In Ptolemaida today, Pelopidas Kalliris, Director of the Special Unit for the Just Development Transition (EUDAM), visited a series of flagship projects underway in the region — tangible steps toward transforming Western Macedonia into a new, sustainable productive and developmental model.
Press Conference at Eordaea Municipal Building
The visit began at the Eordaea Municipal Building, where a press conference was held in the presence of Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis; Deputy Finance Minister Nikos Papathanasis; Western Macedonia Regional Governor Giorgos Amanatidis; EUDAM Director Pelopidas Kalliris; Transition Director Despoina Garani; and Eordaea Mayor Panagiotis Plakentas.
During the briefing, Ministers Georgiadis and Papathanasis underscored the importance of ongoing interventions in Western Macedonia — supporting entrepreneurship, generating new jobs, upgrading public infrastructure, and building a new, sustainable economic model. Regional Governor Amanatidis, EUDAM Director Kalliris, Transition Director Garani, and Mayor Plakentas highlighted progress on key projects, their regional significance, and the close coordination among all stakeholders to ensure the success of the Just Development Transition.
Wonderplant Investment Launches in Mavropigi
A central highlight of the visit was the official launch ceremony for the Wonderplant investment — one of the largest private investments currently underway in Western Macedonia, supported by the Just Development Transition Programme. With a total budget exceeding €127 million, the project involves developing state-of-the-art hydroponic greenhouse facilities in Mavropigi, on land formerly part of the Ptolemaida lignite field.
Leveraging cutting-edge technology, Wonderplant exemplifies the region’s shift toward a modern, diversified economy. Upon full operation, it is expected to create approximately 300 new jobs in its initial phase.
New Oncology Clinic for Ptolemaida’s Bodossakis Hospital
Also during the visit, the first call for proposals under the Special DAM Programme 2026–2030 was signed — allocating €27 million to build a new Oncology Clinic at the Bodossakis Hospital in Ptolemaida. The project includes constructing a new wing and procuring advanced medical-technological equipment, significantly upgrading healthcare services for residents across Western Macedonia.
Environmental Remediation at Former AEVAL Site
The delegation then visited the former AEVAL industrial site, where a €25 million environmental remediation project is underway. Once completed, the cleanup will pave the way for the new Ptolemaida Industrial Park — offering fresh development opportunities for a region historically anchored in Western Macedonia’s industrial legacy.
Green Hydrogen Hub by EKETA
The tour continued to the EKETA-led Green Hydrogen Hub project — another strategic initiative contributing to the region’s energy transition and long-term economic diversification.