In a world that is constantly evolving, how will Phthiotis… (re)win the future?

This was the key question that fueled a comprehensive discussion among politicians, businessmen and technocrats, within the framework of the Thermopylae Forum 2025 .

At the same table, the MP of Phthiotis Christos Staikouras, former “tsar” of the Greek Economy, as well as Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, together with Demosthenes Katsigiannis , Director of the Office of the CEO of the AVAX Group, Angelos Bogdanos , Vice President of Sustainable Development of INDEVCO GROUP, Yiannis Premetis , President of the Phthiotis Port Fund and Dimitris Triantafyllou , Architect, head of the architectural firm VTRIA ARCHITECTS.

The discussion was coordinated by  Yiannis Perlepes , CEO of SKAPANI S.A., a Development Organization of the Region of Central Greece, with many years of experience in the media and local government.

” How is Fthiotida transformed into a transport and logistics hub? What is the role of investments and private initiative? How is public space redesigned based on the principles of resilience and modern architecture? What are the steps for a place that is not content with its past, but claims its future ?”, some of the “bets” set by the speakers, showing the future for the place.

Mr. Staikouras referred to the major projects that have been or are being carried out in the region and their impact on the local economy, especially for the roads, the health structures, reaching the great effort to exploit the thermal springs and especially ” the challenge of the Ypatis Baths “, as Mr. Staikouras meaningfully mentioned. ” Investments are being made and more are coming “, said the MP from Fthiotida characteristically.

For his part, Mr. Katsigiannis spoke about the current position of manufacturers who are not limited to construction and now play many roles in the development of the Greek economy. He did not fail to mention the major projects and the ” emblematic project Bralos – Amfissa “. In particular, ” the implementation of Bralos – Amfissa is an important project for Phthiotis since the most technically difficult section of the road, approximately 24 km long, will be delivered on time, completing the connection of Lamia with Amfissa. However, it is not enough. The initial design must be completed. That is, the road axis should continue from Amfissa and reach Antirrio. Its completion will free up and multiply the development opportunities of Phthiotis “, he said, among other things.

Mr. Bogdanos, for his part, spoke about the needs of entrepreneurship in terms of structures and incentives to support human resources in our region, underlining the role of UnipaK in production and employment.

The President of the Fthiotida Port Authority, Mr. Premetis, also accepted the basic question about the development of the Port of Stylida, a project that provides another reason for the development of the area. ” Work will begin within two months ,” emphasized Mr. Premetis, who also referred to the other large port of Agios Konstantinos and the fishing shelters.

Finally, Mr. Triantafyllou mentioned the brand name of Thermopylae, with his diploma thesis – study that is being utilized by the Region of Central Greece. In his study, he describes many elements of the history of the place, highlighting the proposals that enhance the promotion of the place and its tourism.

The panel closed with “three observations” by Mr. Staikouras. He therefore asked for “ proposals to be within budget, more mature studies, more prepared expropriations, and the proper contribution of the private sector, referring to the problems faced in PPP projects .” However, he acknowledged the fact that the private sector is asking for more, especially in terms of energy costs, as Mr. Bogdanos requested, but also for more opportunities.

Finally, he praised the holistic plan of the Fthiotida Regional Administration for ports and fishing shelters, half of which are unlicensed, as he revealed! As he said, a very serious effort is being made to truly capture the situation, while for the port of Stylida another 10 million are needed for its connection with the Greek railway, and the Greek railway needs and must be connected to all ports.

Finally, regarding Thermopylae, he reiterated the large and coordinated efforts to develop it that are underway, overcoming very significant problems.

Watch the video of Thermopylae Forum 2025.