A development mechanism at local scale—“Bringing Europe closer to its citizens by promoting sustainable and integrated development of all types of territories and local initiatives”.

Integrated Territorial Investments (ITIs) are tools for implementing development strategies within specific territorial units. They aim to improve economic conditions and employment, enhance the daily quality of life for citizens, and preserve the natural and built environment, based on a sustainable approach to regional development.

New Metropolitan Attica SA, the Development Organization of the Region of Attica, has the statutory authority to propose and implement territorial strategies through ITIs. These proposals follow the governance protocols outlined for the competent ITI Governance Authority, as required by the regulatory framework.

New Metropolitan Attica SA is preparing a comprehensive territorial strategy and action plan for submission under the Operational Programme “Attica 2021–2027”, covering the following areas:

• Promotion and enhancement of Hadrian’s Aqueduct as a monument of archaeological and historical significance and as a literal and figurative route for green development, recreation, microclimate improvement, culture and tourism,

• Holistic development of the islands of the Region of Attica (Regional Unit of Islands), enhancing territorial cohesion and sustainability,

• Highlighting the Metropolitan Green Spaces of the Attica Urban Conurbation as drivers of environmental and social resilience,

• Development of the “Attica Trilogy” cultural route, linking Elefsina, Athens, Lavrio and Piraeus into a coherent, identity-based territorial investment initiative.

• Organizational Readiness and Strategic Packaging 

  As part of the preparation process undertaken by New Metropolitan Attica S.A. for the submission of proposals related to the aforementioned strategies—and with the aim of ensuring thorough preparation and documentation—the Organization has proceeded with the following actions:

  • the conclusion, on 28.12.2021, of a Programme Agreement with the Region of Attica for the implementation of the project: “Preliminary Study of the Central Axis of Hadrian’s Aqueduct”, with the goal of formulating a comprehensive strategy and intervention plan for the promotion of this major technical feat of Antiquity, the utilization of its water resources, and the development of a supra-local hub of environmental, socio-economic, and cultural-tourism significance. Learn more here,
    
    
  • collaboration (through a service provision contract) with the consultancy firm LEVER S.A. Development Consultants for the preparation of a strategic study for the holistic development of the Regional Unit of the Islands of Attica, along with engagement and cooperation with the other relevant stakeholders to ensure the thoroughness and integrity of the strategy and the accompanying action and intervention plan,
    
    
  • collaboration (through a service provision contract) with the consultancy firm REMACO S.A., for the preparation of a strategic study on the promotion of the Metropolitan Green Spaces of the Urban Conurbation of the Attica Basin, along with engagement and cooperation with the other involved parties to ensure the throroughness and effectiveness of the strategy and action/intervention plan to be developed,
    
    
  • collaboration with the association DIAZOMA, which has designed and proposed the implementation of an integrated spatial strategy for the cultural route “Attica Trilogy” and has commissioned the required studies.

  
  

  It should be noted that following the official approval and launch of the Regional Operational Programme “ATTICA” 2021–2027 and the relevant calls for proposals by the Managing Authority of the Region of Attica (E.Y.D.E.P.), the Organization intends to submit proposals for approval relating to the aforementioned territorial strategies.

  
  

  Furthermore, taking advantage of the provisions of the current institutional framework, New Metropolitan Attica S.A. has initiated preparations for its designation as an Intermediate Body (IB) for the implementation of actions under the ROP “ATTICA” 2021–2027, such as the actions to be included in the aforementioned territorial strategies. In order to exercise the responsibilities of an Intermediate Body, the Organization is required to establish a distinct internal entity, in accordance with the specific requirements of the legislative framework governing the NSRF and co-financed programmes.

• Integrated Territorial Investments | ROP 2021–2027

  Integrated Territorial Investments (ITIs), under the European Union’s Cohesion Policy, serve as a spatial development tool for implementing development strategies in specific territorial units (areas). The objectives of the territorial strategy for each region include the improvement of economic conditions and employment, the enhancement of citizens’ daily lives from a social perspective, and the preservation of the natural and built environment, based on the sustainable development approach. The planning of such interventions shares a common characteristic: the definition of a shared strategy by the socioeconomic base of each area (citizens and stakeholders), within the broader framework of the Regions’ overall development strategy.

