Press Office
Athens, 11 November 2021
European Affairs Committee and Environmental Protection Committee briefed by Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius
The EU Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius briefed the members of the Special Permanent European Affairs Committee and the Special Standing Committee on Environmental Protection, which held a joint meeting on the European Green Deal and other issues of his portfolio.
In his introductory remarks the 1st Vice-President of the Hellenic Parliament and Chairman of the European Affairs Committee Nikitas Kaklamanis noted that the goal of climate neutrality must be achieved in a socially, ecologically and economically sustainable way and it must be ensured that nobody will be left on the sidelines. He referred to the initiatives of the Greek government concerning the decoupling of Greek shipping from fossil fuels, turning the Greek islands into 100% green destinations, creating marine wind farms, protecting mountain and marine ecosystems and to the agreement with Egypt to bring green energy to Europe through Greece.
Commissioner Sincevičius described the Greek action plan for recycling as very promising, while pointing out the need for further progress in urban waste water recycling. He also emphasised the issue of biodiversity, the new forest strategy and, above all, marine biodiversity and the Blue Economy. The protection of fishing areas, marine strategies and the goal of reducing plastic waste at sea by 2030 are key priorities of Greece and are moving in the right direction, said Mr Sincevičius, proposing at the same time to submit a request for the Mediterranean to become a point of control for sulfur oxide emissions. Maritime tourism is the heart of the Greek economy, the Commissioner stressed, and the protection of the seas is becoming a key priority. He added that the Commission is aware of the overfishing incidents by Turkish vessels recorded in the Aegean and that compliance recommendations have been made to Turkey. Finally, the Commissioner, referring to wind energy, stressed that wind farms should b developed in accordance with European legislation, with the proper strategic planning and the proper setting of wind turbines so as not to cause a problem with Natura areas. 
The Minister of Environment and Energy Konstantinos Skrekas noted that Greece actively participates in Europe’s climate neutrality and announced that the first national climate law will soon be submitted and put to public consultation, in order to have a legislative binding instrument. As of the 1st of January 2024 vehicles will emit zero pollutants and as of 2030 the sale of new vehicles with thermal engines will be prohibited, while the lignite phase-out will conclude on the 21st of December 2028. Halki is a typical example of sustainable development and a sustainable economy, noted Mr Skrekas and the goal is for other islands to follow, thus becoming cradles of green growth. Recycling, the circular economy, waste management, food waste reduction, the reorganization of forest policy, the protection of the forest environment and ecosystems, the protection of the marine environment, the Blue Economy, are strategic priorities of the government, Mr Skrekas underlined.
For his part, the Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy G. Amyras referred to Natura areas, emphasising that 30% of the country are Natura areas and should be protected and that the relevant scientific studies are ready, as well as the action plans for 21 sensitive habitats.
The Chairwoman of the Special Standing Committee on Environmental Protection D. Avgerinopoulou stressed that Greece is actively participating in co-shaping the new package of measures to be adopted by the EU. The Green Shipping development initiative and the establishment of a new Ministry of Climate Crisis are moving in the right direction. The new green government bond for 2022 and the use of new technologies and AI put at the service of nature and climate, promote the achievement of new goals.
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