An inter-ministerial meeting on the issues of the rehabilitation of North Chios after the fires of the previous months and its redevelopment was held under the chairmanship of the Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, following the instructions of the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Topics of discussion were the course of granting state aid to those affected in the region, the payment of compensation to producers, the implementation of the necessary anti-flood and anti-erosion projects and the support of the local economy and society.
The meeting highlighted the need for all relevant State and Local Government bodies to swiftly take the necessary actions to repair the damage suffered by the region following this summer’s fires, making the most of the possibilities and tools available from the current institutional framework, as well as all the resources available from different sources.
Based on the presentation of data by the participants in the meeting, an extensive set of measures is being activated to support Northern Chios.
The measures include:
Financial support to cover the basic needs of households, housing assistance for damage to homes and a three-year exemption from ENFIA for buildings that suffered serious damage. It was noted that constant information is required for the affected-beneficiaries about the deadlines for submitting applications, so that the procedures proceed without delays.
State aid to affected businesses with a subsidy of up to 70% of the cost of the damage, following on-site inspections carried out by executives of the North Aegean Region. It was noted that the affected-beneficiaries are required to be constantly informed about the deadlines for submitting applications, so that the procedures proceed without delays.
Emergency funding for the Municipality of Chios, amounting to 3 million euros (€) for the restoration of water networks and infrastructure.
Activation of the “Chios Pass” measure for the 2026 tourist season, with the aim of supporting the tourist activity of North Chios.
Promotion of the necessary flood and erosion control projects in the affected area by the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the General Secretariat of Forests, with the relevant budget covered by the National Bank, as a private contractor for restoration and reforestation.
Acceleration by the Hellenic Agricultural Insurance Organization (EL.GA.) of the procedures for inspections and payments of compensation for production damages to plants and livestock. It is noted that compensation is paid exclusively to producers who meet the conditions set by the current institutional and regulatory framework, after the completion of the inspection and evaluation procedures.
Additional funding due to insularity to cover increased costs of transportation and damage restoration in remote areas.
Investigation of the possibility of establishing special support measures for businesses, in order to maintain jobs and stimulate the economy of the region.
Mr. Hatzidakis underlined that “We have no room to waste a single day in supporting North Chios, in repairing the damage and the victims, and in rehabilitating the area. Both Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and I personally will constantly monitor the implementation of the measures that have been decided and those that will be decided in the near future, so that North Chios can get back on its feet and gain new life.”
