Green drive could help economy
Greece is faced with a tough predicament. On the one hand, there is a shortage of foreign investment. On the other, it is energy-dependent, which means that every summer Greece has to import electricity from abroad – at high prices. Burning coal has a dire impact on the environment and, at the same time, high oil prices are widening the current account deficit. Meanwhile, ministry drawers are full of investment plans for renewable energy sources worth many billions of euros. In other words, if Greece is having multiple problems in the sectors of energy, the economy and the environment, this is largely due to the tardiness of state officials. The country needs more foreign investment, a cleaner environment and electric power. Many of these shortcomings could have been tackled if government ministers had finally stopped dragging their feet and instead played a more active role in pushing these reforms. If they are not capable of pushing alternative energy solutions, they should at least give the green light for them. The Greek state has never been known for its speed. But it’s starting to get a bad name for its incompetence.
