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The Greece country profile provides a concise overview of key trends across three dimensions: environment and climate; socio-economic change; and system change (energy, mobility and food) in the country. It highlights the main developments and challenges in these areas, including measures to support progress towards sustainability in Greece. An assessment for each of the three dimensions was prepared by national experts from the European Environment Information and Observation Network (Eionet) in Greece, based on 20 established indicators from the EEA or Eurostat.

Greece is accelerating its green transition, aiming to improve its environmental status, reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and protect its ecosystems. The country is reducing its fossil fuel dependence, expanding the use of renewables and promoting energy self-sufficiency, yet affordability and economic disruptions from lignite phase-out remain key concerns.

In the food system, reforms in labelling aim to guide the public as well as production chains towards healthier, more sustainable choices, while plant-based diets are slowly emerging. However, reliance on processed foods and cheap alternatives has increased due to inflation, shifting habits and limited innovation uptake, challenging sustainability goals within the food system.

Greece’s mobility system is undergoing a gradual but dynamic transformation towards sustainability, driven by policy initiatives and public demand, though challenges such as an ageing vehicle fleet and a weak alternative fuels infrastructure are slowing the pace of reducing emissions.

While policies and incentives support cleaner energy, sustainable consumption and smarter transport, more investment, public education and improved governance is needed. Greece’s path towards climate neutrality hinges on balancing economic constraints with high environmental ambition –ensuring that the green transition delivers for all.

1Environment and climate2Socio-economic change3System change
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Summary assessment

Challenges persist across environmental sustainable development goal (SDG) performance indices. Progress is evident in areas such as clean water, sustainable energy, cities, climate action and marine life. However, progress on SDG 12 ‘Responsible consumption and production’ remains below the EU average, but positive progress towards the target has been recorded. Greece has expanded its protected areas to cover 35% of its land. Moreover, Greece has recently ratified the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction, adopted on 19 June 2023. Greece is also planning to establish two large marine protected parks, with the aim of increasing its marine protected areas from the current 18.3% to the 30% target. Other initiatives like the mountains with no roads framework and a national reforestation plan aim to safeguard biodiversity.

Despite improvements, Greece remains vulnerable to climate-related threats, including heatwaves, droughts, floods and wildfires, which affect ecosystem services. The 2030 emissions reduction target relies on the LULUCF sector, with progress aligning with GHG removal goals. The energy industry remains a major source of emissions, but CO2 emissions from energy production are projected to approach zero by 2035, supporting climate neutrality by 2050.

Air quality has improved, meeting the commitments of the National Emission Reduction Commitments Directive for 2020–2029. Further reductions of 2.6% for non-methane volatile organic compounds and 2.3% for PM2.5 are needed to meet the 2030 goals. Surface water and groundwater monitoring networks have been updated, with 63.8% of surface waters in good ecological condition and 88.6% in good chemical condition. Drinking water and swimming water quality remain excellent, while urban wastewater collection and treatment continue to improve.

Greece has updated its river basin and flood risk management plans and is revising its agricultural water management and urban wastewater reuse legislation. Circularity rates declined in 2020–2021 due to increased material consumption and low waste substitution. Between 2020 and 2021, Greece’s circularity rate declined due to increased domestic material consumption and low efficiency in waste management and raw material substitution. To address this, Greece revised its waste management framework and adopted the circular economy action plan (2021–2025) as a national strategy. The national programme to promote waste prevention (2021–2030) was also enacted, alongside the ongoing LIFE-IP CEI-Greece project (2019–2027) to support circular economy and waste prevention initiatives.

Given its geographical location and the structure of its economy, Greece faces many challenges in socioeconomic change in moving towards sustainability. The growing tourist and construction activities pose significant threats, such as degrading coastal zones and increased water consumption exhausting resources in small islands, while unregulated agriculture, transport, tourism and fisheries create risks for biodiversity. Nonetheless, the effect of environmental protection on the Greek economy has been steadily increasing. New laws have made green investment more likely, and the promotion of renewable energy has increased. The share of environmental taxes in total tax revenue has significantly increased since 2013, contrary to the slightly negative trend in the EU average.

