Progress of the Eastern Macedonia–Thrace Regional Operational Programme 2021–2027 presented in İskeçe
The progress of the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Regional Operational Programme (ROP) 2021–2027 was presented during the 5th Monitoring Committee meeting held in İskeçe on June 3, bringing together local authorities, government officials, and representatives of European institutions.
The meeting reviewed the implementation progress of the programme and outlined plans for upcoming funding calls and future priorities.
Regional Governor and Committee President Christodoulos Topsidis opened the session, followed by presentations from representatives of the European Commission and Greece’s National Coordination Authority for EU funds.
The implementation status of the programme was presented by Panagiotis Koudoumakis, Head of the Managing Authority for the EMTH ROP, while upcoming calls for proposals were outlined by Triantafyllos Delakis, Head of Unit A of the Managing Authority.
The session was attended by MPs, deputy regional governors, mayors, municipal officials, and representatives of local authorities, alongside stakeholders from social, economic, and civil society organizations.
Representatives from the European Commission, including officials linked to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF), also participated in the meeting, together with national authorities and managing bodies responsible for EU funding implementation.
Regional Development Priorities and Funding Outlook
Governor Topsidis emphasized that EU funds remain the most important development tool for the region, highlighting the aim of turning financial resources into long-term, impactful projects that improve citizens’ daily lives.
He noted that the 2021–2027 programme, with a budget exceeding €640 million, is performing strongly at national level in terms of project approvals, contracts, and payments. He added that with additional overcommitments of approximately €207 million, the total investment capacity has risen to around €846 million.
Funds are being directed toward business support, energy upgrades of public buildings, modernization of educational and healthcare infrastructure, road safety improvements, social welfare structures, employment and inclusion actions, as well as cultural, tourism, and environmental projects.
Four new priorities were also introduced in the programme’s second revision, with a budget of approximately €64 million. These include:
- Security and resilience under the framework of military mobility
- Affordable housing initiatives
- Investment in strategic new technologies (STEP)
- Sustainable water resource and drinking water management
Topsidis also highlighted regional initiatives aimed at strengthening EU support for its eastern external border regions, stressing the need for targeted policies to enhance resilience, connectivity, and development prospects.
He concluded that the success of the programme is measured not only by financial indicators but by tangible benefits delivered to citizens, reiterating the need for continued regional programmes in the next EU funding period (2028–2034).
