PRESS RELEASE
Brussels
1 July 2019
The Greek government has stated that it will go ahead with plans to renew subsidies to the coal sector and allow drilling for natural gas despite warnings from the scientific community that our future is in jeopardy if we continue down this path.
Reacting to the Greek government plans the co-chairs of the European Green Party Monica Frassoni and Reinhard Bütikofer said:
"The Greek government must immediately reconsider its irresponsible plans to exploit its fossil fuel resources by allowing natural gas exploitation in its Exclusive Economic Zone and continuing to provide subsidies to the coal sector.
"These plans directly contradict European Union law which says that Member States must phase out fossil fuel subsidies, in particular towards coal and lignite. This is not only needed to fight climate destruction and air pollution, but also stops cleaner and cheaper alternatives from entering the market which will eventually push down the cost of utility bills.
"The EU Commission must intervene to ensure the coherence and consistency of the EU climate objectives. Coal and other fossil fuels have no future if we want to keep global warming under 1.5°C, as recently confirmed by the IPCC 1.5°C special report. If Mr. Tspiras perseveres with this shortsighted and ill-conceived strategy, he is slamming the door on the potential of initiating a just Green transition in Greece that could provide for the jobs of the future."
END
Paul Nolan
E paul.nolan@europeangreens.eu
M +32 475 94 69 81
T +32 2 626 07 26
European Green Party
Rue Wiertz 31, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
www.europeangreens.eu
