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The Ministry of National Economy and Finance submitted the request in a letter dated 6 August 2026. The approval, which applies exclusively to Greece, will allow the country to fund critical energy projects while receiving greater flexibility under the EU\u2019s economic governance framework.<\/p>\n
Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis said the decision would enable Greece to reduce energy costs, strengthen its energy independence and limit its exposure to international crises, while retaining the ability to support households and businesses when necessary.<\/p>\n
The new investments, which will be financed through national resources, are expected to approach \u20ac1 billion by 2028. Eligible expenditure will be excluded from the EU framework\u2019s limit on the growth of net primary expenditure, up to 0.3% of GDP annually and 0.6% cumulatively through 2028.<\/p>\n
However, the expenditure will still count towards Greece\u2019s primary budget balance and public debt.<\/p>\n
The expanded escape clause aims to support measures that strengthen the resilience of Europe\u2019s energy system and accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.<\/p>\n
Greece\u2019s planned energy and infrastructure investments<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n The main projects expected to qualify under the framework include:<\/p>\n Pierrakakis highlights Greece\u2019s role in European decisions<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Pierrakakis described the European Commission\u2019s decision as politically and economically significant, arguing that it demonstrated Greece\u2019s growing credibility and influence within the European Union.<\/p>\n \u201cToday\u2019s decision by the European Commission to approve the energy escape clause, which applies exclusively to Greece, has particular political and economic significance,\u201d the minister said.<\/p>\n He added that the decision confirmed Greece was a strong and reliable country that set objectives, achieved them and played a leading role in shaping European decisions.<\/p>\n Pierrakakis reiterated that the measure would help Greece pursue essential investments to lower energy costs, strengthen energy autonomy and reduce dependence on international crises.<\/p>\n He also stressed that the government would retain the flexibility to support citizens and businesses whenever circumstances required it, describing the policy as part of its effort to build a stronger economy and provide greater security for Greek society.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n