East Macedonia & Thrace on path to strategic growth, says governor Topsidis

Christodoulos Topsidis, Governor of East Macedonia and Thrace, highlighted the strategic importance of the region amid international challenges and geopolitical shifts during his opening remarks at the 4th East Macedonia-Thrace Forum in Dedeağaç (Alexandroupolis). The event was attended by senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and representatives of international organizations.

Topsidis emphasized the region’s role as a “pillar of stability, energy security, and connectivity in Southeastern Europe,” underlining the impact of major infrastructure projects. These include energy interconnections, port and railway upgrades, and initiatives improving regional connectivity, all of which strengthen the region’s position as a strategic hub.

He stressed the administration’s commitment to sustainable, human-centered development, prioritizing employment, entrepreneurship, innovation, social cohesion, and addressing demographic challenges.

During a panel discussion on “The Role of Local Government in Boosting Regional Economic Development in East Macedonia & Thrace,” Topsidis spoke alongside Ioannis Androulakis, President of the Green Fund, and the mayors of İskeçe (Xanthi), Kumçiftliği (Orestiada), and Sofullu (Soufli) —Efstratios Kontos, Adamantios Papadopoulos, and Panagiotis Kalakikos, respectively. He highlighted the “crucial role of local government as a driver of growth,” noting that regions and municipalities not only implement projects but also shape policies that strengthen the local economy.

Topsidis also pointed to the region’s collaboration with the Green Fund, concluding: “We invest in people and the resilience of our economy and society. East Macedonia and Thrace is transforming with planning and consistency, and the future is the result of cooperation.”