The cycle of reporting presentations by the Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Mr. Christodoulos Topsides, to the five Regional Units of the Region began in Drama, inaugurating an open cycle of information and accountability to citizens for the work implemented in the first 2,5 years of the current administration.

The presentation took place on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the Administration of the Regional Unit of Drama. The Regional Governor was accompanied by the Deputy Regional Governor of Drama, Mr. Michalis Mourvetidis, the Deputy Regional Governor for Social Policy, Mr. Alexandros Panagiotidis, the Regional Councilor, responsible for the Energy Sector and Falakro Ski Center, Mr. Argyris Patakakis, and the Regional Councilor, responsible for the Lifelong Learning and Youth Sector, Mr. Konstantinos Kontos.

Presenting, in the context of a press conference, the results of regional policy, Mr. Topsides emphasized that the Regional administration succeeded in increasing the available NSRF resources by 206,4 million euros.

"Today, our Region is the first Region in the country in integrations and contracting of NSRF projects. And this is not a title. It is a real conquest. When we took over, the NSRF numbered only 84 integrations. Today, integrations have reached 936.

Behind this number there are Municipalities that can implement projects. There are businesses that are being strengthened to become more competitive and more innovative. There are young scientists who find quality and well-paid jobs. There are social structures, primary health structures and hospitals that are being strengthened to continue to offer to the local community.

In addition, the PAMT administration succeeded in including dozens of new projects in the Regional Development Program and securing additional funding for infrastructure, entrepreneurship, health, education, social cohesion and civil protection," he said.

The Regional Governor also emphasized that "our report is not a presentation of numbers. It is proof that resources are transformed into projects, commitments into actions and planning into results", while emphasizing that none of what is presented is the work of one person. "It is the result of the collective work of the Deputy Regional Governors, the Regional Councilors of our party, the service executives and the employees of the Region. I thank them all, because with their cooperation, perseverance and daily effort we managed to transform planning into a substantial project for the citizens", he noted.

Interventions that touch every key development sector in the Drama Regional Government

The Regional Governor then presented the intervention program implemented in the Drama Regional Unit, covering every key development sector, with particular emphasis on infrastructure that enhances road safety and flood protection. At the same time, he made special reference to road connections and the actions undertaken by the Regional Administration to promote important road axes.

Particular reference was also made to the investments being implemented in all the Municipalities of the region, taking advantage of their special characteristics. "We allocated 20 million euros for the Integrated Spatial Investment of the Rhodope Mountains and the Nestos River. A strategic intervention that concerns 13 Municipalities, 124 communities and 308 settlements, giving development prospects to mountainous and disadvantaged areas," he emphasized.

In the primary sector, significant investments are underway to modernize irrigation infrastructure, while in the education and health sectors, projects are being implemented that upgrade school units, strengthen Drama Hospital and primary health care, as well as new social services, such as the Women's Support Counseling Center and the home care service in Kato Nevrokopi.

At the same time, the Region actively supports local entrepreneurship, financing investments that enhance production, innovation and employment.

Special mention was also made of actions that enhance Drama's extroversion, such as the reopening of the Falakro Ski Center, the promotion of wine tourism, as well as the steady support of important cultural and sporting events.

Working meeting with Mayors and representatives of organizations

During his visit to the Drama Regional Unit, the Regional Governor Mr. Christodoulos Topsidis had a working meeting with Mayors, Deputy Mayors and representatives of structures and bodies in the region, including the Drama Hospital, the Drama Chamber, the Hoteliers' Association, the Federation of Professionals, Craftsmen and Merchants, the Technical Chamber, the Development S.A., the Ephorate of Antiquities, the Drama DEYA, the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives, the Chronic Diseases Treatment Center and the Addiction Prevention Center. During the meeting, the initiatives, interventions and development actions that have already been implemented, are in progress or are planned were discussed, while the importance of close cooperation between the Region and local bodies was highlighted.

Mr. Topsides also donated defibrillators to the Drama Guard Officers' Club and the Hellenic Red Cross - Drama Regional Branch.

He then visited the Softex hub, where he was informed about the infrastructure project implemented by the Region, with significant benefits to traffic safety.

The Regional Governor's tour concluded with visits to the Drama Dairy Industry S.A. "NEOGAL" and the company "BAPANOY-VARANOU" Food Trade, businesses that utilized the Region's NSRF funding, strengthening their competitiveness and contributing to the local economy. In total, more than 18 million euros were allocated for entrepreneurship in the Drama Regional Unit, supporting dozens of businesses, investments in innovation and energy upgrading, strengthening the local economy and creating new jobs.

Concluding his tour of the Drama Regional Government, the Governor emphasized that completing the first 2,5 years of administration is an important milestone, but not the end of the journey. "The trust of citizens is earned daily. With work, transparency and cooperation, we continue even more dynamically, claiming more resources and more opportunities for Drama and for every corner of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace," he concluded.

