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Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis held a meeting at the Maximos Mansion with the 13 regional governors of the country.
During the meeting, various shared priority issues were addressed, particularly the significant enhancement of water resource management, the strengthening of flood protection measures to tackle the escalating challenges posed by climate change, and the complementary nature of projects at both central and regional levels to ensure maximum efficiency of all interventions.
There was an exchange of views on the provisions of the new unified Code of Self-Governance, noting that the changes will resolve issues related to overlapping responsibilities and contribute to administrative simplification.
On resource matters, it was highlighted that this year, regions will have the opportunity to pre-register projects for the new National Development Programme (E.P.A. 2026-2030), emphasizing the importance of maintaining a high absorption rate of European funding.
Additionally, issues related to land use and construction were discussed, pointing out that the resolution of long-standing issues regarding the delineation of settlements and public roads has been initiated, which will protect rural areas and mitigate the effects of demographic challenges.
Regarding the primary sector, the necessity of adhering to the veterinary database and verifying the information provided by livestock farmers was emphasized. There was also a request for the regions’ support, if needed, during the preparation of Management Plans for Grazing, to ensure the transparent and fair allocation of agricultural subsidies to the rightful beneficiaries.
The excellent collaboration between the central government and local authorities was warmly acknowledged, underlining that this cooperation has effectively addressed significant challenges, such as migration flows and cases of zoonoses.
In his introductory remarks, the Prime Minister stated: “Ladies and gentlemen, governors and chairman, I warmly welcome you to the Maximos Mansion for the second time in this current self-governance period, in what I believe will be a productive working meeting. As you can see, there is significant representation, with almost half of the Cabinet here to listen and engage.
This is vital because central and local administrations must collaborate effectively, particularly at the regional level. After all, we share the same goal: the improvement of citizens’ quality of life and the sustainable development of our regions.
We must remember that to the citizen, the state is a singular entity; when they encounter issues, they do not seek to assign blame but demand swift solutions and accountability.
Hence, the era of passing the responsibility between parties like a game of “ping-pong” is definitively over. This is why the assessments of our services are of such importance – a discussion that the Minister will address shortly.
I want to express my satisfaction with the level of our collaboration, while emphasizing that this coordinated action is the only way to tackle the multifaceted challenges our country faces, from local issues to global phenomena, all of which leave a local impact: water scarcity and climate crisis, an aging population, desertification of remote areas, infrastructure deficits, workforce shortages, and, of course, investments without which the country would remain stagnant.
All these factors aggregate into what I would describe as a puzzle of mega-trends that must be addressed to ensure that every citizen thrives not only in the capital but also in their hometown without seeking their future elsewhere. Enrico Letta noted in his report “the right to stay in your place.” Let’s hold onto this phrase, for I believe it forms the cornerstone of our strategy for local and regional development.
This initiative, which began last October, aims to incorporate the unique challenges of each area into a unified central direction, ultimately reflecting in various sectors through projects, processes, and local initiatives, all integrated within a central, agreed national goal.
I believe this collaborative effort should become more systematic, intensifying until the year’s end. We must address any shortcomings found, while also enriching our actions with new elements arising from current needs. For instance, the issue of settlement expansion, which the government has committed to resolving in a legal, stable, and, most importantly, functional manner.
I will not dwell on the numerous projects currently underway across the country; you are more familiar with them than anyone. The key objective is for you to present the specific requests of the region and highlight any issues with our coordination, while also proposing realistic options that can enhance the effectiveness of our initiatives, especially with the upcoming reform of the NSRF and the development of the new European budget for the period 2028-2034.
Furthermore, it is crucial to remember that our country will assume the Presidency of the European Union in the second half of 2027, at an incredibly pivotal moment for the future of European funding mechanisms.
As you know, in 2024, you received enhanced funding, which will continue into 2025. We will discuss the new Code of Self-Governance, and I want to hear your proposals.
You are well aware that the approval process for budgets has been simplified, providing an option for electronic voting for voters. A critical issue has been improved: the legality and relevance checks of expenditures, ensuring transparency and accountability.
However, we also want your assistance and mobilization on certain specific matters. Let me reference an important one that you are well aware of, regarding pasture lands, an issue stemming from the dysfunctions of OPEKEPE.
We must agree that delays in developing Grazing Management Plans have become unacceptable and should come to an end. I ask for your personal commitment on this matter. We have indeed undertaken a bold initiative to abolish OPEKEPE and integrate its vital functions into the AADE, but we need your support to resolve this outstanding issue and ensure that competitions are initiated promptly in all regions that have not yet completed their arrangements. To date, only Epirus and Western Macedonia have done so. Let’s collectively conclude this dark chapter in managing agricultural subsidies, which burdens our entire country.
