The overall development plan for Evros is not only not limited, but is significantly expanded, from the 2,83 billion euros in the original plan to 2,96 billion euros today. It is a comprehensive network of projects and actions funded by different national and European tools and are in different phases of implementation.

 

Within this overall plan, the strengthening of the "EVROS-META" public transport company, which is managed by the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, is particularly important. Its budget increased from 180 million euros to 309 million euros, i.e. by 129 million euros or more than 70%.

 

These figures constitute the clearest response to reports of alleged shrinkage or cancellation of the Evros plan. Neither have the resources been reduced nor has the plan been abandoned. On the contrary, more resources have been secured and the plan is now being put into practice with specific and implementable projects.

 

It is precisely in this transition from planning to implementation that the Region's key role lies. Through the OCHE "EVROS-META", the Region is implementing the first specific part of the overall plan for the reconstruction and development of Evros, activating funding and advancing as a priority the mature and eligible projects that can be started immediately. The OCHE is not a different or competing plan, but a tool for implementing and accelerating the overall plan.

 

The OHE covers the entire Municipalities of Soufli, Didymoteicho and Orestiada, as well as the Municipality of Alexandroupoli, excluding the urban area, with interventions in road infrastructure and road safety, irrigation and flood control projects, social infrastructure and actions to support local entrepreneurship.

 

The enhanced budget includes an additional 30 million euros, announced by the Prime Minister after his visit to the region, mainly for the implementation of flood control projects through the Hellenic Water Resources and Energy Agency.

At the same time, major projects not included in the 309 million euros are not canceled or excluded from the overall planning. A typical example is the upgrade of the Alexandroupoli-Ormenio railway line, with a budget of 892,8 million euros, which is financed by the Connecting Europe Facility and is in an active tender process.

 

The Region, as the institutionally competent body for managing the OCHE, proceeds with specific and transparent criteria: maturity, eligibility and ability to implement immediately. The aim is to fully utilize the available resources and to transform the proposals into projects with real and measurable results for the local community.

 

The Regional Governor of the Hellenic Republic of Thessaloniki, Mr. Christodoulos Topsides, stated that "I want to recognize the contribution of the Government and the good cooperation that has been developed to promote important projects in our Region and especially for the reconstruction of Evros. With a series of interventions that were based on a specific plan and real needs.

The "EVROS-META" OCHE project, which was drafted by DIAZOMA after consultation with local bodies, is not only being implemented in its entirety, but is being further strengthened."