Greece is Making a Dynamic Comeback in Europe, Says Minister

Photo source: European Parliament / AFP PHOTO / LOUISA GOULIAMAKI

Greece is regaining its position in Europe and entering a new era thanks to a number of key infrastructure and transport projects, said Greek Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Staikouras addressing the “The Road to Recovery” event organized by the New Democracy party and the European People’s Party in Thessaloniki.

Among others, Staikouras stressed the importance of sustainable infrastructure and modern transport both of which create jobs and support the national economy.

“The Greek economy has turned the page, returned dynamically to the European scene. It is now growing at one of the highest rates in Europe,” said Staikouras, “thanks to policies based on resolve, responsibility and reliability”.

Over the past years, said Staikouras, Greece has managed to remain resilient to ongoing crises; support businesses, families and vulnerable members of society; achieve measurable results in all fields; create new jobs; attract investor interest; improve its reputation; and become stronger overall.

Greek Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Staikouras

Among others, Staikouras referred to actions that have helped bolster the Greek economy, which include cutting taxes and reducing social security contributions for households and businesses; increasing the minimum wage and pensions; ensuring stability of the financial system; utilizing public property; moving ahead with the privatization of ports; listing Athens Airport on the Athens Stock Exchange; and leaving behind the EU’s enhanced surveillance framework following the early repayment of outstanding bailout loans to the IMF (International Monetary Fund).

Staikouras went on to add that with the optimal use of EU resilience funds, Greece is opening up to new markets and becoming more extroverted.

Lastly, the minister referred to key infrastructure and transport projects underway, including the Thessaloniki Metro, which he said would be ready in November, the construction of a flyover expressway, and the renewal of the city’s bus fleet, the north road axis (known as BOAK) on Crete, the creation of a new cruise terminal in Souda, Chania; the completion of the highly anticipated Kastelli Airport; and the continued operation of the current airport in Heraklion; the reform of the Greek railway and the renewal of Athens’ bus fleet.