The Greek government has announced several initiatives aimed at fostering energy efficiency and improving community services. Among these is the funding program for energy upgrades of kindergartens and primary schools, titled the 'Athena' program, aimed at enhancing the energy performance of educational institutions throughout the country.
The program targets local authorities operating kindergartens and primary schools. Eligible schools must be housed within owned or leased municipal buildings, constructed before 2000, currently ranked with energy efficiency categories E to H, and have not undergone any improvement since their establishment. By promoting energy-saving measures, the initiative seeks to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30%, transforming the public sector's approach to energy efficiency.
Another recent announcement from the Internal Response Department highlighted the introduction of a streamlined appointment system for citizens visiting their offices. This system, accessible via the platform rantevou.kep.gov.gr, allows citizens to schedule their visits electronically, reducing overcrowding and wait times, particularly important following pandemic-related challenges.
Soon, on December 27, 2024, the municipality of Kastoria will convene for a special session dedicated to discussing its 2025 budget. This session aims to solidify fiscal strategies and set actionable objectives for the local government, which was elaborated upon by the town’s Economic Directorate.
Also on the table is the open auction for flood management works at the Thololakka Creek, announced by the Regional Directorate of Technical Services of Western Macedonia. This project has received substantial funding, with the total budget reaching €5.5 million, and the regional government encourages companies from the EU and the European Economic Area to participate.
Emphasizing cultural engagement, the children's section of the Macedonian Association of Crete recently presented Christmas carols to the Governor of Crete. This marks the launch of their drive to strengthen community ties, which was well-received by Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis, who praised the children for their efforts.
Lastly, the insurance company Hellas Direct has revolutionized the process of signing car insurance contracts by leveraging the services available on gov.gr. This allows for the automatic filling of vehicle and owner data, paving the way for more personalized and accurate insurance offerings. Such integration not only simplifies the customer experience but also enhances security and transparency.
During the festive season, the Citizen Service Centers (KEPs) of Peristeri will operate with adjusted hours from December 23, 2024, to January 13, 2025, facilitating continuous public service delivery and ensuring community accessibility even during the holidays.
Through these diverse initiatives, the Greek government demonstrates its commitment to enhancing both energy efficiency and community services across various sectors, aiming for sustainable development and improved quality of life for citizens.
