The visit of Sustainable Transport and Tourism Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas to Evros, in the framework of his presence in Thrace for Europe Day 2026, has been completed.
The European Union is a territory of values and values of values. And as a geographical territory it has borders. And its borders are here, in Thrace, which is the shield of the European Union. Here today, we see the image of a Europe that protects us, that does not leave its borders to their fate, that cooperates, that understands that its citizens have the right to feel secure. The construction of the fence is a Greek initiative. An initiative supported by the European Union with EUR 1.7 billion in resources for equipment, new technologies and surveillance systems. It proves in practice that the protection of our borders is a shared European responsibility. Because Greece’s borders are also Europe’s borders. And the security of Greek citizens is at the same time the security of all European citizens.”
The Commissioner also met with the Mayor of Alexandroupolis Ioannis Zamboukis and had a dialogue with high school students participating in the EU Ambassadors programme at the Municipal Library (Kapnomagazo) of Alexandroupolis.
Mr. Tzitzikostas referred to European policies for young people, the prospects that the EU is shaping for the young generation and the opportunities that are emerging in Evros and Thrace, so that young people can remain in the region and become an element of its development. As he pointed out, “the future of Europe is built through dialogue, knowledge and the participation of young people. And this is the most optimistic message of today: that on the borders of Europe, here in Alexandroupolis and Thrace, a new generation of European citizens is growing up, confident, knowledgeable and believing in a common European future.”
The Commissioner then visited the Joint Operational Centre of the Greek Police, Frontex and Europol, at the “Demokritos” Airport of Alexandroupolis.
Tzitzikostas was briefed on the work and cooperation on security issues and the means available to the authorities and the Centre for the protection of the European and Greek borders and said: “Here, at the Operations Centre at Alexandroupolis Airport, where FRONTEX, EUROPOL, the Greek Police and the Armed Forces cooperate, European security is being built every day. Here we see the image of Europe, which coordinates services, which uses technology, people, experience and institutions, which understands that security is not something vague, but a daily operational reality. We are well aware of the recurrent and complex migratory pressures that Thrace has faced over the years. And in these difficult times, the people, the men and women, who serve here have shown professionalism, composure, resilience and a high sense of responsibility. That is why I express my respect and thanks on behalf of the whole of society for their great work for the security of Greece and the security of all European citizens. This is exactly the Europe that works well.”
Then Mr Tzitzikostas visited the Natural Gas Metering and Regulatory Station of Amfitriti (DESFA).
Among other things, the Commissioner stressed that “the successive energy crises of recent years have shown that energy security is not only an economic issue and cannot be taken for granted. That is why Europe must invest and is constantly investing in the diversification of energy sources, suppliers and networks. Greece is rapidly becoming a critical energy hub for South-Eastern Europe. And Thrace is now of particular geopolitical and energy importance for the whole of Europe. The LNG that arrives here, at the Amfitriti terminal, enters the Greek network and from there supplies South-Eastern and Central Europe, enhancing the security of supply of the entire region. In fact, Alexandroupoli is now a top strategic point on the new energy map of Europe. And this is particularly important, because Europe’s energy independence is a prerequisite for its economic strength, social stability and strategic autonomy.”
As part of his visit, the Commissioner also met with the Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Christodoulos Topsidis, at the “Prefecture” of Alexandroupolis, where he referred to the crucial role of the Regions in turning European resources into measurable results for citizens and businesses. He stressed that the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace over the last ten years has secured €1 billion in European funds, upgrading infrastructure, improving the quality of life and everyday life of all citizens and strengthening more than 22,600 local businesses. He also referred to the forthcoming start of works on the road and railway network Alexandroupolis – Pythiou, which is part of the new Aegean – Black Sea axis. “All these projects show in practice what Europe of cohesion means: Europe that invests in regions, Europe that reduces inequalities and strengthens local communities,” he underlined.
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The Commissioner also visited the projects of the Eastern Regional Road of Alexandroupolis and had a meeting with young Thracian entrepreneurs involved in start-ups at the Business Support Structure in the former Bank of Greece building in Alexandroupolis. Addressing the young entrepreneurs, he stressed, among other things. In the words of the President of the European Commission, “The reality is not a reality, it is you. It is your businesses. It is the workers you employ and the families that rely on you. When we talk about European policies, we have to talk about how they touch your daily lives. And the EU is now well aware of this. Competitiveness is no longer one of the many priorities. It is the top priority. That is why in practice, not in words in the Commission, we are reducing bureaucracy and red tape by 30%, simplifying regulations and procedures, removing obstacles that did not protect anyone but inconvenienced everyone. Because we want a Europe that regulates when it needs to, but trusts when it needs to. A Europe that is an ally for entrepreneurship, not a hindrance.”
