Regional opposition group questions €9.2 million technical assistance program in East Macedonia and Thrace
The “Independent Unifying Initiative,” an opposition group in the East Macedonia and Thrace (AMTH) Regional Council, has criticized the regional administration over the sixth amendment to the Technical Assistance Implementation Program under the 2021–2027 EU-funded framework.
The group claims that the amended program has a total budget of €9.23 million and argues that its allocation places disproportionate emphasis on communication, external consultants, travel and events compared with oversight.
According to figures cited by the opposition group, the program includes approximately €2.76 million for advertising and publicity, €2.50 million for external consultants, €500,000 for domestic and international travel, and €350,000 for events and meetings. It says only €15,000 is allocated for audits and controls.
The group argues that the figures raise questions about the priorities of the regional administration led by Governor Christodoulos Topsidis.
OPPOSITION GROUP CHALLENGES REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION
In its statement, the “Independent Unifying Initiative” describes the spending structure as an example of excessive emphasis on communication and public relations. It also criticizes the administration for relying on external consultants rather than strengthening the region's permanent staff.
The group further questions the repeated amendments to the technical assistance program, arguing that the sixth amendment demonstrates a lack of consistent planning.
The statement also addresses the expected justification that technical assistance funds are governed by specific EU rules. The opposition group acknowledges that such funding is intended to support the implementation and management of EU programs, but argues that EU requirements do not determine the specific proportions allocated to publicity, consulting or auditing.
The group similarly disputes the argument that publicity expenditure is mandatory under EU rules, saying that mandatory communication requirements do not, in its view, explain the scale of the proposed publicity budget.
CALL FOR GREATER OVERSIGHT
The “Independent Unifying Initiative” calls for greater transparency and stronger oversight mechanisms in the management of EU-funded resources.
“EU funds belong to the citizens of East Macedonia and Thrace,” the group said, calling for resources to be directed toward what it describes as the region's genuine needs rather than the communication activities of the regional administration.
The statements and figures above represent the position of the opposition group. The figures cited in its statement should be read as its characterization of the sixth amendment; the underlying administrative decision and detailed budget documentation would be required to independently verify each allocation.
