The European Commissioner is making the Evros a strategic pillar of safety, energy and transport with mammoth projects and European financing.
In a region at the heart of geopolitical and energy developments, Thrace and especially Evros are being given an enhanced role in European planning, with the Apostolos Tzitzikostas highlighting through his visit the intensity of investments and projects being implemented with with the support of the EU, which concern critical transport infrastructure, the strengthening of border security, energy interconnectivity and the strategic development of the region as a hub for trade and the movement of citizens and goods at European level.
The reflection of Europe in the projects implemented in Thrace and in particular in Evros with European funds of billions of euros, both for the protection of national and at the same time European borders and the safer movement of citizens, visitors and goods, outlined Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, during today’s conversation with students of the 4th High School at the Municipal Library of Alexandroupolis.
The message
Mr. Tzitzikostas, who is visiting Thrace on the occasion of tomorrow’s Europe Day, answering questions from the students who were not limited to issues of his portfolio, explained that the planned and ongoing projects will further strengthen the geopolitical role of the region, will contribute to the retention of young people in the Region, strengthening the economy and the security of citizens.
He made special mention of the launch of what he said will be a huge project that will serve citizens, trade and security for the whole of Europe, that of the vertical rail and road axis connecting three countries, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania. A project that enhances extroversion and will connect Alexandroupoli with Central Europe, the Aegean Sea with the Black Sea, given that the city’s port and Thessaloniki are on this axis.
Asked by the teenage students whether citizens’ trust in the railway network can be regained after the Tempi accident, Mr. Tzitzikostas replied that a modern and safe railway will be delivered by the end of 2026, stressing that the schedule of works submitted by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is closely monitored and strictly adhered to, while the required technical assistance has been provided by the Commission for the implementation of the project.
Thrace, the shield of the European Union
Thrace was described by Mr Tzitzikostas during his visit to the Evros border fence. “…Today we see here the image of a Europe that protects us, that does not leave its borders to their fate, that cooperates, that understands that citizens have the right to feel safe. The construction of the fence is a Greek initiative. An initiative supported by the EU with 1.7 billion euros in resources for equipment, new technologies and surveillance systems,” he said.
Alexandroupolis a top strategic point on the new energy map of Europe
The Commissioner referred to the rapid development of Greece into a critical energy hub for South-Eastern Europe and the special geopolitical and energy importance of Thrace for the whole of Europe while visiting the Natural Gas Metering and Regulation Station in Amfitriti (DESFA).
“The successive energy crises of recent years have shown that energy security is not only an economic issue and cannot be taken for granted. That is why Europe must invest and is constantly investing in the diversification of sources, suppliers and energy networks… LNG arriving here, at the Amfitriti Station, enters the Greek network, and from there supplies Southeast and Central Europe, enhancing the security of supply of the entire region. In fact, Alexandroupolis is now a top strategic point on the new energy map of Europe, and this is of particular importance, because Europe’s energy independence is a prerequisite for its economic strength, social stability and strategic autonomy,” Mr. Alexandroupolis said. Tzitzikostas.
Alexandroupolis, Thrace and PAMTH in the EU’s sights and priority.
He is convinced that the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace has “taken off” in recent years, especially in the areas of its competence in the EU.EU, namely infrastructure, transport and tourism, expressed the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism in his statements after the meeting he had in the afternoon with the Regional Governor of Macedonia Christodoulos Topsidis.
As he said, based on the data, PAMTH is acquiring a leading role throughout Europe, having succeeded in becoming not only a gateway to energy but also a hub of trade and extroversion for the whole of Greece and Europe.
As he said, based on the data, PAMTH is acquiring a leading role throughout Europe, having succeeded in becoming not only a gateway to energy but also a hub of trade and extroversion for all of Greece and Europe. “After the successive energy crises that we have had, Europe is now shielded and in order to be properly shielded, to become energy independent, it needs regions such as Alexandroupolis and Northern Greece… So Alexandroupolis, Thrace and the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace are in the overall focus and priority of the EU.”
Europe gives the platform to young entrepreneurs to realize their ideas and dreams
The Commissioner’s programme in Alexandroupolis was concluded with a meeting in the evening with young entrepreneurs from Thrace who are involved in start-ups.
After the meeting, Mr Tzitzikostas assured that Europe is next to young entrepreneurs who have the new ideas but not the way to put them into practice. “Europe is here to support you both with knowledge and know-how and with financial tools so that you can unfold not only what you have envisioned but also what you believe – based on the knowledge that each and every one of you – that there is value in investing. In essence, Europe comes along and gives you the platform, the basis on which you can build your own dreams. Whatever the crisis and the difficulties that we face and will face, Europe is the power that everyone has and will have to be able to unfold their dreams, to make them a reality and to stay in their own country. Our goal is through our startup support programmes to keep young people in their place,” he concluded.
