Deputy Min Kontogeorgis, delegation discuss development strategy for Lefkada island

A government delegation coordinated by Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister Thanassis Kontogeorgis met with representatives of Lefkada island on Friday, as part of discussions on the National Strategy of Local and Regional Development.

Lefkada, a western Greek island in the Ionian complex, is facing significant demographic and economic challenges but has significant comparative advantages that could lead to sustainable development under the right strategy, a statement from government headquarters said.

Specifically, the island is showing encouraging signs of economic revival and dynamism that must be utilized. The local economy shows a gradual recovery in GDP since 2020, and the 2nd highest labor productivity in the Ionian Islands Region. The number of wage earners as well has risen by 32% (2018-2023), placing Lefkada second among the island complex, the statement said.

The main development challenges the island is facing include demographic shrinking and ageing, the upgrade of basic infrastructure and networks, and the differentiation of its tourism and economy. In addition, it needs to maintain and attract younger populations and utilize its cultural assets.

Lefkada's Regional Development Plan is worth 534 million euros in total, and includes infrastructure and policies with guaranteed funding and interventions that will require the collaboration of all parties involved. The plans include projects for water supplies to Preveza, Arta and Lefkada from the Aghios Georgios Lourou sources (worth 140 million euros), expected to be completed in 2028; the connectivity project of the Vonitsa-Lefkada road (48 million euros from NSRF funds), with new sections ready by end-2025; funding for weather-stricken farmers on the island (19 million euros for 1,918 beneficiaries); the strategic investment at Vlychos port and investment plans for the marinas of Lefkada and Atherinos, the latter at Meganissi; and the issues related to handling household waste, waters, and protecting ecosystems, among others. Other sectors also were discussed, including land use, a Lefkada police headquarters, education, and health, among others. 

The delegation included several ministers and secretaries general, while local mayors also participated in discussion with local representatives of the administrative and economic sectors.
 

 
Μore on subscriber's page.
ANA-MPA SA. Intellectual rights and copyright are the sole property of the ANA-MPA and are allocated to the Agency's subscribers for specific uses only.
NEWS ROOM
MORE NEWS