Greece Secures Funds for Port Works, Ferry Connections in Samos Regional Unit

The Greek Shipping Ministry has secured resources for major port projects and infrastructure works to be carried out on islands of the Regional Division of Samos in the North Aegean.

Speaking during a recent meeting with regional and local authorities, Greek Shipping Minister Yiannis Plakiotakis announced that 13 million euros have been secured to cover port and infrastructure works for the islands of Samos, Fourni, Ikaria and Thymena.

“The Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy for the first time in its history will make a strong intervention for development,” Plakiotakis said.

The shipping minister also said that EU funds amounting to 14 million euros will go towards supporting seven ferry connections for islands of the regional unit of Samos per year.

He added that projects this year will also be included in the Greek ‘Nearchos’ program for infrastructure development and island entrepreneurship.

Referred to by Plakiotakis as “the main financial tool” of Greece’s national strategy for insularity, the Nearchos program finances public policies for economic sustainable development of ports – from the improvement of their basic infrastructure to the development of quality maritime and tourism services.

Greek Shipping Minister Yiannis Plakiotakis (left) and the Regional Vice Governor of Samos Vassilis Panourakis.

“As an islander myself, I am well aware of the peculiarities of life on an island and the enormous national and social importance of strengthening the Greek islands,” he said, adding that their development and the improvement of the quality of life of residents “was, is and will” continue to be a key priority for the Greek government.