Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Governor engages in high-level EU talks in Brussels
The Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Mr. Christodoulos Topsidis, concluded a high-level institutional visit to Brussels this week, strengthening the region’s international presence and its ties with European institutions.
The visit included a series of strategic meetings with EU Commissioners, Directors-General, and participation in European events aimed at promoting regional development, cohesion, and diplomacy.
Accompanied by a regional delegation, Governor Topsidis attended the European Week of Public Diplomacy and held key discussions with high-ranking EU officials on tourism, transport infrastructure, social policy, and funding mechanisms.
Cultural Promotion at the European Parliament
The Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace made a strong impression at the European Parliament, participating in an exhibition organized by MEP Frédéric Beleris (June 23–26), showcasing local culture and high-quality regional products. Governor Topsidis presented the rich heritage and economic potential of the region, underlining its unique identity at the crossroads of Europe.
Meeting with EU Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas
Governor Topsidis met with the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, in a warm and productive discussion. Key topics included the development of the European Path E6, ending in Samothrace, which is viewed as a catalyst for cultural and tourism growth. The issue of Transport Equivalence was also raised, highlighting the need for fairer logistics costs in remote and island regions.
Dialogue with DG Regio: Cohesion and Investment
In a meeting with Ms. Themis Christofidou, Director-General of DG Regio, Governor Topsidis presented progress under the current Regional Development Program, with over 588 proposals and public investments exceeding €111 million. He emphasized the importance of flexibility in EU funding and promoted the NEEBOR initiative, a network aimed at strengthening the voice of EU’s eastern border regions—an idea welcomed by Ms. Christofidou, who proposed an official follow-up meeting.
Social Cohesion: Talks with Mario Nava
A separate meeting with Mr. Mario Nava, Director-General of DG Employment, focused on social policies funded by the European Social Fund+, particularly actions supporting women, people with disabilities, the elderly, and migrants. Governor Topsidis proposed the introduction of a dedicated priority axis (“Priority 4G”) in the upcoming funding period, tailored to social inclusion in border regions.
Strategic Networking with Innovation Hubs
Beyond institutional meetings, the Governor also engaged with European innovation and development networks, EURADA and ERRIN, reinforcing the region’s connection with R&D centers and entrepreneurship hubs across Europe.
This multi-dimensional visit reflects the Region’s ongoing strategy of extroversion and active participation in European decision-making, aiming to unlock new development opportunities and strengthen Eastern Macedonia and Thrace’s role as a dynamic EU border region.
