A clear message of upgrading the role of Greek Regions in the management of European funds, as well as accelerating large cross-border infrastructure, was sent by the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, speaking online at the General Assembly of the Association of Greek Regions (ANRE).
According to Mr. Tzitzikostas, the College of Commissioners approved changes to the package of proposals for the new European budget the day before yesterday, which amend the initial proposal for the next NSRF and decisively strengthen the participation of the Regions. The new provision provides for specific control and involvement at the regional level, allowing the Regions to actively participate in both the design and implementation of the programmes, while at the same time gaining the right to direct dialogue with the Commission, without intermediaries.
“The Regions will now have an upgraded role and greater access to European funds”, noted the Commissioner, stressing that the Greek regional government has already proven its ability to manage complex programmes and absorb resources through successive crises.
Mr. Tzitzikostas described the new architecture of the NSRF as a “historic need” for Greece, pointing out that the transition to modern regional governance is a crucial step for the efficiency of the state, the reduction of bureaucratic delays and the better response to the needs of local societies. “A strong Europe is built with strong Regions”, he stated characteristically.
Signature in Brussels for the new vertical axis
The Commissioner made special reference to the strategic project of the vertical road and rail axis that will connect Thessaloniki with Bucharest. As he announced, the final project plan will be signed on 4 December in Brussels, in the presence of the relevant ministers of Greece, Bulgaria and Romania.
The project, which includes tight timetables, aims to create a modern and safe rail and road connection that will strengthen Greece’s geopolitical position and upgrade the EU’s connectivity from the Aegean to the Black Sea.
Mr. Tzitzikostas emphasized that this new European “vertical avenue” will constitute a key infrastructure for transport, trade, extroversion and tourism, as it ensures a direct connection of Greece with Central Europe via Bulgaria and Romania.
