Thessaloniki Fair: EBEA calls for a new production model for Greece and sets four priorities

The Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry has used the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair to press for what it calls a “new productive contract for the country after the Recovery Fund.” Its central question is how Greece will sustain growth when extraordinary European funding comes to an end.

EBEA President Giannis Bratakos opened the chamber’s program at the fair. Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos attended the opening and addressed the gathering, while Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou spoke during the energy session about the government’s priorities.

Bratakos described 2026 as a point of transition. He said the Recovery Fund had mobilized investment, accelerated reforms and supported Greece’s digital and green transformation. As that support declines, he argued, the economy will be judged more heavily on its own productive strength.

“As the contribution of extraordinary European funds decreases, the economy’s ability to mobilize new capital on its own, create new incomes, improve the quality of business plans and turn innovation into real economic value will matter more and more,” Bratakos said.

The chamber also highlighted unresolved weaknesses despite improved fiscal figures, stronger international credibility and the return of investment. These include Greece’s investment and production gap with the rest of Europe, high energy costs for industry and businesses, limited access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, skills shortages, private debt and bureaucracy.

Its four priorities are a stable tax system and lighter administrative burdens, faster licensing and more effective justice; financing tools that prevent a liquidity gap after the Recovery Fund; access for smaller businesses to artificial-intelligence tools, knowledge and skills; and stronger technical education linked to the real needs of production. The chamber’s upcoming sessions will address energy costs, exports, industry and agrifood, among other competitiveness issues.

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As the contribution of extraordinary European funds decreases, the economy’s ability to mobilize new capital on its own, create new incomes, improve the quality of business plans and turn innovation into real economic value will matter more and more.