The Regional Council of Attica has approved the 2025 fiscal year budget and the associated Executable Projects Programme, setting the stage for transformative projects across the region.
The budget prioritises flood protection, new social support structures, and cultural initiatives aimed at boosting tourism.
"A Vision for Attica's Future"
Attica Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias outlined the administration's vision and metropolitan objectives during the Council meeting. "We are submitting a budget that reflects financial streamlining and redesigned revenues," he said, emphasising a robust plan comprising 280 projects. Among these, flood protection is a top priority, with 54 projects set to be tendered in the first half of 2025 and completed by the end of 2028.
"Protecting the basin from extreme weather events is my personal bet, but it should also be everyone's big bet. We will win it together," Hardalias stated, stressing the need for unity and collaboration.
Selection Criteria for the 280 Projects
Governor Hardalias highlighted strict criteria for project inclusion:
- Secured Funding: "I chose not to include any project without 100% secured funding."
- Completion Commitment: Only projects feasible for completion within the administration’s term were included.
- Realistic Planning: Projects were chosen to ensure feasibility and avoid delays.
The selected projects, spanning all 66 municipalities of Attica, include critical infrastructure and metropolitan-scale initiatives addressing urgent societal needs. "These projects belong to neighbourhoods and citizens, not factions or parties," Hardalias affirmed, calling for cooperation beyond ideological differences.
Investment in Social Support Structures
The budget allocates significant resources to social programs aimed at improving citizens’ everyday lives. Leveraging 19 financial instruments, including the Regional Programme "Attica," €409 million will fund initiatives such as:
- Support for Vulnerable Populations: Ten shelters and counseling centres for women victims of violence (€5.5 million), eight day care centres for the elderly (€2.5 million), and 22 day care centres for the disabled (€22 million).
- Community Support: Funding for ten homelessness structures (€7.8 million), 58 community centres with annexes for Roma and migrants (€27 million), and 68 centres providing basic goods like groceries and soup kitchens.
- Childcare and Inclusion: €167 million in vouchers will support 9,000 beneficiaries for preschool integration.
"Social responsibility, care, and solidarity are at the core of our priorities," Hardalias stated.
Cultural and Tourism Development
Cultural initiatives also feature prominently in the strategic plan. A major International Festival is set to launch in June 2026 as part of efforts to elevate Attica’s tourism profile.
The 2025 budget reflects the administration's determination to transform Attica through financial discipline, bold infrastructure projects, and a commitment to social cohesion. As Hardalias noted, "We did not hide from the problems; we faced them head-on. Now, we must work together to build a brighter future for Attica."