THE crisis in the Middle East creates fears of an increase in energy prices but at present puts no real pressure on prices the Minister of Environment and Energy told SKAI Theodoros Skylakakis.

He pointed out at the same time that next week the Ministry of Energy is expected to announce a subsidy for households that use electricity for heating with the same characteristics as the existing subsidy for oil, natural gas, wood and pellets.

He even added that if the energy crisis continues beyond January 1st, there will be planning when we get close to that.

Asked about the forest maps, Mr. Skylakakis emphasized that over 50% of Greek forests are without any management. As he said, more people are needed to finalize them.

He stated that in the first quarter of 2024 it is estimated that – after 20 years -, about 500 permanent recruitment of foresters and rangers in order to speed up these processes as well.

He also explained that the state due to the climate crisis will subsidize with revenue from polluter rights.

He clarified that the resources will go to subsidize the removal of dangerous biomass from the forest and the removal will be done by forestry cooperatives or hybrid cooperative schemes that will work together.