Thessaloniki to become Balkan economic hub, says Greek PM

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has outlined a strategic vision to transform Thessaloniki into the economic, transport, and logistics capital of the Balkans. Speaking at the National Strategy for Regional and Local Development forum, Mitsotakis emphasized that the city is reclaiming its natural role as a major gateway connecting the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe.

Key infrastructure projects driving this transformation include the expansion of the Thessaloniki metro, which recently reached 14.4 kilometers with the addition of five new stations toward Kalamaria, and the construction of a new flyover on the city's ring road expected by May 2027. The government is also prioritizing investments in the Port of Thessaloniki, railway connections, and a new logistics center at the former Gonou military complex.

Beyond transport, the strategy includes significant social investments. A new pediatric hospital, funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, is expected to be completed in early 2027 and is intended to be the most modern children's hospital in the Balkans. Additionally, the government plans to invest approximately 300 million euros into modernizing the Egnatia motorway over the next two years to strengthen regional connectivity.