Western Macedonia Seeks €5 Million EU Funding for Kozani‑Veria Railway Study

The Regional Government of Western Macedonia has applied for €5 million from the EU Operational Programme for Fair Development Transition (EPA/DAM) to finance feasibility studies for a railway line linking the cities of Kozani and Veria. Deputy Regional Governor Haris Gkovedaros said the funds will cover the necessary technical and environmental assessments, the first step toward implementing the project. If the EU grant is not approved, the region plans to finance the studies from its own Public Investment Programme.

Local citizen groups from Ptolemaida, Eordaia, Kastoria and other municipalities have raised concerns that the regional governor is favouring Kozani over other towns, urging a more balanced allocation of development resources. Supporters highlight the EU’s emphasis on rail as a sustainable transport mode and view the proposal as a positive move for northern Greece’s infrastructure and economic growth.