Topsidis: Meriç changes through projects, not promises
Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis presented the achievements of his administration’s first two and a half years, highlighting infrastructure, flood protection, agriculture, healthcare, education, tourism, and business development projects in the Evros regional unit.
The presentation, held in Dedeağaç on Monday, July 27, marked the completion of a series of accountability meetings covering all five regional units of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
Topsidis said the region had moved from planning to implementation, with secured funding and concrete development projects underway. He emphasized that available European Union funding through the NSRF (ESPA) program had increased by €206.4 million, allowing the region to achieve what he described as the highest performance nationwide in project approvals and contracts.
“Behind the figures are projects for municipalities, support for businesses, new jobs, and important interventions in healthcare and social policy,” Topsidis said.
In Evros, approximately €90 million in resources are being allocated for infrastructure projects, while an additional €31.5 million is being sought for irrigation investments.
Major road safety projects worth €15.5 million are also underway, including safety barrier replacements, road markings, repairs, and upgrades to road lighting with more than 13,000 LED fixtures. Other ongoing projects include the new bridge at Avantas, the bridge over the Erythropotamos River, and the legalization of the coastal road connecting Dikella and Mesimvria.
The regional administration also highlighted flood protection projects launched after the devastating wildfires of 2023, as well as the strategic “Evros-META” plan, which includes projects worth €31.5 million.
In agriculture, Topsidis referred to investments in irrigation infrastructure, land consolidation projects, protection of products with Protected Geographical Indication status, and efforts to secure more than €60 million for new agricultural improvement projects.
The region also reported a 96.6% effectiveness rate in initial wildfire response operations, supported by investments in modern equipment and technologies such as drones.
Education projects presented during the meeting included support for the Medical School of Dedeağaç, the new Psychology Department in Didymoteicho, the Veterinary School in Orestiada, and energy upgrades in schools.
In healthcare, the administration highlighted upgrades to the Samothrace Health Center, funding for the University Hospital of Dedeağaç and regional health centers, as well as initiatives aimed at strengthening social cohesion.
Tourism and culture initiatives included projects at archaeological sites, the establishment of a Destination Management and Marketing Organization (DMMO), international promotion of the region, and improvements to transportation infrastructure.
Following the press conference, Topsidis donated two defibrillators, one to the Meriç Intercity Bus Company (KTEL) and another to the Dedeağaç branch of the Hellenic Red Cross.
During his visit to Evros, the regional governor also held meetings with mayors, deputy mayors, and representatives of local institutions to discuss ongoing projects and future cooperation.
The visit concluded with inspections of the double pumping project in Feres, flood prevention works at the Mantheia stream, and local businesses that benefited from ESPA funding.
Topsidis said the first two and a half years represent only the beginning of the administration’s efforts, promising continued efforts to secure new funding and implement further projects across Meriç and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
