91-121

• Papadaskalopoulos, A.
• Christofakis, M.
• Karaganis, A.
• Konsolas, J.

Via Egnatia motorway, part of the Trans-european Transport Networks of the European Union, constitutes a project of major significance for Greece (and especially for Northern Greece), connecting (through its vertical intersections) the country with the Pan-european Transport Network that stretches from Central and Eastern Europe to the Balkans. This paper attempts to outline the social and economic strategy of Greece in the current planning period (2000-2006) and to determine the role of Via Egnatia in the implementation of this strategy. More particularly it explores the way in which the operation of Via Egnatia, its vertical axes and supplementary works contribute to the overall strategic planning for the socio-economic development of Greece. Moreover, it examines the growth potential of the country in Europe and the Balkans after the completion of Via Egnatia and the Pan-european Corridors. In general, the completion of Via Egnatia and its vertical intersections, combined with the completion of interventions in ports and airports which service the road and constitute its entrance/exit gates, as well as of other large-scale national transport works (P.A.TH.E., Western Axis, Junctions, etc.) will contribute to the strengthening of cohesion and the balanced development of Greece. On the other hand, it will assist the functional networking of Greece with the wider surrounding geographical areas (South-eastern Mediterranean, Balkans, Eastern Europe, Black Sea Area).

• Economics and Business

• Economic development

Trans–european Transport Networks, Pan–european Corridors, Via Egnatia, Transportation Policy, Regional Development, Development Planning, Greece, European Union

JEL classification: R49, R58, R42, R11