ATHENS — Government spokesperson Aristotelia Peloni referred to the Greek Recovery and Resilience Plan 'Greece 2.0' during a press briefing on Friday, saying that Greece is one of the countries benefiting from the distribution of funds from the EU's Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), as it is entitled to about 31 billion euros in subsidies and loans. She also noted an EU decision for a reduction of VAT by 30 pct on the five Greek islands hosting migrant reception centres.

Peloni said the 'Greece 2.0' Plan includes 175 critical investments, projects and reforms.

"In fact, it is estimated that the resources from the RRF, the NSRF and private investments will reach 100 billion euros. Thus, over a space of seven years, this will generate an additional 200,000 new jobs in our country and additional 7 pct in national growth," she said.

Peloni also noted the positive evaluation of Greece's 10th Enhanced Surveillance Report at the Eurogroup meeting on Thursday and the decision to disburse the fifth tranche of Greek debt relief measures, amounting to 748 million euros.

"The immediate and effective response of the government to address the pandemic and its economic impact has been recognised. Despite the adverse conditions, the implementation of important reforms and structural changes was welcomed," she underlined.

The government spokesperson pointed out that the Eurogroup discussed the government's proposal for a permanent 30 percent reduction of VAT on the islands of Chios, Leros, Samos, Kos and Lesvos for as long as there are reception centres for migrants and refugees on these islands.

Referring to the course of the pandemic in Greece, she said the situation was steadily improving and this allowed new steps toward greater freedom in economic and social life.

Finally, she announced Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' schedule next week:

On Monday, Mitsotakis is to visit Egypt following an invitation from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, where he is to meet with the President and with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and members of the Greek community in Cairo. Later, he will visit Alexandria for a meeting with the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Theodore II.

On Tuesday, Mitsotakis will receive the successor of UAE throne Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Maximos Mansion.

The Cabinet, chaired by Mitsotakis, will convene on Wednesday.