New laws have further enhanced environmental protection; however, the effective enforcement of environmental legislation remains a challenge. Fossil fuel subsidies represented 0.9% of GDP in 2023, remaining higher than the EU average of 0.7%, but have since declined. According to a recent survey, most people say they have adopted pro-environmental behaviours; however, they are less willing to pay for environmental and climate-related actions and do not yet seem to realise the wider social benefits of climate mitigation actions.

There was a steady upward trend in the Eco-Innovation Index between 2013 and 2022: while the score is still lower than the EU average, the increase is the highest in the whole of EU. Greece is also among the countries that are addressing eco-innovation in their national recovery and resilience plans. This is also reflected in an upward trend in employment in the environmental goods and services sector and its contribution to gross value added as a percentage of GDP.

Despite an overall downward trend, Greece’s level of energy poverty is still much higher than the EU average. Many households are still unable to keep their homes adequately warm, a situation that is made more difficult by surging energy prices. Income inequality remains a challenge to sustainable development, as demonstrated through the Gini coefficient, which, although decreasing from 2014 to 2019, has slightly increased since. This is also reflected in the fact that in 2022 no Greek region had yet met SDG 1 ‘No poverty’ and SDG 10 ‘Reduced Inequalities’, with most regions still facing major challenges, especially with regard to SDG 10. It can also be noted that strong inequalities persist in education and internet connectivity between urban and rural areas.

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The food system

Given that European food labelling legislation is under review, the country has outlined its positions regarding front-of-pack nutrition labelling and food date labelling. Greece’s primary position thus far is that the front-of-pack nutrition labelling should not evaluate a food product in its entirety, promoting or discouraging its consumption, but should rather assist consumers in understanding information about its nutritional composition. Regarding food date labelling, a more explanatory/descriptive date label should be clear to consumers, serving as a tool for helping them make more informed and conscious choices. The desired outcomes can be achieved through comprehensive and coordinated consumer education initiatives.

The implementation of the afore mentioned legislative changes on food labelling aim to promote a sustainable food system by providing consumers with better information, enabling them to make healthier and more sustainable food choices, while simultaneously reducing food waste.

The current key social and behavioural habits that affect food systems include the following:

  • Trends towards more plant-based nutrition, although this is still considered a niche market. For mainstream food supplies there is no significant trend away from animal-based foods.
  • Nutrition guidelines, although developed and published by the Ministry of Health, are not widely communicated. There is an ongoing discussion in the Ministry of Health about updating dietary recommendations for the general population (by age group) and for specific population groups.
  • Specific attention has been given to school canteens’ dietary inventories, although only certain sections of schools offer full meals to students.
  • Financial schemes are limited to central government subsidies focusing on fighting inflation, especially for the fresh food and olive oil markets.
  • The consumption of staple foods in the Greek diet – such as bread, fresh fruits and vegetables, and olive oil – has declined, influenced by economic inflation and modern lifestyle trends. This shift has led to an increase in fast food and processed food consumption, along with the replacement of olive oil by cheaper seed oils.

The impact of emerging innovations and technological changes on the food system in terms of how food is produced and consumed (e.g. climate-smart agriculture, data-driven precision farming, sustainable packaging solutions, innovative food waste schemes) could be summarised as follows.

  • Although research institutes and universities develop advanced farming patterns, deployment of innovation to farmers is very limited. This is mainly due to limited farmer education schemes.
  • Schemes for implementing agricultural knowledge and innovation systems are not particularly effective.
  • A significant knowledge path comes through company-driven contract farming schemes. Involved food companies invest in contracted farmers’ knowledge and best farming practices, leading to a win–win arrangement.

The changes resulting from economic incentive structures that have an impact on the food systems are as follows.

