Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis’ address at the event “Macedonia: A Pillar of Development and Innovation in Southeastern Europe”, in the framework of the 89th[...]

I would like to thank you for being here with us today at our pavilion. It is a great honor to welcome you at the Thessaloniki International Fair. This event highlights Macedonia's role as a pillar of development and innovation in Southeastern Europe. It is an objective we set from the very first day we assumed office, and it is gradually being implemented. Thessaloniki's comparative advantages are truly exceptional. Namely its location, transport interconnectivity, combined transport networks, and the growing interest it attracts, not only from our immediate neighborhood but also from distant regions.

Allow me to address certain key points. The first relates to investments we seek to attract through growth. Last year alone, 222 investment projects were included in the Greek Development Law, exceeding 300 million euros. Under the new development plan, our projection is for 6,8 billion euros, which we believe will generate a very large multiplier effect, particularly as we target sectors with inherently strong multipliers, namely energy, digital technologies, transport, and connectivity.

In terms of energy, Thessaloniki has evolved not merely into a hub but into a central gateway in Southeastern Europe. The TAP and IGB pipelines are undoubtedly conduits through which key energy routes pass. In Northern Greece, the FSRU in Alexandroupolis is pivotal, since it functions as the entry point of 25% of liquefied natural gas. The efforts undertaken to diversify energy sources following Russia's war in Ukraine have highlighted Macedonia's comparative advantage, as all alternative energy sources were developed. Today we have achieved an energy mix with more than 50% from renewable sources. This is a development of immense importance for sustainability and energy diversification. Thus, we can assert that Macedonia has indeed become a highly significant energy hub in Southeastern Europe and beyond.

I would also like to refer to our transport infrastructure. The ports of Thessaloniki, Kavala, and Alexandroupolis are on a path of tremendous growth. There is obviously enormous interest in these ports. They are connected by rail and road to the major transport networks. Let me particularly refer to the railway network now under development, the "Via Carpathia", which will hopefully connect us with Lithuania. At the same time, we are working to expand all supporting infrastructure, complementing and upgrading existing road networks. The combination of transport, energy resources, and digital technologies is absolutely critical for Macedonia, for Northern Greece, and for our country as a whole.

I wish to refer to the digital sector. We all recognize the importance of creating digital gateways. Greece, as you know, has been chosen as one of the seven locations where the European Union will establish landmark Artificial Intelligence factories. Numerous initiatives are underway in the digital field, closely linked with all aspects of sustainable and meaningful development.

And all of this contributes, as you can see, to the rapid reduction of public debt. It is the steepest decline currently observed in Europe. It has led to Greece's upgrading in investment ratings, enabling us to borrow under more favorable conditions than some of the most powerful European economies. We are at once on a path of growth and a virtuous economic cycle. Greece will never risk its economic sustainability for short-term benefits. Responsible governance and political stability are of utmost importance.

Finally, I would like to underscore the presence of Universities in Macedonia, particularly the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, which substantially contributes to the development of the wider region, as does the International Hellenic University. It is essential to link research and innovation, our core objectives, with education. This is why many of our research programs are currently being developed within our Universities. We must work collectively towards achieving this goal.

I believe that everything I have mentioned, combined with the major projects now underway in Thessaloniki, the metro extension to Kalamaria, the Flyover project - which we hope will be completed within one to one-and-a-half years- not only transform urban daily life but also make this city a true point of reference for Southeastern Europe.

I would like to thank the Secretary General, Mr. Skalkos, our Deputy Minister Mr. Theocharis, our former Deputy Minister Mr. Chatzivasileiou, as well as all the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "Enterprise Greece" and its leadership for their excellent work in promoting extroversion.

Extroversion is, in fact, Greece's gateway to the world. We should all understand that if anything guarantees the economic future of our country, it is extroversion. Greece's outward orientation is not recent, it dates back centuries. And today, at a time of numerous global challenges, it is our responsibility to emerge stronger, more outward-looking, with a larger and more resilient economy, and with a stronger international presence.

Once again, thank you.

September 6, 2025