Athens, Wednesday 17 June
At the initiative of Mr. Manos Konsolas, Chair of the Special Permanent Committee on Greek Regions of the Hellenic Parliament, and Mr. Spyros Protopsaltis, Secretary
General of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, the Committee convened on Wednesday, 17 June in the “President Giannis N. Aleuras” Hall of the Hellenic
Parliament. Chaired by Mr. Konsolas, the session focused on the theme: “Aquaculture as a Driver of Regional Development.”
Representing the Greek aquaculture sector, the Committee was addressed by Apostolos Touralias, Chairman of the Hellenic Aquaculture Producers Organization (HAPO);
Spyros Giannoulatos, HAPO Vice President, representing the Region of Central Greece (Galaxidi); Giannis Chekimoglou, HAPO Secretary General, representing the Region of
Epirus (Sagiada, Thesprotia); Dimitris Papanagiotou, HAPO Member, representing the South Aegean Region (Leros); Savvas Chatzinikolaou, representing the South Aegean
Region (Chalki); and George Pitakas, President of the Panhellenic Association of Small and Medium-Sized Fish Farmers (PANEMMI).
Opening the session, Mr. Konsolas emphasized the strategic importance of the topic, stating:
“This issue concerns not only the national economy but also the challenges of the future—not only for our regions and Greece as a whole, but also for Europe and the
broader global discussion.”
Members of Parliament serving on the Committee listened to the presentations of the industry’s representatives and unanimously acknowledged aquaculture’s significant
contribution to regional development, local economies, and social cohesion. Emphasis was placed on the sector’s role in sustaining employment and retaining population
in Greece’s island and remote border regions. It was also broadly agreed that future growth must continue to be underpinned by strict environmental protection,
transparency, regulatory compliance, and meaningful engagement with local communities.
During his intervention, HAPO President Apostolos Touralias highlighted the strategic importance of primary production within Greece’s national economic model. He
stressed that the prolonged delays in completing and updating the national spatial planning framework are incompatible with the needs of one of the country’s most
productive and export-oriented protein-producing sectors. He further noted that the sector’s continued development depends on genuine social participation,
comprehensive spatial planning, robust environmental monitoring, transparency, and accountability.
HAPO Vice President Spyros Giannoulatos presented the strong environmental credentials of Greek sea bream and sea bass production, noting that these species are
produced with one of the lowest carbon footprints and freshwater consumption levels among animal protein sectors. He added that these environmental advantages are
expected to secure the highest European “Green Class A” sustainability rating.
HAPO Secretary General Giannis Chekimoglou highlighted the Thesprotia Aquaculture Organized Development Area (POAY) as a model of best practice, built on rigorous
environmental monitoring, circular economy principles, and strong collaboration with local communities. He called on the State to “break free from bureaucratic
constraints” and adopt practical, investment-friendly solutions.
Representing Greece’s island communities, HAPO Member Dimitris Papanagiotou shared the experience of Leros, where aquaculture serves as the island’s economic
backbone, providing approximately 100 permanent jobs. He concluded by stating:
“We are not asking for subsidies; we are asking for the tools that will allow us to continue producing, investing, and proudly flying the Greek flag.”
Concluding the discussion, Committee Chair Manos Konsolas stressed that the immediate priority is the establishment of a stable regulatory framework through the
completion and formal adoption of the Organized Aquaculture Development Areas (POAYs). He underlined the need to accelerate the issuance of the relevant Presidential
Decrees for each designated area, ensuring legal certainty, uninterrupted business operations, and future investment opportunities.
Mr. Konsolas further noted that the implementation of a comprehensive spatial planning framework for aquaculture is a personal commitment of the Prime Minister and
emphasized that regulatory gaps and longstanding administrative obstacles must be eliminated, as they continue to discourage investment and hinder the sector’s long-
term development.
The Special Permanent Committee on Regions concluded the session by committing to examine the proposals presented and forward them to the Ministry of Environment
and Energy, recognizing that the timely implementation of the legislated Organized Aquaculture Development Areas (POAYs) is a national priority for ensuring legal certainty,
attracting investment, and supporting the sustainable development of Greece’s coastal and island communities.
