GREECE 13 REGIONS REGAINING THE FUTURE innovation capacity opportunity potential future
President - Union of Greek Regions Dear Friends, The 13 Regions of Greece welcome you all to the 6th European Summit of Regions and Cities in Athens, which is jointly organized by the Committee of the Regions and the Attica. This special edition you are now holding in your hands, which was produced by the Union of Greek Regions, will introduce you to each and every one of the Greek Regions. In our country, the newly established institution of the Elected Region was implemented for the first time in 2011, unlike the rest of Europe where it was first introduced several decades ago. In their early operational stages, the Greek Regions were required to operate in a difficult economic environment due to the unprecedented fiscal adjustment, and as a result, implementing this new challenging institutional project was made even more difficult. Nevertheless, we were able to meet all challenges successfully. We operated in an environment of reduced Government Funding by 65%, but we managed to utilize the NSRF resources by increasing absorbency and implementing many infrastructure and social policy projects that have improved living standards and created new jobs. Thus, we have given our citizens the chance to fight back against the economic crisis besetting their everyday life. The future of Europe is our common future. The policies we will implement over the coming years will play a vital role in reinvigorating the European ideal which has begun to fade away due to the economic crisis. Therefore, our joint answers to these important questions, during the 6th European Summit of Regions and Cities, will be of significant importance for my country, its citizens and the Regions. Thank you all for joining us here in Athens. Ioannis Sgouros Head of Attica Region President of Union of Greek Regions 3
Regions of Greece Central Macedonia Crete Ioannis Sgouros Apostolos Tzitzikostas Stavros Arnaoutakis Ionian Islands North Aegean Peloponnese Petros Tatoulis ATTIca East Macedonia and Thrace 4 RegionRegion of of Epirus East Macedonia Thrace Aristeidis Giannakidis Alexandros Kachrimanis Spyridon Spyrou Athanasios Giakalis South Aegean Sterea Ellada Thessaly Western Greece West Macedonia Ioannis Machairidis Klearchos Pergantas Konstantinos Agorastos Apostolos Katsifaras Georgios Dakis 5
Attica Attica, the most populated region of Greece, is where the country s capital Athens is located. It is a metropolitan region with an extended seafront, located in the centre of the country, occupying a strategic position between Aegean and Ionian, Central and Southern Greece. Piraeus Port is the largest port in Eastern Mediterranean and one of the most important ports in Europe. Attica is divided into eight : North Athens, West Athens, Central Athens, South Athens, East Attica, Piraeus, Islands, and West Attica. Its capital is the Greek national capital, Athens. Attica is the most urbanized region in the country with more than 3.8 million ; it produces about 45% of National GDP; it hosts more than 35% of the country s enterprises; it is the place of employment for about 37% of the country s workforce; it is the main national transportation hub, as well as an international tourism destination and the main national education and research centre. Its economy is heavily based on services, contributing more than 56% of the overall national sector. Almost 21.7% of the GDP comes from the secondary sector. The shipbuilding yards of Skaramagkas and Eleusina, the expansion of the port of Lavrion (situated near the Cape Sounion) and the continuous growth of international industries on the outskirts of Athens have led to the massive urbanization of the city, resulting in more employment opportunities. The primary sector occupies only 0.6% of the GDP. 3,827,624 8 66 15-17, Sygrou Ave, 117 44 Athens Greece The plain of Attica is an agricultural wine-growing region. The mountains of Hymettus, Parnitha and Pendeli are a nearby respite from the urbanized landscape, as are the beach resorts that dot the southern coastline all the way to Cape Sounion and continue northeast to the port of Rafina. The region s agricultural sector produces crops of olive oil, wheat, citrus fruits, tomatoes and potatoes. T +30 210 6914145, +30 213 2063512 m gperatt@patt.gov.gr www.patt.gov.gr 6 7
