Eastern Macedonia and Thrace seeks €30 million in EU funding as regional influence grows
Eastern Macedonia and Thrace is seeking to expand its access to European funding, build an alliance of regions along the European Union’s eastern external borders and strengthen its role in EU decision-making, Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis has said.
Speaking to Radio Paratiritis 94FM on Friday, October 16, following a two-day regional delegation visit to Brussels during European Week of Regions and Cities, Topsidis outlined plans to increase EU programme funding managed by the region from €15 million to €30 million by the end of his term.
He also called for dedicated EU financial support for border regions after 2027, arguing that investment, jobs and stronger local communities are essential to the long-term resilience of the EU’s external borders.
17 MAYORS JOIN BRUSSELS DELEGATION
Seventeen of the region’s 22 mayors took part in the Brussels mission, which aimed to familiarise local authorities with European funding opportunities and cross-border cooperation programmes.
According to Topsidis, participants received information on initiatives including the EU’s LIFE programme for the environment and climate, as well as funding instruments supporting urban development and sustainability.
The visit also included the inauguration of renovated premises for the region’s Brussels office. Topsidis said the office is staffed by three people, including a representative of the Ionian Islands Region, with discussions under way to add a fourth staff member.
Located approximately 100 metres from the European Parliament, the office is intended to help municipalities, businesses and regional organisations establish contacts with EU institutions, monitor policy developments and identify funding opportunities.
Responding to criticism of the renovation, Topsidis argued that the office’s value should be measured by its work and results rather than its physical premises.
REGIONAL EU PROGRAMME FUNDING TARGET SET AT €30 MILLION
Topsidis said the value of European programmes managed by the region had risen from approximately €2.5 million in previous years to €15 million under his administration.
He said the programmes currently account for around 50 jobs and bring benefits beyond direct funding, including staff training, specialised expertise, new technologies and cooperation opportunities.
The regional administration aims to raise the total to €30 million and create more than 120 jobs by the end of Topsidis’s term.
The governor also claimed that Eastern Macedonia and Thrace ranks first among Greek regions in funding calls and programme approvals, and second in payments. These figures were presented in his interview and were not independently verified for this report.
CALL FOR DEDICATED FUNDING FOR THE EU’S EASTERN BORDER REGIONS
A central initiative presented in Brussels was the creation of an alliance of regions located along the EU’s eastern external borders. According to Topsidis, the initiative began in October 2024 and seeks to secure distinct European funding arrangements for border regions after 2027.
The proposed approach aims to address demographic decline and development challenges by supporting employment, infrastructure and the retention of local populations.
Topsidis argued that border protection cannot rely solely on surveillance, fencing and security forces, but must also ensure that border communities remain populated and economically viable.
He said discussions during the Brussels visit involved representatives of regions in Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus, with the aim of building support for joint demands for dedicated funding.
The proposal comes amid wider discussions about the EU’s future budget and support for its external border regions. Whether a separate funding mechanism will be established remains subject to European-level negotiations and decisions.
REGION SEEKS TO CAPITALISE ON ITS STRATEGIC LOCATION
Topsidis linked the region’s development prospects to changing geopolitical conditions in Europe and the eastern Mediterranean, highlighting its potential role in transport, infrastructure and international connectivity.
He also referred to the region’s participation in a European network of 29 regions working on climate change and water management. Eastern Macedonia and Thrace is planning to host European meetings in Alexandroupoli (Dedeağaç) next June, he said.
Topsidis described the region as increasingly engaged in European initiatives and argued that its growing international presence could create opportunities for investment and new partnerships.
PLANS FOR 500 HOMES AND FURTHER BRUSSELS MISSIONS
Housing was another issue raised during the interview. Topsidis said the next phase of an affordable housing programme would be important for demographic recovery and for enabling younger people to establish families.
Following a meeting with Social Cohesion and Family Affairs Minister Domna Michailidou, discussions are reportedly under way on including major buildings in broader housing initiatives.
Topsidis said the wider plan aims to make 500 homes available or create housing through funding opportunities beyond the renovation programme. Further details have yet to be announced.
The regional administration also intends to extend its Brussels outreach beyond mayors. Topsidis said it plans to organise visits every six months over the next two years for representatives of business chambers, farmers, cultural associations and other professional and social groups.
The initiative is intended to help a wider range of regional stakeholders engage directly with EU institutions and explore opportunities for funding and cooperation.
