It was signed today, Tuesday, in the presence of the Deputy Minister in addition to the Prime Minister and the Government Representative, Yannis Economou, the Cooperation Agreement between the Region of Central Greece, the Municipality of Lamia and the Center for Planning and Economic Research (KEPE).

The signing took place in the Region of Central Greece and came as a continuation of the initiative that Mr. Oikonomou has taken for a long time in the direction of curbing the demographic problem and the meeting that took place on November 2 at KEPE.

The demographic problem facing Greece was also confirmed by the publication of the results of the recent Census with Fthiotida showing a population decrease of 12.9% (the second largest percentage decrease among the 5 Regional Units of Central Greece, the fifth largest among the Regional Sections of the country), despite the fact that the Prefecture is close to Athens, it has developed basic infrastructure, University and primary sector.

The Cooperation Agreement that was signed aspires to be a guide for other Regional Units of the Homeland, as part of a larger, ambitious project.

The Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister and Government Spokesperson stated:

“We are in Lamia due to an unpleasant development, but at the same time a great challenge. The unpleasant development is the results of the Census, in which the Prefecture of Fthiotida scored a very negative performance. This development certifies that we are not facing a demographic problem, but with a demographic crisis. If we do not stop it, we will be faced with issues of economic and social subsidence.

Obviously it is not treated from one moment to another, but there is no time to be idle. We need initiatives, actions, long-term planning, to keep the issue current, to reorganize and redefine all of our policies in terms of the organization of the local economy, but also in the prioritization of our priorities in the next period.

In this context, since last November we have been in contact with KEPE, the Professor and President of the Board and Scientific Director, Mr. Liargova, the Regional Governor of Central Greece and the Mayor of Lamia and we had a very creative discussion.

Today, in Lamia, we are here to sign a memorandum of cooperation, which will be the road map for launching the necessary initiatives in order to stop this trend. For this effort to be effective, it must be based on research evidence. We need proposals on scientific research, knowledge, international experience, adapted to the particular characteristics of the place.

The perspective of the region is directly intertwined with the reversal of the demographic crisis, with the creation of conditions to retain and attract people to our country.”