Funding priorities of the Social Climate Fund

The package of measures targets 1.5 million households and approximately 70,000 very small enterprises, prioritizing those facing energy and transport poverty. These include households struggling to meet basic needs such as heating, cooling, and mobility, as well as businesses with limited turnover and up to nine employees.

A central pillar of the plan is the expansion and simplification of the “Exoikonomo” programmes, which will cover 62,000 residences and 10,000 small businesses. Subsidies are expected in many cases to exceed 80% of the total cost, enabling thousands of citizens to undertake improvements such as thermal insulation, window replacement, and the upgrading of heating systems. At the same time, the installation of approximately 280,000 heat pumps and solar water heaters is planned, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

In terms of direct financial support, the heating allowance will increase by up to €100 per year for around 780,000 beneficiaries. In addition, an Energy Support Registry will be established, serving as a single access point for all available programmes. Registration will be accompanied by a special “vulnerable beneficiary” card, aimed at reducing bureaucracy and accelerating administrative procedures.

Strong emphasis on social housing

Particular importance is placed on social housing, with plans for the construction of 2,350 new high energy-efficiency homes, expected to accommodate approximately 7,000 vulnerable individuals. In parallel, student housing facilities will be upgraded, with a total budget of €226 million.

Specifically, four inactive military camps—two in Attica (Haidari and Acharnes), one in Thessaloniki (Ziaka Camp), and one in Patras (Manousogiannakis Camp)—will be repurposed for the construction of 2,350 zero-energy (energy class A+) apartments. These units will be offered at very low rents to vulnerable families, with priority given to young couples, large families, families with members with disabilities, single-parent households, and similar groups.

The total residential floor area will amount to 232,000 square metres, with an average of 83.75 square metres per apartment. Additional funding will cover landscaping, parking facilities, as well as the construction of networks and supporting infrastructure.

At the same time, a new National Housing Authority will be established under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family.

Regarding student accommodation, a total of 15 buildings in Athens, Thessaloniki, Ioannina, Patras, and Komotini will be upgraded, ensuring modern living conditions for approximately 5,600 students—representing a 36.5% increase in capacity compared to current levels. The vast majority (90%) of these facilities were built before 1985, have not undergone energy upgrades, and incur high operational and energy costs. Planned works include improvements to building envelopes, upgrades to mechanical equipment and heating/cooling systems, and the installation of photovoltaic systems. The programme will be implemented by the Ministry of Education and INEDIVIM.

Transport interventions

Significant interventions are also planned in the transport sector, aimed at promoting sustainable mobility and reducing travel costs. These include the procurement of 210 new electric buses for Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as new metro trainsets, which are expected to reduce waiting times and improve passenger service.

In parallel, a “social leasing” scheme will be introduced, allowing vulnerable households to lease electric vehicles at low monthly cost, alongside subsidy programmes for the purchase or leasing of electric commercial vehicles by small businesses. Special provision is made for persons with disabilities, including full (100%) subsidies for the acquisition of personal mobility aids.

These measures are complemented by infrastructure investments, including the development of a network of 4,400 electric vehicle charging points, the creation of cycling lanes, and upgrades to accessibility at metro and railway stations. At the same time, innovative on-demand transport services will be introduced, primarily serving elderly citizens and residents of remote areas.