Excerpt from news.gtp.gr
The Greek government will allocate a new round of EU funds known as “ESPA” to remote islands for the construction or modernization of key infrastructure under the “Transport 2021-27” plan, which was approved by the European Commission this month.
More specifically, of the plan budgeted at 2.2 billion euros, 181 million euros has been slated for the improvement of accessibility and connectivity of the islands. Of this sum, approximately 80 million euros will be allocated to remote island ferry services.
Additionally, 760 million euros will go into the development of sustainable urban transport, 688 million euros into the completion and upgrade of road networks and the improvement of road safety, 485 million euros for the completion and development of the central and suburban railway network, and 89 million euros for air and sea navigation safety.
Commenting on the news, Shipping Minister Yannis Plakiotakis said the secured funds is a “radical change securing not only steady and more frequent ferry connections between the islands and mainland and among each other, but also the quality upgrade of the services provided, with better port infrastructure and incentives for the introduction of newer ‘green’ ships”.
Island Innovation is a social enterprise and digital media company at the intersection of sustainable development and communications, offering specialised services across various sectors. We bring together the private sector, government, utilities, NGOs and universities to advance innovation for sustainability and prosperity in islands worldwide.
