Mitsotakis: Greece Could Temporarily Cut Fuel Taxes if EU Allows Emergency Measures

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Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis says Greece could consider a temporary reduction in fuel taxes if the European Union allows member states to take exceptional measures outside existing expenditure limits.

In his weekly review of government policy, Mitsotakis said the sharp rise in energy costs required a broader European response, while outlining measures the Greek government plans to introduce to support households ahead of winter.

“If the European Union allows extraordinary national interventions, without these being counted towards the expenditure limits, we could also consider a temporary reduction in fuel taxes,” Mitsotakis said.

The Prime Minister has stressed that any reduction in the Special Consumption Tax on fuel would be temporary and linked to the current energy crisis. He said Greece does not currently have the fiscal room to implement such a measure without either cutting other spending or increasing another tax.

Heating oil support

The government is preparing a package of measures aimed at keeping the opening price of heating oil below €1.75 per litre when the new season begins.

The measures are expected to include support at the pump involving both the state and refineries, as well as a horizontal increase in the heating allowance.

The government has also announced an extension of support for diesel throughout October.

Mitsotakis said the heating oil intervention would be accompanied by increased support for households using other forms of energy, with greater assistance directed towards areas where colder weather creates higher heating needs.

The Prime Minister said the government would continue to press for European action, arguing that the scale of the energy shock extends beyond Greece’s ability to respond alone.

Constitutional reform

Mitsotakis also criticised opposition parties over their stance on the constitutional revision process.

He argued that some parties had failed to support proposed changes despite previously expressing support for similar reforms, including changes relating to Article 16, ministerial responsibility and safeguards for the judiciary.

The Prime Minister said opposition parties had the right to submit their own proposals but argued that parliamentary support was necessary if constitutional changes were to progress.

Greek economy upgraded

Mitsotakis also highlighted recent developments involving Greece’s credit standing.

Moody’s upgraded the outlook for Greece, while Scope Ratings upgraded the country’s credit rating.

The Prime Minister said the moves reflected progress made by the Greek economy in recent years and argued that stronger creditworthiness can reduce borrowing costs and support investment.

Digital safety and social media

The Prime Minister also pointed to Greece’s efforts to address children’s exposure to social media and digital risks.

He highlighted the government’s KidsWallet system for age verification and said Greece had advocated for a common European approach to the age at which children can independently access social media accounts.

Mitsotakis welcomed a European Commission proposal that would establish stronger restrictions for younger users and greater responsibility for online platforms.

Migration and European borders

On migration, Mitsotakis welcomed a proposed European emergency response mechanism for situations involving mass or allegedly instrumentalised migration flows.

He cited the 2021 events at the Evros border and recent developments in Ceuta as examples of situations where, in his view, a coordinated European response is required.

He also referred to a ruling by Greece’s Council of State upholding requirements for non-governmental organisations operating in the migration sector to register with the Ministry of Migration and Asylum and provide financial information.

Kastellorizo and regional development

Mitsotakis highlighted a package of 37 projects announced for Kastellorizo, including a €5,000 annual income incentive for residents and public servants, security personnel and members of the armed forces serving on the island.

He said the government was also pursuing measures aimed at strengthening remote islands, mountainous areas, smaller towns and villages through improved infrastructure and public services.

Among the projects mentioned was a €2.1 million multipurpose regional medical centre on Psara.

Porto Germeno recovery

The Prime Minister also referred to recovery efforts in Porto Germeno following the major August wildfire.

Anti-erosion and flood protection works worth €2 million have begun, covering an area of 4,189 hectares and 10 streams.

The government has also announced a 12-month suspension of enforcement proceedings against certified individuals and businesses affected by the July and August fires, subject to the conditions set out in the state aid and housing assistance programmes.

Data centres and investment

Mitsotakis highlighted the agreement between Public Power Corporation and Amazon Web Services for the development of a major data centre in Western Macedonia.

He said the investment would create highly skilled jobs and contribute to Greece’s wider digital and productive transformation.

The Prime Minister also said 928 investment projects worth a combined €3.1 billion had been approved under the new development law, with public support reaching €1.5 billion.

According to Mitsotakis, the projects are expected to create the conditions for at least 15,000 highly productive jobs.

Ellinikon Sports Park opens

The Prime Minister also highlighted the opening of the Ellinikon Sports Park in Athens.

The 200-acre facility includes football, basketball, athletics and tennis facilities and is intended to serve residents, sporting clubs, families and people of all ages.

Mitsotakis described it as the first major project of the Ellinikon redevelopment to be delivered for everyday public use.

Greece wins 71 Mediterranean Games medals

Mitsotakis congratulated Greek athletes following the country’s performance at the 20th Mediterranean Games in Taranto.

Greece won 71 medals, including 26 gold, 26 silver and 19 bronze, finishing third among the 27 participating countries.

He also referred to the government’s “Sport for All” programmes, which are being implemented by 115 municipalities with 829 physical education graduates delivering 6,584 approved programmes.

Around 150,000 participants are expected to take part.

Kerameikos archaeological site upgraded

Mitsotakis concluded his weekly review by highlighting the reopening of the Kerameikos archaeological site in Athens following an accessibility and restoration project.

The project introduced new routes, highlighted archaeological remains and added around 1,000 trees and shrubs.

A newly created exit on Agion Asomaton Street also provides access to the sarcophagus of Philotera, described by the Prime Minister as one of the important Roman-era funerary monuments at Kerameikos.

The project was funded through Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Fund.

Mitsotakis said the upgraded site adds to Athens’ network of major archaeological and public spaces, including the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Pnyx and National Garden.

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