Over 300 projects, with a total budget of 440,582,434 euros, are currently financed by the Regional Program “Attica” 2021-2027“contributing decisively to the development course of the basin, as they are made for the citizens and delivered to them”, emphasized the regional governor Nikos Hardaliasduring his introductory statement at today’s meeting of the 3rd Monitoring Committee of the Program’s progress, held at the Kapodistrian Orphanage of Aegina, in the presence of representatives of the European Commission.

THE Region of Attica has secured during the current programming period more than 1.6 billion euros in funding, increased by 54% compared to the past (ESPA 2014-2020), aiming even higher and prioritizing:

*⁠ in strengthening the economy and social welfare,

*⁠ to development and social cohesion,

*⁠ to productivity and solidarity,

*⁠ to upgrade the quality of life as well as to protect the environment.

“The “Attica” Regional Program is a new great opportunity to move forward with faster and more decisive steps. It proves that the proper management and strategic utilization of the NSRF can bring substantial changes and improvement in the daily life of the residents of the basin” said the regional governor and president of the Monitoring Committee of the “Attica” Program 2021-2027, citing as an example the projects to be approved criteria and actions:

*⁠ the initiatives to strengthen road safety,

*⁠ the assistance in the development of businesses through the Smart Specialization Strategy,

*⁠ improving accessibility to higher education institutions,

*⁠ increasing employment and self-employment for young Roma

* ⁠as well as the strengthening of social enterprises through the Social and Solidarity Economy (KALO) bodies.

“The restoration of the Kapodistrian Orphanage of Aegina, where we are today, is a tangible example of the effective utilization of European funds. Through the NSRF of the previous programming period, this emblematic building was given life and delivered to the residents and visitors of the island, an imposing monument of great historical value. Together with the citizens, we walk every day on a path towards progress and prosperity” concluded the regional governor of Attica.

In her taped greeting, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni referred to the development dimension of the cultural projects carried out through NSRF, stressing that the “insight and efficiency of the regional administration” is a guarantee for the implementation of even more projects and actions, which contribute positively to the stimulation of employment and the surplus value of the tourism product of Attica.

“Firepower, to change the page of Attica” characterized the utilization of community resources by the general secretary of Public Investments and NSRF Dimitris Skalkos, underlining that the 7 billion euros allocated in total to Attica in recent years have improved the quality to an unprecedented level of the daily life of citizens, especially in times of crisis.

The representative of the Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Integration of the European Commission Barbara Kauffmann referred to the contribution of the administration and services of the Attica Region to the achievement of the objectives of the Cohesion Policy, through innovative ideas and integrated strategy, while on behalf of the Directorate General Regional and Urban Policy of the European Commission, Carsten Rasmussen, made special mention of the high absorption of community funds: “Many important projects have been carried out for the citizens of Attica. It is important in the difficult times we are going through, to have good results” he said characteristically.

In the afternoon, within the framework of the Monitoring Committee in Aegina, a special event for Political Cohesion will be held, under the Attica regional governor Nikos Hardalia, in which the Minister of Public Investments and NSRF Dimitris Skalkos, the representatives of the General Directorate of Employment, Social Affairs and Joining the European Commission Barbara Kauffmann and the General Directorate of Regional and Urban Policy of the European Commission Carsten Rasmussen, as well as the mayor of Aegina Yiannis Zorbas. The debate will be moderated by journalist Maria Nikoltsiou.