Papastavrou at ET Forum – “Alexandroupoli 2030”: Greece is a true energy hub
Topsidis: “Eastern Macedonia and Thrace is Gaining Critical Strategic Importance”
On Wednesday, the Greek daily Eleftheros Typos hosted a conference titled “Alexandroupoli 2030: A Regional Hub in Energy, Economy, and Geopolitics.” The event featured prominent speakers, including Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou, Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis, Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis, DUTH Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation Georgios Broufas, General Director of Thrace Mining Leonidas Bakouras, Chief Commercial Officer of Mesogeios Group Georgios Koumparakis, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Kostas Karagounis, Regional Deputy Governor for Development Alexandros Iosifidis, TEE Thrace President Polyzois Paraskevopoulos, President of the Economic Chamber of Greece (Thrace Branch) Fotios Maltezos, Alexandroupoli Municipal Councilor and former Deputy Governor of Evros Dimitris Petrovits, and biologist Sylvia Zakkak, Head of the Evros Delta and Dadia National Park Management Unit, among others. The discussions were moderated by Eleftheros Typos journalists.
The forum focused on key issues including technological innovation, sustainable development, economic growth, and geopolitical strategy—offering a platform for critical thinking and dialogue on Greece's competitiveness in the modern era.
Governor Topsidis emphasized the pivotal role of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, stating:
“Today’s event takes place at a crucial juncture for the European Union, which faces complex challenges—economic instability, the war in Ukraine, migration pressures, and the rise of extremist political forces. Despite these difficulties, Europe must remain a pillar of peace and stability. As the southernmost land border of the EU, our region gains particular importance and relevance.”
Minister Papastavrou highlighted Alexandroupoli's national significance, noting:
“I just returned from projects in Dadia, where nature is in a phase of regeneration. The environmental works are complete. At the recent UN Ocean Conference, Greece’s leadership in environmental matters was recognized. We are one of the countries that have ratified the global agreement on biodiversity protection. The Prime Minister has announced the creation of two marine parks that will position Greece as a leader in marine protection—well before 2030.”
He added that the Mediterranean connects rather than divides, and new infrastructure projects are essential to bring its two shores closer.
“The agreement is based on the law of the sea, which Greece strongly supports. The marine parks will be established in the Ionian Sea. Alexandroupoli and the surrounding region are vital energy lungs for the country. Greece is truly becoming an energy hub.”
Minister Papastavrou also referred to a G7-level initiative to create a new maritime trade route for Indian products to enter Europe.
“If the agreement proceeds, Alexandroupoli and Northern Greece will serve as entry points for these goods—transforming the entire region.”
Key moments of the forum included honorary awards presented by Eleftheros Typos to:
- Angeliki Giannakidou, founder and president of the Ethnological Museum of Thrace,
- Paralympic gold medalist swimmer Demosthenes Michalentzakis,
- and Vasilis Mazarakis, founder of the “Aroma Evrou” business,
in recognition of their contributions to culture, sports, and entrepreneurship.
