of companies as contractors to common procurement under the Instrument. Entities established in third countries or under the control of third countries (except for Ukraine and countries of the European Free Trade Association that are also members of the European Economic Area) are, in principle, not allowed to participate to common procurement under the SAFE instrument. Entities established in the EU and controlled by third countries could only be eligible to participate in the common procurement as contractors if they fulfil security based conditions or if they have been subject to screening within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2019/452, and, where necessary, to appropriate mitigation measures. In addition, the Regulation states that for the purpose of procurements supported by SAFE, no component shall be sourced from a third country that contravenes the security and defence interests of the EU and its Member States. The SAFE Regulation furthermore foresees the possibility for entities from acceding, potential candidate and candidate countries (other than Ukraine) and other third countries with which the EU has entered into a Security and Defence Partnership to participate as contractors to common procurements under SAFE only on the condition that the third country in question has concluded an international agreement with the EU as spelled out in Article 17 of the SAFE Regulation. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/1106/oj/eng.”
  EU-Turkey relations · EU competences on defence
• 2025-05-28 “E-002132/2025 Answer given by Mr Serafin on behalf of the European Commission As per the communication ‘The road to the next multiannual financial framework’ 1 from 11 February 2025, the Commission's proposal for the next multiannual financial framework will ensure a simpler, more focused and more impactful budget aligned with EU priorities. The future budget will aim for a strengthened cohesion and growth policy, with regions at the centre, as underscored in the Commission’s political guidelines 2 , and continue to actively support islands and mountain areas, considering their specific needs and challenges, notably in terms of economic development, adaptation to climate change, connectivity, migration and demographic transition. At the core of this modernised budget will be a national and regional partnership plan for each country with key reforms and investments, focusing on EU’s joint priorities, including promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion, and designed and implemented in partnership with national, regional, and local authorities to address their specificities. A placebased approach remains essential to respond to the unique challenges faced by the regions and territories. By combining key investments and reforms within one plan, it will be possible to address these challenges in a way that is more targeted and comprehensive. This approach will mix specific investments, legislative and regulatory levers, and technical support, to ensure rapid and effective deployment of funds aligned to local needs and European priorities. The plan’s single rulebook, wide eligibility scope and large financial toolbox, enabling the use of leverage through financial instruments, will help reduce the administrative burden for beneficiaries and allow for the design of more effective measures, tailored to the needs of each territory. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/6d47acb4-9206-4d0f-8f9b3b10cad7b1ed_en?filename=Communication%20on%20the%20road%20to%20the%20next%20MFF_en.pdf. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-05-19 “E-001995/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission Under Article 168(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU 1 , Member States are responsible for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care, their management and allocation of assigned resources. EU funds support access to healthcare in Greece. The Greek Partnership Agreement under the 2021–2027 Cohesion policy funds’ framework highlights the importance of emergency care and the adaptation of services, infrastructure and human resources to geographical and population-specific characteristics, based on the mapping of health needs. Under the 2021–2027 Cohesion policy, EUR 361.9 million 2 is allocated for health infrastructure, equipment, mobile assets and digitalisation; and EUR 322.7 million 3 for the support of healthcare accessibility, effectiveness and resilience, including primary healthcare and mobile health units for remote islands. The regional programmes of North Aegean, South Aegean, and Ionian Islands allocated EUR 4.3 million specifically for the procurement of mobile health assets. In addition, the programme ‘Civil Protection’ committed EUR 7 million for the procurement of floating vessels 4 and an additional EUR 3.5 million for the procurement of isolation capsules and other equipment for emergency transport of patients. In line with the principles of shared management and subsidiarity, national authorities are responsible for the planning, selection and monitoring of projects co-financed by Cohesion policy funds. The Greek Recovery and Resilience Plan allocated over EUR 1.5 billion for reforms and investments in support of the healthcare system. In addition, it allocated EUR 155 million for investments on aerial means for crisis management, including helicopters for medical use. 1 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:12012E/TXT&from=en. 2 Support from the European Regional Development Fund, including national contribution. 3 Support from the European Social Fund Plus, including national contribution. 4 The vessels to be deployed by the National Coast Guard for the transportation and evacuation of citizens during disasters.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-05-18 “E-001988/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission The Commission has put forward a wide range of policy initiatives that help create favourable conditions enabling people to pursue their life and family aspirations 1 . The Commission Demography Toolbox considers a wide range of adaptation measures on the labour market, pension and health systems, childcare and long-term care provision, intergenerational fairness, territorial cohesion and managed legal migration. These initiatives are also supported through the Cohesion Policy funds 2 . The Quality Jobs Roadmap, the Anti-Poverty Strategy and the European Affordable Housing Plan, planned under this mandate, will further contribute to this endeavour. The Commission is providing Member States with tools and funding opportunities for strengthening social and territorial cohesion and allowing people to thrive in their communities. With support from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), Greece will establish a National Observatory of Demographic Policy to contribute to the implementation of the National Action Plan for Demography and to strengthen the capacity of public administration to formulate targeted interventions at national and regional level. Under the Technical Support Instrument (TSI), evidence-based tools for the Observatory’s work as well as the methodology/guidelines for the preparation of Regional Demographic Action Plans will be developed, with pilot implementation in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. 1 The Work-Life Balance Directive aims to improve the balance between work and family lives for parents and carers. The EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child aims to combat child poverty, improve access to childcare, education and healthcare, and support families in vulnerable situations. The European Child Guarantee aims to ensure that all children at risk of poverty or social exclusion have access to essential services such as education, care, healthcare, nutrition and housing. The Council Recommendation on the revision of the Barcelona targets on early childhood education and care (ECEC) encourages Member States to increase availability, affordability, accessibility and quality of ECEC. The Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030 aims improve the lives of persons with disabilities in Europe and around the world. The Union of Skills will contribute to enhancing education, training, and skills development across the Union. The EU Directive on Adequate minimum wages in the EU aims to improve working and living conditions in Europe. 2 The EU Cohesion Policy, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Just Transition Fund (JTF) provide support for start-ups, local SMEs, investment in public services and transport. The Talent Booster Mechanism directly addresses brain drain and talent retention, particularly in Eastern and Southern Europe. The Youth Guarantee aims to ensure that young people receive a job, education or training offer within four months of becoming unemployed.”
  EU competences on demographic policy · EU strategy on population growth · Support for families
• 2025-05-12 “E-001890/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission Between 2021 and 2027, Cohesion Policy funds 1 invest EUR 541 million in Greece’s water infrastructures, and EUR 85 million in water management and resource conservation 2 . The Common Agricultural Policy 3 funds moreover financially support soil improvements 4 , more efficient irrigation, water reuse and climate resilient crops. There are a number of funds, under shared management, that Greece is currently using to finance sustainable water management. The Commission recently proposed an exceptional package of measures to encourage investments in water resilience. The next Multiannual Financial Framework will also be an opportunity to further support water resilience through investment and reforms 5 . EU support for desalination requires that environmental degradation risks related to preserving water quality and avoiding water stress are identified and addressed in line with the relevant legislation 6 . In the case of Greece, the Environment and Climate Change 7 programme supports desalination units - powered by renewable energy - on small islands facing water scarcity, where no viable alternative solutions exist. 1 https://cohesiondata.ec.europa.eu/stories/s/21-27-Sustainable-water-management/ehce-gj6d. 2 https://cohesiondata.ec.europa.eu/2021-2027-Categorisation/Water_2/2aig-bg4c. 3 https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy_en. 4 Greece’s Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy (2023-2027) – 36.5% of the utilised agricultural area will receive support (under eco-schemes and agri-environment climate interventions) for practices beneficial for soil management to improve soil quality and biota. 5 Commission Communication on a European Water Resilience Strategy, 4 June 2025, COM(2025) 280 final, on page 14, available at https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/european-water-resilience-strategy_en. 6 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2485, OJ 21 November 2023: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32023R2485 (section 5.13). 7 https://peka-program.gr/.”
  EU policy on water management · EU policy on infrastructure for preventing climate-related disasters (floods, droughts, extreme weather etc.)
