Introductory statement by Government Spokesperson Aristotelia Peloni to political writers and foreign correspondents

About the approval of the "Greece 2.0" Plan

Cassandras,  once  again,  have  not  been  believed.  The  National  Recovery  and
Resilience Plan "Greece 2.0" was submitted second among National plans, was
approved third by the European Commission and was among the first twelve plans
approved by Ecofin. We are living - as Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed in
a relevant post - a historic moment for Greece.

The goal now is the optimal and fastest possible utilization of the resources of the
Recovery Fund, which for our country amount to 30.5 billion euros. In fact, the first 4
billion euros are expected to be disbursed by the end of July and 7.5 billion euros by
the end of the year.

The start of disbursements - allows us to implement our Plan, which will lead to
strong and sustainable growth, to creating many good jobs and to strengthening
social cohesion. And of course, the Plan will act as a lever for transforming the
economy towards a more extroverted, competitive, innovative, fair, smart and green
productive model. At the same time, the Plan will support investments and reforms
in the green and digital transformation, the welfare state, infrastructure projects, as
well as private investments in all sectors of the economy.

Epidemiological situation and vaccinations

On the pandemic front, there is a significant increase in new cases. This year,
however, defence capabilities are completely different. We are in a new phase, as
we now all have the vaccine shield at our disposal, which is free and immediately
accessible to all. And we all have a responsibility towards ourselves, our family and
our social surroundings, but also towards the whole of society, as unvaccinated
citizens can act as points of transmission and mutations.

It is therefore the duty of all - parties, Local Government, Church, collective bodies -
to unite our voice with that of science and logic in order to convince those of our
fellow citizens who have reservations about the safety, effectiveness and necessity
of vaccination. The dilemma is clear: "Either we will get vaccinated or we will get
sick". It is time for us all to unite around a common reality. And then we will find that
common rules do not divide, but unite.

To date, 9,480,000 vaccinations have been given. More than 5,330,000 of our fellow
citizens have taken at least one dose and more than 4,430,000 have completed their
vaccination. It is worth noting that as of June 28 until yesterday, 590,000 citizens
made an appointment for their first dose. One in 3 of these appointments has been
booked by citizens aged 18-29.

In the meantime, the platform for vaccination appointments with the Pfizer vaccine
for teens aged 15-17 is opening this afternoon and includes those who have turned
15 (born until 15/07/2006). Every 15 days the platform will be renewed to include
those who will be 15 y.o. at that time. The appointment can be arranged by one of
the parents, who is in the family register and can also be made through Citizens’
Service Centers (KEP) or pharmacies. Children should show up to the vaccination
centres, accompanied by parents or guardians.

At the same time, along with the vaccination campaign and following the advice of
the  Bioethics  and  Technoethics  Committee,  the  Government  decided  to  make
vaccination mandatory for certain activities related to the protection of health of our
vulnerable citizens. The obligation is referred to both public and private Care Centers
for the Elderly and the disabled, public and private health structures, Medical
Centers, Rehabilitation Centers, Clinics, Hospitals, Primary Health Care structures.

Furthermore, the Government’s main concern is to grant more freedom to the
majority of citizens as well as to protect everyone. In this context, as of tomorrow,
July 16 until August 31, indoor entertainment venues, restaurants, cinemas and
theatres can operate only for those who are vaccinated and with 85% of their
capacity.  

Until August 31, in all entertainment venues only seated customers will be allowed.
Outdoor areas of such businesses can host either vaccinated people only  or operate
as mixed places.
Sports competitions either indoors or outdoors will take place only with vaccinated
spectators and the capacity will be up to 80%.  

Inspections will be rigorous. For the first violation - for venues under 200 sq.m.-  the
administrative fine will be 2,000 euros together with a  7 days of suspension starting
from the next day, whereas  for venues over 200 sq.m., fines will be 5,000 euros
along with a 7 day suspension as well.

In case of a second violation, for all venues regardless the size, an administrative fine
of 10,000 euros will be imposed and operation will be suspended for 15 calendar
days starting from the next day after violation

In  case  of  a  third  violation,  for  all  venues  regardless  their  size,  a  temporary
revocation of the operating license for 60 calendar days will be applied.

Program of the Prime Minister

The Prime Minister is meeting today with the Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrida
Simonyte at the Maximos Palace.

Tomorrow, at 9:00, he will meet with the Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry
Breton.

At 14:00, the Prime Minister will meet with the Vice President of the European
Commission fot Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, Maros Sefcovic.