Plan To Develop Athens Unveiled

Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis and European Commissioner of Regional Policy Johannes Hahn.

An urban development project of the Municipality of Athens named “Ergo Athina” (Project Athens) was unveiled on 12 December by Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis and European Commissioner of Regional Policy Johannes Hahn.

Ergo Athina is a 10-year development plan for the city of Athens, considered by the EU as a leading innovation. For the first time a municipality of a country is directly funded by EU restructuring funds that amount to 120 million euros.

“Today we are presenting the plan for the entrance of Athens and its citizens into a new era,” Mayor Kaminis said.

The project, which is handled by the Athens Development & Destination Management Agency, includes funding for 72 works that aim for the Greek capital’s business, social and environmental revigoration and to manage the economic crisis.

“In the future, we want to see the implementation of this integrated and holistic approach to urban development more often, not only in Greece but also in Europe,” the EU Commissioner said.

Ergo Athina includes the refurbishment of public spaces and squares and contains projects that support vulnerable social groups, renew the municipality’s infrastructure in regards to services provided in health or education.

Results of the project are expected to be visible by the end of 2014.