The Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, responsible for the Recovery and Resilience Facility, Nikos Papathanasis, submitted a new dual request to the European Commission for the disbursement of funds from the Recovery and Resilience Facility amounting to €1.63 billion, following the full absorption of the pre-financing. This is the 8th request under the grant component and the 7th request under the loan component of the Fund, covering a total of 34 milestones and targets.
The 32 milestones achieved for the grants relate to the implementation of major projects and reforms in the following areas:
Upgrading and modernizing the National Health System
- Renovation of hospital infrastructure in 19 hospitals across the country
- Energy upgrades and the creation of chronic disease management units in 40 Health Centers across the country
- Operation of eight model home care units with the development of telemedicine infrastructure and a patient registry in Athens, Thessaloniki, Alexandroupoli, Ioannina, Heraklion, Patras, and Larissa.
- Reduction of the pharmaceutical expenditure clawback by €300 million starting in 2020.
Strengthening employment, skills, and social cohesion
- Hiring and employment of 36,000 unemployed individuals in private companies and upgrading of the digital systems of the Public Employment Service (PES).
- Renovation of 50 social housing apartments in Athens and Thessaloniki and allocation of these to vulnerable families. Establishment of a social compensation framework for the utilization of public property and the promotion of affordable housing.
- Training and certification of 225,000 public servants in new skills and the operation of new information systems for recruitment and strategic planning in public administration.
Accelerating the digital transformation of the public sector and the economy
- Completion of the nationwide land registry of property rights.
- Complete the establishment of AI Pharos to enhance the use of data and artificial intelligence.
- Digital transformation of the Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT) through the creation of a digital map and a repository of cultural resources.
- Digitization of asylum and immigration procedures through the development of integrated systems and the strengthening of cybersecurity.
Developing infrastructure and strengthening the economy’s resilience
- Approval of a multi-year investment program and a new operational framework for the railways.
- Completion of seismic inspections on over 20,000 public buildings.
- Establishment of a framework for energy storage and support for hybrid renewable energy projects.
- Development of a control system to combat illegal trade.
- Development of a strategic plan for the renewal of the coastal shipping fleet.
The 7th loan disbursement request concerns the achievement of two milestones related to the contracting of TAA loan funds totaling €11.5 billion and the establishment of investment schemes with TAAs loans of €600 million through the Hellenic Development Bank and private funds for venture capital investments.
Minister of State Akis Skertsos emphasized: “With the submission of the 8th request for the disbursement of TAA funds, Greece has now completed 112 of the total 130 reform milestones of the Greek Recovery and Resilience Plan, or 86.15%.
These are reforms that strengthen the green transition of our economy in the critical sector of energy storage, the digital transformation of SMEs and education, the completion of the land registry, the promotion of gender equality in practice, and the reduction of the clawback. With the same pace and determination, we are working to fulfill the remaining reforms of the 9th and final request, aiming for a better life for all and with all, without exclusion and with fewer inequalities.”
The Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, Mr. Nikos Papathanasis, emphasized: “In the final stretch toward the closure of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, Greece, by meeting the milestones and submitting the 8th request for disbursement of funds, is proving once again that through hard work, efficiency, and reliability, it is achieving national goals and accelerating reforms for the benefit of society and the economy.
And indeed, through actions such as those aimed at upgrading and modernizing the National Health System, boosting employment and the skills of the unemployed and workers, strengthening social cohesion and addressing housing issues, accelerating the digital transformation, and further strengthening infrastructure and the economy’s resilience. We said that not a single euro would be wasted, and not a single euro will be wasted. We are keeping our commitments, and we are keeping them through action.”
Secretary General for Coordination Ms. Evi Dramalioti stated: “The penultimate payment request marks the completion of 16 reform milestones in critical sectors, such as social housing through the implementation of the law on social rent and the land registry, which is more than 98% complete.
The high completion rate of the Plan’s reform milestones confirms substantial progress in reforms that improve access to housing, strengthen the security of property rights, and facilitate the effective management of public resources. These specific interventions translate commitments into measurable results for the benefit of citizens and the economy, strengthening the country’s social cohesion and growth momentum.”
The Governor of the Recovery Fund, Mr. Orestis Kavolakis, noted: “The submission of the new dual application confirms Greece’s steady progress in implementing the Recovery Plan, which is proceeding according to schedule; milestones are being met, and significant interventions in critical sectors of the economy and society are being completed.
At the same time, we are consistently preparing for the final request in September 2026, which will mark the successful completion of the Fund and the full utilization of its resources for the country’s development.”