Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed that Greece had made full use of the €36bn Recovery Fund during a visit to Kalamata for the inauguration of the new Solar Sludge Drying Unit. The prime minister also outlined the government’s expectations for the next European funding framework.
“The country managed to meet the timetable and all deadlines, and implemented all the reforms that accompanied this exceptionally demanding undertaking. And we made full use of every euro of those €36bn,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis said.
The prime minister estimated that Greece would secure around €50bn or more over the next seven years from the new European funding instrument, known as the NRPP, which brings together resources from the Common Agricultural Policy, the Cohesion Fund and other sources.
He noted that negotiations on the next European budget were complex, and said the government expected them to be completed by December 2026. He also stressed that experience managing the Recovery Fund and working with local government would guide the use of the new funds.
The Kalamata facility
The facility inaugurated in Kalamata is one of 18 sewage sludge management plants built across the country in recent years, with total funding of €165m from the Recovery Fund.
It has an annual capacity of 11,000 tonnes and will receive sewage sludge from the Kalamata Wastewater Treatment Plant, as well as from equivalent facilities in the municipalities of Pylos-Nestoras, Oichalia and Trifylia. Processing will turn the residue from wastewater treatment into a soil improver for the primary sector and forest management.
The prime minister described the facility as an example of the circular economy and environmental protection, noting that as recently as 2023 only four similar plants were operating, in Athens, Thessaloniki, Chalkida and Rethymno. The new facilities will cover more than 60% of the outstanding need for sewage sludge management.
Infrastructure in Messinia
The prime minister placed particular emphasis on infrastructure projects under way in Messinia, notably Kalamata airport and the Kalamata – Rizomylos – Pylos – Methoni road.
On the airport concession agreement, he said the aim was to upgrade an infrastructure facility that currently struggles to handle around 400,000 passengers a year, so that it can serve 1 million. The agreement provides for more than €40m in revenue for the state and an investment of €70m.
The Kalamata – Rizomylos – Pylos – Methoni road project is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed in summer 2028, along with the Gialova bypass, he said. He also noted that under the PPP arrangement, the concessionaire would be responsible for maintenance for 25 years.
In his speech, he also referred to road safety measures at more than 600 locations across the Peloponnese Region. In closing, he mentioned a residential facility for people with autism that he had visited, and noted that issues remained to be discussed with local government, including the creation of a sports centre.