More than €40 million in Cohesion Policy funds dedicated to protecting people, homes, and businesses from floods in Athens, Greece

The Funds will be used to improve 4.83 km of the upstream part of the Eschatia stream, which poses a significant flood risk to the local community as it flows through densely populated urban areas, with many buildings located on its banks.   

Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira said: “Extreme weather events are becoming more intense and frequent. Thanks to this EU-funded project, citizens in Athens will be better protected against future flooding, ensuring that their homes, businesses, and regions are adequately protected. It will ensure the city of Athens becomes more resilient to the impact of climate change in the future.”  

The upstream area will be canalised by putting in place underground culverts, concrete structures which will relieve drainage and flooding of surrounding areas. Funds will also be used for the construction of rainwater drainage systems and the creation of green spaces to regenerate the areas around the stream. 600 hectares of residential land will be better protected from flooding.  

€69 million in Cohesion Policy funds have already been invested to support flood defence mechanisms along the downstream area, protecting more than 300,000 residents from flooding.  

Today’s support is expected to improve citizens’ quality of life, ensure better use of the land around the streams, and boost the local economy.  

Supporting Member States to strengthen resilience and preparedness against climate-related disasters is an important priority of the Commission. To step up this support, the Commission yesterday proposed new flexibilities under the Cohesion Policy funds to ensure that EU funds can be quickly mobilised in support of post-disaster recovery.