Increasing measures to reduce costs for electricity is demanded by 16 industrial associations on the occasion of the new European framework for state aid which – as they point out – encourages European governments to adopt energy cost subsidies for their industry. Specifically, 50% discounts on the market price for 50% of the consumption of each industry, which may result in a price of up to 50euro/MWh.

In a joint announcement they report among others:

“Given that the domestic energy market is by far the most expensive in Europe, we consider it self -evident that the Greek government will follow the example of other European countries and, by utilizing the new framework of the” net industrial agreement “, will implement corresponding measures to reduce energy costs and support our carbon -improvement effort.

The preservation of industry competitiveness, especially when the rest of Europe supports its industry in terms of energy costs (while facing less energy problem), is vital to growth, exports, external balance and ultimately the creation of quality jobs and social jobs.

The following are also highlighted for the complete understanding of the situation:

· An earlier study by IOBE (in times with much lower levels of energy, although then Europe’s highest) showed that a decrease in energy costs by just 10% for the energy -intensive industry would lead to a significant increase in GDP and the creation of about 12,000 jobs.

Since July 2024 – when levels of power of 600 -800 euros/MWh have been recorded – prices in the domestic wholesale market remain at least 30% higher in terms of central European countries, especially in high demands, such as winter.

· It is known to everyone that there are malfunctions in the domestic energy market, which need to be tackled to reduce costs.

For example, while at noon the RES are massively cut and prices in the wholesale market are squeezed, consumers, households and businesses, do not see the benefit of cheap RES. Other cost factors, in addition to the wholesale market, launch the final cost, such as the balancing market, whose prices are rising uncontrollably, exceeding 22euro/MWh in April 2025, when in 2024 the average cost was 14 Euro/MWh and when it is considered to be 4 Euro and no more in Italy, Euro/MWh. There is a serious risk of further deteriorating the burden of consumers, if the thermal units are further subsidized through a new power availability mechanism (CRM), and are already paid with approximately 200KEuro for power availability services.

· At the same time, it seems that, despite the assurances of the competent authorities, the notification to the European Committee of Mechanism for the compensation of the availability of flexible carbon footprint (demand and storage) technologies (demand and storage) is not promoted.

· These malfunctions take place at a time when governments of European countries adopt, one after another, supporting measures for their industry, with a peak of energy costs that remain significantly higher throughout Europe than in the US and China, undermining the competitiveness of the European economy.

· Finally, it is also noted that Italy has designed a mechanism by which it “lends”, in favorable terms, green energy in the intensity industries for 3 years at a fixed Euro 65/MWh price. Similar support measures have been announced by other countries such as Germany and Belgium recently. “

The announcement is signed by:

1. Hellenic Industries Association (SEB)

2. Greek Production – Council of Industries for Development

3. Exporters Association (SEVE)

4. Attica-Piraeus Industries Association (SBAP)

5. Association of Industries Association of Industries of Thessaly and Central Greece (SFTH)

6. Link of Central Greece Industries (ERSS)

7. Association of Thessalian Businesses and Industries (STEV)

8. Association of Business and Industries of the Peloponnese and Western Greece (SEVPD)

9. Association of Plastics Industries of Greece (SCPS)

10. Association of Greek Chemical Industries (SEXB)

11. Mining Companies Association (SMEs)

12. Association of Greek Packaging Producers (SEPXS)

13. Association of Greek Textile Industrialists (SEVK)

14. Hellenic Aluminum Association (EEA)

15.

16. Association of Greek Paper Industries (EBE)