• 2025-04-22 “E-001597/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission Based on their national or subnational climate risk assessments, Member States can use Cohesion Policy to support disaster risk management, particularly by financing prevention, response and resilience measures in islands or coastal areas. This may also include measures to address soil erosion. Specifically for Greece, over EUR 726 million in public funding is allocated to prevent and manage climate-related flood risks, including coastal and land erosion management. Under the shared management principle governing these funds, national authorities are responsible for selecting projects for funding and overseeing their implementation. Furthermore, Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Plan 1 invests in anti-erosion and flood protection across Greece in response to the floods and wildfires in 2023 (measure 16849). The related interventions include the construction of dams, stream stabilisation structures and rainwater retention systems, with the aim to improve soil retention, biodiversity conservation and agricultural production. By end-2025, a total area of 5 000 hectares of anti-erosion works and 175 000 square meters of flood protection works is expected to be completed. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resiliencefacility/country-pages/greeces-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-04-07 “E-001400/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission As acknowledged by the Honourable Member, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the EU economy. There are 26.1 million SMEs in the EU, providing jobs to more than 89.8 million citizens. The Commission is paying particular attention to SMEs’ access to EU funding. The scale of SMEs’ involvement can be illustrated by their participation in EU programmes. Between 2021 and 2024, Horizon Europe 1 funded around 10,077 SMEs, of which approximately 1,450 (14%) funded under the European Innovation Council 2 , with a total of EUR 7.4 billion in grants (of which EUR 3.9 billion for SMEs only). InvestEU 3 has supported over 55,000 SMEs in its first two years. The SME Pillar of the Single Market Programme 4 has provided assistance to 292,000 SMEs through the European Enterprise Network 5 alone. In the 2023 calls under the European Defence Fund 6 (EDF), SMEs represented around 50% of the total number of entities, requesting approximately 30% of the total grant amount. For the period 2023–2027, the EDF is expected to fund SMEs with up to EUR 840 million. The Commission sees SMEs as a priority target of its policies. The recently published Single Market Strategy 7 sets out a number of actions, including to address SMEs’ difficulties in accessing sustainable finance. Finally, the recently published EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy 8 contains a comprehensive set of measures to improve framework conditions, including access to finance for startups and scaleups, many of whom are the most promising SMEs. Furthermore, the Commission pays particular attention to the specific needs of SMEs with international ambitions and deploys several tools to support them trade internationally, such as the Access2Markets platform 9 or dedicated SME chapters in trade agreements. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32021R0695. 2 https://eic.ec.europa.eu/about-european-innovation-council_en. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02021R052320240301&qid=1749143262375. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32021R0690. 5 https://een.ec.europa.eu/. 6 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02021R0697-20240301. 7 European Commission: The Single Market: our European home market in an uncertain world A Strategy for making the Single Market simple, seamless and strong - 21.5.2025 COM(2025) 500 final. 8 European Commission: The EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy Choose Europe to start and scale - 28.5.2025 COM(2025) 270 final. 9 https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/home.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU · EU industrial funding
• 2025-04-02 “E-001365/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission The Commission contributes to disaster risk management with EUR 1 billion through Cohesion Policy funds under the relevant 2021-2027 national programmes 1 In addition, the regional programme of Notio Aigaio 2 allocates EUR 10.5 million for the management of climate-related risks, including storms and floods, specifically in the South Aegean region. Under the shared management and subsidiarity principles governing the Cohesion Policy funds, the use of the available resources (project selection and implementation of operations) falls under the responsibility of the Member State. Member States affected by natural disasters may also benefit from the flexibilities provided by the Regional Emergency Support to Reconstruction (RESTORE) Regulation which entered into force on 24 December 2024 3 . This enables Member States to reprogramme part of their Cohesion Policy Funds’ allocations for actions and projects in response to natural disasters, including reconstruction and repair measures for public infrastructure to alleviate the socioeconomic impact of natural disasters. Union support could cover up to 95% of the expenditure and an additional pre-financing of 25% is provided. This will ease the budgetary pressure on affected Member States and regions. Greece may also benefit from financial assistance through the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF). The EUSF can only be activated at the request of Greece which has a deadline of 12 weeks as from when the first damage occurred, demonstrating that the total direct damage exceeds the thresholds specified in Article 2 Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 4 . The EUSF may cover a part of the costs for emergency and recovery operations incurred by public authorities 5 . Private damage is not eligible. 1 Civil Protection Programme 2021-2027: https://civilprotection-program.gr/programma-politiki-prostasia-20212027/; Environment and Climate Change Programme 2021-2027: https://peka-program.gr/paroysiasiprogramma/ 2 Regional Programme ‘Notio AigaioAigaio’ 2021-2027: https://pepna.gr/el/perifereiako-programma-notioyaigaioy-2021-2027 3 Regulation (EU) 2024/3236 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1057 and (EU) 2021/1058 as regards Regional Emergency Support to Reconstruction (RESTORE) https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/3236 4 Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3) as amended by Regulation (EU) No 661/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council of 15 May 2014 (OJ L 189, 27.6.2014, p. 143) and by Regulation (EU) 2020/461 of the European Parliament and the Council of 30 March 2020 (OJ L 99, 31.3.2020, p. 9). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32002R2012 5 This means, for example, the recovery of essential infrastructure, provision of temporary accommodation to the population, cleaning-up operations and protection of the cultural heritage.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-03-26 “E-001262/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member that the housing crisis impacts a large number of European citizens. In response to the housing crisis, the Commission will put forward a European Affordable Housing Plan (‘the EHAP’) in 2026. The Commission notes, that in respect of the subsidiarity and proportionality principles, primary responsibility for affordable and social housing is within the remit of Member States, regional and local authorities and the EAHP will respect these principles. In addition, the Commission put forward a - mid-term review - legislative proposal to modernise cohesion policy 1 including incentives to encourage Member States and regions to double their investments in affordable housing under the Cohesion policy. The relevant legislation on European funds and programmes 2 available for Member States, regions and local authorities for housing contain rules on governance, including allocation mechanism 3 , and follow the said principles, in line with the current Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Any future budgetary provisions, including the allocation methodology, will be decided by co-legislators at the next MFF negotiations. In addition, the recent communication on NextGenerationEU 4 explicitly recognises the possibility to inject equity to national promotional banks, also for affordable housing. The Commission will continue to strengthen its contribution to mitigating the housing crisis, including for youth in its future actions. The Commission aims to cut unnecessary red tape and simplify processes 5 in order that available funding can be disbursed as quick as possible. On this matter the Commission works in close cooperation with the managing authorities and other relevant bodies. 1 Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1058 and (EU) 2021/1056 as regards specific measures to address strategic challenges in the context of the mid-term review, COM(2025) 123. 2 Most importantly the Recovery and Resilience Plans, the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund, the European Social Fund+ and the InvestEU programme. 3 For Cohesion policy Funds, the methodology on allocation of global resources per Member State is defined by Annex XXVI of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy. 4 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council NextGenerationEU - The road to 2026, COM/2025/310 final (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0310). 5 In general, simplification is a key objective of the Commission, as evidenced also by the simplification omnibuses and the mentioned NextGenerationEU communication.”
  EU housing policy
• 2025-02-24 “E-000829/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission On 26 February 2025, the Commission presented the Action Plan for Affordable Energy 1 together with the Clean Industrial Deal. The Action Plan for Affordable Energy is to reduce energy costs for industry and households and help build a genuine Energy Union that delivers competitiveness, security, decarbonisation, and a just transition. It sets out eight concrete measures across four pillars for immediate concerted action by the Commission, Member States and industry to lower energy costs, complete the Energy Union, attract investments and ensure delivery. The implementation of this Action Plan will enable the EU to fast-track the benefits of the clean transition, passing on to end users the benefits of cheaper energy. More specifically, taken together measures of this Action Plan will translate into a drop in the EU’s fossil fuel import bill year after year towards EUR 130 billion per year by 2030 2 . In addition to the Action Plan, the Commission will develop a Citizens Energy Package to increase citizens’ participation in the energy transition and strengthen the social dimension of the Energy Union. Reducing electricity bills is a key priority. While ensuring fair and competitive electricity prices across the EU is essential, setting a single electricity price for the entire EU would not reflect national energy generation mix, infrastructure costs, and supply and demand dynamics. Instead, the focus is on strengthening market integration, improving grid interconnections, and fostering a more efficient and resilient internal electricity market that benefits all consumers. Further energy market integration could increase the already EUR 34 billion in benefits for Europeans each year to EUR 40-43 billion per year by 2030 3 . 1 https://energy.ec.europa.eu/strategy/affordable-energy_en 2 Ibid, p. 5. 3 Ibid, p. 4.”
