In the midst of a new international energy crisis, but also six months before the cycle of the Recovery Fund in our country finally comes to an end, the government is preparing to activate a new financial instrument: the Social Climate Fund (SCF), with 5.3 billion euros. 5.5 million euros for the period 2026-2032 and with the main objective of helping 1.5 million households and 70,000 businesses to cope with the costs of the energy transition.

> The Commission is now activating the Climate Change Fund (CCF), which is a new instrument to help 1.5 million households and 70,000 businesses cope with the costs of the energy transition.

A few days ago, the Ministry of National Economy and Finance submitted to the Parliament a bill establishing a Coordinating Authority and a Special Committee of the Social Climate Fund — with a three-year term of office and a Governor who will be in office until 2032 — to manage the Fund’s resources.

But at the same time, the government has submitted a proposal to the EU with 25 actions that will begin to be implemented through the Fund in 2026.

Why now and why it’s urgent

The timing is no coincidence. In 2027, the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS2/ETS2) expands, further increasing the cost of oil and gas. At the same time, Greece has high energy poverty rates — especially in rural areas and lower income groups — combined with an old building stock and a high dependence on fossil fuels for transport and heating. The CCF/Social Climate Fund was designed precisely to absorb this burden before it hits the weakest households.

What is being funded

More than 20 of the 25 new measures are expected to start in 2026, starting in the fall

For example:

* The most costly intervention for households (€1.2 billion), which is foreseen in the plan Athens submitted to Brussels, is a new “Execonomo” for 62,000 homes, with a subsidy that will also cover VAT. Interventions worth €24,800 will get a discount of up to 80% and will cost the owner just €5,000.

*Another €930 million is for the replacement of heating systems, with the purchase and installation of a heat pump and a solar water heater with an own contribution of €2,000.

* “Social Leasing” (€174 million) subsidises 12,500 households with €13,000 for a four-year lease of an electric car, with a rent of up to €145 per month.

* People with disabilities will be able to receive a subsidy of up to 100% for electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters and handbikes (a total of €51 million for 13,200 people).

*another €435 million is for construction 2.350 zero-energy (class A+) apartments with an average floor area of 84 sqm in four former camps (Haidari, Acharnes, Ziaka in Thessaloniki and Manousogiannaki in Patras) that will house 7,000 citizens at low rent, through the new National Housing Authority.

In addition, from 2027 and every October, €340 million per year will boost the heating allowance of 780,000 beneficiaries by up to €100 to offset the ETS2 burden.

An additional €40 million covers 200,000 free Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). The measure is of great practical importance for landlords: without this Certificate, properties will not be able to be rented or sold under the new European regulations.

What businesses get

Another €289 million will be given to businesses for electric commercial vehicles — with a 40% subsidy for cars and vans or 30% for trucks.

For example: Company buys a 30,000 euro IX and van 50,000 euro receives back 32,000 euro.

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While taxi owners are provided with a subsidy of up to 20,000 euros for buying an electric vehicle – or up to 29,000 euros for accessible vehicles for the disabled.

Inclusive access

In order to ensure that aid does not remain on paper, an Energy Support Registry with a “Vulnerability Card” and one-stop shop services in each Region is being established. The Economic and Social Committee (ESC), in its Opinion on the bill, said that “access to aid must be substantive and not just formal”, calling for special care for the elderly and citizens of remote areas.