Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos has announced a new 17 million euro support scheme for fur businesses during an official visit to Kastoria in northern Greece on September 1, 2026. The financial intervention aims to assist local enterprises and workers suffering from severe international trade disruptions.
The new support program will officially open for applications on September 4, 2026, with the objective of providing direct assistance to every active business across the regional fur industry. The package brings cumulative state funding for the sector to 30 million euros following earlier financial aid initiatives.
Theodorikakos arrived in the region accompanied by Deputy Minister of Culture Iason Fotilas. Their trip formed part of broader government visits across northern Greece leading up to the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair, an annual event where ministers outline economic policy.
Meetings with regional leaders
During his visit, Theodorikakos held key consultations with Regional Governor of Western Macedonia Giorgos Amanatidis alongside Deputy Regional Governors Dimitris Savvopoulos and Olga Trasya. Maria Antoniou, the New Democracy Member of Parliament for Kastoria, also participated in the proceedings.
The delegation met with leadership from the Kastoria Chamber of Commerce and Industry and local social and productive organizations. Discussions focused on regional commercial challenges and strategies for broader industrial revitalization.
Theodorikakos also met with the Consultation Committee of the 3rd Program for Fur to review relief interventions. Conversations focused on enhancing the export orientation of local companies by opening new overseas markets and increasing participation in international trade fairs.
Impact of war on local industry
Addressing local representatives, Theodorikakos highlighted the severe economic damage inflicted on Kastoria by the ongoing war in Ukraine. The conflict effectively closed one of the main export destinations for the region's traditional fur trade.
Theodorikakos said that Kastoria had suffered a significant blow to the economic situation of households and businesses in recent years, primarily due to the Russia-Ukraine war, because a huge market had been lost. He added that many businesses were being tested and jobs were being lost.
Kastoria, located in northwestern Greece, is historically world-renowned for its specialized fur production and leather processing industry. Because local manufacturers rely heavily on foreign buyers, the geopolitical crisis in Eastern Europe severely impacted regional revenues.
Broader plan for economic recovery
Beyond fur sector relief, Theodorikakos detailed a comprehensive economic reconstruction strategy for the region. The government initiative seeks to diversify Kastoria's economy through fresh opportunities in tourism, primary agricultural production, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship.
He noted that the main interest of the Development Ministry and the government as a whole was to help Kastoria regain the momentum it deserved by utilizing its natural, historical, and cultural assets, and above all the potential of its people and young residents who wished to remain and build their futures locally.
The minister emphasized that the government wanted to attract new investments and create new jobs, adding that this was the policy through which authorities believed they could reconstruct the region through concrete projects and actions in partnership with local government and business communities.
Infrastructure and technology investments
Infrastructure projects play a key role in the regional recovery effort. Theodorikakos cited the E65 Central Greece Motorway, which has significantly improved road transportation between Kastoria and central Greece, benefiting citizen mobility, cargo logistics, investment, and tourism.
In the primary production sector, Theodorikakos identified the Nestorio dam as a vital agricultural project designed to support local farming communities. He also pointed to the economic impact of the local Police Guard School, which provides steady commercial activity for the surrounding area.
The region is also taking advantage of the special border region regime under Greece's Development Law. The legislative framework grants targeted state subsidies to attract private enterprise to border territories in sectors like manufacturing and tourism.
Among these investments, technology firm Nexus Data is constructing a 26.7 million euro data center in the Industrial Area of Kastoria. The project is receiving nearly 20 million euros in state support and is expected to create 67 new jobs.
Additionally, a new development framework targeting the agrifood sector is underway. The initiative is designed to unlock commercial potential for local food processors and agricultural producers.
Factory tour and ongoing cooperation
Following his meetings, Theodorikakos visited a manufacturing plant located within the Industrial Area of Kastoria. He toured the production facility, received updates on operations and corporate expansion plans, and spoke directly with factory employees on the shop floor.
Theodorikakos concluded by reaffirming that the Ministry of Development will maintain continuous collaboration with regional leadership, local municipalities, commercial chambers, and business associations to attract new investments and generate sustainable employment.
