Euronext Bid for Athens Stock Exchange Seen as Vote of Confidence, Says Deputy PM Hatzidakis

08:21 3/7/2025 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

The proposed acquisition of the Athens Stock Exchange by the European group Euronext is a strong vote of confidence in Greece’s financial markets, Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis has said. 

He emphasized that the deal will help upgrade the Greek capital market and mark its rise to a higher status within the European financial system.

“Foreign exchanges are seriously looking at the Greek market. We are moving up to the ‘first division,’” Hatzidakis told SKAI TV. He described this step as proof of the progress made in the Greek economy, noting that despite gains in the stock index since 2019, company listings had been sluggish until recently. “Now there is momentum,” he said.

Hatzidakis also stressed the importance of focusing on strengthening Greece both militarily and economically amid ongoing geopolitical challenges. 

While acknowledging calls for fair wealth distribution, he urged faster adoption of growth measures to boost the economy. 

“We paid for our mistakes last decade. Now we are recovering and must continue to converge with the EU. 

Supporting the economy, production, and private initiative is the best response,” he said.

On the OPEKEPE scandal involving agricultural subsidies, Hatzidakis said Parliament will soon debate the first bill to absorb the agency into the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE). Further reforms will follow to end irregularities and ensure farmers receive their payments. “We want to turn not just a page but a whole chapter,” he said.

He added that the Economic Police, AADE, and Ministry of Rural Development will audit subsidy payments and recover any overpayments, while criminal responsibility will be pursued where appropriate. Regarding parliamentary probes, Hatzidakis said New Democracy is reviewing the case and will await Pasok’s announced investigative committee before deciding on next steps. 

“We will avoid witch hunts but also any cover-ups,” he said.

Finally, Hatzidakis highlighted three new European funds totaling €8 billion for 2026-2032, calling them a “substantial injection” supporting projects like island power interconnections, metro upgrades, new electric buses, increased heating subsidies for vulnerable groups, mobility aid for disabled people, and a faster “Save Energy” program. 

“Our job is not just to absorb these funds but to use them in the best way possible,” he concluded.

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