In closing this brief introduction, I want to emphasize that the government views the next two years not merely as a time for implementing the commitments we made in 2023 for 2027, but as a “bridge” leading to the Greece of the coming years, looking towards 2030. After all, the new E.P.A. we are discussing has a horizon that exceeds the next electoral cycle.
I want to reaffirm that we have put into practice what we said: we see you as true partners and allies in this significant undertaking. We have made substantial strides towards better coordination, but we can achieve more, and this is the focus of our discussion today.
So, dear Chairman, the floor is yours.
From his side, the President of the Union of Regions of Greece and Regional Governor of the South Aegean, Giorgos Hatzimarkos, stated: “Thank you very much, Mr. Prime Minister. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity for this meeting with you and, I see, almost half of the Cabinet, your immediate collaborators.
We are aware of the challenges of the current period and the significant responsibilities that rest on the shoulders of the Greek Prime Minister in this exceptionally demanding international environment. We feel fortunate and proud to have a leader who consistently keeps the country on an upward trajectory.
Like you, we desire a Greece of greater capabilities, characterized by reliability and confidence, where no one is left behind. The path towards this proud Greece involves reforms. Reforms that you value, even those “outside the box,” to unleash potential and liberate ourselves from the burdens of the past, to move away from inertia or populism and to break stereotypes and overturn myths.
This is why we are here—not to complain, as the stereotype of local government often suggests. We are here to contribute to the collective effort of propelling Greece forward, from Thrace to Gavdos and from Epirus to Kastellorizo.
We believe that we have demonstrated both in previous terms and in the current one the merits of regional governance: responsibility, planning, cooperation, effectiveness, and positive contribution in times of crisis. We can provide even more for development, cohesion, sustainability, the security of citizens, and the ongoing improvement of citizens’ lives.
Mr. Chairman, we are fortunate to address a Prime Minister who recognizes the contributions of our institutions, and we know that together we can reach new heights, reaffirming the Greece that aims high and surpasses the mark.
In this regard, a well-constructed relationship of trust between the central government and regional governance should foster a framework of institutional solutions that will enhance the status of the 13 regions, enabling them to provide more for our citizens.
I believe this framework can be defined by the words “responsibility” and “empowerment.” The administrative and financial empowerment of regional self-government can and should be a significant reformative shift in the institutional architecture of our country.
We face a major opportunity ahead of us. In June, we expect the new Code for Local Government to be open for consultation—a truly monumental project by the Ministry of Interior and Minister Theodoros Livanios, which codifies over 500 legislative acts and defines the operational rules for self-government bodies, from elections to their daily operations.
We share an excellent partnership with the Ministry of Interior as well as with all ministries. The work being done and our cooperation is exceptionally fruitful and productive, as you highlighted; we are united by a common goal: the improvement of quality of life for citizens and sustainable development that benefits everyone.
We believe the new Code for Local Government should mark the beginning of a new era of increased responsibility and effectiveness, aligned with the shift in the economic status of the 13 regions.
As regional governors, we aspire to leave a significant political footprint in our regions, not just an administrative one. While we excel in management, we can also think creatively together. I am confident that we have the opportunity to construct a new administrative and economic model that reinstates political action at the regional level as the primary element in designing and implementing solutions that, in cooperation with the government, create value for our communities.
Regarding the economic environment in which our 13 regions operate, we feel the need to dispel the myth that funds are predominantly available in the regions rather than municipalities. The funds are not in the regions; we are proud of our effective management of the programs for which we are accountable, such as the Regional Operational Programs, ensuring they progress well, achieve high absorption rates, and that the resources reach their intended targets, generating societal outcomes.
Recent analysis from the Ministry of Interior on the new Code revealed an interesting overview: of approximately 1,100 delegated competencies, 736 belong to regions and 400 to municipalities.
In terms of the burden on the State Budget, the regions collectively impose about 0.7 billion annually in CAP, compared to 2.4 billion from first-level municipalities.
Regional self-government is entering its 15th year in its current form, maturing in what has been one of the most challenging periods in our history, demonstrating consistency, responsibility, and collaboration. We believe the time has come for it to shed the narrow confines that it currently embodies.
Mr. Prime Minister, we firmly believe that under your leadership, our country has an open window of opportunity, not only to address long-standing institutional issues but to establish a new model of cooperation and governance that is more functional and effective.
In this endeavor, you and your team can count on the commitment of the 13 regions of our country at the forefront of the battle and responsibility. We demand accountability. Whatever we achieve together on this journey should bear your signature. At the end of this effort, we want the output to honor us all, as nothing of worth is built without collaboration, trust, and a shared sense of responsibility.
Thank you.
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