Christos Staikouras

Greece's General Secretariat for Civil Protection signed a deal with the European Investment Bank on Thursday for a total of 595 million euros in aid over a period of five years to help upgrade its infrastructure and better respond to natural disasters.

"The Greek government is working with a plan, method and flexibility to lead the country out of the health crisis and to enter an orbit of high, sustainable, smart growth without any exclusions, laying the foundations for a future of prosperity, opportunities and possibilities for the next generations," Finance Minister Christos Staikouras said in Parliament on Friday.

The government's proposed legislation for strengthening the Economic and Social Council of Greece (ESC), which is set to be unveiled for public consultation, seeks to act in three directions, Finance Minister of Finance Christos Staikouras stated in the plenary session of the Council on Monday.

The payment of the fifth stage of the cheap state loans program known as the "Deposit To Be Returned" will begin on Monday, January 25, 10 days after the deadline for application submissions this Friday.

Finance Minister Christos Staikouras confirmed on Saturday that the government intends to expand the loan repayment tranche subsidy program for mortgage holders, known as "Gefyra" (Bridge), to businesses.

Finance Minister Christos Staikouras announced on Thursday that the ministry is preparing a sixth round of state loans to enterprises and the self-employed professionals, known as the "Deposit To Be Returned," in March, based on turnover and incomes in the January-March period.

Newly appointed Greek government spokesman Christos Tarantilis announced the makeup of the government on Monday, following a reshuffle by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis that saw most key ministers stay put.

The Finance Ministry has launched procedures for the early repayment of a 3.6-billion-euro chunk of a loan received from the International Monetary Fund.

The repayment in question will cover loans ending in 2021 and 2022, Minister Christos Staikouras said on Monday.

After six years of no progress and processes that went back and forth without result, the Hellenic Vehicle Industry (ELVO) could finally become a lever for growth for Greece's economy, especially in the country's north, Finance Minister Christos Staikouras said on Tuesday.

Finance Minister Christos Staikouras assured investors participating in an online conference organized by Capital Link on Tuesday that the fact Greece enjoys fiscal flexibility does not mean there is no discipline.