Entered the official regulatory text of the European Union according to the Minister of Environment and Energy
The map that captures the Marine spatial planning It reflects for the first time in a formal regulatory text of the European Union the boundaries of the Greek continental shelf, with the full influence of the mainland and the islands.
This is noted in an interview with RES-EIA by the Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou, Following government decisions on the establishment of the National Spatial Strategy for the Marine Space, It also notes that this development closes a pending and is an important legacy for the future of our country.
– Still, Mr. Papastavrou:
-Consides maritime spatial planning with the interest in hydrocarbon surveys recently expressed by American Chevron, noting that these research will, among other things, be developed in the marine zones that are now defined.
-In registered the strategy for retention of energy costs, which includes EU interventions to remove distortions, in the internal market to address issues such as rheumatics and support for vulnerable households.
-Names a reasonable intervention to pay aid to 1 million small and medium -sized enterprises with the aim of covering the increased cost of electricity in December 2024 with February 2025.
The interview of the Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, in RES-EIA and journalist Costas Voutsadfakis is as follows:
1. Last week you announced the new maritime spatial planning, and signed the ministerial decision that includes the map. What does this mean in practice?
With the National Spatial Strategy for the Marine Area and Marine Spatial Planning, we define the uses of the Greek marine zones. That is, we reflect in detail the human activities related to fishing, our cultural heritage, tourism development, the exploitation of energy resources and aquaculture in our seas. And this mapping is always done with sustainable development and environmental protection. For our country, which has the largest coastline in the European Union and most recorded islands, it is a particularly important development, which we launched as a Ministry of Environment and Energy with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was our priority in the ministry to move on with him immediately, as he did. This map, which will accompany us, closes a pending and is an important legacy for the future of our country. I am proud that the ministerial decision I signed yesterday includes a map, which reflects for the first time in an official regulatory text of the European Union the boundaries of the Greek continental shelf and with the full influence of the mainland and the islands. Also, with this map, for the first time, the Greek state defines detailed uses of its maritime zones throughout our jurisdiction, implementing our European commitments and exercising the rights arising out of international law. This is also the geopolitical significance of our strategy.
2. Does this development relate to the acceptance of interest by Chevron? How will you go in the field of hydrocarbon research? When should we expect the first research drilling from the contractors?
Look, the effectiveness of our policy is judged in the field, we must speak in actions and not in words. We have to move quickly and consistently implement the government commitment to a stronger Greece. The two themes you mention are directly related to: Marine spatial planning depicts the marine zones, where hydrocarbon research will be developed among other things, and thus apparently concerns the significant evolution we had in previous weeks with Chevron. The expression of interest of a worldwide oil colossus is a vote of confidence in the country and the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis. In essence, our country enjoys international credibility, not only in the eyes of its European partners, but also its American allies. As for the timetable, it is as soon as possible and is followed by letter: We have already completed two ministerial decisions and proceed with the third ministerial decision to announce the international competition. It will then be published for 90 days in the European newspaper. Our intention is the competition to be held in 2025 and the necessary seismic surveys begin in 2026. In order to discuss the company’s next steps in relation to Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean, we are planning a meeting in the coming weeks in Houston, USA.
3. Speaking of energy, the main issue that you have highlighted at the recent meeting of the EU Ministers of Energy Council is the retention of energy prices. What are the interventions you consider in this direction?
Energy costs – let’s not hide – is a bit for households and businesses and we know this in the government. The power price, however, is influenced by various factors, as it is directly proportional to Europe’s policies, the fluctuations of wholesale, as well as the international developments in the energy market. The decline of March’s wholesale price, for example, was reflected at reduced prices that citizens saw in April electricity bills, but the price of May has not yet been determined. The government is ensuring that it reduces any negative exogenous influence, claiming policies from Europe that will lead to the fight against distortions and reduce prices for the benefit of citizens. At the same time, we also apply cost reduction policies, such as the attempt to resolve technical losses, the tightening of the institutional framework and the intensification of controls against rheumatoid arthritis. In particular, we stand next to the most vulnerable households and businesses, as we still have high energy poverty rates and want to exhaust policy measures to help our fellow citizens who find it difficult to meet their energy needs. Energy is, of course, a geostrategic issue, but also a matter of security, autonomy, stability, and especially everyday life.
4. The payment of aid for the cost of electricity to small and medium -sized enterprises remains pending. When are developments expected?
The measure on business subsidies will be announced very soon, with special care for small and medium -sized. The aid relates to a reasonable state intervention in order to absorb the increased cost of electricity recorded in December 2024 – February 2025. Potential beneficial companies will approach 1 million. The Ministry of Environment and Energy first supported domestic consumers in the summer of 2024, who faced greater increases in electricity prices than businesses. Then, when the costs increased on average and for businesses, we made the decision to strengthen professional electricity consumers. The state intervenes whenever it is considered necessary to support fairly and effective households and businesses.
5. Easter is falling in power demand, do you predict a risk for the system?
It is a fact that in the Easter period in previous years significant imbalances between production and consumption in the electricity grid, which can cause system instability. Production, mainly from renewable sources, is increased, while demand is decreasing, let alone this year coinciding with the Catholic and our exports to Europe is expected to decline. In order to avoid potential risks, we have already held intensive meetings with the relevant bodies and remain on alert. In the tests we carried out with RAAE, DEDDIE and ADMIE, we observed wide rates of compliance – more than 90% – from renewable energy producers. We work with the business world for the best result. However, for those who – a few – insist on ignoring the laws, obviously there is no other grace or tolerance period. That is why we have further tightened with legislation the existing framework which we will apply exemplarily. On the occasion of this interview, I would like to sincerely thank all the executives of the bodies remain on the alert, even on these holy Easter days, so that everyone else can spend these celebrations of Orthodoxy and tradition with our families and our families. I wish you a good resurrection and a Happy Easter to everyone.