Today, Monday (19/5), a session was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, during which the new Multiannual Financial Framework of the EU for 2028-2034 and Greece’s planning for road, rail, energy, and telecom networks were discussed.

Specifically, the following were examined:

1. The new EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034 and the National Strategy for Regional and Local Development

The discussion analyzed the evolving situation in Brussels, based on a recent announcement by the European Commission. Priorities such as competitiveness and defense were highlighted as being of particular importance in the EU’s next programming period. The sectors of Cohesion and the Common Agricultural Policy were emphasized as especially critical for Greece. An initial mapping of Greece’s arguments and alliances in this crucial negotiation was also carried out.

It was agreed that there should be continuous inter-ministerial coordination on this vital issue for funding the economy. The peak of negotiations for the new EU multiannual budget will take place during Greece’s Presidency in the second half of 2027. An overview of the financing needs for regional projects was also discussed, with a plan to hold a special meeting on this matter.

Contributions were made by Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Pappathanasakis, Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister Thanasis Kondo-georgis, and the head of the Prime Minister’s Economic Office Michalis Argyrou.

2. Major networks of the country (roads, railways, energy, and telecommunications)

Following presentations by the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas, Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Pappastavrou, Deputy Minister of Transport Konstantinos Kiranakis, and General Secretary of Telecommunications and Postal Services of the Ministry of Digital Governance Konstantinos Karanatzalos, it was found that network planning is progressing satisfactorily. These networks, both individually and combined, will modernize the country’s infrastructure and boost its development prospects.

Specifically, based on the data presented:

• The Patras-Pyrgos highway will be completed by the end of 2025.
• The E65 by May 2026.
• The Thessaloniki Flyover by May 2027.
• The North Crete Road Axis will start, for the Chania-Heraklion section, within 2025.
• The Athens-Thessaloniki railway, after repairs caused by the storm Daniel in Thessaly, will be completed by summer 2026.
• The major Athens-Crete electric connection by summer 2025.
• The Cyclades electric interconnection by 2026.

Furthermore, plans are underway for electrical interconnections with the Dodecanese and Northern Aegean, as well as with neighboring countries such as Cyprus-Israel, Italy, and Egypt. All international agreements that position Greece as an energy hub are also advancing.

Finally, a plan for telecommunications networks was presented, emphasizing the expansion of the fiber optic network to homes (FTTH). Greece, which had previously lagged in this sector, is now steadily among the leaders in fiber optic development and infrastructure.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, Minister of National Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas, Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Pappastavrou, Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakos, Minister of Labour and Social Security Niki Kerameos, Minister of Rural Development and Food Kostas Tsiaras, Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Vassilis Kikilias, Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni, Government Spokesman Akis Skertzos, Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Pappathanasakis, Deputy Minister of Transport Konstantinos Kiranakis, Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister Thanasis Kondo-georgis, Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Thanos Petralias, Deputy Foreign Minister Tasos Chatzivassiliou, General Secretary of Telecommunications and Postal Services of the Ministry of Digital Governance Konstantinos Karanatzalos, General Secretary of the Prime Minister Stelios Koutnatjis, General Secretary of Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Christina Tzakona, and head of the Prime Minister’s Office Michalis Argyrou.