The following is the statement of the Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace

I thank you very much for being here today, to listen, to evaluate, but above all to convey to our fellow citizens the true picture of the first 2,5 years of our joint effort for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

Today we present results.

An account based on measurable data, on projects that are implemented, on resources that are secured and returned to society.

From day one we set a clear goal:

• to utilize every available financial tool,
• to unblock processes that have remained stagnant for years,
• to provide solutions to problems that plagued local communities,
• and to create the conditions for a stronger, more modern, more extroverted and more attractive Region to live, work, invest and visit.

We know that this mission was not easy.

But we never lost our bearings.

We stayed focused on the goal.

And today we can look into the eyes of every citizen of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace and say with confidence:

the results speak for themselves.

• Today, our Region is the first Region in the country in the integration and contracting of NSRF projects.

And this is not a title.

It is a real conquest.

When we took over, the NSRF had only 84 integrations. Today, the integrations have reached 936.

• Behind this number there are Municipalities that can implement projects.
• There are businesses that are being strengthened to become more competitive and more innovative.
• There are young scientists who are finding quality and well-paid jobs.
• There are social structures, health structures and hospitals that continue to operate and provide services.

Within these 2,5 years, we increased the available resources of the Regional Program "Eastern Macedonia - Thrace 2021-2027" by 206,4 million euros.

• During the same period, through the Regional Development Program 2021-2025, we included 109 projects and actions, with a total budget of 75 million euros.
• At the same time, for the new Regional Development Program 2026-2030, we issued calls for a total of 77 million euros, while 12 projects have already been included, with a budget of 35 million euros.
• And in addition, we secured 22,5 million euros for the restoration of damage from natural disasters, so that interventions can be carried out immediately and effectively.

We demand more resources.

We opened our Region even further to Europe

• We have secured funding from European Programs that already exceeds 11 million euros, with 11 approved programs and even more in the evaluation process.
• And here I want to focus particularly on the reactivation of the Brussels Office. Because Eastern Macedonia and Thrace must have a voice where major European decisions are made.

 

At the same time, with responsible financial management, we saved 7 million euros from the proper utilization of bank reservesMoney that did not remain in the coffers. It was returned to the citizens, through projects and interventions.

And I want to say it clearly.

All these numbers are not accounting figures.

It's more possibilities.

More opportunities.

More investments.

More jobs.

More security.

More quality of life.

They are the resources that allow us to implement infrastructure projects, support entrepreneurship, strengthen Municipalities, invest in health, education, social cohesion, civil protection and the environment.

And that's exactly what we did.

• We secured 100,4 million euros to boost entrepreneurship and create new jobs.
• We established the Extroversion Office, a permanent mechanism that helps businesses in the Region open new markets and strengthen their exports.
• We allocated 60 million euros for infrastructure and urban development projects.
• 56 million euros for hospitals, public health, welfare and social cohesion.
• 39,8 million euros for the energy upgrade of public buildings, mainly schools, investing both in saving resources and in better conditions for students and teachers.
• We also secured more than 30 million euros for the primary sector and agri-food.
• We created the first Carbon Footprint Office in Greece, giving our farmers a modern tool for the future of production.
• At the same time, we invested in upgrading the Exotic Disease Center, strengthening the protection of our Region's livestock against modern threats.
• We allocated 20 million euros for the Integrated Spatial Investment of the Rhodope Mountains and the Nestos River. A strategic intervention that concerns 13 Municipalities, 124 communities and 308 settlements, giving development prospects to mountainous and disadvantaged areas.
• At the same time, we invested 16 million euros in projects that highlight the culture and tourism of our Region.

We have also made significant strides in tourism.

We established the Destination Management and Promotion Organization (DMMO).

And we became the first Region in the country to create the Platform for Participation and Cooperation in Tourism, strengthening the cooperation of all people in the tourism industry.

We were awarded as an emerging destination and we continue with new air connections, valuable promotional actions like the one we did with the wineries of Drama.

 

• In Civil Protection, we have proven in practice that prevention saves lives.

We achieved 96,6% efficiency in the first fire attack, ranking our Region among the most efficient in the country.

And we are moving forward with the creation of the first Regional Climate Change Observatory in Greece, because adapting to the climate crisis requires knowledge, planning and prevention.

 

We also placed particular emphasis on the new generation.

Because the future of this place is its young people.

• That's why we created the Regional Youth Council, so that young people can actively participate in decision-making.
• We trained more than 12.000 students in road safety, investing in creating a new culture of responsible driving.
• For the first time, in collaboration with the EKAB, we trained students throughout the Region in first aid.
• And now Eastern Macedonia and Thrace is an Olympic Region, promoting sports, education and the values ​​of Olympism through collaboration with Olympic champions and educational programs.

And since we are talking about young people, I want to focus on another important initiative.

