Just a short while ago, the European Commission approved, exclusively for Greece, the request of the Ministry of National Economy and Finance for the extension of the scope of the existing national escape clause, so that measures that strengthen the country's energy resilience are included. The relevant letter had been sent on August 6, 2026.
As competent sources note, the new investments are expected to approach 1 billion euros by 2028 and will be covered by national resources, while they are excluded from the limit on the increase of net primary expenditures of the European economic governance framework up to 0.3% of GDP annually and up to 0.6% cumulatively until 2028. It is noted that the relevant expenditures are counted in the primary result and in the public debt.
The provided possibility aims to cover measures that strengthen the resilience of the European energy system and accelerate the transition from fossil fuels.
The main projects planned to be included in this framework are:
- New battery subsidy program for renewable energy sources amounting to 200 million euros.
- New nationwide program for heat pumps and solar water heaters (100,000 beneficiaries) amounting to 200 million euros.
- New Just Development Transition project (heat pumps, solar water heaters, rooftop photovoltaics with battery) for 10,000 beneficiaries in Western Macedonia and Megalopolis, amounting to 50 million euros.
- "ILEKTRA" program for the energy upgrade of 109 old public buildings and universities, amounting to 117 million euros.
- "FOIVOS - ATHINA" program for the energy upgrade of 246 schools (primary schools, kindergartens, and nurseries) amounting to 45 million euros.
- Carbon capture and storage action in industry amounting to 50 million euros.
- Railway projects to enhance safety and expansions amounting to 320 million euros.
- Charging stations for buses amounting to 20 million euros.
Pierrakakis: The energy escape clause allows us to proceed with critical investments
The Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, made the following statement:
"Today's decision by the European Commission to approve the energy escape clause, which concerns exclusively Greece, has particular political and economic significance.
It confirms that Greece is a strong and reliable country, that sets goals, achieves them, and plays a leading role in the shaping of European decisions.
The energy escape clause allows us to proceed with critical investments that will reduce the cost of energy, strengthen our energy autonomy, and limit our dependence on international crises. At the same time, we maintain the ability to support citizens and businesses whenever conditions require it.
This is the Greece we are building. With a strong voice in Europe, a dynamic economy, and greater security for society."