  EU approach to electricity market and prices · Energy (green transition)
• 2025-02-24 “E-000828/2025 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission 1. The President of the Commission has made the reduction of red tape a priority for the new mandate. The Commission started to act immediately and adopted the Competitiveness Compass 1 , one element of which is aiming at reducing administrative burden. The Communication ‘A simpler and Faster Europe’ 2 sets out the tools and initiatives to radically lighten the administrative burden. The Commission’s 2025 work programme 3 contains 11 legislative measures (out of 18) which contribute to the simplification, with the first Omnibus proposals 4 already adopted on 26 February 2025. Those Omnibus proposals cover sustainability reporting 5 , sustainability due diligence 6 , the taxonomy 7 , the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism 8 . In line with the Draghi Report’s recommendation, the InvestEU programme 9 is to be reinforced to provide more support to companies seeking funding for investments. The proposed measures aim to ensure that the transition to a decarbonised economy is achieved in the simplest, most cost-effective and least burdensome way for EU businesses. Since then, the Commission adopted three more Omnibus proposals covering agricultural policy 10 , small mid-caps, small and medium-sized enterprises and digitalisation 11 , and defence 12 . 2. The Clean Industrial Deal will mobilise over EUR 100 billion to support EU-made clean manufacturing and strengthen EU domestic industries. Additionally, tailored State aid frameworks, including important projects of common European interest, are being utilized to address market failures effectively. These are concrete actions to turn decarbonisation into a driver of growth for European industries, while fostering industrial resilience and strategic autonomy. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/topics/eucompetitiveness_en#:~:text=In%20January%202025%2C%20the%20Commission%20presented%20the%20Co mpetitiveness,restore%20Europe%E2%80%99s%20dynamism%20and%20boost%20our%20economic%20grow th. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/8556fc33-48a3-4a96-94e88ecacef1ea18_en?filename=250201_Simplification_Communication_en.pdf. 3 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/strategy-documents/commission-work-programme_en 4 https://commission.europa.eu/publications/omnibus-i_en; https://commission.europa.eu/publications/omnibus-ii_en. 5 https://finance.ec.europa.eu/capital-markets-union-and-financial-markets/company-reporting-andauditing/company-reporting/corporate-sustainability-reporting_en. 6 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/doing-business-eu/sustainability-due-diligenceresponsible-business/corporate-sustainability-due-diligence_en. 7 https://finance.ec.europa.eu/sustainable-finance/tools-and-standards/eu-taxonomy-sustainable-activities_en 8 https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism_en. 9 https://investeu.europa.eu/investeu-programme_en. 10 https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/overview-vision-agriculture-food/eu-actions-address-farmers-concerns_en#ref2025-cap-simplification-and-competitiveness-package. 11 https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/simplification_en. 12 https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-defence-industry/defence-readiness-omnibus_en.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU · EU Single Market harmonisation
• 2025-02-05 “E-000541/2025 Reply The Honourable Member is invited to put the first question to the Commission, as the proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework falls within its sphere of competence. As regards the second question asked by the Honourable Member, the Council devotes special attention to islands. In its conclusions from December 2023 on the future of cohesion policy (16230/23), the Council stressed the importance of cohesion policy remaining a key pillar of the EU and mentions island regions as needing particular attention.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-02-04 “E-000481/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), through the CAP Strategic Plans (CSPs) 1 , offers several interventions to help farmers to take preventive actions, in particular to prevent crises and to build medium and long-term resilience. To mitigate short-term effects, the available tools include direct payments to support farmers’ incomes, risk management tools to help farmers manage production risks due to adverse events, and sectoral interventions to support replanting or restocking, and investments to restore agricultural production potential. In response to the severe weather events that hit the EU in 2024, exceptional measures have been introduced under the Rural Development Programmes to help farmers recover from the damages suffered 2 . The programme for the smaller Aegean islands 3 supports the production of mastic from Chios with EUR 1.12 million per year. The CAP also supports the bottom-up development of innovative technologies and approaches and the dissemination and exchange of good practices through the EIP-AGRI Operational Groups 4 . The EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) provides financial assistance to Member States and accession countries facing severe natural disasters according to the specific rules laid down in Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 5 . Changes in climate conditions cannot be considered natural disasters. In addition, business losses cannot be compensated by the EUSF 6 . The production of the product which is declining due to climate change can be boosted in various ways. European Regional Development Fund dedicated some EUR 1.5 million of public funding to the establishment of the Industrial Research and Development Center for Applications of Chios mastic to apply research and innovation to improve mastic production. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?toc=OJ%3AL%3A2021%3A435%3ATOC&uri=uriserv%3AOJ.L_.2021.435.01.0001.01.EN G 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/3242/oj/eng 3 https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy/market-measures/outermost-regions-and-smallaegean-islands/smaller-aegean-islands_en 4 https://eu-cap-network.ec.europa.eu/index_en 5 Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3) as amended by Regulation (EU) No 661/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council of 15 May 2014 (OJ L 189, 27.6.2014, p. 143) and by Regulation (EU) 2020/461 of the European Parliament and the Council of 30 March 2020 (OJ L 99, 31.3.2020, p. 9). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32002R2012 6 The EUSF may cover essential emergency and recovery operations such as, for example, restoring essential infrastructure, providing temporary accommodation for the population, cleaning up and protecting cultural heritage.”
  Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1) · Agricultural funding
• 2025-02-03 “E-000471/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission Under the current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) support through the CAP Strategic Plans is granted in response to needs identified for various sectors and areas including the wine sector. Possible support schemes also include dedicated sectoral interventions for wine. In its Strategic Plan 2023-2027, Greece has chosen to implement five interventions: restructuring and reconversion of vineyards, investment, green harvesting, promotion carried out in third countries, and information actions. The total budget allocated is slightly over EUR 23 million per year. In September 2024, a High-Level Group (HLG) on wine policy was established to explore possible solutions that could enhance the sector’s long-term competitiveness and sustainability. The HLG endorsed a set of recommendations addressing the production potential, increasing resilience to market and climate challenges, and adapting to new market opportunities. The most urgent and sector-specific recommendations will be implemented swiftly through a specific legislative proposal (‘wine package’) that will be adopted in the coming weeks. The CAP Strategic Plans also include support to help generational renewal, including in the wine sector. Additionally, young winemakers are strongly encouraged to form producer organisations allowing them to strengthen their position in the supply chain. Although Greece has never planned ‘firebreak vineyards’ in the CAP Strategic Plan, it could by amending the plan, for example, under the sectoral intervention ‘Investments’.”
  Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1) · Agricultural funding
• 2025-02-02 “E-000441/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is committed to making life easier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The economic sustainability of self-employed is part of this commitment. The 2020 SME Strategy for a sustainable and digital Europe 1 and the 2023 SME Relief package 2 set out a comprehensive approach for this support. However, EU initiatives are only complementary to Member States actions. The EU alone will not be able to support all EU’s self-employed whose financial situation has weakened. The Commission is committed to reducing administrative burden for SMEs by 35% 3 . To improve SMEs liquidity, the Commission proposed a revision of the late payment rules 4 . The guarantee of the SME window of InvestEU 5 further improves liquidity of small companies by inter alia making loans for SMEs cheaper. Additional concrete support initiatives are the network of sustainability advisers for SMEs of the Enterprise Europe Network 6 and the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs network 7 . The Commission also promotes entrepreneurship through the European Entrepreneurship Competence Framework (EntreComp). The Council Recommendation 8 on access to social protection for workers and the selfemployed 9 , encourages Member States to extend access for the self-employed to social protection branches such as unemployment benefits, family-related benefits or benefits related to accidents at work and occupational diseases (see also the Council conclusions on social protection for the self-employed 10 ). The Commission is aware of the growing housing problem affecting large parts of EU society. That is why the first-ever Commissioner for Housing, Mr Dan Jorgensen, was appointed and a European Affordable Housing Plan will be proposed in 2026. 1 COM/2020/103 final, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52020DC0103 2 Ibid. footnote 1. 3 First omnibus proposal, forthcoming, February 2025. 4 https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/publications/proposal-regulation-combating-late-paymentcommercial-transactions_en 5 https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/access-finance/investeu/investeu-fund-sme-window_en 6 https://een.ec.europa.eu/about-enterprise-europe-network/advice-support/sustainability 7 https://www.erasmus-entrepreneurs.eu/ 8 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=oj:JOC_2019_387_R_0001 9 See also Report from the Commission to the Council on the implementation of the Council Recommendation on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed, 2023: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52023DC0043 10 https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-13934-2023-INIT/en/pdf”
  EU competences on social policies · EU housing policy
• 2025-01-28 “E-000364/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission For the programming period 2021-2027, Cohesion Policy supports Greece with some EUR 1.2 billion 1 earmarked to promote the sustainable use of water resources through investments in drinking water and wastewater management under the sectoral programme ‘Environment and Climate Change Programme’ 2 and the regional programmes. Measures have been foreseen for improving the quality or adequacy of drinking water, for upgrading wastewater treatment plants, for the protection and improvement of surface and groundwater as well as desalination systems powered by renewable energy in arid and remote islands. For Members States affected by disasters in 2024 and 2025, reconstruction work after disasters can be financed by the Regional Emergency Support to Reconstruction (RESTORE), a recently launched instrument by the European Commission that addresses post-disaster damage that provides additional assistance 3 . In addition, Greece requested EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) 4 assistance following the storm ‘Daniel’ disaster in November 2023. The Commission determined Greece’s application eligible for support amounting to EUR 101 million. The EUSF may cover a part of the costs for emergency and recovery operations incurred by public authorities 5 . Private damage is not eligible. Under the shared management and subsidiarity principles governing the Cohesion Policy Funds, project selection and implementation fall under the responsibility of the Member State. Accordingly, it is up to the responsible authorities to determine the use of the EUSF funding, in line with the EUSF Regulation. Therefore, planning choices and preparation of specific projects are under the responsibility of the relevant national and regional authorities. 1 Public expenditure. 2 https://peka-program.gr/ 3 Some of the measures covered by RESTORE include the restoration of infrastructure for public services, e.g. energy, water, health and education and protection of cultural heritage, among others. 4 Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32002R2012 5 This means, for example, the recovery of essential infrastructure, provision of temporary accommodation to the population, cleaning-up operations and protection of the cultural heritage.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-01-26 “E-000331/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission In respect of the subsidiarity and proportionality principles, primary responsibility for affordable and social housing is within the remit of Member States, regional and local authorities. Development of incentive schemes such as the one the Honourable member referred to is also a possibility for, and the responsibility of, Member States. Complementary EU-level action is justified by the objectives to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion as enshrined in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. This is why, various Union programmes and instruments are already available for Member States to support social and affordable housing 1 . In addition, to help tackle the housing crisis, the Commission has appointed a Commissioner responsible for Energy and Housing and established a Task Force for Housing. The Commission will put forward a European Affordable Housing Plan, with a view to addressing structural drivers of the housing crisis both in terms of demand for affordable housing and the supply thereof. The Commission is also working with the European Investment Bank to establish a pan-European investment platform for affordable and sustainable housing 2 and with international financial institutions, national promotional banks and institutions and other stakeholders. In addition, the Commission will table a proposal allowing Member States to inject liquidity into the housing market and double the planned cohesion policy investments in affordable housing. 1 Recovery and Resilience Plans (RRP) include measures worth at least an estimated EUR 21.3 billion that contribute to social housing and other social infrastructure for social inclusion purposes alone. In addition, the RRPs also cover measures promoting affordable housing. (Estimated expenditure is based on the pillar tagging methodology for the Recovery and Resilience Scoreboard and corresponds to the measures allocated to the policy area ‘Social housing and other social infrastructures’ as primary or secondary policy area). The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) focuses on the provision and improvement of physical housing infrastructure, including through energy efficiency measures. EUR 10.4 billion in total investment is planned, involving an EU budget contribution of EUR 7.5 billion (from ERDF, Cohesion Fund and Just Transition Fund). This support primarily focusses on energy efficiency measures to reduce energy costs. The InvestEU programme is mobilising public and private investments in affordable social housing. EUR 2.8 billion is earmarked for the Social Investments and skills window (including other priorities such as microfinance, social finance and social impact) and EUR 9.9 billion for the sustainable infrastructure window. The European Social Fund+ (ESF+) can support Member States in facilitating access to housing and promoting integrated services, in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights. An exact amount indicating the amount of the ESF+ funds allocated only to housing-related actions cannot be determined. Nevertheless, EUR 16.8 billion is programmed for access to services which can include housing, and more are still available from an envelope of EUR 45.6 billion envisaged for social inclusion. 2 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_671”
  EU housing policy
• 2025-01-20 “E-000212/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Union recognizes the livestock sector’s significant challenges and is supporting farmers through various instruments. To mitigate economic impacts and increase farmers resilience, income support through direct payments is a central feature of the common agricultural policy (CAP). A specific type of income support 1 is also available, 70% of which is dedicated to livestock. Payments for Areas with Natural Constraints also help the livestock sector. Some Member States programme interventions in their CAP Strategic Plans to help livestock farmers in managing production and income risks, such as support for insurance schemes, mutual funds, preventive investments, cooperation, knowledge transfer, and advisory services. 2. The CAP Strategic Plan regulation 2 gives Member States flexibility in designing their risk management schemes to be able to quickly respond to crisis and provide swift support to affected farmers. Moreover, at the initiative of the Commission, a new measure (M23) 3 was introduced under the ongoing Rural Development Programmes, to compensate farmers severely affected by natural disasters, including animal diseases. Finally, pursuant to Art. 221 of the Common Market Organisation Regulation 4 , the Commission has adopted exceptional measures to support farmers negatively affected by extremely adverse weather events and natural disasters 5 . As announced in the Vision for Agriculture and Food 6 , the Commission is working for the EU livestock sector to have a long-term vision that respects the diversity and sustainability of livestock production across the EU and launching a work stream to develop policy pathways for an attractive, competitive, future-proof and inclusive livestock sector in the EU. 1 Coupled income support. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/2115/oj/eng 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/3242/oj/eng 4 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/1308/oj 5 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202500441 - Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/441 of 6 March 2025 providing for emergency financial support for the agricultural sectors affected by adverse climatic events and natural disasters in Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Latvia and Hungary, in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council. 6 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0075”
  Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1) · Agricultural funding
• 2025-01-07 “E-000034/2025 Answer given by Mr Kubilius on behalf of the European Commission EU integration was built on a shared aspiration for lasting peace in Europe. Given the deterioration of the security situation, the determination to maintain peace has prompted the Commission, together with the High Representative/Vice-President, to elaborate the White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030 1 , which aims to deter any temptation of military aggression and to ensure that Europeans are ready to withstand all threats, including the most extreme military contingencies. It means that Europeans shall take care of their own security, build their strategic autonomy and a fairer burden-sharing within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, which remains the cornerstone of EU’s defence. The Commission supports Member States’ efforts to achieve defence readiness in a more cooperative and more cost-efficient manner with its policy, financial, and regulatory powers. The White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030 sets out a vision according to which they should tap the full potential of EU collaboration to deliver peace through strength and unity. The ReArm Europe Plan provides ambitious and sound financial foundations to support Member States in sustaining this huge effort and in closing the accumulated capability gap. Finally, the Defence Omnibus will be proposed in June to simplify the regulatory environment of the defence sector. Member States are in the driving seat for defence matters and remain the sole decision-makers to identify, prioritise and realise their capability needs. The Commission supports them with its policies and instruments, promoting a more cooperative approach towards defence investment and industrial ramp up, to increase value for money, better interoperability and resilience in the EU’s achievements of defence readiness. 1 https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/document/download/30b50d2c-49aa-4250-9ca627a0347cf009_en?filename=White%20Paper.pdf.”
