COUNTRY PROFILES

greece

select specific area Introduction Energy Policy Objectives Overview

Greece – Introduction

Economical and Socio-political

The Greek population numbered 10.96 million according to the 2001 census and is growing moderately. The land area of Greece, which covers 132000 km2, consists of a peninsula and 2000 islands that occupy one-fifth of its territory. This geographical setting with so many isolated islands and mountain areas poses a challenge to energy policy planners. While Greece is quite isolated from other EU markets, its links with southeast European energy markets are stronger.In 2003, per capita GDP was €13.847 (National Statistics Bureau of Greece), or almost two-thirds of the OECD and EU averages. This has qualified Greece for EU support, which has been an important source of financing for the development of the Greek energy system. EU-related reforms initiated in the mid-1990s have boosted growth and investment in many sectors. Since then, Greece has made progress in converging with the rest of Europe. Over the last few years, Greece has enjoyed strong economic growth, with the GDP growing at an average 3.5% a year in 1996-2001. Energy use has been growing together with the economy.