Government “gives away” DEH and EYDAP to Greece’s lenders

A new multi- bill featuring some of the so-called prior actions that Greece must implement to unlock the next tranche of 2.8 billion Euros in rescue loans is expected to be submitted to the Parliament on Friday. The measures of the bill that will be debated over the next days before going to a vote on Tuesday include between others, the liberalization of the electricity market and the inclusion of a series of state organizations in Greece’s privatization portfolio.

The state assets that will be privatized are the Public Power Corporation, the Athens Water and Sewage Company (EYDAP), the Thessaloniki Water and Sewerage Company (EYATH), the Hellenic Vehicle Industry (ELBO), Attiko Metro and Buildings’ Infrastructures SA.

The Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB) was on the original list but the government removed it, citing state security.
The state-run power grid operator ADMIE was also on the list but the process for its privatization will be done gradually, according to government sources.

Athens is keen to wrap up its second bailout review and start talks with creditors on debt relief.