Greece Sets the Bar High in EU Recovery Funding

Here’s Why Everyone’s Taking Note

April 18, 2025

While many European countries are still navigating the long road to post-pandemic recovery, Greece is stepping confidently into the spotlight—and earning high praise from Brussels for its impressive use of EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) funds.

A delegation of six Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) recently wrapped up a three-day fact-finding mission in Athens (April 14–16), where they took a close look at how Greece is deploying its share of the €723.8 billion RRF pie. The verdict? Greece is not just doing well—it’s leading the pack.

“Greece has emerged as a standout example among EU countries when it comes to the implementation of the RRF,” said Siegfried Mureșan (EPP, Romania), who led the mission. “We saw on the ground how the recovery funds are contributing to local and regional growth and improving the life of Greek citizens.”

 Greece 2.0: A Plan in Action

The delegation examined “Greece 2.0”, the country’s ambitious national Recovery and Resilience Plan. With an absorption rate of over 50%—the highest in the EU per capita—Greece is demonstrating what swift and strategic use of EU funds can achieve.

The group met with key national stakeholders, including officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Hellenic Court of Audit, and the Hellenic Parliament. They also engaged in dialogue with business leaders, trade union reps, and regional officials to gauge how funds are being used across sectors.

 Projects with Real-World Impact

Two standout projects caught the MEPs’ attention:

The Koumoundouros Extra High Voltage Centre (EHVC) – This upgraded energy infrastructure project, run by the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO), is designed to improve energy security and increase the capacity for electricity generation. In an era of rising energy demands and geopolitical uncertainty, this is a critical investment.

DEMO Pharmaceuticals – A Greek pharmaceutical firm receiving RRF-backed support for research and development. It’s a prime example of how innovation funding can strengthen local industries and future-proof the economy.

A Collaborative Approach

The MEPs emphasized the collaborative effort across multiple levels of government and sectors. From local municipalities to enterprise leaders, everyone seems aligned in maximizing the impact of these once-in-a-generation funds.

Their visit reinforced Greece’s position not only as a committed EU member but also as a model for efficient, transparent, and forward-looking economic management.

 What’s Next?

While the praise is well-earned, Greece still faces hurdles—from geopolitical tensions to structural economic reforms. But its momentum is strong, and its trajectory is promising. The mission by the European Parliament's Recovery and Resilience Facility Working Group serves as both validation and encouragement for continued progress.

If Greece can sustain this pace, its recovery story might just become a blueprint for others in the EU to follow.

Further Reading:

Recovery and Resilience Facility – European Parliament Overview

Committee on Budgets (BUDG)

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON)