Greece got the green light for its EUR 4.8 billion Social Climate Plan to support vulnerable households, individuals and transportation users in the clean transition, together with micro-enterprises. The scheme involves 200,000 heat pumps and solar thermal systems, 2,800 social housing units and access for 5,930 students to higher education. A stunning 800,000 households get heating allowances. More than 12,000 mobility devices such as electric wheelchairs and scooters are envisaged, alongside a school transport service for students with disabilities.
The European Commission approved Greece’s Social Climate Plan, the fifth and largest adopted under the Social Climate Fund so far. Revenues from emission allowances are envisaged for the clean transition and support to vulnerable consumers and enterprises.
Investments and reforms under the 2026-2032 plan aim to contribute to reducing the release of greenhouse gases.
The scheme needs to secure EUR 4.8 billion in the period, of which 75% from the EU and the rest from national funds. It would support 460,000 vulnerable households in reducing their reliance on fossil fuels via up to 62,000 renovations and the installation of 200,000 heat pumps and solar water heating systems.
Students to benefit from EUR 226 million for public residences
The plan expands Grece’s social housing stock with 2,800 new energy-efficient units, the European Commission noted. A further EUR 226 million will go towards the renovation of public student residences, improving access for 5,930 vulnerable students to higher education. A temporary heating allowance will support up to 800,000 vulnerable households a year to meet their heating expenses after the introduction of the European Union’s Emissions Trading System ETS 2.
Underprivileged urban areas will be boosted with more than 200 electric buses
The mechanism is intended to benefit 300,000 vulnerable transportation users. It would bring more than 200 electric buses in urban areas with high rates of transport vulnerability, 22 Athens metro trains, on-demand-transport services in remote areas, and charging infrastructure. A social leasing scheme will also enable 15,000 car-dependent vulnerable households to access electric vehicles at an affordable monthly rate, accelerating the shift to zero-emission mobility.
Upgrades for 33 railway, 85 metro stations
The plan prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity by investing in more than 12,000 mobility devices such as electric wheelchairs and scooters, a school transport service for students with disabilities, and accessibility upgrades to 33 railway stations and 85 metro stations.
On-demand-transport services are planned for remote areas
Finally, the plan supports 28,000 vulnerable micro-enterprises in transitioning toward cleaner buildings and mobility solutions with EUR 820 million dedicated to reducing energy and transport costs through targeted energy efficiency upgrades to buildings and subsidies.
EU’s Social Climate Fund to weigh no less than EUR 86.7 billion
Running from 2026 to 2032, the EU’s Social Climate Fund is expected to mobilise at least EUR 86.7 billion, combining revenues from ETS 2, the new emissions trading system for fuel combustion in buildings, road transport and additional sectors, with member states’ contributions.
It is one of the pillars for cushioning the adverse effects of decarbonization, particularly the rising fuel emisssion costs for buildings, road transportation and small firms under ETS 2.
Sweden, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy and Luxembourg have submitted their plans. Sweden’s plan was the first one adopted, followed by Lithuania, Latvia, Malta and now Greece.
