Greece Steps Up in EU Green Energy and Wildfire Readiness

  • PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with EU Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra in Athens.
  • Emphasis on Greece’s progress in renewable energy integration.
  • Hoekstra praised Greece for aligning green growth with economic recovery.
  • Reviewed “AntiNERO” wildfire prevention project on Mount Hymettus.
  • New EU summer fire readiness measures:
    • Greece to receive 4 amphibious aircraft and support from 19 EU ground teams.
    • A permanent wildfire support unit will be stationed at the EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre.

OPEKEPE to Be Replaced Amid Ongoing Subsidy Fraud Investigation

  • Greek government to replace OPEKEPE with the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).
  • Transition affects €3 billion in annual EU farm subsidies for 680,000+ recipients.
  • AADE’s digital systems deemed more transparent and efficient.
  • Change prompted by EU pressure and a major fraud investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
  • 100+ fraudulent claims already uncovered, totaling €2.9 million.
  • Deputy PM Kostis Hatzidakis promised full transparency and potential EU repayments.

Naxos Airport Lacks Nighttime Safety Lighting

  • Runway lights removed during expansion; not yet replaced.
  • Day flights unaffected, but night operations, including medical emergencies, compromised.
  • Low-visibility helicopters still usable, but small aircraft face restrictions.
  • Local pressure prompted request for portable emergency lights, now being delivered.
  • Full airport expansion to continue; safety remains top concern for residents and emergency responders.

Cherry Prices Soar After Devastating Weather Losses

  • Severe frost, hail, and rain caused up to 80% crop loss in Central Macedonia.
  • Worst cherry season in over 20 years.
  • Farmgate prices up to €6/kg, compared to €1.60–€2.80/kg last year.
  • Retail prices now €8–€17/kg, straining both farmers and consumers.
  • Farmers demand faster compensation and stronger climate resilience policies.

Greece Joins EU Critical Raw Materials Exploration Effort

  • Greece submits National Exploration Program under EU Critical Raw Materials Act.
  • €5 million research initiative to locate vital minerals for green and digital tech.
  • Exploration sites include:
    • Antimony (Rhodope), Copper & Aluminum (Kilkis).
    • Lithium & Rare Earths (Samos).
    • Former mining waste in Evros & Eastern Peloponnese.
  • Potential deposits on Western Lesvos and Kavala.
  • Funded by EU emissions trading revenue; project runs through 2027–2028.
  • Selected sites may be opened for international tenders.