  Defence spending · EU competences on defence
• 2025-01-04 “E-000009/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission For the programming period 2021-2027, Cohesion Policy supports Greece with EUR 726.8 million (out of which EUR 104.9 million under the regional programme ‘Attiki’) for antiflood measures aiming at risk prevention and flood mitigation, including cleaning of riverbanks. Road infrastructure measures have been foreseen in both regional and sectoral programmes. The Commission provides guidance and oversight to ensure sound financial management of EU funds and consults with the national authorities to monitor progress of investments’ implementation. Nevertheless, under the shared management and subsidiarity principles governing the Cohesion Policy Funds, project selection and implementation falls under the responsibility of the Member State. Therefore, planning choices and preparation of specific projects are under the responsibility of the relevant national managing authorities. No antiflood project concerning Kifissos has been selected so far by the competent national authorities under Cohesion Policy Programmes. The Greek Recovery and Resilience Plan invests in environmental protection and restoration 1 . Measure 16849 2 in particular, contributes to the restoration of 5 700 hectares, and provides for investing in actions concerning anti-erosion and flood protection in the areas of Evros and Rhodope, as well as additional areas, affected by forest fires and floods throughout Greece. The final target is due at the end of 2025 and can include actions concerning Attica and Thessaloniki. Greece is responsible to select the most suitable areas for the aforementioned investment. The Commission will assess the completion of the investment in the course of the concerned payment request (9 th ). 1 Component 1.4. 2 National Reforestation Plan, restoration and prevention (‘antiNERO’), anti-erosion and flood protection measures.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2024-12-15 “E-002949/2024 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission shares the Honourable Member’s concerns about the housing situation in Greece and in the whole EU. The Commission has thus appointed a Commissioner for Energy and Housing and established a Task Force for Housing to coordinate the different work strands Although the responsibility for housing rests mainly with Member States, regions and local authorities, the Commission will assess how it can continue to contribute to mitigating the housing crisis at the European level, including for youth. The Commission will consult stakeholders in 2025 to better understand all the issues on housing and put forward a European Affordable Housing Plan. Various EU funds are already available for Member States and local authorities to support social and affordable housing 1 . In addition, the Greek Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) foresees two financial instruments 2 that aim addressing pertinent challenges in Greece’s housing market. They constitute parts of a more comprehensive housing strategy that is also included in the Plan and will be implemented in Greece in the coming period. Complementary actions under RRP, the cohesion policy also co-finance energy efficiency in housing in Greece. 3 In addition, the Plan contains measures that aim to renovate more than 100 000 residences to significantly save primary energy 4 . Furthermore, in respect of funding and financing, the Commission will continue working closely with international financial institutions, national promotional banks and other relevant stakeholders 5 to make sure that housing is more affordable, in particular for young people and families. Procedures for buying a house are governed by national civil law. Hence, simplification thereof falls within the remit of Member States. 1 To assist Member States, the Commission has published a toolkit that provides an overview of available EU funding opportunities in housing: Social Housing and beyond. https://european-social-fundplus.ec.europa.eu/en/news/commission-launches-toolkit-support-social-housing-member-states The Recovery and Resilience Facility; the European Regional Development Fund; the European Social Fund Plus; the InvestEU; the Horizon Europe; the Technical Support Instrument; the Single Market Programme; the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund; the Social Climate Fund. Details on each EU support in the toolkit. In addition, the Cohesion Fund and the Just Transition Fund also support the investments in the energy efficiency of housing stock. Details are available in story ‘how cohesion policy supports housing’ at the Cohesion open data platform. 2 Loans finance for: (i) the acquisition of primary residence for targeted population groups - program ‘My Home II’ (EUR 1 billion); (ii) energy efficiency renovations of existing properties - program ‘Upgrade My Home’ (EUR 300 million). 3 Under the 2021-27 programming period, cohesion policy co-finances with some EUR 751 million interventions for energy efficiency in housing. 4 To date, and according to the most recent updated by the Greek authorities, more than 44,000 renovations have been completed. 5 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_671”
  EU housing policy · Support for families
• 2024-12-10 “E-002843/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission Cohesion Policy supports the creation of new small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) in Greece, through the ‘Competitiveness’ programme, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund+ (ESF+) 1 , and horizontal employment actions also covering Western Macedonia, through the ‘Human Resources and Social Cohesion’ programme, co-funded by ESF+. The programme ‘Western Macedonia’ allocates some EUR 20 million 2 for the creation of new and existing SMEs along with EUR 13.2 million 3 for employment initiatives. The Greek Recovery and Resilience Plan 4 with EUR 2.9 billion supports job creation, youth employment, education, and entrepreneurship in Greece, while an additional EUR 619 million aims to foster economic development in Western Macedonia 5 . The ESF+ finances employment actions, active labour market policies, training initiatives, and social economy projects aimed at job creation. Eligible individuals and entities can apply for financing through relevant calls. The Just Transition Fund allocates resources to employment initiatives and fosters entrepreneurship for youth, promoting green skills development 6 while the Just Transition Platform manages initiatives on youth mobilisation and young people’s skill development. The ‘Human Resources and Social Cohesion’ programme supports entrepreneurship initiatives for the socio-economic integration of young people in Greece 78 . The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme 9 allows new entrepreneurs to learn from experienced business owners in other countries. Also, they can enhance their skills via the 1 Indicatively, some EUR 2.7 billion from the ERDF is available to support small and medium-sized enterprises in Greece. 2 Co-funded by ERDF. 3 Co-funded by ESF+. 4 Components 3.1 and 3.2. 5 The plan also includes two investments contributing to the economic development in Western Macedonia. Measure 16871 (Revitalization actions of the most affected territories (Just transition territories)) supports land rehabilitation in the areas of former lignite mines to alleviate its transition towards a climate-neutral economy. Measure 16628 (Central Greece Highway E-65: Trikala-Egnatia Section) finances the construction of a motorway, connecting Southern Greece, Thessaly and Western Macedonia with the Western Balkans and the rest of Europe to improve connectivity for residents and businesses in the region. 6 For example, the Just Transition Platform (JTP) runs a JTP Working Group on Equal Opportunities to provide a forum for vulnerable groups to share good practices, exchange knowledge and discuss concerns and achievements. In addition, the Just Transition Platform manages since 2023 initiatives on youth mobilisation, reskilling and up-skilling measures for young people. Support through the Just Transition Platform also promotes the development of green skills for youth to enhance entrepreneurship and development of the SMEs and startup. 7 Including the region of Western Macedonia. 8 In 2014-2020, the Youth Employment Initiative mobilised over EUR 500 million to finance training, work experience and entrepreneurship support programmes for unemployed young people in Greece. Similar measures are being funded by the ESF+ allocation for the period 2021-2027 with a budget of EUR 860 million.”
