Eastern Macedonia and Thrace leaders call for regional development plans

During a regional conference in Komotini, industry representatives and political figures discussed the economic future of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace through 2030. Participants, including representatives from SEV and SEVE, emphasized the need for a comprehensive development plan focusing on productive investments, energy, and transport infrastructure.

Key challenges identified include high operational costs, insufficient infrastructure, a shortage of specialized personnel, and limited incentives for new manufacturing units. Georgios Christopoulos, General Director of SEV, noted low productivity in the region, attributing it to a lack of invested capital following the economic crisis.

In a separate critique of the Regional Council, the People's Rally of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace condemned the current administration for prioritizing corporate profits and EU-aligned growth over social needs. The group proposed measures such as abolishing VAT on essential goods, removing special consumption taxes on energy and fuel, and implementing profit caps on refineries to alleviate social pressures.