  • Renegotiation of CAP early this year.
  • The primary sector in Greece suffers from the deficiencies of small farms and the absence of extended flat cultivation areas due to the country’s landscape and segmented geography (small islands). As a result of the above deficiencies and limited innovation, as mentioned already, Greece cannot achieve competitive yields and viable revenues for the primary sector from farming (average value yield EUR 110/1 000 m2).
  • Farmers need to be better informed and benefit from environmental subsidies already planned in the CAP. Due to the above deficiencies, farming practices can easily comply with eco-friendly farming practices.

For the Greek food and drink industry, the main legislative concerns are as follows.

  • Nutrition improvement focuses mainly on designs for nutrition labels rather than assisting in increasing consumer awareness and education’. The food and drink industry has successfully used a reference intake scheme (i.e. guideline daily amounts) for over 20 years. The promoted alternative nutri-score system is considered to be discriminatory towards food categories, as it ignores nutritional side benefits and qualities. The food and drink industry supports an EU-wide front-of-pack nutrition labelling scheme that will allow for a comprehensive, but not prescriptive, way of integrating validated nutrition information that promotes the nutritional profile of mono-component and traditional products. The final regulation must provide a holistic nutrition approach, using not only a labelling scheme but also extensive communication to all involved, especially to consumers, enabling the average population to assess reasonably nutrition information and make a free choice.
  • The food and drink industry introduced nutrition guidance for the public long ago, and member companies promote reformulation, meaning that the sector is a nutritionally responsible player. In addition, through initiatives like ‘Greek Pledge’, the food and drink industry monitors responsible advertising practices for children.
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The energy system

Greece’s energy system has undergone significant changes in recent years, due to social, technological, economic and political factors. These changes affect energy production and consumption, adapting the country to meet the demands of climate change and the needs for sustainable development.

Social and behavioural changes play a key role in shaping Greece’s energy system. Growing public awareness of climate change has led to significant changes in consumer habits. The introduction of technologies like smart meters allows consumers to monitor and manage their energy consumption, while energy performance certificates play a significant role in their comprehension of the importance of energy efficiency in buildings. In addition, the development of energy communities promotes the role of energy prosumers, namely the participation of citizens in energy production and its decentralisation.

Behavioural changes, such as the shift from conventional sources (e.g. fossil fuels) towards clean energy, have created new trends in energy habits. Consumers are now looking for more environmentally friendly solutions and are more open to RESs (e.g. rooftop solar, participation in production communities).

Finally, the promotion of energy for self-consumption empowers consumers to produce and manage their own energy, contributing to a more sustainable and decentralised energy system.

The digitisation of the energy grid, through smart meters and monitoring systems, allows for more efficient energy management and consumption optimisation. Furthermore, energy storage technologies (e.g. batteries) are rapidly advancing, enabling greater integration of RESs into the grid and reducing dependency on conventional energy sources.

Greece has introduced new economic incentives to support the energy transition. Green certificates and emissions trading aim to promote clean energy and reduce CO2 emissions. Energy subsidies and tax incentives (e.g. financing schemes, tax exemptions for installing solar panels) encourage citizens and businesses to invest in clean energy sources.

Delignification has caused notable economic disruptions in local communities like West Macedonia, which have traditionally depended on the lignite industry. Despite the difficulties associated with deindustrialisation, the shift towards economic models focused on RESs offers promising opportunities for job creation and investment, paving the way to economic recovery and growth in these areas. In 2023, Greece witnessed a further reduction in the contribution of lignite to the domestic energy mix, reaching a historic low of 10.1%. This decrease reflects the significant progress of the country’s lignite phase-out programme – given that in 2014 energy production from lignite exceeded 54% – and the continuous upward trend of environmentally friendly energy sources.