  Cohesion and rural funding · EU policy on brain drain
• 2024-10-16 “E-002091/2024 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission The issue of energy prices is of crucial importance both for the competitiveness of European companies and for the wellbeing of citizens. The Commission has been assessing the root causes for the high electricity prices in Southeastern Europe and has engaged bilaterally with the respective Member States. The Commission is in continuous discussions with Member States to support the implementation of adequate tools to respond to price spikes, without interfering with the proper functioning of the wholesale markets and the necessary investment needed for the energy transition. These tools include mobilising non-fossil flexibility, reducing demand during critical hours, increasing cross-border capacities, and protecting consumers. The existing internal market rules allow Member States to introduce all such measures, and the Commission is committed to support the Member States in their design. The Commission also underlines the importance of using existing interconnections between Southeastern Europe and the rest of Europe efficiently, and is engaging with some Member States to support the maximisation of the use of existing interconnections. European Union funding, in particular from the Connecting Europe Facility for Energy, is available for crossborder projects of common interest. The facility has notably provided funding for the electrical interconnection between Greece and Bulgaria that was commissioned in 2023. The Commission will actively work on affordability of energy. In this regard, already in the first 100 days of its mandate, the incoming Commission plans to adopt the Clean Industrial Deal, including an Action Plan for Affordable Energy.”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-10-14 “E-002050/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is deploying the InvestEU Sustainability Guarantee 1 - a pan-European instrument supporting small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) green transition. The product is implemented by the European Investment Fund (EIF) 2 and facilitates access to finance 3 to companies that are already sustainable or are seeking to engage in greener practices and have an economically viable financing initiative. In Greece, the EIF has signed agreements with several financial intermediaries for this product 4 . Non-listed SMEs are exempted from disclosure obligations under the Non-Financial Reporting Directive 5 , the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) 6 and the Taxonomy Regulation 7 . Nevertheless, to facilitate access by SMEs to sustainable finance and help the provision of proportionate sustainability information as part of the value chain, the Commission has tasked the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group 8 with the preparation of two draft standards by the end of 2024: a voluntary sustainability reporting standard for unlisted SMEs and micro-undertakings which are outside of the CSRD’s scope and a simplified standard for listed SMEs. The Platform on Sustainable Finance 9 is currently finalising recommendations to develop streamlined solutions to improve sustainable finance for SMEs. 1 https://www.eif.org/InvestEU/guarantee_products/index.htm 2 https://www.eif.org/index.htm 3 Financing per company under the product can go up to EUR 7.5 million, according to EIF reporting data the actual average transaction size is EUR 0.4 million. 4 More information can be found on: https://youreurope.europa.eu/business/finance-funding/gettingfunding/access-finance/en 5 Directive 2014/95/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 amending Directive 2013/34/EU as regards disclosure of non-financial and diversity information by certain large undertakings and groups, OJ L 330, 15.11.2014, p. 1–9. 6 Directive (EU) 2022/2464 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 amending Regulation (EU) No 537/2014, Directive 2004/109/EC, Directive 2006/43/EC and Directive 2013/34/EU, as regards corporate sustainability reporting, OJ L 322, 16.12.2022, p. 15–80. 7 Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088, OJ L 198, 22.6.2020, p. 13–43. 8 https://www.efrag.org/en/financial-reporting 9 https://finance.ec.europa.eu/sustainable-finance/overview-sustainable-finance/platform-sustainable-finance_en”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-09-23 “E-001782/2024 Answer given by Mr Kubilius on behalf of the European Commission The Commission presented on 5 March 2024 a European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) 1 and proposed a European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) 2 . EDIS points to the need for Member States to spend more, better, together, and European. As per the Commission proposal for EDIP, EUR 1.5 billion would be allocated to support eligible actions along the life cycle of defence systems. EDIP will complement the European Defence Fund (EDF) 3 and provide support for collaborative research and development, industrial ramp-up, joint procurement, maintenance up to joint ownership of capabilities. As EDIS indicated, the proposed budget has to be considered as limited in scale. EDIS also stressed that the lending policy of the European Investment Bank should be changed to allow better access to finance for the defence sector. A reform of EU fiscal rules was recently adopted in April 2024 4 . The new rules strengthen the incentives for Member States’ investment, including, where necessary, to build-up defence capabilities. The President of the Commission stated in the political guidelines 2024-2029 that the frame of the new approach in the area of defence and the identification of EU’s investment needs will be outlined in a White Paper on the Future of European Defence 5 to be presented in the first 100 days of the new mandate. She also pointed to the need to build up the EDF investing in high-end defence capabilities in critical areas and to reinforce EDIP while working on creating a true single market for defence. Finally, borrowing to finance expenditure would require the unanimous agreement of Member States. 1 https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-defence-industry/edis-our-common-defence-industrialstrategy_en 2 https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-defence-industry/edip-future-defence_en 3 https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-defence-industry/european-defence-fund-edf-official-webpageeuropean-commission_en 4 Regulation (EU) 2024/1263 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2024 on the effective coordination of economic policies and on multilateral budgetary surveillance and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97, OJ L, 2024/1263, 30.4.2024; and Council Regulation (EU) 2024/1264 amending Regulation (EC) No 1467/97 on speeding up and clarifying the implementation of the excessive deficit procedure, OJ L, 2024/1264, 30.4.2024. 5 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683f63ffb2cf648_en?filename=Political%20Guidelines%202024-2029_EN.pdf”
  EU competences on defence · Defence spending
• 2024-09-09 “E-001657/2024 Answer given by Ms Ferreira on behalf of the European Commission The EU provides significant financial support for water related investments: In 2021-2027, EUR 13.2 billion of Cohesion Policy funds 1 is earmarked for water management in the EU, including in drinking water supply with a preference for demand side options before investing in additional supply. This includes efficiency measures such as leakage reduction of water networks to reduce water losses. Investment in desalination infrastructure must comply with the Do No Significant Harm Principle and could be considered for regions (e.g. islands) in the framework of integrated water management after demand side options have been exploited and if there is no alternative for drinking water supply. EU Cohesion Policy in Greece already supports desalination plants to address water scarcity and the need for increased quality standards. In 2014-2020, EUR 49 million for more than 25 desalination projects in insular Greece were funded. 2 In 2021-2027, EUR 20 million have been earmarked 3 for investments in sustainable water desalination through an integrated implementation model from the source to citizen’s tap. Within Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) 4 , a water regulatory authority has been established with the aim to strengthen the institutional framework, supervise the water sector and ensure the sustainability of water services, while Greece benefits from RRP funding for water supply and water saving infrastructure 5 . The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 6 , the EU programme for the environment and climate action 7 and several European Missions and Partnerships under Horizon Europe 8 also 1 https://cohesiondata.ec.europa.eu/stories/s/21-27-Sustainable-water-management/ehce-gj6d 2 https://anaptyxi.gov.gr/el-gr/ 3 Under the ‘Environment and Climate Change’ programme. 4 Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Plan https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economicrecovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility/country-pages/greeces-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en; https://nextgeneration-eu.europa.eu/index_en 5 https://next-generation-eu.europa.eu/index_en 6 Support under the CAP covers inter alia investments in rainwater harvesting and storage or the use of recycled water for irrigation. https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy_en 7 LIFE Programme: https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/programmes/life_en#:~:text=The%20LIFE%20programme%20is%20the%20EU’s%2 0funding 8 Of particular relevance are the partnerships ‘Water Security for the Planet’ (https://www.water4allpartnership.eu/ ), the Partnership on Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA, https://primamed.org/ ) together with the Missions ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030’ (https://research-andinnovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eumissions-horizon-europe/restore-our-ocean-and-waters_en ), ‘Adaptation to Climate Change’ (https://researchand-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizoneurope/eu-missions-horizon-europe/adaptation-climate-change_en ) and ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ (https://mission-soil-platform.ec.europa.eu/)”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-09-03 “E-001597/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Vestager on behalf of the European Commission The Honourable Member refers to territorial supply constraints which are restrictions set up by private operators to deliberately make it difficult or impossible for wholesalers or retailers to buy products in certain Member States and resell in others. These restrictions fragment the single market and lead to unjustified consumer price differences across the EU. The Commission uses competition law enforcement to fight these restrictions when companies are in a dominant position or have entered into anti-competitive agreements. In May 2024, the Commission fined Mondelēz EUR 337.5 million for hindering the cross-border trade of chocolate, biscuits and coffee products between several Member States, thus maintaining higher prices for its products to the detriment of consumers 1 . In 2019, the Commission fined AB InBev EUR 200 million for restricting sales of beer, thus artificially maintaining higher prices in Belgium 2 . The Commission is committed to addressing these restrictions also when they occur outside the situations captured by competition law. To this end, the Commission launched a factfinding exercise with Member States to gather evidence on the occurrence of territorial supply constraints across the EU. A dialogue with all relevant stakeholders, including consumer associations, will follow. The results of this process will inform the Commission on how to tackle this issue to ensure that companies operating in the EU do not artificially partition the single market and maintain high prices in certain Member States. Consumers should benefit from the single market in terms of choice and prices for products they purchase daily. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_2727 2 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_19_2488”
  EU restrictions on unfair commercial practices · EU Competition policy · EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Commissioner. Mr. president, the war is being waged and all governments are dipping into their budgets. Citizens from all member states require assistance to pay their energy bills, their grocery bill, and their fuel in order to avoid any deficits. I sent you a letter a few days ago asking for the additional expenses expenditure in view of the war in order to support the people. The people to be supported vis a vis a war that doesn't show any signs of ending. So we need to support societies and people who are being who are suffering. Mr. Commissioner, friend of Greg's, thank you for being that and thank you for your efforts. Thank you, Mr. President.”
