With the signing of the Contract for the supply of 2,975 large trees in areas and points of the Municipality of Athens affected by the works for Metro Line 4, the implementation of the design reflected in the Memorandum of Cooperation, which they had signed since March 2022, is completed the Municipality of Athens, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Attiko Metro S.A. and Anaplasi Athens S.A.

“The memorandum ensures on the one hand the unhindered progress of workas it is a non-negotiable project of the highest environmental and social value and, on the one hand, respect for the operation of the city and the at least maintaining the green balance during the works” is stated in the announcement of the Municipality of Athens, on the occasion of the recent incidents in Exarchia, by residents protesting the cutting of trees in the square, in order to proceed with the construction of the metro.

Practically all concerns have been answered:

*With the Memorandum co-signed by Attiko Metro, the Ministry of Transport and the Municipality of Athens and which describes the obligations of each party. Memorandum that was voted in the Municipal Council and by factions close to SYRIZA and PASOK.

* With the tender from 28/06/23 of the project for the supply of the new trees.

* By transplanting the existing trees in predetermined places. (The relevant planning of the green service is attached).

* With the announcement of the architectural competitions for the final form that will take – after the completion of the Metro works – the three emblematic squares of Kolonaki, Exarchia and Kypseli, as well as the areas in front of the “Academia”, “Evangelismo” stations, ” Alexandra” and “Courts”.

* With the provision for transport and installation or storage and safekeeping of the sculptures and works of art in places indicated by the Municipality of Athens.

* With the corresponding provision for urban equipment.

In his statement, the Mayor of Athens, Kostas Bakoyannis, says: “We don’t play with the metro. That is why we launched the necessary solutions in time. For a long time. With a plan, targeting and consistency. Away from shadow battles and populism. The “metro or trees” dilemma is artificial, it’s false, and it’s repeated again».