The European Commission is maintaining a passive yet increasingly vigilant watch on Chinese energy-sector investments in Greece and other EU member states, Brussels officials have indicated in comments to journalists.

China’s penetration of European markets is not viewed negatively as long as the related entrepreneurial activity complies with EU law, officials in Brussels pointed out.

Highlighting this intensifying lookout, Chinese initiatives in the Greek market were raised at a Brussels news conference held by European Commission officials.

Journalists forwarded questions concerning last year’s acquisition by SGCC (State Grid Corporation of China) of a 24 percent stake in Greek power grid operator IPTO, as well as CHN Energy’s interest in an ongoing bailout-required sale of main power utility PPC lignite assets, including the Meliti and Megalopoli power stations.

“Chinese investments can take place as long as they are in line with EU law and meet all obligations regarding electricity supply sufficiency,” one Brussels official noted. “The extent to which this is being observed in Greece’s case will be evaluated when the time comes to do so.”