  EU expenditure on social policy
• “It was about defence. Commissioner, you did not answer. Commissioner. Are you going to get Turkey in through the back door so that they can benefit from defence spending? That is a question. A very important question.”
  EU enlargement
• “Thank you very much indeed, president. Madam Commissioner, these fires truly are a scourge for the countries of Southern Europe. We have seen truly dramatic situations throughout Greece. And that is why our committee, Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, is poised to table a resolution to create a central authority to fight forest fires. We can't rely on individual prime ministers every time there is a crisis. Rather, there needs to be a permanent mechanism in countries of the South, making sure they have sufficient aerial resources. And you, of course, realize that we now need immediate compensation for the victims of these fires, and we need to be able to provide compensation within the space of 12 days. Now, you yourself have experienced forest fires in your own country. Let's react now.”
  Management of EU forests
• “Dear colleagues, I will talk to Greek. Mr. Chair. You were right in saying. I'll repeat that because I see that not everyone had their headset on. You were right in saying that. Some months ago when we went to visit Olaf, we received really extraordinary information. That was an excellent mission. What they're doing is extraordinary in terms of ensuring and protecting taxpayers money. It's well known everywhere in Europe that Olaf really can do anything, and that's a very good thing. This report is excellent. There are many elements. That we need to look at. Each of us, for our own part, must contribute. To ensuring. Olaf can improve its work. But do they have the means to do so? Do they have the means to carry out their mission? For some months now, we've been asked. We've been asking. We've been asked whether there can be more prosecutors, more resources and more human resources as well. And if we can do that, that would be very good. I'm unaware whether all of that has been done. But what you said, ma'am, is really very important, namely, that the European Union is doubling the necessary funds in order to combat fraud. So it's my opinion that we need to provide all necessary resources to Olaf in order to fight against these irregularities, and we need to put an end to the problems we're seeing with products imported from China. Otherwise, many companies will have to shut down. Thank you.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “Commissioner. A domino effect of terrible circumstances in the Gulf. Gas has gone up by 70%. I listen to what you said extremely carefully. I agree what you said, but it's not enough. I'm not happy with that. Do you know why? Because for months and years, we've been talking about electricity cables across Europe, in Greece, in Italy, in Cyprus and Bulgaria and Romania, we're paying higher electricity prices. This isn't a single market. This is something else, something completely different. So please speed up electrification for the good of our peoples. The Greek Prime Minister sent a letter saying that electricity prices cannot be so much higher, uh, in certain countries and that you have this issue. I know that you have the ability to solve this. Our citizens are clamoring for this, and it is our duty, Commissioner, to deal with this. I'm going to keep on harping about this, Commissioner. Thank you very much. **Nicolae ȘTEFĂNUȚĂ @Chair: Katerina Konieczna has the floor.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• “Dear colleagues, I will talk to Greek. Commissioner, I am here, and it's your obligation to not use citizens money to arm an enemy of Europe. I'm thinking here of Turkey. It doesn't make sense that you finance Turkey. So it can be part of our defense because it's threatening Greece. It's asking for half of the Aegean Sea. It occupies half of the island of Cyprus. And then you're actually saying that this is to help us feel safe. So I want your answer today, not tomorrow or the day after. That is what the Greek people are asking for.”
  EU-Turkey relations
• “Madam chair. Since 1980, when I took my first steps as a journalist specializing in matters of taxation. Can you hear me? Are you prepared to hear my facts and figures? So, Madam Chair, if you calculate all the taxes to buy property and to maintain property, they need to pay 25 different taxes to the state, to the region and the municipality. So they act as vultures. Stealing people's money. And this is true in all member states. Well, all these theories are all nice and well, but we need to see why we don't have why we have all these municipal taxes. Why are there complementary taxes? Um, um, there's even like a tax for constructing new roads, let alone VAT and all the other taxes we have. And what makes matters worse is, you know, my country, Greece, went through three bailout agreements. So now we have a special tax called Nfia for our immovable property. So we have this entire nexus of taxes. And in the end, what we do, we feel terrible because house prices have skyrocketed. Well, we need to tackle the matter. Thank you.”
  EU taxation policy (political compass)
• “Honourable members. Commissioner. Mr. Galitsky. Congratulations to all colleagues on your work. You have also dealt with effective protection of Greek borders. Now we have further aims. We need the electrical interconnector. One half of Europe is marked green, the other half red. It would be a shame for half of Europe to remain in the red while the rest is green. We need these projects to reduce energy prices. As you know, the lack of an interconnector has a real impact on people's lives, and we were elected by the people to defend their interests. This is one of the priority projects that must be swiftly addressed, and I will never forget that Europe has supported Europe on borders. Thank you.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• “Chairman colleagues. Mohsen, the Mohsen report was very good. It was very clear. 12 months to complete. And as the Commissioner Seraphin said a few days ago, part of the money could go into the Step program. That program has to continue. I agree with Mr. Negresco and Nico Papandreou and Mr. Fernando. Mr. Muresan. If this program is stopped, then many governments will be in deficit because they have already earmarked some economic measures and they could be heading for debt. Greece. My country has earmarked or spent 60% of its funds. It's one of the top spenders. And so I think we're going to manage it. Thank you very much.”
  Conditions to access EU budget
• “Thank you chairman. 60 days with additional cost. As Mrs. von der Leyen said earlier, 27 billion for the countries and the citizens. But there is the southeastern Europe, which who pays a very, very high electricity bill because there is no connectivity. Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, etc., etc. and this cost falls on the shoulders of citizens and businesses. So I request from the commission to intervene immediately because we don't only have the consequences of the war, we have this super huge cost that the south eastern Mediterranean and the southeastern countries pay. Do it now and do it quickly. Thank you very much.”
  EU approach to electricity market and prices
• “Ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner. Well, I hope you are all listening here. You all know that Greece struggled. To exclude Turkey from the defense fund. Why? Well, because Turkey is threatening Greece. And is already occupying half of Cyprus. In Europe, we have still the reserves from the reparations Fund, which haven't been used. What are we going to do with those? Well, we've been told that Turkey is in is now buying up Greek companies to use them as Trojan horses to be able to then enter into the defense fund. Are we going to open up Europe's doors to Turkey, which is threatening a European Union member state? There is still this casus belli that Turkey has against Greece, and it's still continuing to occupy northern Cyprus, which is a free European country. Commissioner, we have to close once and for all our doors to Turkey while that country is is threatening a European country. And we need to do that right now because tomorrow it will be another country which will let Russia in through the back door. Are you going to do that or not? If Turkey was doing the same to France, what would you be doing? Wouldn't you do something about that? Wouldn't wouldn't you be really angry about that? Thank you very much for for listening to me about this. Close the door to Turkey. Thank you.”
