kathimerini.gr
High Energy Costs Threaten Greek Industry Competitiveness
High energy costs in Greece, two to three times higher than in China and the US, threaten the competitiveness of Greek energy-intensive industries, prompting calls for national support measures as other EU nations bypass EU state aid rules to aid their own industries.
- What immediate actions are necessary to alleviate the competitiveness crisis faced by Greek energy-intensive industries given the high energy costs compared to other EU nations and global competitors?
- Greek industry faces intensified competition due to high production costs, exacerbated by energy prices two to three times higher than in China and the US. This lack of competitiveness, highlighted in the Draghi report, threatens sustainable growth and necessitates government intervention.
- How do the measures adopted by other EU countries, such as Bulgaria, Italy, Germany and France to support their industries, compare to the situation in Greece, and what are the implications for Greek competitiveness?
- Several EU nations, including Bulgaria, Italy, Germany, and France, are implementing national support measures for their industries, bypassing EU rules on state aid. This demonstrates a growing need for targeted industrial policies to address energy cost disparities and bolster competitiveness.
- What are the long-term economic consequences of Greece's failure to address its energy-intensive industries' competitiveness issues, considering the need for a sustainable industrial model and the impact on overall economic productivity?
- Greece's inaction in providing energy support for its energy-intensive industries risks widening the competitiveness gap with other EU countries and global competitors. This delay threatens the development of a resilient industrial model crucial for Greece's economic growth, potentially leading to further deindustrialization.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the difficulties of Greek industries due to high energy costs and the lack of government support. This is evident in the prominent placement of quotes from industry leaders highlighting these challenges and the repeated emphasis on the urgency of the situation. The headline (if any) likely reinforces this negative framing. While the article mentions European initiatives, the framing downplays their potential relevance to the Greek situation, making the lack of national action seem even more critical.
Language Bias
The language used in the article often carries a negative connotation. Words and phrases like "δαμόκλεια σπάθη" (sword of Damocles), "ακραία αδιαφορία" (extreme indifference), and "στείρα απορριπτική στάση" (sterile rejecting attitude) are emotionally charged and do not maintain a completely neutral tone. More neutral alternatives might include "significant challenge," "lack of responsiveness," and "unsupportive stance.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the challenges faced by Greek industry due to high energy costs, but it omits a discussion of potential solutions or alternative perspectives beyond government intervention. While it mentions European proposals for reducing energy costs, it doesn't delve into their feasibility or effectiveness in addressing the specific issues faced by Greek businesses. The lack of diverse viewpoints from economists, energy experts, or representatives from other sectors could limit the reader's understanding of the complexity of the issue.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy between the need for government intervention to support struggling industries and the constraints of European Union regulations on state aid. While it acknowledges the tension, it doesn't fully explore alternative approaches that might balance support for domestic industry with compliance with EU rules. This could create an oversimplified view for readers.
Gender Bias
The article focuses primarily on statements and perspectives from male executives in the Greek industrial sector. While this might reflect the reality of leadership roles in these industries, it lacks a balanced representation of gender perspectives. Including voices from women in relevant positions could provide a more nuanced understanding.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the challenges faced by the Greek industry due to high energy costs, impacting its competitiveness and hindering industrial development. This directly affects the progress towards SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) which aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. The high energy costs in Greece compared to other countries make it difficult for the Greek industry to compete internationally and invest in innovation and infrastructure.