Kyriakos Mitsotakis meets with reps of 18 environmental organizations

Representatives of 18 environmental groups in Greece met with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Friday to discuss concerns and initiatives on protection of the environment.

At the meeting at the prime minister's office, Mitsotakis said that the government's bold commitment to the issue is spearheaded by its determination to end the use of lignite for electricity production by 2028. Mitsotakis also outlined a series of initiatives including the end of single-use plastics by end-2021 (in line with EU directives), the increase of renewable energy sources in the production of electricity, the energy efficiency of buildings and the need for the country to practice environmental diplomacy.

"This government is determined to move boldly," the premier said, adding that "these issues which concern me and all of us are issues I will be strongly and personally involved in." He also said that the government plans to promote a multi-faceted agenda combining environmental protection with the so-called green economy and the involvement of the society of citizens.

According to a Maximos Mansion briefing, the representatives of organizations expressed concern in the two-hour meeting over the issues of recycling, the repercussions on the environment of mining activities, and the installation of wind generators. They particularly emphasized the need to protect animal and plant species native to Greece.

Participating in the meeting were ministers and secretaries general related to the environment, energy, management of natural resources and waste, and European Commission honorary director George Kremlis, among others.

Organizations which were represented included Anima, Archelon, Arctouros, Arion, Callisto, Ecocity, Ecological Recycling Society, Green Tank, Greenpeace, Hellenic Ornithological Society, Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature, Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal (MOm), Medasset, MedSOS, MOM, Organization Earth, Pandoiko, and WWF Hellas.