The trajectory of lignite in Greece was shaped by three interrelated and often conflicting factors:
- A legal dispute over monopoly access to lignite deposits, which began in 2008 and lasted for 15 years.
- The memorandum between Greece and its creditors, which pushed for the sale of part of PPC’s lignite assets.
- Developments in European climate and environmental policies, which led EU member states to gradually distance themselves from lignite.
What role did the European Commission, Greek governments, PPC, and environmental NGOs and think tanks in Greece and Europe play in this process? What were the key turning points, and what lessons were learned from this case that helped define Greece’s energy policy?
Read the full publication by Nikos Mantzaris, along with other articles in the special issue of the scientific journal Region | Regional Integration: Politics, Economics, Governance, edited by Emmanouela Doussis.