Preparing Greek ports for the new 2028-2034 EU funding period and upgrading port infrastructure were at the centre of the 8th meeting of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Ports Association (ELIME), held in Corfu.
The meeting took place at the premises of the Corfu Port Authority, in the presence of Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Stefanos Gkikas. Discussions focused on developing joint proposals for funding opportunities over the next seven-year period, taking into account ports’ needs, maritime connectivity, competitiveness and the growth prospects of local communities. The discussions were also linked to Greece’s assumption of the presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1, 2027.
EU funding and port infrastructure
The meeting examined opportunities offered by the European Competitiveness Fund, the Connecting Europe Facility for 2028-2034, which has a proposed budget of €51.5 billion for transport, Horizon Europe and the Innovation Fund. The Military Mobility initiative, which supports dual-use infrastructure, was also discussed, with particular emphasis on the needs of small, medium-sized and island ports.
Under the existing national planning framework, 21 port projects with a total budget of €180 million are being promoted through the Transport Programme 2021-2027. Three of these concern the regional unit of Corfu — Mathraki, Othonoi and Agios Stefanos — and aim to improve infrastructure and maritime connectivity. The Lefkimmi port project is included in the Ionian Islands Regional Programme.
The meeting also highlighted the completion of 13 port projects worth approximately €70 million through the Recovery and Resilience Facility, as well as the allocation of an additional €25 million through the Ministry of Maritime Affairs’ National Development Programme.
Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy said: “We regard ELIME as a key instrument for implementing our policies and promoting our country’s interests. Our ports do more than serve ferry connections. They are gateways for trade and key links in the supply chain.”
Source: Naftemporiki