Central Macedonia REGION OF CENTRAL MACEDONIA Central Macedonia is the country s second largest region and its capital, Thessaloniki, is the second most populated city in Greece. It is situated in Northern Greece and borders with FYROM and Bulgaria in the north. The region is composed of seven : Imathia, Thessaloniki, Pella, Kilkis, Pieria, Serres, and Chalkidiki that comprise 38. Key cities include the metropolitan area of Thesaloniki, Veria, Naousa, Kilkis, Edessa, Katerini and Serres. The region has a population of 1,880,058 and produces 17% of the country s GDP. In Central Macedonia lie some of the richest farmlands in Greece in the plains of Veria, Thessaloniki, Serres and Drama, with a wide variety of agricultural products such as rice, wheat, beans, olives, cotton, tobacco, fruit, and grapes. Food processing and textile weaving constitute the principal manufacturing industries. Tourism is a major industry along the coast, particularly in the Chalcidice peninsula, the island of Thasos and Mount Olympus. Knowledge-intensive sectors like bio-agriculture, biomedicine, and ICT are of increasing potential for the regional economy, supported by the Regional Innovation Pole and the University of Thessaloniki. 1,880,058 7 38 The region has important natural areas and wetlands protected by International, European, and National laws and agreements. The most important are the Delta of the rivers Axios, Loudias, and Aliakmonas, the Alykes of Kitros Pierias, the Volvi Lake, Koronia Lake, and Kerkini Lake. 198, Vas. Olgas Ave., 541 10 Thessaloniki Greece T +30 2313 319501, +30 2313 319502 m a.tzitzikostas@pkm.gov.gr www.pkm.gov.gr 8 9
Crete REGION OF CRETE Crete, the 5th biggest Med Island, lies in the southern frontier of Europe. Popular for its culture, innovative spirit and nutritional habits, the island is one of the most popular Greek tourist destinations. Crete is divided into four : Heraklio, Lasithi, Rethimno, and Chania, all comprising 24. Crete, with a population of 623,065, participates in the country s GDP by approx. 5%. Main economic activities include agriculture and tourism. Tourism is the most dynamically developing sector and provides opportunities for important investments. The region also has an expanding export activity with more than 160 enterprises in sectors such as food and beverage, olive oil, wine, and bakery. Crete s workforce increased by 2.82% between the years 2000 and 2008, from 267,320 to 274,872. 623,065 Crete has a coastline of 1,000 km, but it is also extremely mountainous. The region includes important natural reserves such as the island of Elafonisi, the palm forest of Vai in eastern Crete and Dionysades that have diverse animal and plant life. Samaria Gorge is a World Biosphere Reserve and Richtis Gorge is protected for its landscape diversity. 4 24 Eleftherias Sqr., 712 01 Heraklion Crete Greece T +30 2813 400300, +30 2810 342584 m arnaoutakis@pkr.gov.gr www.crete.gov.gr 10 11
East Macedonia and Thrace East Macedonia - Thrace The Region occupies the northeastern part of Greece and is bounded on the east by Turkey, on the north by Bulgaria, on the west by the Central Macedonia, on the southwest by the Aegean Sea and on the southeast by the Thracian Sea. The region is divided into six units: Drama, Evros, Thasos, Kavala, Xanthi, and Rodopi with 56. Key cities are the capital Komotini, Alexandroupoli, Kavala, Xanthi, Drama and Orestiada. The region s has 608,182 covering 5.51% of country s total population. The economy is based mainly on agriculture and livestock farming, as well as industrial activity, trade and transport. Subsoil resources, notably marbles and oil, enrich the primary sector, whose contribution to the GNP is more than twice the national average. The secondary sector includes manufacturing and constructions, while the tertiary sector includes commerce and transport. The region has a significant potential of becoming an Energy Node through the Mpourgas - Alexandroupoli oil pipeline and several hydroelectric projects. 608,182 6 56 The region s southern Aegean coastline is dotted with vast sweeps of crystal-clear sandy beaches, as well as with rocky coves. The area s rich flora and fauna includes diverse and rare plant and animal species especially in Vistonida Lake, the Delta of Evros and Nestos Rivers, the Dadia Forest and the Mitrikos Lake. 1, G. Kakoulidou Str., 691 00 Komotini Greece T +30 25313 52101 m periferiarxis@perif-amth.gr www.pamth.gov.gr 12 13
Epirus REGION OF EPIRUS The Epirus, located in the northwest of Greece, covers an area of 9,203 sk of which 74% is mountainous, and borders with Albania in the North. Epirus is divided into four : Arta, Thesprotia, Ioannina, Preveza and 18. Key cities include the capital Ioannina, Arta, Preveza, and the port city of Igoumenitsa. The region has 336,856 amounting to 3.3% of the total population of Greece. The primary sector employs 22.15% of the region s workforce. The secondary sector employs only 19.73% while the tertiary sector employs 53.30% of the economically active population and is dominated by the tourism industry. Egnatia motorway, the western road axis, as well as the new harbour of Igoumenitsa (the gate to the west) and the Aktion sub marine tunnel have created more favourable conditions for the development of the region that serves as a focal point between Italy, Northern Greece and the Balkan Countries. 336,856 4 18 The mountainous area is dominated by the Pindus massive, where the homonymous national park is located. Here is one of the last biotopes of the brown bear all over Europe. Epirus is home to many monuments of all periods: Ancient, Roman, Byzantine and post-byzantine. The traditional settlements, especially on the mountainous areas of Zagori and Tzoumerka, are remarkable due to the architectural style of stone-made buildings. 1, Pyrrou Sqr., 452 21 Ioannina Greece T +30 26510 26230, +30 26510 87000 m periferiarxis@php.gov.gr www.php.gov.gr 14 15