We are the first in Greece to create the Demographic Policy Observatory, in collaboration with the Ministry of Family and the OECD.

A modern tool that will allow us to design targeted demographic policies, support young scientists and implement interventions, such as the affordable housing program that we are already preparing.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Everything I have presented to you are not piecemeal actions.

They compose the big picture of a Region that seizes every opportunity.

Who plans seriously. Who claims.

And, above all, a Region that transforms resources into projects and projects into a better everyday life for every citizen of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

But behind the overall design are specific projects, interventions and initiatives implemented in each Regional Unit, based on its particular needs and development prospects.

Starting today, from the DRAMA REGIONAL UNIT, we present the most important projects and actions implemented over these 2,5 years, proving that our planning translates into substantial work for every place and every citizen.

In the Regional Unit of Drama, our development plan is reflected in projects that cover every aspect of everyday life and the development of the place.

• In the Infrastructure sector, resources exceeding 15 million euros are being mobilized, for important road construction, flood protection and road network maintenance projects,

1. hub in the industrial area
2. restoration of the Nestos bridge
3. settlement of the Kallifitos torrent
4. Projects in torrents of Drama, Paranesti, Doxato, Kallifito
5. Inclusion of the act of upgrading the municipal garden & square of Drama (SVAA)

• In the primary sector, our actions aim to in the modernization of irrigation infrastructure, the energy upgrade of TOEBs, the preparation of land reforestation projects and actions that enhance the competitiveness of agricultural production.
  1. We emphasize farmers, which is why we have submitted proposals worth almost 30 million euros. for the modernization of irrigation TOEBs of Sitagra-Mylopotamos, TOEBs of Voirani, upgrading of irrigation TOEBs of Kato Nevrokopi, energy upgrading of boreholes of TOEBs of Koudounie
• Over 13 million euros are invested in Education for energy upgrading of school units in the Municipalities of Drama, Doxato, Paranesti, a new kindergarten in Xiropotamos and modernization/equipment of educational infrastructure throughout the Regional Unit.
• In the field of Health and Social Cohesion, approximately 11 million euros are available, for the supply of modern medical equipment for the Drama Hospital, the strengthening of Health Centers and the operation of new social structures and Community Centers.
  1. 300 euros per month incentive for newly hired doctors at Drama Hospital
  2. FIRST TIME: Women's Support Counseling Center & Home Care Service of Kato Nevrokopi
• For Entrepreneurship, more than 18 million euros are secured, supporting dozens of businesses, investments in innovation and energy upgrading, strengthening the local economy and creating new jobs.

Today we will visit the Neogal and Varano businesses, who utilized the funding and created benefits for the local economy.

• In Tourism and Culture:
  1. Reopening of the Falakro Ski Center, which has already brought tens of thousands of visitors back to the area.
  2. We are investing 1 million euros to highlight the rich history, cultural heritage and unique natural beauty of the Municipality of Paranesti.
  3. For the first time, in collaboration with wineries, Drama found itself at the epicenter of wine tourism, gastronomy and authentic experiences, with an emphasis on Drama's strong product, wine.
  4. Restoration and promotion of the Byzantine Church of Agia Sophia, Drama
  5. Preparation of a study for the Ecclesiastical Museum of the Holy Metropolis of Drama
  6. Support for numerous cultural events: Drama Knowledge, Drama Music Festival, Marble and Art Festival, etc.

SPORTS holds a special place in the actions we develop in the region, with important events: Such as the Panhellenic Taekwon-Do Championship, Rhythmic Gymnastics Competitions, Panhellenic Olympic Wrestling Competitions in Prosotsani, Panhellenic Basketball Championship of Police Directorates of Northern Greece, etc.

• In the Employment sector, programs worth over 6 million euros are being implemented for recruiting new scientists and creating new businesses.
• End, in the field of Administrative Restructuring of our Services,

1. We strengthened the human resources of the services of the Regional Unit of Drama with 30 employees (permanent, temporary and 55+)
2. More than 270 digital services are available to citizens for faster and easier service.
3. Internal Operation Organization. Modernization of Local Government
4. €1,7 million tender to strengthen services with a modern fleet of 55 new vehicles. Process in progress.

All of the above proves that a comprehensive program of projects and actions is being implemented in the Regional Unit of Drama, aiming at better infrastructure, a stronger economy and a better quality of life for citizens.

At this point I want to say that none of what we are presenting today is the work of one person. It is the result of the collective work of the Deputy Regional Governors, the Regional Councilors of our party, the service executives and the employees of the Region. I thank them all, because with their cooperation, perseverance and daily effort we managed to transform the planning into a substantial project for the citizens.

I will close by saying that the report I presented to you is not the end of a journey. It is the foundation upon which we build the next day.

With the same plan, the same determination and close cooperation with local communities, we continue to demand more resources, more opportunities and even bigger projects for Drama and every corner of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.