# Economic and social development in Thessaly > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/economic-and-social-development-in-thessaly > Updated: 2026-09-06T02:55:00.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. The Thessaly region has focused on economic development and social integration through various European Union-supported programs. Initially, the region was recognized as a ‘European Entrepreneurial Region’ due to its innovation and entrepreneurship strategies. Despite facing economic crises, capital controls, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the region implemented over 1,200 investment plans through the ESPA Thessaly 2014–2020 programs, totaling 566.2 million euros in investments. Building on these developmental frameworks, the region has expanded its focus to social inclusion. A new three-year program, co-financed by the European Social Fund under the ‘Thessaly 2021-2027’ program, has allocated approximately 2.27 million euros for the socio-economic integration of Roma communities. This initiative targets six municipalities to combat discrimination and improve participation in social and economic life, specifically addressing challenges such as high unemployment and limited infrastructure. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-06: Thessaly Region allocates €2.27 million for Roma integration The Thessaly Region is investing over 2.27 million euros in a three-year program to support the socio-economic integration of Roma communities across six municipalities in Greece. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thessaly-region-allocates-227-million-for-roma-integration ### 2026-08-11: Thessaly recognized as European Entrepreneurial Region Kostas Agorastos detailed Thessaly's economic resilience, noting its 2019 recognition as a European Entrepreneurial Region and the implementation of 1,222 investment plans totaling 566.2 million euros. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thessaly-recognized-as-european-entrepreneurial-region --- Cite as: Economic and social development in Thessaly. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/economic-and-social-development-in-thessaly