Ionian Islands REGION OF IONIAN ISLANDS The region is located in the Ionian Sea, off the west mainland coast, comprising a group of islands. Taditionally called the Heptanese, i.e. "the Seven Islands", the region actually includes a rich cluster of 70 large and smaller islands. Italy is their western border and Albania their northern one. The region is divided into five : Zante, Ithaka, Corfu, Chefalonia and Lefkada, with seven island. The Ionian Islands is an insular, tourist region with the features of a sparsely populated zone with 207,855. Their primary and secondary sectors have a low contribution in the regional GDP; the tertiary sector contributes by 66% since the Ionian Islands are a popular tourist destination. Unemployment rates are high but because of seasonal opportunities in the tourism industry, the long-standing unemployment rate is much lower. 207,855 5 7 The Ionian Islands have more than 50 beaches awarded with a blue flag for cleanliness and quality of service. Some have received awards for their natural beauty. Myrtos in Chefalonia, the Shipwreck in Zakynthos, Porto Katsiki in Lefkada, Glyfada in Corfu, Vountoumi in Antipaxos are included annually in the choices of all acknowledged tourist guides. The natural environment of the Ionian Islands holds extraordinary interest. The sea turtle Caretta Caretta, the Mediterranean seal Monachus Monachus and the adorable dolphins meet in the Ionian sea. National Road Paleokastritsis, Alykes Corfu Greece T +30 26610 39606, +30 26610 31696 m pin@pin.gov.gr www.pin.gov.gr 16 17
North Aegean The archipelagic region of North Aegean is an island complex northeastern of mainland Greece, bordering with Turkey and composed of several islands, each of which has unique and distinct natural features. The region comprises four units: Lesvos, Limnos, Samos and Chios, and includes 9 island. The region of Voreio Aigaio with 199,231 concentrates 1.8% of the country s population. The growing tourism sector, trade and agriculture constitute the major income sources. The region accounts for 1.4% of the national GDP. Within the services sector retail trade, real estate activities and transport services account for over 60% of the value added of the tertiary economy in the region. The most dynamic manufacturing sectors are: food and beverages, fabricated metal products, furniture, wood and wooden products. Their share in regional value add has increased over the previous decade, partly as a result of regional policies to diversify local economy that was heavily dependent on tourism and agriculture. 199,231 4 9 The unique natural environment and variety of scenery make the islands of the N. Aegean stand out and lead visitors to trails for exploration and recreation. Wetlands with rare flora and fauna, salt marshes, waterfalls, dense forests of pine, walnut, oak, olive groves, mastic trees are just a few of the things to be enjoyed in the region. 1, Kountourioti Str., 811 00 Mytilene Greece T +30 22513 52100, +30 22510 46777 m grafeiotypou@pvaigaiou.gov.gr www.pvaigaiou.gov.gr 18 19
Peloponnese REGION OF PELOPONNESE The Peloponnese region covers a total area of 15,490sk, 11.7% of the total area of the country. On the west it is surrounded by the Ionian Sea, on the northeast it borders with the region of Attica, and on the east coast it is surrounded by the Sea of Myrtoo. The region includes five units, namely: Arkadia, Argolida, Korinthia, Lakonia and Messinia, and 26. Key cities include the capital Tripoli, Argos, Nafplio, Corinth, Sparta, and Kalamata. 577,903 live in the Peloponnese, mostly active in agriculture and tourism. Main agricultural products are fruits (53% of national production), olive oil (65% of national production) and potatoes (11% of national production). The region represents 29.1% of the Greek vineyard map and produces 1,208 different labels with significant export activities, thus ranking 1st in the variety and number of wines produced in Greece. 577,903 The Peloponnese holds unique cultural, historic and archaeological treasures. The first World Heritage site, declared by UNESCO, was the Temple of Apollo. The region is famous for its amazing variety in scenery, encompassing 47 sites registered and protected by the Natura 2000 programme for their rare species of flora and fauna. 5 26 Ethn. Makariou Sqr., 221 00 Tripoli Greece T +30 2713 601190, +30 2713 601191 m p.tatoulis@gmail.com www.ppel.gov.gr 20 21
