Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting regions transitioning away from lignite, while teasing a major announcement for Megalopolis that he said the local community had been awaiting for a long time.

Speaking during a visit to a state-of-the-art hydroponic tomato greenhouse in Oichalia, Messinia, Mitsotakis highlighted two key government priorities: creating new jobs in areas affected by the phaseout of coal-based energy production and strengthening domestic agricultural output to reduce Greece’s dependence on food imports.

The greenhouse project, supported by the Just Development Transition Programme, is expected to generate 200 jobs and forms part of broader efforts to attract investment and diversify the economies of former lignite-producing regions.

“We have made major efforts to encourage producers across the board to invest in greenhouses. What we are seeing here is a state-of-the-art hydroponic greenhouse,” Mitsotakis said.

“We need to meet the country’s food needs, particularly when it comes to products for which we unfortunately remain dependent on imports,” he added.

Major announcement expected for Megalopolis

The prime minister placed particular emphasis on the government’s commitment to supporting communities affected by Greece’s transition away from lignite, arguing that the shift must be accompanied by tangible investment opportunities and sustainable employment.

“For us, supporting regions undergoing a post-lignite transition is a major priority. We have done this in northern Greece, and we are doing it here as well, in the Megalopolis area,” he said.

Mitsotakis also indicated that a significant announcement would follow later in the day, without providing details about its content.

“I will also be there this afternoon to make an important announcement that the region has been waiting for for a very long time,” he said.

The prime minister highlighted the role of private investment in revitalising regional economies, pointing to the greenhouse project as an example of how modern agricultural technology can generate employment and support domestic production.

He also welcomed the involvement of Greek companies in the project, noting that locally developed expertise could provide a foundation for similar investments in the future.

“First and foremost, we support private initiative,” Mitsotakis said, expressing satisfaction with the prospect of expanding the expertise gained through the project into future developments.

The greenhouse uses innovative hydroponic technology that allows growers to maintain full control over cultivation conditions, including temperature, humidity and other environmental factors.

During his visit, Mitsotakis was welcomed and shown around the facilities by the company’s chief executive, Dimitris Baltakos, and project director Stelios Diamantopoulos.

Visit to residential facility for adults with autism

Earlier in his tour, the prime minister visited the only type A4 residential care facility for adults with autism spectrum disorders in the Peloponnese region.

Mitsotakis was briefed on the services provided to residents and discussed opportunities to further strengthen the facility with members of its staff.

The residential centre currently accommodates 12 people and has a capacity of 15, with the potential to expand to 20 places, as its buildings already meet the necessary requirements.

It employs 19 staff members, including a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, occupational therapist, nurses and caregivers, providing specialised support and care to residents.

The facility was initially funded through the Recovery and Resilience Facility until July 2025. Since then, its operating costs have been covered by the regular budget of the Ministry of Health.

All services are provided free of charge to residents and their families.

The prime minister was accompanied during his visit by New Democracy MPs for Messinia Mimis Chrysomallis, Giannis Lambropoulos and Periklis Mantas, as well as Oichalia Mayor Giota Georgakopoulou.