Regional road network in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace described as dangerous

In a question submitted to the Regional Council of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, the opposition group argued that the condition of major roads remains “extremely dangerous,” despite what it described as ambitious government announcements, public events and recent European recognition for initiatives implemented by the region.

Laiki Syspirosi specifically pointed to problems along the vertical road corridors connected to the Egnatia Motorway, the wider regional road network and sections of the Egnatia itself.

The group also criticized the regional administration for what it called a “Pontius Pilate” approach to the issue, arguing that authorities have repeatedly cited the high cost of the necessary infrastructure works.

According to the group, the deputy regional governor of Meriç recently said that a study had estimated the cost of maintaining the road network along the Ormenio–Dedeağaç section of the Egnatia vertical axis at €85 million. The total cost required for the wider regional road network was reportedly estimated at €700 million.

Laiki Syspirosi also criticized the regional administration's response that it is “doing what it can” and referred to the group's claims regarding unsuccessful efforts to secure European Union funding for the necessary road infrastructure projects.

The political group further linked the issue to broader infrastructure priorities in the region, arguing that significantly larger amounts of funding have been allocated to projects associated with railway and port infrastructure in Dedeağaç and NATO-related military mobility.

It cited €277 million in funding secured for the Dedeağaç–Pythio section of the railway line, in addition to €220 million previously approved for the Pythio–Ormenio section. The group argued that similar funding priorities exist for infrastructure around the port of Dedeağaç and its road connections.

At the same time, Laiki Syspirosi highlighted what it described as delays surrounding the connection between the Egnatia Motorway and the university hospital, arguing that the project has yet to receive sufficient attention.

The group ultimately asked the regional governor whether the administration intends to seek immediate state funding for all necessary road upgrades and maintenance projects. It also questioned whether the administration would stop commissioning studies from consulting firms when, according to the group, many of those studies ultimately remain unused.