Enlarge image
Balos on Crete: The island is very suitable "to survive a crisis winter," says the mayor of the port city of Chania
Photo: Nicolas Economou / imago images / NurPhoto
Greece's Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias has called on citizens in Germany to spend the winter in his country in view of inflation and the threat of energy shortages.
"For autumn and winter, it would be a great pleasure for us Greeks to welcome German pensioners who would like to experience a 'Mediterranean winter' with Greek hospitality, mild weather and high-quality services." Kikilias told the "Bild" newspaper.
"We will wait for you here," added the minister.
The mayor of the port city of Chania on the Greek island of Crete joined the call.
"We invite every German who wants to come to us this winter to live here - away from the crises," said Panagiotis Simandirakis to the same newspaper.
Crete is very suitable for "surviving a crisis winter".
Here you don't need heating in the house.
"No German will freeze in Greece," said the mayor.
EU Commission: »Everyone can save gas, now«
In fact, in view of the looming gas crisis, the economy and consumers could face significant energy-saving measures.
A draft for an emergency plan by the European Commission provides that public buildings, offices and commercial buildings should be heated to a maximum of 19 degrees from autumn.
"Acting now can reduce the effects of a sudden supply disruption by a third," says the text available to the German Press Agency.
There is now a "considerable risk" that Russia will stop gas deliveries to Europe this year.
Companies that can replace gas should reduce their consumption, they say.
The aim is to protect industries that are particularly important for supply chains and competitiveness.
Households are also encouraged to voluntarily consume less.
"Anyone can save gas, now," writes the commission.
The emergency plan is subject to change and is expected to be officially presented next Wednesday (July 20).
According to the Commission, gas supplies from Russia have already drastically reduced.
Overall, the gas flows are now less than 30 percent of the average for 2016 to 2021, according to the draft.
This has led to historically high energy prices and fueled inflation.
There is no indication that the situation will improve.
It's more likely to get worse.
aar/dpa