European Commission Approves €40 Million for Flood Prevention in Athens

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The European Commission has approved €40 million in funding from the EU Recovery Fund to support critical flood prevention measures in Athens, the Commission announced on Wednesday.

The investment is aimed at safeguarding the city from future flooding events, which pose a significant risk to both residents and businesses.

The funding will be allocated to improve flood defences along a 4.83-kilometre stretch of the Eschatia stream, an area vulnerable to flooding due to its dense urbanisation. The Commission emphasised that this project will protect homes and businesses located along the stream’s banks, helping Athens become more resilient in the face of increasingly extreme weather patterns driven by climate change.

In addition to this latest funding, €69 million from EU Cohesion Policy funds has already been invested in strengthening flood defences in the downstream section of the Eschatia stream. These previous works have helped protect over 300,000 residents from flood risks.

The new initiative, which will include underground culverts, rainwater drainage systems, and the creation of green spaces, is expected to improve the quality of life for citizens and boost the local economy by regenerating surrounding areas. Around 600 hectares of residential land will benefit from enhanced flood protection.

Elisa Ferreira, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, highlighted the importance of the project, stating, “Extreme weather events are becoming more intense and frequent. Thanks to this EU-funded project, citizens in Athens will be better protected against future flooding, ensuring that their homes, businesses, and regions are adequately protected.”

The flood prevention works are part of broader efforts to strengthen Athens’ climate resilience and safeguard the city’s future against the growing threats posed by climate change.

(Source: Amna)