The article explores the potential rise in average salaries through an extension of legal working hours, as proposed in Greece’s new labor bill. The government claims that increasing working hours will help push average salaries closer to €1,500 by 2027. However, this increase would stem from longer work hours rather than higher hourly wages.
Meanwhile, the European defense industry remains at the bottom of global rankings, with only a few companies like Airbus and Leonardo making it into the top 30 globally. This raises concerns about Europe’s readiness for future security threats, especially considering the growing military capabilities of Russia.
EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius delivered two sobering truths: first, that NATO forces lack battlefield-tested experience compared to Russia’s improved military; second, that Ukraine is currently the only country capable of resisting Russian aggression effectively.
In addition, the piece questions whether Greece can efficiently implement new EU funding mechanisms such as SAFE, following its less-than-stellar performance with the Recovery Fund. Other topics covered include stalled infrastructure projects like the coastal pedestrian-bike path in Southern Suburbs and the launch of a national registry for social benefits aimed at preventing misuse.
Finally, the article touches on energy policy, noting recent efforts to accelerate solar power installations, while also highlighting existing bottlenecks in grid connection approvals.