Greek Daily News 02/02/2024

ECONOMY

-In September 2,287 building permits were issued in the whole country, which correspond to 524,572 square meters in surface and 2,248,140 cubic meters in volume, ELSTAT data showed. On an annual basis, there was an increase of 6.2% in the number of building permits. In the island of Crete, there was a 40.3% increase in permits and a 36.3% rise in volume.

-Higher toll fees at toll stations, in both major and auxiliary roads, increased on Greek roads as of January 1, 2024, Kathimerini reported. Ticket prices for ferry routes between Greece and Italy have increased by approximately 5% starting Jan.1, 2024. Similar fare hikes are expected for routes to Crete from mid-January.

-Effective from Jan. 1,2024 sellers in farmer’s markets, fairs, and Sunday markets must accept card payments and instant payment services, according to the Panhellenic Federation of Professional Sellers of Farmer’s Markets.

-The price of fresh cow’s milk in Greece remains higher than in other European Union countries, the Competition Commission has found with the average price in Greece at €1.57/lt.

COMPANIES

Italy’s utility giant Enel S.p.A. finalized the sale of 50% of Enel Green Power Hellas (EGPH), EGP’s fully-owned renewable subsidiary in Greece, to Macquarie Asset Management, acting through the Macquarie Green Investment Group Renewable Energy Fund 2.

CAPITAL MARKET

The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index ended 2023 39.08% higher than its closing last December. The large-cap index grew 38.7% year-on-year.