Ioannis Pappas: Strengthening the cohesion of islands and mainland Greece and upgrading port infrastructures is a challenge – 2024-03-30 05:27:36

The goal of strengthening the cohesion of insular and mainland Greece was referred to by the Deputy Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy, Mr. Ioannis Pappas, during his speech at the specialization seminar on the “Guide for the preparation of feasibility studies for port projects” held, yesterday, in Eugenides Foundation, under the organization of the NSRF Staff Structure of the Ministry of Shipping and Insular Policy, the group of experts of the “Jaspers” program and the Administrative Authority of the “TRANSPORT 2021-2027” Program.

“From the moment Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis assigned me the position of Deputy Minister of Maritime and Insular Policy with responsibility for Insular Policy, the challenge was clear,” noted the Deputy Minister of Maritime and Insular Policy, adding, referring to the challenge: “To bring the islands closer to us, to develop a chain of territorial cohesion with island ports as hubs and the simultaneous upgrading of port infrastructures connected to coastal shipping transport”.

Referring to the actions developed by the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy in this context, he emphasized: “Priority Axis 8 of the Transport Program 2021-2027 reflects the “Connectivity and accessibility of the islands”, and includes the action regarding the “Development of the island’s port infrastructures “, with the budget of the relevant call amounting to €101,000,000 public expenditure”.

Mr. Pappa’s speech follows in detail:

“Good morning to all. It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the specialization seminar on the guide to the preparation of feasibility studies for port projects.

This is an important action organized by the NSRF Staff Structure of the Ministry of Shipping and Insular Policy in collaboration with the group of experts of the Jaspers program and the Administrative Authority of the “TRANSPORT 2021-2027” Program.

Thank you for being here.

From the moment Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis assigned me the position of Deputy Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy with responsibility for Insular Policy, the challenge was clear. To bring the islands closer to us, to develop a chain of territorial cohesion with island ports as hubs and at the same time to upgrade the port infrastructures connected to the coastal transports.

I am an islander and I grew up in Rhodes, I know the daily life of the islands and it is an honor to be in this position representing island Greece.

Why I say this. Because I know that the ports for our islands are the most important point. They are the core of activity for the society and the economy of our islands. Ports are gateways and most of the time they are the only gateway to the island.

In a continuous negotiation with the European Commission through the NSRF services we achieved something very important at the national level.

Priority Axis 8 of the Transport Program 2021-2027 reflects the “Connectivity and accessibility of the islands”, and includes the action related to the “Development of the island’s port infrastructure”, with the budget of the relevant invitation amounting to €101,000,000 public expenditure .

Today, those of you who are here, are beneficiaries of named port projects that will be financed by the NSRF and we must make you partakers of the requirements of these projects in accordance with the Union and national legislation.

But at the same time, the goal is also the lifelong seminar, the fermentation that will occur between you to lead us to direct submissions of funding applications.

Your experience and questions will guide us to alleviate any bureaucratic and administrative issues that arise. The “training” will be undertaken by Mr. Markoulidis (JASPERS) and Mr. Kindynis, who are well versed in the subjects they will present. We thank them very much.

Thank you for your participation.”