The safety of citizens, the protection of the environment, the improvement of everyday life and the quality of life, but also the promotion of economic and social development, are the basic principles that must be served by the design of infrastructure projects, according to what he mentioned in the speech at the TEE Green Deal Conference Mr. Petros Suretis, Authorized Advisor and Executive Member of the Board of Directors. of GEK TERNA.

“The state must prioritize the issues of safety and improving the quality of life of the citizens of the basin, with actions and plans that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and delays due to increased traffic load on the main road axes during peak hours.”

Mr. Suretis pointed out, in addition, that despite the positive course of the sector in recent years in Greece, there is a lag in relation to other European countries, even to neighboring countries of the Balkans, such as Romania. “Greece records the lowest rate of investment in construction as a percentage of GDP (4.8%) among the countries of the European Union, where the average is maintained at 11.5%, with Romania first in the ranking which has reached 16, 7%”.

Referring to the challenges facing the industry, the Authorized Advisor and Executive Member of the Board of Directors. of GEK TERNA, said that institutional issues that have been going on for decades need to be resolved. “The years-long pathologies of the construction market sector should be settled with the dominant function of the price watchdog which will solve the issue of the lack of revisions and the above-ground cost forecasts of the projects, which has the result that in 2024 the sector is asked to execute projects with the 2004 data”.

However, Mr. Suretis also made special mention of the burning issue of human capital. “It is truly shocking that a sector such as that of infrastructure, which is proven to have a huge impact on employment and economic stimulation, cannot find a workforce, especially at a time when construction activity is booming. Indicatively, the share of employment in the construction sector in total employment has decreased from 8.0% in 2008 to 4.1% in 2022, and of course continues to move well below the 6.7% that is the European average of 27. Young people must be motivated to work in the sector, but also the attraction of workers from third countries must be intensified.”

Finally, Mr. Suretis discussed the strategic planning and the investments made by the Group in response to modern needs. “We at GEK TERNA are implementing a plan with investments of billions in the construction, operation and maintenance of modern infrastructure projects. Our goal is to invest in green, durable projects incorporating modern technology that ensure user safety, environmental protection and efficient infrastructure maintenance.”