The European Commission has given its preliminary approval for Greece to receive another €2.1 billion from the E.U.'s post-pandemic recovery fund after the country met 39 key reform targets, the government has announced.
The payment, which consists entirely of grants, brings the total funds disbursed to Greece under the program to €23.4 billion, or about 65% of its total allocation.
Greek officials hailed the approval as a validation of the country's reform progress.
"The successful completion of this tranche positions Greece among the leading E.U. member states regarding Recovery Fund absorption," said Minister of State Akis Skertsos, who underscored the government's commitment to reforms that "visibly improve citizens’ lives."
Key achievements that unlocked the funding include the installation of over 36,000 interactive whiteboards in schools, the launch of the national Electronic Health Record system, major road safety upgrades, and new reforms targeting tax evasion.
Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis called the E.U.'s recognition a validation of the "steady progress" made under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's government.
The funds are a key component of the "Greece 2.0" national recovery plan, which aims to modernize the economy and is scheduled for completion by 2026.