Western Macedonia officials meet Greek ministers on digital and economic transition

Greek Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou and Deputy Minister of Development Stavros Kalafatis visited the Western Macedonia region to discuss digital transformation and economic development. During meetings with Regional Governor Giorgos Amanatidis, discussions focused on implementing artificial intelligence infrastructure through the Pharos project and utilizing the Just Transition Fund to bolster the local economy.

In Eordaia, Mayor Panagiotis Plakentas presented several critical issues to the ministers following a visit to the EKETA Innovation Hub. Key concerns included the socio-economic impacts of lignite phase-out and job losses, the need to accelerate the Just Transition process, and the repurposing of former industrial sites, such as the AEVAL area, into industrial parks to attract new investment.

Additional local priorities raised include the development of a hydrogen unit, establishing a railway connection between the region and Thessaloniki to reduce transport costs, and the creation of a modern campus for the University of Western Macedonia in Ptolemaida. The Mayor also highlighted the ongoing challenges regarding the relocation of settlements affected by Public Power Corporation (DEH) activities.