Decentralized Administration of Macedonia and Thrace

Northern Greece's largest administrative region spans from Thessaloniki—the country's second city—east to the Turkish and Bulgarian borders. Thessaloniki functions as Greece's alternative economic pole: its metro finally opened November 30, 2024, after decades of delays caused by archaeological discoveries at every station. The Port of Thessaloniki tripled cargo volume since 2016, with 10.8% growth in 2024 alone, positioning it as a gateway for Balkan trade. Yet Central Macedonia's per capita GDP sits at 80% of the national average and just 58% of Attica's—the gap with Athens persists despite infrastructure investments. Eastern Macedonia and Thrace tells a harsher story: second-lowest GDP per capita in Greece at €14,300 (48% of EU average), making it one of Europe's poorest regions. The area's position near Turkey creates both strategic importance and demographic anxiety. Alexandroupolis has emerged as an energy hub with LNG terminals serving southeastern Europe. The Macedonia Thrace Brewery—Greece's only fully Greek-owned large brewery—represents the rare indigenous industrial success, supporting 500 contract farmers across 30,000 acres. Unemployment remains elevated despite falling to 8.6% nationally by late 2025. The OECD identified tourism as the key development axis for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, but implementation lags. By 2026, this region's trajectory depends on whether the Thessaloniki metro expansion completes on schedule, whether the Flyover project (targeting 2027) decongests freight routes, and whether Eastern Macedonia can convert its border position into an economic advantage rather than a liability.