- Greece's Social Climate Plan mobilises €4.77 billion (2026-2032), of which €3.57 billion is EU funding.
- The plan supports 460,000 vulnerable households, 300,000 transport users and 28,000 micro-enterprises.
- 800,000 households will receive a temporary heating allowance annually after ETS2 introduction.
- Investments are expected to reduce emissions by 811,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year by 2032.
- The Social Climate Fund is expected to mobilise at least €86.7 billion EU-wide during 2026-2032.
European Commission adopts Greece's Social Climate Plan
The European Commission has adopted Greece's national plan under the Social Climate Fund. It is the fifth and largest national plan adopted under the Fund to date, mobilising a total of €4.77 billion until 2032 — of which €3.57 billion (75 %) comes from the EU and €1.2 billion (25 %) from national funds.
The plan was developed jointly by Greek authorities and the Commission and covers the period 2026-2032. Upon full implementation of the investments and reforms, it will contribute to an annual reduction of emissions reaching 811,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year by 2032.
The Commission concluded that Greece's Social Climate Plan adequately addresses the social impacts of extending greenhouse gas emissions trading to buildings and road transport under the new Emissions Trading System (ETS2).
Support for vulnerable households
The plan targets 460,000 vulnerable households by reducing their reliance on fossil fuels:
- Up to 62,000 building renovations
- Installation of 200,000 heat pumps and solar water heating systems
- 2,800 new energy-efficient social housing units
- €226 million for renovation of public student residences, improving access to higher education for 5,930 vulnerable students
- A temporary heating allowance supporting up to 800,000 vulnerable households per year with heating expenses after the introduction of ETS2
Green transport and mobility
300,000 vulnerable transport users will benefit from strengthened public transport:
- More than 200 new electric buses in areas with high transport vulnerability
- 22 additional Athens metro trains
- New on-demand transport services in remote areas and charging infrastructure
- A social leasing scheme enabling 15,000 car-dependent vulnerable households to access electric vehicles at an affordable monthly rate
The plan prioritises accessibility and inclusivity by investing in more than 12,000 mobility devices (electric wheelchairs and scooters), a dedicated school transport service for students with disabilities, and accessibility upgrades to 33 railway stations and 85 metro stations.
Micro-enterprises in the green transition
28,000 vulnerable micro-enterprises are supported with €820 million to transition towards cleaner buildings and mobility solutions through targeted energy efficiency upgrades and subsidies to reduce energy and transport costs.
Background: Social Climate Fund
The Social Climate Fund is designed to support measures and investments in energy efficiency, building renovation, clean heating and cooling, integration of renewable energy, as well as zero-emission mobility and transport. Running from 2026 to 2032, the Fund is expected to mobilise at least €86.7 billion EU-wide, combining revenues from the new emissions trading system for fuel combustion in buildings, road transport and additional sectors (ETS2) with Member States' own contributions.
Status of national plans
| Status | Member States |
|---|---|
| Submitted for approval | Sweden, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Luxembourg (10 in total) |
| Adopted | Sweden, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Greece (5 in total) |
Most remaining Member States have shared draft versions with the Commission, which has published guidance on the implementation of the Social Climate Fund. Greece will be able to request its first payment once implementation has started and milestones have been achieved.
Further documentation: