The Municipality of Athens has secured €2,011,280 from the Green Fund to restore and enhance Filopappos Hill and the Western Hills of the Acropolis. Mayor Haris Doukas said the funds will support infrastructure, greenery, and safety upgrades, addressing long-standing issues. Led by GREEN ATHENS, the project includes pruning historic olive trees, flood prevention, and planting 100 new shrubs, with plans for 500 more trees by 2025.
Tag: infrastructure
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis welcomed the temporary suspension of U.S. tariffs and urged the EU to pursue a zero-tariff trade deal with Washington. During visits to industrial hubs in Central Greece, he highlighted government support for manufacturing, rising wages, and record-breaking investments aimed at boosting exports and reducing unemployment.
Greece is facing a climate crisis that demands urgent action, warns Kostas Kartalis, Professor at the University of Athens. ‘We’ve built our country for a climate that no longer exists,’ he told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency. With heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires intensifying, Kartalis calls for a major overhaul of productive sectors and infrastructure to withstand these changes, ahead of his participation in the 10th Delphi Economic Forum, set for April 9-12, 2025.
The Athenian Riviera, a stunning 60-kilometre coastal gem from Piraeus to Sounio, is witnessing a property boom, with prices in Vouliagmeni soaring to €7,441 per square metre. Driven by luxury developments like the Elliniko project and growing interest from international investors, the southern suburbs of Athens are leading Greece’s real estate surge, offering a blend of seaside charm and modern convenience at a fraction of the cost of other Mediterranean hotspots.
A 160-meter tunnel was mistakenly dug on Athens Metro Line 4 at Katehaki, veering from the approved plans and raising safety questions. Deputy Minister Nikos Tachiaos confirmed the error in a parliamentary briefing, downplaying risks while ordering immediate corrections, though MP Christos Katsotis criticized the six-month delay in noticing the deviation near critical infrastructure.
Greece’s newly appointed ministers took office following a cabinet reshuffle, with Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis targeting wage hikes and job growth, Infrastructure Minister Christos Dimas tackling critical projects, and Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki prioritizing quality education. Migration Minister Makis Voridis vowed to curb illegal migration, while Environment Minister Stavros Papastavrou emphasized sustainability and renewable energy, signaling a bold agenda for progress and reform.
Eythymis Lekkas, a Professor of Natural Disasters, reassured that the risk of a significant earthquake in Santorini is decreasing due to the release of seismic energy through frequent minor quakes. Infrastructure reinforcement works are set to begin, aiming for completion before the tourist season, with complex projects planned for the following year. The current seismic activity has significantly reduced, suggesting a safer scenario for the island.
The countdown is on for the completion of the “Vonitsa-Lefkada” road section, which promises to propel the development of the island of Lefkada to new heights. The dual road connection from Lefkada to the new Aktio-Ambrakia road axis is currently under full construction, aiming to provide easier and safer access to the Ionian island.
In his weekly address, former Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reflected on the two-year anniversary of the Tempe tragedy, highlighting the need for justice and infrastructure reforms. He praised the nationwide peaceful demonstrations advocating for a safer and more efficient transportation system and affirmed his commitment to modernizing the country’s railways, emphasizing the goal of securing the Athens-Thessaloniki line by 2027. Mitsotakis urged citizens to trust the judicial process, citing the importance of systemic improvements to prevent future tragedies.
Greece is facing a severe water crisis as aging infrastructure and climate change exacerbate shortages across the country. In Argolida, leaky pipes waste half the region’s water supply, while brackish backup sources compromise drinking water quality. The EU has launched a major initiative to curb water losses, but with some areas experiencing leakages as high as 80%, experts warn that fundamental fixes are urgently needed. As farmers drill ever deeper for dwindling resources, many Greeks pin their hopes on rainy winters to ease the strain.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited Piraeus to inspect two transformative projects: the new state-of-the-art courthouse and the Museum of Maritime Antiquities. Both initiatives, largely funded by the EU Recovery Fund, aim to modernize Greece’s largest port city, enhancing its judicial infrastructure and celebrating its deep maritime heritage. Scheduled for completion in 2026, these projects mark a significant step in Piraeus’ urban renewal, blending sustainability, history, and culture to create a vibrant future.
Earthquakes shaking Santorini are forcing cruise lines to divert ships to alternate ports like Crete and Syros, raising concerns about the island’s tourism-dependent economy. Safety issues and a lack of infrastructure are compounding the challenges, leaving the upcoming season in question.
In a significant push towards modernizing public transportation in Attica, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the integration of 100 new electric buses and plans for 950 new buses by mid-2025. This effort aims to replace older models with environmentally friendly options and increase route frequency for better service to citizens. The initiative also includes plans for upgrading the Metro and enhancing the overall transportation infrastructure in the region.
The Port of Thessaloniki is set for a major transformation following the approval of its master plan by a presidential decree. A key investment in the Pier 6 expansion will enhance the port’s global competitiveness, enabling it to accommodate container ships of up to 24,000 TEUs. With licensing now underway, the Thessaloniki Port Authority (OLTh) aims to strengthen trade, logistics, and infrastructure, solidifying the port’s role as a regional hub for international commerce.
The real estate market in Greece continues to thrive, with Athens experiencing significant growth, especially along the Athenian Riviera. Emerging neighborhoods are rapidly developing, attracting investors seeking high returns. Notably, Hellinikon is set to become Europe’s first smart green city, highlighting Athens as a key investment hub.
In a renewed commitment to promoting electric mobility, the Greek government has extended free parking for electric vehicles in municipal lots until the end of 2026. This initiative, initially part of a comprehensive 2020 package to encourage electric vehicle adoption, aims to reinforce Greece’s sustainability efforts amidst scrutiny over previous transportation restrictions.
Cyprus plans to address all necessary technical requirements to join the Schengen area by 2025, as stated by President Nikos Christodoulides. The move is expected to boost tourism and investment, with significant efforts underway to enhance the country’s appeal as a prime tourist destination.
Athens International Airport is launching a major expansion project to accommodate growing passenger numbers. The first phase, budgeted at €650 million, will increase capacity to 33 million passengers by 2028 and includes an expanded terminal, new aircraft parking, and a multi-story parking garage. Further phases are planned to reach a capacity of 50 million passengers.
Greece is investing €36 million in seven new meteorological radar networks to improve weather forecasting and preparedness for extreme weather events.
The Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF) has announced a tender for the development of Possidi Beach on the Kassandra Peninsula. The 12.9-hectare site, which includes a 620-meter beachfront and camping facilities, is located near popular tourist destinations and the Sanctuary of Poseidon. The property offers potential for luxury hotels, holiday homes, and leisure facilities, with a 99-year concession for the successful bidder.