Papastavrou: Business Electricity Subsidy Platform Launching on May 12

The platform for electricity subsidies for businesses will open on May 12, announced the Minister of Environment and Energy, speaking today (May 4, 2025) on ANT1. “Our main priority is always to combat high prices, and every initiative we take begins with this goal. However, there isn’t a single measure that can achieve it; coordination and a combination of measures are required,” noted Papastavrou regarding electricity subsidies. The Minister also commented on the Council of State’s decision to cancel the procedure for delineating settlements that had been conducted by Prefects over the past 30 years, deeming it scientifically unsubstantiated. The State, with the new Presidential Decree, aims to clearly define and scientifically establish the method of delineation, ending the uncertainty faced by property owners who risked having their properties challenged in potential appeals. “The new Presidential Decree ensures scientific processes for settlement delineation and secures citizens’ properties, which until now were in an uncertain state,” emphasized Papastavrou, recalling how from 2017 in Rethymno and 2019 in Pelion, people experienced urban planning stagnation, leading to property depreciation. Speaking about the 220 new Local Urban Plans being implemented nationwide, he highlighted that they represent not just a reform but a real urban revolution. Another parameter of the new decree involves boosting the trend of returning to rural areas, as those interested in purchasing plots in such regions can do so safely without fearing property disputes. Regarding the Marine Spatial Planning issue, international hydrocarbon exploration competitions in our maritime zones, and American Chevron’s interest, the Minister stressed that these significant developments are directly interconnected. “The State must claim every opportunity available to our country. And that’s what we’re doing because we owe it to our children and future generations,” he pointed out. Providing the competition timeline, Papastavrou stated the aim is for parliamentary approval by the end of December this year, enabling seismic surveys to begin in 2026.