The Minister of Development, Takis Theodorikakos, visited Orestiada for the presentation of the Evros reconstruction plan under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis

The important event “National Strategy for Regional and Local Development. We discuss, we decide, we move forward TOGETHER for Evros” took place today at the Polycenter of the Municipality of Orestiada.

The Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakos, in the presence of the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, presented the actions and projects for the reconstruction and development of the undeveloped Evros that are in the area of ​​responsibility of the Ministry of Development. The event was also attended by 13 Ministers and Deputy Ministers of the Government, as well as four general secretaries.

Mr. Theodorikakos referred to the closing of all financial debts to the beneficiary companies from the previous Development Grants and emphasized that the Region of Eastern Macedonia-Thrace will receive all the money – a total of 14 million euros – that it has requested in the context of the Development Grant Law.

The financing of all development plans submitted to the Prefecture of Evros is also ensured. The total budget is 33,817,534.26 million euros, of which 22,170,800.72 million euros are state aid.

There will be cooperation with the local bodies for the implementation of necessary projects that affect processing and transport costs, while finally the VIPE of Alexandroupolis is being modernized with projects with a budget of 4,730,000 euros, which are expected to be completed on 30/6/2025.

Mr. Theodorikakos mentioned in his presentation about Evros:

“Mr President,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

First of all, I want to say a thank you to my three colleagues from the Prefecture for their excellent cooperation and for their constant promotion of the requests, which are related to the Prefecture and linked to the Ministry of Development.

I also want to warmly thank the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Alexandroupolis for the many, direct and meaningful discussions he has offered me and the opportunity to understand things, issues and issues that are happening in this critical province of ours, where our homeland begins and ends.

I also want to agree with what I heard from the gentlemen mayors, that the greatest security in this place can be provided by jobs, young people, jobs and investments. I do not believe that there is anyone in this room who has even a thousandth of a doubt that the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Government of the New Democracy and this faction that celebrates its 50th anniversary tomorrow, we have as a Prime Minister worthy of our lives and actions us patriotism.

Especially the Prime Minister has repeatedly proven it not with words, but with actions and in very difficult times that this place went through and you were all there, all in front, putting up a barrier in the way it should, as it should.

But what matters most is how we move forward. I personally find extremely positive the presentations made by my colleagues so far and those that will follow. Because they create a framework of projects, I would characterize them as life-changing projects in the Prefecture of Evros and create new, very serious development possibilities.

The Ministry of Development, despite the very strict budgetary conditions and commitments that exist, is going to satisfy all of what we have promised you, Mr. District Governor.

In particular, you will normally receive, as provided by the Law, the 14 million euros for the investments you have approved as a Region in the Prefecture.

Despite, I repeat, the very great fiscal tightness, we decided in cooperation with the Prime Minister that all the investment plans that have been submitted to all the regimes of the new Development Law will be paid. These are 25 projects with a budget of 34 million euros and state support of 22 million euros in all sectors, tourism, manufacturing, agri-food and 360. All proposals that will have a basis, will all be paid normally.

Also, you know very well that as part of an overall effort we are making to strengthen our industry, to strengthen its role in the economic development, we are supporting the Industrial Parks with an overall program, which across the country reaches 90 million euros .

In this context, we are proceeding with the modernization of the Industrial Area of ​​Alexandroupolis. The work being done to improve the infrastructure of BIPE is around 5 million euros, half of which is covered by the Ministry of Development, from the funding it has from TAA.

Finally, in order to prove that what Kyriakos Pierrakakis said is absolutely true, I obviously refer to our laconic origin and to everything that the Minister of Education said. I want to say this: a gentleman, coming here, told me that he is 93 years old. He looked like he was 70, so living in Evros is a very good thing because it makes you healthy. He spoke like a much younger man.

I asked him what is needed for the children to stay here in Orestiada and he told me the same thing you told me Mr. Mayor of Orestiada, jobs. Everything my colleagues have said leads to jobs. But I believe it is particularly worth it and I want your cooperation in this, to find what else we need to do in the context of the restructuring of the Development Law, in order to attract some more big investment in the northern part of the prefecture.

Because what the Prime Minister has said, the vision and plan of balanced development, I believe we must put it into practice. Nomos is going forward, Alexandroupoli is going very far. We have to support the rest of the track as well. We have ideas around that. We will continue working with you and the Presidency of the Government in order to find the best solutions. Thank you very much!“.