  The planning strategy of the new Operational Programme for Attica focuses on showcasing the metropolitan character of the Region, strengthening year-round tourism, and promoting sustainable urban development. This is pursued through the continued implementation of the approved ITIs/SDAs (Sustainable Development Areas) from the 2014–2020 programming period, the revision/update of the development vision they serve, and the necessary adjustments to strategies and intervention areas wherever required.

  The strong development features generated by Attica’s metropolitan nature include its unique landmarks of world cultural heritage, its cultural infrastructure and spatial units with dynamic potential for tourism development—targeting the inflow of visitors seeking to experience cultural routes. In this context, an integrated territorial intervention is being promoted to connect and showcase the cultural thematic axis in the areas of Athens, Eleusis, and Lavrio (the Trilogy).

  The emergence of Attica as a metropolitan area with an enhanced global profile is also directly linked to the upgrading of major green spaces and parks in the Region (Pedion tou Areos, Attiko Alsos, Tritsis Park), which can enhance the attractiveness of the Region and create synergies with Cultural and Tourism Development. It also relates to the Creative Economy and Sustainable Sectoral and Local Development, as well as to a remarkable ancient infrastructure project, Hadrian’s Aqueduct, which is being utilized—with the appropriate interventions—as an environmental asset and a project for microclimate improvement, with positive  implications for cultural tourism.

  With regard to the island cluster of the Attica Region, the islands possess significant natural, historical, and cultural resources, resulting both from their geographical formation and their involvement in major historical events of the country, particularly since the Greek War of Independence. Within the framework of an integrated territorial approach, a study is currently being prepared, alongside an extensive consultation and collaboration process directly involving stakeholders—both for the development strategy and the network of actions/projects that will support the local economy and holistically promote the regional tourism product.

• Read more about the process

  The Development Organization “NEW METROPOLITAN ATTICA S.A.”, in supporting the Region of Attica with technical assistance and in strengthening its competitive positioning, has initiated the process of preparation and coordination for the submission of territorial strategy proposals. These proposals will specify and substantiate the strategy of each Integrated Territorial Intervention, the proposed actions to be implemented within the framework of the strategy, the corresponding operational implementation plan, as well as the appropriate governance and management scheme for the interventions to be carried out under the proposed ITI. Within the same framework for promoting the above planning processes, emphasis will be placed on enhancing interoperability, synergy, and complementarity between the different ITIs, so that the regional territorial strategy acquires a metropolitan dimension.

  Upon the final approval of the National Partnership Agreement (NSRF) for the 2021–2027 Programming Period, and the corresponding Regional Operational Programme (ROP) for the Region of Attica, calls will be made by the Managing Authority of the Region of Attica (EYDEP), addressed to the Region of Attica or to other entities possessing the necessary legal status and administrative capacity, for the submission of proposals for Integrated Territorial Investment Strategies – Sustainable Urban Development (ITI – SUD) or ITI strategies for other thematic priorities, as tools for territorial development, in accordance with the provisions of the ROP “Attica 2021–2027” and the applicable legislation related to the 2021–2027 NSRF. This initiative reflects the advanced organizational preparedness of New Metropolitan Attica SA, which is preparing comprehensive strategic portfolios in alignment with ITI provisions under the OP “Attica 2021–2027”.

For more details, consult the strategic folders under preparation: 

1. Hadrian’s Aqueduct – An outstanding example of repurposing a symbolic heritage site for contemporary and sustainable use.
2. Attica’s Islands – Advancing the vision of “sustainable and welcoming islands”.
3. Green Space Strategy – A targeted action plan to enhance Attica’s Metropolitan Green Zones.
4. Attica Trilogy – An innovative territorial investment centered on Athens, Lavrio, Elefsina and Piraeus.