PM Mitsotakis visits Meric to oversee flood recovery and infrastructure projects
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Wednesday visited northern Meriç (Evros) to assess damage from recent floods and review ongoing and planned projects to strengthen the region’s infrastructure, energy security, and border facilities.
Accompanied by Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis and local mayors, Mitsotakis toured flood-affected areas and outlined restoration plans. He announced an additional €10 million for the Integrated Territorial Investment of Evros, bringing the total to €30 million to support both immediate recovery and medium-term infrastructure projects.
The prime minister highlighted a four-year water agreement with Bulgaria on the Arda River, aimed at securing irrigation supplies for local agriculture. He also addressed efforts to strengthen the livestock sector while resolving delays in EU subsidy administration through the absorption of OPEKEPE by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).
“We are undertaking a major transition. Support has already been provided to farmers who lost livestock, and additional aid will be available next year if necessary,” Mitsotakis said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ending livestock diseases and helping rebuild herds.
Supporting local communities
Mitsotakis visited Artemida Papakostidou, known as the “Lady of the Delta,” near the Meriç (Evros) River mouth, where he highlighted state initiatives for remote settlements, including electrification through photovoltaic panels, provision of a satellite phone, and the planned abolition of the ENFIA property tax from 2027 for residents of small settlements.
Energy and industrial development
The prime minister toured the 840 MW combined-cycle thermal power plant under construction in Dedeağaç (Alexandroupolis’) Industrial Area (VIPE Alexandroupolis). Expected to be operational by 2027, the €400 million plant, a joint investment by PPC and DEPA Commercial, will enhance Greece’s energy security and create 80 permanent jobs. Mitsotakis underscored the strategic importance of Dedeağaç (Alexandroupolis) in the region’s energy landscape, particularly in light of the Vertical Corridor project linking Greece to European energy networks.
He also visited Prisma Electronics, a company developing advanced systems for defense, aerospace, shipping, and industrial applications.
Border and trade infrastructure
Mitsotakis inspected ongoing upgrades at Kipi (Bahçeköy) Border Station, a €13 million project that will separate passenger and commercial traffic, add customs control lanes, and construct facilities for veterinary, phytosanitary, narcotics, and X-ray inspections, including ISOBOX units.
The prime minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting local communities, improving infrastructure, and ensuring Meriç (Evros’) long-term economic, energy, and environmental resilience.
Photos:AMNA
