Download INNOVATION CAPACITy OPPORTuNITy POTENTIAL FuTuRE

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
Region of 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
Region of
Region of
Region of
Central
Macedonia
Crete
Ioannis
Sgouros
Apostolos
Tzitzikostas
Stavros
Arnaoutakis
Region of
Region of
Region of
Ionian
Islands
North
Aegean
Peloponnese
Petros
Tatoulis
ATTIca
Region of
East
Macedonia
and Thrace
4
RegionRegion
of of
Epirus
East Macedonia
Thrace
Aristeidis
Giannakidis
Alexandros
Kachrimanis
Spyridon
Spyrou
Athanasios
Giakalis
Region of
Region of
Region of
Region of
Region of
South Aegean
Sterea
Ellada
Thessaly
Western
Greece
West
Macedonia
Ioannis
Machairidis
Klearchos
Pergantas
Konstantinos
Agorastos
Apostolos
Katsifaras
Georgios
Dakis
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Region of
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 regional units: 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 inhabitants;
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
inhabitants
8
66
regional units
Municipalities
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.
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T +30 210 6914145, +30 213 2063512
m [email protected]
www.patt.gov.gr
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Region of
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 regional units: Imathia, Thessaloniki, Pella, Kilkis, Pieria,
Serres, and Chalkidiki that comprise 38 Municipalities. Key cities include the metropolitan
area of Thesaloniki, Veria, Naousa, Kilkis, Edessa, Katerini and Serres.
The region has a population of 1,880,058 inhabitants 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
inhabitants
7
regional units
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.
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Municipalities
198, Vas. Olgas Ave., 541 10
Thessaloniki Greece
T +30 2313 319501, +30 2313 319502
m [email protected]
www.pkm.gov.gr
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9
Region of
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 regional units: Heraklio, Lasithi, Rethimno, and Chania, all
comprising 24 Municipalities.
Crete, with a population of 623,065 inhabitants, 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
inhabitants
4
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.
regional units
24
Municipalities
Eleftherias Sqr., 712 01
Heraklion Crete Greece
T +30 2813 400300, +30 2810 342584
m [email protected]
www.crete.gov.gr
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11
Region of
East Macedonia
and Thrace
Region of
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 Region of 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 Municipalities. Key cities are the capital Komotini, Alexandroupoli, Kavala, Xanthi,
Drama and Orestiada.
The region’s has 608,182 inhabitants 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.
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.
608,182
inhabitants
6
regional units
56
Municipalities
1, G. Kakoulidou Str., 691 00
Komotini Greece
T +30 25313 52101
m [email protected]
www.pamth.gov.gr
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13
Region of
Epirus
REGION OF EPIRUS
The Region of 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 regional units: Arta, Thesprotia, Ioannina, Preveza and 18
Municipalities. Key cities include the capital Ioannina, Arta, Preveza, and the port city
of Igoumenitsa.
The region has 336,856 inhabitants 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
inhabitants
4
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.
regional units
18
Municipalities
1, Pyrrou Sqr., 452 21
Ioannina Greece
T +30 26510 26230, +30 26510 87000
m [email protected]
www.php.gov.gr
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15
Region of
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 regional units: Zante, Ithaka, Corfu, Chefalonia and
Lefkada, with seven island Municipalities.
The Ionian Islands is an insular, tourist region with the features of a sparsely populated
zone with 207,855 inhabitants. 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
inhabitants
5
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.
regional units
7
Municipalities
National Road Paleokastritsis, Alykes
Corfu Greece
T +30 26610 39606, +30 26610 31696
m [email protected]
www.pin.gov.gr
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17
Region of
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 Municipalities.
The region of Voreio Aigaio with 199,231 inhabitants 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.
199,231
inhabitants
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.
4
regional units
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.
9
Municipalities
1, Kountourioti Str., 811 00
Mytilene Greece
T +30 22513 52100, +30 22510 46777
m [email protected]
www.pvaigaiou.gov.gr
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19
Region of
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 Municipalities. Key cities include the capital Tripoli, Argos, Nafplio, Corinth,
Sparta, and Kalamata.
577,903 inhabitants 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
inhabitants
5
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.
regional units
26
Municipalities
Ethn. Makariou Sqr., 221 00
Tripoli Greece
T +30 2713 601190, +30 2713 601191
m [email protected]
www.ppel.gov.gr
20
21
Region of
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 regional units and 35 island Municipalities.
The major cities are the capital Ermoupolis in Syros, Mikonos, Naxos, Santorini, Rhodes,
and Kos.
Populated by 308,975 inhabitants 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
inhabitants
13
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.
regional units
35
Municipalities
Eleftherias Sqr., 851 00 Rhodes
Tsiropina Sqr., 841 00
Hermoupoli Syros Greece
T +30 22413 60502, +30 22413 60503
m [email protected]
www.pnai.gov.gr
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23
Region of
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 regional units: Viotia, Evia, Evritania, Fthiotida, and Fokida,
with 25 Municipalities. 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 inhabitants 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
inhabitants
5
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.
regional units
25
Municipalities
1, Ipsilanti Str., 35 100
Lamia Greece
T +30 22310 52992, +30 22313 51233
m [email protected]
www.pste.gov.gr
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25
Region of
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 Municipalities. Key cities include the capital Larisa, Volos,
Karditsa, and Trikala.
Thessaly has a population of 732,762 inhabitants. 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
inhabitants
5
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.
regional units
25
Municipalities
Koumoundourou & Papanastasiou Str., 412 22
Larissa Greece
T 30 2413 506100, +30 2413 506552
m [email protected]
www.pthes.gov.gr
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Region of
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 Municipalities.
Key cities are the capital Patras, as well as Pyrgos, Messologi and Agrinio.
The 679,796 inhabitants 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).
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).
679,796
inhabitants
3
regional units
19
Municipalities
32, N.N.R. Patron – Athinon, 264 41
Patra Greece
T +30 2613 613500
m [email protected]
www.pde.gov.gr
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Region of
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 regional units of Florina, Grevena, Kastoria, and Kozani that
include 12 Municipalities. Among the key cities are the capital Kozani, Grevena, Florina
and Kastoria.
West Macedonia is a low-density populated region with 283,689 inhabitants (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.
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).
283,689
inhabitants
4
regional units
12
Municipalities
District Zep Kozani, 501 00
Kozani Greece
T +30 24613 50110, +30 24613 50111
m [email protected]
www.pdm.gov.gr
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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 regional units, 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.
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GREECE
13 REGIONS
REGAINING
THE FUTURE
ATHENS
6th EUROPEAN
SUMMIT
OF
REGIONS
AND CITIES
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 [email protected]
www.enpe.gr