South Aegean Located in the archipelagos, in the southern part of the Aegean Sea, the region includes the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, two island complexes amounting together to some 400 islands. Among these, 48 are inhabited, 31 are uninhabited and there are many rocky islets. The South Aegean Region is divided in thirteen and 35 island. The major cities are the capital Ermoupolis in Syros, Mikonos, Naxos, Santorini, Rhodes, and Kos. Populated by 308,975 that contribute 2.8% of the country s GDP, the South Aegean Region has the highest level of tourism development in the country. Unemployment is comparatively low, yet the seasonal nature of tourism results in a large amount of temporary employment, twice the national average. The primary sector is limited due to the mountainous nature of the islands, based on winery, livestock and fisheries. 308,975 13 35 The region includes some of the richest Natura 2000 protected areas. Old and New Kameni, Sifnos, Paros and Astipalea islands have been characterised landscapes of Natural Beauty. The natural cypress forest of South Rhodes is a characterised natural monument. The vast majority of the Aegean Islands have optimal wind and solar potential in addition to the substantial geothermal resources of the Aegean volcanic arch. Eleftherias Sqr., 851 00 Rhodes Tsiropina Sqr., 841 00 Hermoupoli Syros Greece T +30 22413 60502, +30 22413 60503 m i.mahairidis@pnai.gov.gr www.pnai.gov.gr 22 23
Sterea Ellada REGION OF STEREA ELLADA Lying at the centre of Greece, the region borders with Attica in the south, Thessaly in the North and Western Greece and covers an area of 15,550 sk, including the island of Evia to the east. The region is divided into five : Viotia, Evia, Evritania, Fthiotida, and Fokida, with 25. The capital of the region is Lamia and other major towns are Chalkida, Thiva and Livadia. The region of Sterea Ellada has a population of 547,930 and contributes 6.13% of the national GDP. A manufacturing hotspot rich in mineral resources, Sterea Ellada also possesses a developed agricultural sector, a relatively developed tourism infrastructure and a growing services sector. The region is characterized by geographical and economic heterogeneity, with urban areas being more developed than the rural and mountainous zones. The region ranked third in export volumes in the country. 547,930 5 25 The region is endowed with a particularly rich and diversified natural environment, an indented coastline, imposing rocky massifs, caves, gorges, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, wetlands of spectacular beauty and unique natural habitats, coupled with a mild climate ranking it high among the ideal destinations for alternative forms of tourism. Among the most valuable landmarks is the sanctuary of Delphi, an UNESCO World Heritage site. 1, Ipsilanti Str., 35 100 Lamia Greece T +30 22310 52992, +30 22313 51233 m periferiarxis@pste.gov.gr www.pste.gov.gr 24 25
Thessaly REGION OF THESSALY Thessaly lies in central Greece and borders the regions of Macedonia on the north, Epirus on the west, Central Greece on the south and the Aegean Sea on the east. It also includes the Sporades islands. The region is divided into five units: Larisa, Karditsa, Magnisia, Sporades Islands, and Trikala that comprise 25. Key cities include the capital Larisa, Volos, Karditsa, and Trikala. Thessaly has a population of 732,762. The alluvial soils of the Pineios Basin and its tributaries make Thessaly a vital agricultural area, particularly for the production of grain, as well as an area with notable livestock units, especially cattle and sheep. Thessaly is the leading cattle-raising area of Greece, and Vlach shepherds shift large flocks of sheep and goats seasonally between higher and lower elevations. The nearly landlocked Gulf of Pagasai provides a natural harbour at Volos for the shipping of agricultural products and chromium from the plains and the mountains to the west. 732,762 5 25 Mountains (Olymous, Pilio), rivers (Pinios and its tributaries), the popular Plastira Lake, Tempi valley, the unique Meteora, the beaches of Larissa and Magnisia and the well known islands of Sporades complex are among the rare natural landmarks in the area. Combined with important historic monuments, archaeological areas, Byzantine monasteries and churches as well as traditional settlements and ski resorts these landmarks explain why Thessaly is such a popular holiday destination. Koumoundourou & Papanastasiou Str., 412 22 Larissa Greece T 30 2413 506100, +30 2413 506552 m periferiarxis@thessaly.gov.gr www.pthes.gov.gr 26 27