The climate crisis is also reshaping energy consumption patterns for households and businesses. As the need for heating decreases and the demand for cooling increases, Greece’s energy policies must adapt to these changing needs, ensuring that the energy system remains resilient and responsive to changing demands. This shift places additional pressure on the energy system, highlighting the importance of affordable electricity. In this context, low electricity prices are a necessary condition for the success of electrification, ensuring that both households and businesses can adapt to these changing energy demands without facing prohibitive costs.

A key policy perspective concerning the incentive structure that needs to be taken into account is the (cost-)effectiveness of investments. In other words, it is important to contemplate the affordability of investments and consider market dynamics to foster healthy entities that are able to borrow and repay their investments.

Important political and legislative initiatives have affected Greece’s energy system. The targets for RESs, which have been set in the context of the EU, have led to intense efforts to increase the contribution of RESs to the energy mix. The implementation of feed-in tariffs and support programmes for RES installations have boosted the development of clean energy in the country.

Recent legislation on delignification and the phasing-out of polluting energy sources is central to the country’s energy policy, encouraging the adoption of cleaner and more sustainable solutions.

The expected legislative frameworks for energy efficiency and smart grids also contribute to energy savings and resource optimisation.

In conclusion, Greece’s energy system is in transition towards a more sustainable, decentralised and environmentally friendly model, due to a combination of social, technological, economic and political factors. Green transition is reflected, as well, in the review of the NECP, where targeted policies and additional measures are outlined.

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The mobility system

In recent years, Greece’s mobility system has changed due to social, behavioural, technological, economic and political factors, aligning with global trends towards sustainable and efficient transport. However, the relatively low rate of renewal of the ageing public bus fleet in Greece’s two major cities contributes to ongoing challenges in improving air quality. Greece currently has one of the oldest public transport fleets in Europe, which adds complexity to efforts aimed at reducing pollutant emissions, despite broader sustainability initiatives.

Cycling and micromobility, such as electric scooters, have grown in popularity, particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki, driven by government initiatives and public demand. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, leading to more bike lanes and bike-sharing programmes. Although Greece historically has had low cycling rates compared with other European countries, there is now greater cultural acceptance of bicycles. Public transportation, particularly in Athens, is improving through metro and tram expansions and efforts to electrify buses. Digital ticketing and scheduling have made it more convenient, especially for younger commuters. Car-sharing services are also gaining traction as Greeks seek affordable mobility options. Cities like Athens are establishing low-emission zones, promoting eco-friendly vehicles and increasing interest in electric and hybrid cars, especially among younger generations.

EVs are gradually entering the Greek market, supported by public and private investments in charging infrastructure. Although EV adoption has been slower than that of other EU Member States, government incentives and better infrastructure are addressing concerns about charging availability and range anxiety. Companies like Public Power Corporation are expanding charging stations across urban areas and highways. Digital mobility platforms, integrating public transit, ride-hailing and bike-sharing services, are transforming transport, though they are still in the early development stages. Alternative fuels such as hydrogen and biofuels are also gaining attention, especially in freight and public transport sectors. Infrastructure for hydrogen refuelling and biofuel-powered buses is emerging in progressive municipalities.

The Greek government has introduced various initiatives to promote EV adoption, such as the ‘Kinoume Ilektrika’ programme, which provides subsidies covering up to 20% of the purchase price. Tax rebates and reduced road taxes further incentivise EV purchases, leading to a gradual increase in sales. Businesses are also encouraged to install charging stations through grants and tax relief, helping address one of the main challenges to EV adoption: limited charging infrastructure. The government is also promoting renewable and low-carbon fuels in public transport and logistics through tax reductions and subsidies for biofuels, aimed at lowering GHG emissions.

In line with the European Green Deal and 2030 climate targets, Greece plans to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2030. The government has imposed CO2 emission standards and penalties for vehicles that exceed limits, driving the market towards low-emission alternatives. At the local level, cities like Athens and Thessaloniki have developed sustainable urban mobility plans focused on enhancing public transportation and cycling infrastructure and creating low-emission zones.