€194M allocated to upgrade rural road network

The decision activates a programme with a total budget of €194 million, encompassing 365 projects across 123 municipalities, with coverage extending to all 13 regions of the country.

The level of available funding marks a significant increase compared with the original plan, which had provided for a budget of €65 million. However, following a decision by Margaritis Schinas, a substantial budget overcommitment was approved, leading to an almost threefold increase in available resources in order to include more projects nationwide.

The figures also highlight the programme’s growing momentum compared with the previous funding cycle. In the corresponding 2022 call, 208 projects with a total budget of €107 million had been approved, meaning that both the number of projects and the available funding have recorded a notable increase.

The initiative aims to improve access to rural and livestock-farming areas, strengthening the ability of farmers and livestock breeders to travel safely throughout the year. The need to upgrade such infrastructure has become increasingly urgent in light of the growing impact of climate change and the more frequent occurrence of extreme weather events.

According to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, strengthening rural infrastructure is a critical factor for enhancing the resilience of primary production, as well as improving the day-to-day functioning of local economies in regional areas.

Beneficiaries may file an appeal against the evaluation results within seven working days from the submission of the relevant assessment tables to the competent authorities.