Western Greece Western Greece stretches from the northwest part of the Peloponnese to the western tip of the Greek mainland, covering an area of 11,350 sk (8.6% of the total area of Greece). A mountainous region with rich natural and cultural landmarks, Western Greece shares extensive coastal areas along the Ionian Sea, the Gulf of Amvrakia and Corinth. The region is separated in three units: Aitoloakarnania, Achaia, Elia and 19. Key cities are the capital Patras, as well as Pyrgos, Messologi and Agrinio. The 679,796 of Western Greece participate in the country s GDP approx. by 5.12%. The port of Patras is the country s main gateway to Western Europe. Main economic activities include agriculture and tourism. The region has significant investment potential. Entrepreneurship is linked with scientific research and technological development by local academic and research institutions with a pioneering contribution in modern telecommunications infrastructure, ICT and Life Sciences. Western Greece is a center of international interest in the energy sector (petroleum and wind energy). 679,796 3 19 The region accommodates many, different and significantly sensitive ecosystems. A noticeable fact is that in Western Greece are four out of the eleven wetlands of international importance that exist in Greece and have also joined in the Ramsar (Lagoon of Messologi, Amvrakikos Gulf and Lake Kotychi). 32, N.N.R. Patron Athinon, 264 41 Patra Greece T +30 2613 613500 m grafeio.pde@pde.gov.gr www.pde.gov.gr 28 29
West Macedonia REGION OF WEST MACEDONIA The region of West Macedonia is situated in north-western Greece, bordering with the regions of Central Macedonia (east), Thessaly (south), Epirus (west), and bounded to the north at the international borders of Greece with the FYROM and Albania. The region is divided into the of Florina, Grevena, Kastoria, and Kozani that include 12. Among the key cities are the capital Kozani, Grevena, Florina and Kastoria. West Macedonia is a low-density populated region with 283,689 (2.6% of the country s total). The secondary sector is very important for the regional economy, mainly due to the mining activities, the production of electric power (70% of the country s total power is produced in the Region) and the fur-leather sector. Some of the more famous products are marbles, Saffron (krokos Kozanis), fruits, Florina peppers, local wines (Kozani, Amyntaio), furs (Kastoria, Siatista) as well as specialised arts and crafts. The Egnatia Trans European motorway that crosses the two National Roads provided a boost in the development of the area. 283,689 4 12 The only Greek region without seacoast, West Macedonia does have a lot of lakes, mountains, picturesque villages, two large ski centers in Florina (Vigla) and Grevena (Vasilitsa), and a third one under construction in Kozani (Velvendos). District Zep Kozani, 501 00 Kozani Greece T +30 24613 50110, +30 24613 50111 m info@pdm.gov.gr www.pdm.gov.gr 30 31
Local and Regional Authorities in Greece The Kallikratis reform (Law 3852/2010), into effect since January 1st, 2011 transformed the modern regions of Greece into fully separate entities with elected regional governors and regional councils. The previous government-appointed general secretary disappeared at the regional level, and the regional organs of the central government were in turn replaced by seven decentralized administrations, which group from one to three regions under a government-appointed general secretary. The former system of 13 unelected regions, 54 prefectures and 1033 municipalities and communities was replaced by 7 decentralized administrations 13 elected regions and 325 municipalities. The regions and municipalities are fully self-governed, with their first elections held on November 7 and 14, 2010. The decentralized administrations are run by a general secretary appointed by the Greek Government. Local government is constituted by the municipalities, which have resulted from the merging of former municipalities and smaller communities. They are run by a mayor and a municipal council, popularly elected every 5 years. The municipalities are further subdivided into municipal units and finally into communities. Although communities have their own councils, their role is purely advisory to the municipal-level government. Regional government is composed of 13 regions, run by a regional governor and a regional council, popularly elected every 5 years. The regions are divided into, usually but not always coterminous with the former prefectures. Each regional unit is headed by a vice-regional governor, drawn from the same political block as the regional governor. Regions have important competencies over regional development planning in primary, secondary and tertiary sectors of the economy, the management of the regional operational programs of EU structural funds, commerce, tourism, transport, public works, territorial planning and environment, culture, sports and civil protection. The "Kallikratis" reforms also introduced concrete measures to address the financial crisis by enhancing transparency, supporting innovation and the use of new technologies, ensuring the financial autonomy of local and regional authorities and strengthening their role in the formulation and implementation of public policies at both levels of government. 32 33
GREECE 13 REGIONS REGAINING THE FUTURE
6 th EUROPEAN SUMMIT OF REGIONS AND CITIES ATHENS 7-8 3 2014 enpe union of greek regions 15 mesogeion ave. athens 115 26 greece t +30 213 2144700 f + 30 210 7778992 M info@enpe.gr www.enpe.gr