Projects Totaling €2.83 Billion Announced for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Region

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Photo source: Prime Minister’s press office

A series of development projects for the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, with a particular focus on the Evros area near the Greek-Turkish border, was announced by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during a recent visit to Northern Greece.

The projects, totaling 2.83 billion euros, are part of the Greek government’s strategic plan for regional development and reconstruction following the 2023 wildfires.

Presenting the plan in Orestiada, PM Mitsotakis also outlined 19 targeted measures to be implemented in the Evros regional unit over the 2025-2027 period.

Evros plan: 4 pillars

The prime minister detailed that the plan rests on four main pillars, with 90 million euros allocated for 2023-2025 to address urgent needs caused by the wildfires.

An additional 2.5 billion euros will be allocated for the Evros area from 2021-2030, funding 136 infrastructure projects.

A new initiative, titled “Evros After”, will be launched for 2025-2030 with a budget of 180 million euros, aimed at further development.

Moreover, the Greek PM introduced 19 specific policy measures for Evros, valued at 60 million euros.

Nineteen focused measures for Evros

Photo source: Prime Minister’s press office

According to Mitsotakis, the 19 measures will prioritize job creation, promote entrepreneurship, and encourage people to settle in the area by either deterring relocation or attracting new residents.

Among the measures is one to support existing tourism businesses in Soufli, Orestiada, and Didymoteicho, with an additional 1 million euros allocated to these businesses as part of the government’s plan.

Another measure includes the resumption of operations on the Alexandroupolis-Orestiada suburban rail line, which will begin on October 21, 2024, with two daily routes.

Furthermore, the government will also subsidize a new Alexandroupolis-Piraeus sea freight route, with scheduled stops at the islands of Chios and Lesvos.

Incentives for relocation to Evros

The Greek government also introduced a relocation incentive for the first 1,000 individuals who move to the municipalities of Soufli, Orestiada, or Didymoteicho, offering 10,000 euros to support their transition. Additionally, up to 200 unemployed individuals interested in starting new businesses will receive funding of 14,800 euros each to encourage entrepreneurship in the area.

Several other initiatives aim to enhance quality of life in Evros, including the establishment of a Music High School and a Veterinary School in Orestiada, which are expected to attract students and academics alike.

Government initiatives and ministerial announcements

The Greek PM was accompanied by several government ministers, each of whom presented specific projects and initiatives under their respective portfolios for the region.

Among the announcements, Greek Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation Christos Staikouras noted that the eastern beltway road around Alexandroupolis is projected to be completed by the end of 2025. He also mentioned that a tender will be launched next year for the construction of a new 840-meter bridge at the Greek-Turkish border at Kipi.

Minister Staikouras also discussed the ongoing rail connection project between Alexandroupolis and Ormenio, highlighted additional works at Alexandroupolis Airport, and announced progress on linking the city’s port to major road networks.

In addition to minister Staikouras, other officials who accompanied the Greek PM included Environment and Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysohoidis, Immigration and Asylum Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos, Deputy Defense Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis, Minister of State Akis Skertsos, Social Cohesion and Family Minister Sofia Zaharaki, Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos, Agricultural Development and Food Minister Kostas Tsiaras, and various other deputy ministers and officials.