Scientific publication on the governance of protected areas in Greece
A new scientific study examines the reasons why Greece’s system of protected areas continues to face serious challenges, despite repeated institutional reforms and improved administrative coordination in recent years.
Just Transition Newsletter #10
The tenth issue of The Green Tank’s newsletter has been published, covering developments over the past six months related to the Just Transition of lignite regions in Greece and across Europe (July–December 2025).
Stagnation in self-production and energy communities after the transition to net billing
1,747 energy communities, but only 18 new project applications in 6 months. Central Macedonia is the “champion” in electrified capacity, while in Western Macedonia for every 1 MW electrified, 3.6 MW are cancelled. The 1 GW “barrier” in self-generation was broken, however, from the ministerial decision on net billing (October 2024) to September 2025, only 16.5 MW of projects implementing the new mechanisms, were connected.
Why does Greece’s electricity market remain so expensive?
Despite the increase in electricity generation from Renewable Energy Sources (RES), Greece consistently remains among the most expensive countries in Europe in the day-ahead electricity market (DAM). According to a new analysis by The Green Tank, which also compares Greece with Portugal, the main reasons are the country’s growing dependence on fossil gas and the lack of energy storage infrastructure.
Transforming Marine Science into Action: Side event at the 24th COP of the Barcelona Convention
On the occasion of the 24th Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention (COP24), The Green Tank co-organized and moderated a side event titled “From Science to Action: Strengthening Conservation and Cooperation for Priority Mediterranean Species and Habitats” that was held on 4 December 2025 at the St. Regis in Cairo, Egypt. The event brought together leading scientific initiatives, regional institutions, and policy actors working to advance marine conservation across the Mediterranean.
Greece falls to 30th place in 2026 Climate Change Performance Index: Renewable Energy Progress Amid Climate Policy Challenges
Greece is ranked 30th in this year’s Climate Change Performance Index (#CCPI) 2026, among 63 countries, marking an 8-place drop compared to 2025. According to the ranking published today at COP30 in Brazil, Greece remains a medium performer in greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, and energy use, while climate policy is once again rated as low.
Is the EU-27 backtracking on its climate policy?
Despite being the only region to cut emissions in 2023–2024, proposed changes to the EU #ETS2 risk increasing emissions and reducing revenues needed for the green transition. Environmental NGOs and think tanks — including The Green Tank — sent a letter to Commissioner Hoekstra.
Revision of ETS2: an opportunity or a setback for the European Green Deal?
In a letter addressed to 19 Environment Ministers, Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra announced on 21 October 2025 the European Commission’s intention to amend the rules governing the Market Stability Reserve (MSR). The 19 Ministers had co-signed a joint non-paper in June on price uncertainties in the new Emissions Trading System for buildings and road transport (ETS2).
The SAvE Whales project successfully completes its 2nd year of implementation
The SAvE Whales project (System for the Avoidance of ship-strikes with Endangered Whales) has successfully completed its second year of implementation, marking significant progress in developing and testing a complementary and innovative early warning system to prevent ship collisions with sperm whales in the Kythira Strait.
The Green Tank Participates in the Annual General Assembly of the Coalition of Energy Communities (DESMI)
The Green Tank actively participated in the Annual General Assembly of the Coalition of Energy Communities (DESMI), held on Saturday, 18 October 2025. The assembly focused on reviewing the achievements of the past year, outlining next steps, and discussing the strategic direction of the DESMI coalition. Participants also explored how energy communities can expand their activities by strengthening citizens’ active participation in the energy transition.
The Green Tank calls for a strong ban on Russian gas imports
The Green Tank has addressed a letter to the Ministry of Environment and Energy ahead of the Energy Council meeting on October 20, expressing concern over the course of negotiations within the EU Council on the proposed Regulation for the gradual phase-out of Russian gas imports.
The Green Tank at the ARTEMIS Project Meeting in Italy
Between 7 and 10 October 2025, The Green Tank participated in the third in-person meeting of the ARTEMIS project in Monfalcone, Italy — an important opportunity for project partners to assess progress and coordinate next steps in this broad Mediterranean initiative to restore and conserve Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows through innovative scientific, policy, and financial approaches.
Landmark decision by RAAEY on Energy Communities
A decision of utmost importance for the integrity of the institution of Energy Communities (ECs), Citizen Energy Communities (CECs) and Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) was announced last week by the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy and Water (RAAEY).
From 7.4 TWh to 1.8 TWh: Six Years of Progress in Phasing Out Lignite
It has been six years since the Prime Minister announced Greece’s full exit from lignite from the UN podium. Up until that decision, and during the first eight months of 2019, the country relied on 7.4 TWh of electricity from lignite. At any given hour of the year, at least one lignite unit was in operation, and the power sector emitted a total of 19 million tonnes of CO₂ over that eight-month period.
