European support for transport-related investments in Epirus and Western Greece

MEPs’, of the Committee on Transport and Tourism, first day in Epirus and Western Greece had remarkably positive results. The visit arranged in the 2 regions took place after an initiative of MEP, Mr. Miltos Kyrkos.

MEPs had the opportunity to see a fully completed Ionian Motorway and were impressed both by its quality and efficiency, while they were informed about the difficulties that the project encountered during the construction stage. Several trips to local places of interest in the area were held, i.e. Ioannina Lake, the traditional Bridge of Arta and the impresssive, modern-day, Rio-Antirrio Bridge, that were accompanied by additional actions such as presentations, commemorative gifts’ exchange and thorough discussions about regional issues.

During their visit, MEPs had the opportunity to hold a meeting, in Arta, with the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Mr. Christos Spiritsis, the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Island Policy, Mr. Yorgos Kouroublis and Ms. Olga Yerovassili.

The head of the Committee, Ms. Karima Delli, participated in the meeting noting: “We have to build a ‘Europe of the Regions’, we can not have two-speed regions in the Union. Trans-European networks are a priority. You can rely on the support of the Committee on Transport and Tourism” and added that the budget for transport-related projects will not suffer reductions as “the funding to be given (to Epirus) aims for shaping a new face for the area and giving prominence to an exemplary region due to its optimum practices, not just a deprived region”.

We should mention that MEPs have been committed to a positive contribution regarding the financing of new projects in the region. The dominant project is the extension of Ionian Motorway from Ioannina to the borderline crossing to Kakavia (Albania). It is very interesting that, for the first time, a request for the upgrade of Arta-Karditsa expressway, connecting Ionian and E65 Motorways, was also voiced.

Speaking at Ypodomes.com, Mr. Leonidas Antonakopoulos, Director of the European Parliament’s Office in Athens, said: “It was an important and productive day with the 6-member delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Infrastructure as they had the opportunity to hear, firsthand, views, aspirations and demands of the Regional and Local Authorities, at the highest possible level, of course, along with the participation of three Ministers of the Greek Gov’t.

In this way, MEPs, who are, let’s not forget co-legislators at a European Union level, regarding lawmaking and policy formation, had the opportunity to see and get informed about the problems of the regions of Epirus and Western Greece. In this sense, the European Parliament which supports their actions can express its satisfaction with the outcome of the visit.

Nikos Karagiannis-ypodomes.com

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