The Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change Yannis Maniatis has announced a 700-million-euro plan which will aim to create 10,000 new job placements in waste management over the next six years. Mr. Maniatis presented his plans at a Athens Academy conference on the energy management of waste.
The Environment Minister explained that aside from investments from the private sector, a shift in waste management technology was necessary to create a new production model for the economy. Mr. Maniatis conceded that bureaucracy and local reactions have hindered the efforts, but was confident that Greece could take advantage of the huge growth potentials offered by biogas and biomass.
Regarding the European Commission’s imposition of fines regarding the management of harmful waste, the Minister claimed that the private sector and industry must take a more active stance regarding pollution and assume their responsibilities.
