A working group has been set up and established at the General Secretariat for Industry of the Ministry of Development to monitor and coordinate the project “National Plan for the implementation of the European NZIA Regulation” (TSIC-RoC-35796), in the framework of European technical assistance. This is a targeted administrative move that marks the beginning of the organised national preparation for the implementation of the Net Zero Industry Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1735).

As a reminder, the NZIA is a central pillar of the new European industrial policy and aims to boost the production of strategic zero-emission technologies such as renewable energy, batteries, green hydrogen, and CO2 capture and storage technologies. Its main objective is for the European Union to meet at least 40% of its needs in these technologies by 2030, enhancing the energy independence, competitiveness, and resilience of the European economy.

Although the Regulation is directly applicable in all Member States, it requires substantial national organisation for its implementation. The working group in the Ministry of Development is called upon to act as a technical and institutional coordination mechanism to adapt national licensing procedures, public procurement, and investment support policies to the requirements of the NZIA.

The working group is expected to proceed with a report analysing the country’s potential for the development of clean technologies and value chains; a report identifying the investments, resources and initiatives needed to implement the European regulation; recommendations for required adjustments to the legal and administrative framework; and a technical note on the national action plan, including the development of a permanent risk assessment mechanism. In other words, it will map out the obligations and opportunities that arise for the Greek economy.

As a reminder, the NZIA is not just about the installation of “green” projects, but primarily about the industrial production of critical technologies such as photovoltaics and wind components, batteries, hydrogen equipment, and CCUS applications, with particular relevance to heavy industry. In this context, Greece is invited to identify where it can strategically position itself in European value chains.

It is noted that the institution of Net-Zero Strategic Projects, which enjoys faster permitting, administrative priority, and easier access to financial instruments, is of particular importance. The working group is expected to support the preparation and maturation of such projects, both at the national and European level, while making use of EU technical assistance tools, such as the Technical Support Instrument.

On a practical level, the establishment of the working group marks the transition from a piecemeal implementation of European obligations to a more coherent industrial strategy. Through the coordination of ministries, regulators, regions, and industry stakeholders, the Ministry of Development seeks to ensure that the implementation of the NZIA is not just an administrative obligation but a tool to attract investment, strengthen domestic industry, and ensure Greece’s meaningful participation in the European green transition.