  EU-Turkey relations
• “(15:17:22 – 15:21:17): Mister Piarakakis, you said that energy is a public good, and I agree with you on that point. Half of Europe is, in the green and half is in the red, and part of Europe is paying a high price for energy. So while electricity connections are critical, that's the first thing we need to look at. Second point, we do need to ensure there is funding for aerial protection, and the shield needs to be in place. Mister Piaracakis, what's your view on that? I hope that you can make some progress here. Please accelerate these things and reply in Greek so that the Greek people can understand. Thank you very much for this question. And, it's very simple indeed. We have worked together. Were a journalist, and on many occasions, you asked me questions, and I always answered your questions. This energy union really is a cynical non electric connections and electrification. All of this is pivotal. And in that vein, we have made investment. The EIB is making progress in that direction. We need investment for storage and networks, grids throughout all countries. The the existing grids are obsolete, so we need to work on infrastructure. Then on the other hand, rules, the rules relating to the energy union do need to be modernized. We have already started this project, but we need to ramp up our efforts. I am taking on board advice and opinions from my colleagues, and together, we have raised this issue in discussions among an economy ministers, not just among energy ministers. It is true to say that we have a very high cost that we're paying directly and indirectly, and therefore, we need to have a holistic understanding and to, offer shared responses. The second point you mentioned, defense. Especially following the Russian invasion, I think we can all almost all agree that defense is indeed a European good, and we need to provide responses not only in silos at member state levels, those member states working individually, but we need a European level response together. We have started to implement the escape clause for defense. We requested the implementation, the triggering of this clause. We are facing a very particular unique geopolitical backdrop, and we have very specific unique needs for our defense budget. But, of course, this is a sector where we could do much more if we mobilize all of our resources. For example, joint procurement of satellites or using specific technologies when it comes to aerial defense. You know this, very well. And I also said that this myself, our president, mister Takis, agrees to the our agreements and discussions also happening with the Polish prime minister. And I really do think we're going to make some progress in this direction at the EU level. Thank you.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• “Excellent presentations. But a while ago a leading governor in our country and country. I'm not going to say that he's the best. He's a leading. He's also a civil engineer. He can build houses, in other words. And on huge majority. Um, he talked about five points. Um, he talked about the return of man back to one's home to acquire a home. Therefore, we have to move for, uh, funding and low interest loan loans to many people. So when Mr. Jorgensen said that we are doubling the funding for housing, we have to move on that direction. The second thing that Mr. Trebek said, he said we do not have houses because most close them for six months, 12 months, turn them into Airbnbs. There are no houses. We have to stop the Airbnbs to allow us to have available housing. He talked about student housing. He's absolutely right. Many universities in Greece and in Europe, um, are bleeding. They do not have students. Students have no housing. So either we have to increase the student subsidies or find housing for students. Also funding for social housing to municipalities and regions. He is ready to find houses that are not used to move to this direction. And as you realize, Mr. Fitto, the commissioner, my friend, said that since there are no houses we can make available to the public servants hotels, for them to be able to live under very good conditions so that they don't have to move out of those regions. A teacher in Greece, when he receives €900 and has to pay €500 rent correctly so he can, he has to ask to be moved out of that region. We can do this And we are able to do this. So we have to move to a very serious legislation. Thank you very much. I would like to thank very warmly also the Greek governor for his presentation to us.”
  EU housing policy
• “Dear colleagues, I will talk to Greek economy. I'm very sorry. I'm very sorry that I came in late. I was just told that we would talk about this. Greece has a lot of migratory pressure. I come from the island of Samos. And it is one of the islands that has infrastructure, but it has a lot of pressure because we're on the border with Turkey. So we want resources to be allocated to migration and asylum, and we want to be able to move appropriations and funding between relevant funds. We need to boost Frontex. It's extremely important. So thank you. We need to be able to return illegal migrants quickly. This is one of the key issues that Europe faces at the moment. We need to provide funding to those regions that are under intense migratory pressure. And the new directive on migration and asylum needs to be implemented as soon as possible. And we need to make sure that there is monitoring of funds given to third countries such as Turkey. We need to make sure that they are respecting human rights. I would like us to finish the works that are taking place by the Evros River in Greece. Mrs. von der Leyen went there and there was a hybrid attack with 25,000 Turks and migrants that actually wanted to. Break the borders, and I was there. I was a journalist, I witnessed this. And so we need to help the frontline countries from the north to the south. We need very strict budgetary control of funds. That's very important. But thank you very much. And I'm at your disposal.”
  Asylum & border control
• “Dear colleagues, I'm going to speak Greek. Mr. Dombrovskis, last May, I was very clear in my questions. And you were very clear in your answers. You're always very clear when you answer. And you had said that Turkey is going to be excluded from safe financing. And it was as you said. Now it does seem that some unspent. Funds will go to invest. Eu and Turkey is buying out European companies to use them as a Trojan horse to enter Europe. When it was excluded from safe, um, it decided to do it this way and it is still threatening Greece directly and indirectly. And it is still claims that there is a casus belli a reason for war in our behavior. So are you going to exclude Turkey from invest EU as you should? Why should we have European taxpayers pay for Turkey to arm? Thank you.”
  EU-Turkey relations
• “Commissioner. Colleague Morrison, I listened with great interest to about the Multiannual Financial framework. Yes, we have to the multiannual programme. We have to support education, health, all of those things that help citizens. But, Commissioner, look at me in the eyes and tell me directly. Is the commission getting ready through the back door, through the multiannual programme? Is it going to offer something to Turkey with Turkey, which is threatening my homeland? In other words, are there going to be funds going in that particular direction or support or help there if that happens, that will be a crime for Europe because with European taxpayers money, a third country, which on the one day wants half of the median, on the other day wants half of the islands of the Aegean. And on another occasion something else and at the same time occupies all of Northern Cyprus. This is unjust. Be very careful about this, because otherwise we might be blowing a hole into our own boat.”
  EU-Turkey relations
• “Dear colleagues, I will talk to Greek. Monica. Thank you very much. Monica. I was in the plenary, uh, talking about, um, digital. This is something very important, as you know, Mr. Fitto. Now, if I ask you a question that you've already answered, I apologize in advance. After the recovery fund after summer 2026, if some things haven't been concluded, can this be concluded using national budgets? Do you give Member States the opportunity to conclude these projects through the recovery Fund? And what happens after recovery.”
  Conditions to access EU budget
• “Just one minute. I'll be speaking Greek. I'll just speak for one minute. Just please listen to me carefully. I'm going to take you to the calm waters of Greece, the Ionian Sea, the Aegean Sea. You've come to Greece. You met the Greek Prime Minister. You listened to what he had to say about the Apocope. And because you mentioned Greece, it is my duty to spend a minute to tell you about what Greece has done. And Greece has done this after having consulted the European Commission and the EPPO, the OPA. The problem has been there since 1996 1998. The problem dates back to 1996 1998. We adopted all the recommendations of the EU and the EPPO immediately. 54 points we implemented. We set up a flexible IT system and the Greek Payment and Control Agency for guidance and guarantees. Community aid became part of aid. And what there is, is an independent body for revenue that knows everything. So OPEC became part of this new body and now everything is cross-checked. There are 14 people behind bars. 14 people are in jail. And the Greek government said and I know, Commissioner, that the Prime Minister told you this personally that money will be returned. So if someone says I don't have the money. I've already spent it. Then their assets will be confiscated and that's what the Greek government is doing. So the money will be repaid. A hundred special auditors have gone to to examine the situation. And one of those. And one of those who sworn that even the last euro would be given back is me. Yours truly. I've been economic reporter for 35 years, and there's no doubt about the fact that this shadow has to stop hovering over Greece. Thank you very much for your answers, Commissioner. And according to the information I have, by March 2026, all the data will have been collected. Greece said that within ten days, repayments will be made. That means that the audits have progressed. Now we have the sample checks. I think the current percentage is 30%. So we are making progress. Thanks for listening.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “Commissioner. In my country. To do. They want to create a company. They want to have funding. They want to be able to be able to deal with the authorities without some sort of labyrinthine, um, bureaucratic system. They want funding from Europe as well. This ought to be done. It should have been done yesterday. 300 million each year go to the United States. Why? Because in one day, you can set up a company in the United States immediately with labor rights, with. We have to provide for young people so that they can breathe so that they can become entrepreneurs throughout Europe. We want that in Greece. And I think everybody throughout Europe wants that. Thank you.”
  Conditions to access EU budget
• “Yes, Commissioner. Friend of Greece, Mr. Galitsky. Last year in the econ committee, you very rightly discussed the issue of the of covering the European borders from north to south. You are fully aware, Mr. Serafin, Commissioner, uh, responsible for budget, for the budget that Greece is Threatened by Turkey on Monday. Turks demand the island of Lesbos Tuesday. He goes on and on the weekend. They request half of the Aegean islands. So on behalf of Greece, we have discussed the equal economic coverage of north and south borders, because the south borders are also European borders. This our country with its the sacrifices of its people, pays 5 billion every year for defence, not in order to attack, but in order to protect its territorial integrity. Dear Commissioner, Mr. Galitsky, we are not threatened in Europe only by Russia. But also but Turkey, that is a risk that we always have in front of us. Thank you very much.”
  EU-Turkey relations
• “Dear colleagues, I will talk to Greek. Colleagues. On page 11. I'm looking at your plan. So we've got a new European platform for affordable housing, a pan European platform. And. The national and regional development banks are supposed to be contributing 375 billion by 2029. Is that right? So 13.8 billion per country. That's one thing. Another is that there's opportunities for governments when it comes to taxation of added value. And short term developments there. So 20% when it comes to VAT. And then when it comes to the local level, there's a mention of houses. Could you give us an overview of that?”
  EU policy on urban development