Concerns from Thrace over new development law

Significant concerns have been raised by the business community of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace regarding the draft Development Law, currently under public consultation. Representing local industries, Christos Giordamlis, President of the Network of Industrial and Craft Associations of the Region, voiced these concerns during a hearing before the Standing Committee on Production and Trade in the Greek Parliament.

Mr. Giordamlis presented a number of observations on behalf of manufacturing businesses in the region, urging amendments related to regional policy, funding incentives, and institutional obstacles.

He described the draft law as "inadequate" for the needs of the region, pointing to seven key deficiencies, including:

Insufficient funding allocations

Lack of tailored incentives for businesses in remote regions

No provision for a special support zone

Infrastructure deficiencies

Gaps in environmental policy, particularly in the Evros area

He highlighted the population and economic decline in parts of Evros, as well as non-operational infrastructure and development plans that remain unimplemented. He also referenced the negative impact of institutional delays and outstanding compensation payments.

On the sidelines of the session, Mr. Giordamlis met with Development Minister Panagiotis Theodorikakos, who reportedly committed to reviewing proposals for improving the bill.