The Minister of Civil Protection noted that in the government’s desire to complete the 35-kilometer extension of the artificial barrier in Evros by the end of 2023. Takis Theodorikakosinforming the relevant parliamentary committee.

Talking about the projectConstruction of a new, modernization – repair of the existing Artificial Barrier and related works along the border line of the Greek-Turkish border in p.p. Evros“, Mr. Theodorikakos stressed that the government’s goal is to complete the construction of the entire 140-kilometer fence as soon as possible.

He also expressed his assessment that during the year there will be very important progress in the issue of further financing of the project. “The project starts with funding from national resources, but it is clear that the European Union must demonstrate its solidarity in practice,” stressed the Minister for the Protection of Citizens.

Mr. Theodorikakos repeated that “the protection of the borders of Greece is the eternal and indisputable priority of our government.” and announced that in January and February 2023, i.e. in the first 50 days of the year, more than 7,600 illegal immigrants and 118 human traffickers were detained in Evros territory. “We are talking about the central winter months, which are more difficult for someone to spend in Greece,” added the Minister of Civil Protection.

In particular, for an extension with a 35 km section in the central Euro, in places where the proximity of a river and a mountain range covered with dense forest makes them ideal as passages, illegally, for immigrants (Psathades Didymoteicho – Kornofolia Soufliou district) he said that he would have a budget of 99.2 million euros and that this a project aimed at eliminating a threat to national order and security. As he noted, in connection with the need for an immediate and effective response to this threat, an extraordinary procedure for negotiations was chosen without publication of a notice, since it was not possible to meet the deadlines provided for open, closed or competitive procedures with negotiations. “Summer is coming, the river level is falling, migration flows are increasing.

Time and events are running out,” Mr. Theodorikakos said, stressing, however, that “in any case, measures have been taken to comply with all legal requirements“. He also added that “unfortunately, it is possible that we will have such an intensity of pressure as a devastating earthquake in a neighboring country, there is a possibility that this will lead to additional migration flows. So far, nothing of the kind has been confirmed, but there is undoubtedly such a risk,” Mr. Theodorikakos said.

Regarding the negotiation process, the Minister of Civil Protection announced that two of the five companies of the 7th class came up with a joint proposal as the “Association of Economic Authorities TERNA SA and INTRAKAT”, which, after successive improvements, amounted to 78,002,261,0.17 euros (excluding VAT), those. the average implied discount is 2.5%. The proposal was accepted, after which the certification documents were submitted, which were checked for accuracy and completeness. The draft contract and the project dossier were submitted to the Accounts Chamber for pre-contractual verification. In this regard, on February 21, Law No. 099/2023 of the 5th level was issued, which decided that the signing of a draft agreement between the Greek state (i.e. the Ministry of Citizens’ Protection) and companies is not an obstacle. Union of Economic Authorities TERNA SA and INTRAKAT”.

Responding to the speeches of the members of the committee on public administration, public order and justice, Mr. Theodorikakos said that the fence will be built on the existing embankment and will also serve as a flood protection: “This will protect local crops and nearby communities from the risk of flooding,” the minister said.

With information from APE-MPE