Over 1 billion euros for Greek municipalities for «smart» applications

The new NSRF for 2021–2027 totals 21 billion euros, More than 7 billion euros will be allocated for investments in digital transformation and—as Mr. Georgiadis said—«the amount that Greece’s municipalities will receive is enormous. All that’s needed is for local leaders to have the drive and willingness to plan and organize the transformation of their regions into smart cities».

Expressing his concern about the pandemic crisis coronavirus, despite the financial damage it causes, as he admitted, he expressed optimism and noted that «because of the Covid-19 pandemic, everyone’s interaction with the digital world has become much faster than originally planned. ». So, while we are in quarantine, life goes on for citizens, and online sales are increasing significantly, even for small and medium-sized businesses.".

Emphasizing that «the future in Greece is expected to be even more digital,» Mr. Georgiadis spoke about the 5G network and noted: «Greece is one of the first countries to be moving so quickly with 5G-related processes.“ ”We can’t even imagine the possibilities that 5G will bring,” he added.

Referring to the major investments being made in Thessaloniki and throughout the country, he pointed out that «Greece—even amid the coronavirus pandemic—is a magnet for foreign investment,» noting that the technology park in Thessaloniki, the Thess Intec, is proceeding at a rapid pace, and its funding is secured through the Recovery Fund, while as for the Pfizer He emphasized that «the investors are so satisfied that they have decided to increase the number of engineers to 500, up from the 200 they currently have.».

Meanwhile, responding to a question about Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Georgiadis stated: «I have absolutely no concerns regarding our foreign policy. I am absolutely certain that our government is acting responsibly. Our international alliances are strong, and it is Turkey that is in a difficult position.» «Yesterday, the Turkish lira surpassed 10 euros, and the President of Turkey fired the central bank governor—for the second time in 16 months— while the U.S. elections ultimately did not go exactly as he had calculated,» he added. «So let’s not give in to despair; everything is under control, and there’s no need for panic. Greece is strong enough to deter any opportunist, and with the decisions made by the Greek prime minister—along with the measures coming very soon, in the coming months— and with other moves he is making regarding military equipment, under the responsibility of the Ministry of Defense, Greece’s deterrent power is very strong—don’t worry,» Mr. Georgiadis concluded.

As the challenge of the 21st century for the Local Government and the Deputy Minister for Macedonia and Thrace described society as, Theodoros Karaoglou, the transformation of cities into «smart cities,» noting that «this is neither a technological concept nor a static idea.» He noted that the transition to smart cities is a constantly evolving concept that concerns all active citizens, and emphasized that «it involves interactive city management aimed at making the city more sustainable, resilient, and capable of meeting the increased demands of our time.».

Mr. Karaoglou highlighted the rapid pace at which the Greek government is advancing its digital transformation and noted that, at present, more than 600 government services allow citizens to handle their affairs with the government with just one… click.

In any case, he emphasized that the success of «smart cities» is inextricably linked to informing and engaging citizens, so as to ensure interaction between the state and society.

The mayor of Thessaloniki, for his part, highlighted the strides made in the area of smart applications within the Municipality of Thessaloniki, Konstantinos Zervas, highlighting the shortcomings in basic infrastructure. «We are a smart city and we have smart people. So, the potential is there; it’s up to us to make the most of it,» he added.

For the «Antonis Tritsis», which, as he said, will begin in the near future, Mr. Zervas noted that this will provide even greater momentum for accelerating the digital transformation, and, adding, «we’ll even see sensors in trash cans,» he assured that «in 2021 we will have fully developed projects, with the goal during my term of office to transform Thessaloniki into a digital hub.».

The conference is organized by ka-business.gr under the auspices of the Ministries of Development and Investment and Digital Governance, and the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece, and is carried out with the support of the Municipality of Thessaloniki, of Association of Exporters of Northern Greece (SEVE) and of Municipal Waste Management Authority».