Tomorrow, the first meeting of the European Taskforce for energy prices, said Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou, speaking today on Real FM 97.8 radio station.

Answering a question about the role of the new European Task Force in the management of imbalances in the European energy market, he noted that its fragmentation creates inequality in prices between northern and southern European countries, which “maintains a European energy separation”. As he pointed out, Monday’s teleconference will be attended by deputy ministers, energy managers and regulatory authorities of EU member states, with the aim of identifying ways and policies with which the Union could be led to the development of a common energy policy.

The minister added that the Islands Fund Fund is an extremely important initiative that emerged at the request of the Greek Government and Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis to the European Commission. The overall budget of the Fund amounts to € 1.77 billion and concerns only the Greek islands and their energy interconnection, which will boost their energy security, while reducing the energy costs for Greek households. “The island is the identity of our country and we should constantly strengthen it in every way,” he said.

In addition, Mr Papastavrou stood in the new energy upgrade programs, stating that the transition to clean and green energy is imperative, but should not leave behind, especially vulnerable households. “The intervention of energy providers in the” Economic “programs will enhance their effectiveness, as they have a cleaner picture of vulnerable households and will be able to help the citizen in exploiting them,” he added.

Finally, referring to the OPEKEPE issue, he stressed that the government has shown the inability in this battle to be able to protect the public interest. “This particular battle was lost without excuses and no asterisks. This is true. And the national is true, to tell the truth between us, “he said. Then, referring to the battle against tax evasion, he added that “it is equally true that until a few years ago there was a significant gap in VAT (Vat Gap), which was now reduced. That is to say, in 100 euros of public revenue, our country, the common fund, lost 24. This gap in VAT has now gone to 10 euros. We have won 14 euros in 100. This is a battle for the protection of a public interest won. “

At the same time, he emphasized that “subsidies will be refunded by those who were not entitled to them. These will be detected by strict but fair criteria, we will make use of all the appropriate administrative and criminal means, while our ally in the effort not to happen again will be, among other things, the utilization of artificial intelligence, as well as the good practices they used in similar countries. “

Finally, he asked such a serious issue not to be tool by the other parties, but also to have self -criticism of their own responsibilities. “PASOK holds the Panhellenic record of such fines, so it should be more modest and more responsible. No one is responsible for responsibility, “Mr Papastavrou concluded.