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Greek cycling groups seek continued EU funding for bike projects
🇬🇷 Greece /Environment & Climate

Greek cycling groups seek continued EU funding for bike projects

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Greek cycling federations are urging the government to secure continued European Union funding for cycling and active mobility projects.
  • They highlighted that EU structural funds have already contributed 6.8 billion euros to cycling-related projects between 2014-2027.
  • The federations aim to leverage these funds for creating over 12,000 kilometers of cycling infrastructure in Greece.

Two prominent Greek cycling organizations are calling on the government to ensure ongoing European Union funding for cycling and active mobility initiatives. The Hellenic Federation of Urban Cycling (EOAP) and the "Cities for Cycling" organization, representing Greece within the European Cyclists' Federation (ECF), sent a joint letter to the Ministers of Infrastructure and Transport, Development, and Environment and Energy.

Their plea is for the next EU budget to continue financing projects that benefit citizens at local, regional, and national levels. The organizations emphasized that EU structural funds are a vital resource for governments seeking to expand cycling and active mobility infrastructure and services. A recent ECF study indicates that these funds have already channeled 6.8 billion euros into cycling projects across the 2014-2027 programming periods.

The EU's structural funds are a valuable resource for governments at all levels seeking to offer more cycling and active mobility infrastructure and services to citizens.

— The Hellenic Federation of Urban Cycling and Cities for CyclingIn a joint letter to Greek ministers, highlighting the importance of EU funding for cycling projects.

The Cohesion Fund and the European Regional Development Fund are identified as the primary investment sources. These have supported the construction of cycling bridges, "cycle highways," and route networks, enhancing safe mobility for citizens. Additionally, funding has been allocated to bicycle rental and sharing schemes, parking facilities, promotional campaigns, and pro-cycling policies. The letter suggests that European funds could facilitate the upgrade or creation of more than 12,000 kilometers of cycling infrastructure in Greece.

EU structural funds contributed 6.8 billion euros to cycling-related projects during the EU's two programming periods covering 2014-2027.

— European Cyclists' Federation (ECF)Cited in the joint letter from Greek cycling organizations regarding the impact of EU funding.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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