Corfu Secures Over €10 Million in New Funding for Natural Disaster Recovery
Corfu, February 19 – The Greek government has pledged an additional funding exceeding €10 million for Corfu’s recovery from recent natural disasters. This announcement follows a series of meetings between local officials and high-ranking government ministers, emphasizing the state’s commitment to supporting the island.
The new allocation will supplement the €12 million already provided, bringing the total financial aid for disaster relief and infrastructure restoration to over €22 million. The exact amount of the new funding is expected to be finalized by the Governmental State Aid Committee in the first week of March 2026.
Ministerial Meetings Highlight Government Support
The announcement was made by Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, St. Gikas, who held discussions with the Minister of Civil Protection and Climate Crisis, Giannis Kefalogiannis, and the Deputy Minister responsible for natural disasters, Kostas Katsafados. These meetings focused on the pressing issue of natural disasters in Corfu and the further strengthening of the Corfu Fire Department.
A broader meeting was also held with Mr. Katsafados, attended by the Regional Governor of the Ionian Islands, Ioannis Trepeklis, and the Mayors of Corfu, including Stefanos Penintarchou Poulimenos, Georgios Macheimaris, and Giannis Kavvadias. The discussions underscored the government’s practical contribution to healing the wounds left by the continuous natural phenomena and ensuring the quality of life for both permanent residents and visitors, especially with the approaching tourist season.
Immediate Response and Infrastructure Projects
Deputy Minister Katsafados was lauded for his immediate response to the problems, mirroring his actions during a similar difficult situation in November. This rapid response addresses the needs for supporting the island with necessary works on damaged infrastructure and the destroyed road network.
It is hoped that all relevant bodies and local self-government authorities will promptly respond to the challenge of executing the necessary technical works for which funding exceeding €22 million has been approved in total. The initial €12 million has already been disbursed.
Strengthening Emergency Services
In addition to financial aid for infrastructure, Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis announced an increase of 12 permanent firefighter positions in the Corfu Regional Unit, raising the total from 130 in 2025 to 140. For Paxos, positions will increase from 13 to 15. Furthermore, a call for at least 600 fixed-term firefighter positions is expected soon, with some of these personnel to be assigned to the Corfu Regional Unit.
The Corfu Fire Department has also received two brand-new vehicles: PS.5555, a 1.9 cc 4×4 ISUZU D-MAX personnel transport vehicle for the 15th EM.O.D.E., and PS.5428, a 9-seater Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer 114 CDI personnel transport vehicle for the South Corfu Fire Department.
Traffic Disruptions and Road Closures
Due to ongoing recovery efforts and infrastructure repairs, traffic disruption is in effect from the Achilleion Museum to the intersection of the Angsana Hotel. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes.
The Greek government reaffirms its commitment to effective problem-solving, showcasing a proactive approach to supporting Corfu in its recovery and resilience against natural disasters.
Source: https://corfutvnews.gr/kerkyra-akoma-10ek-evro-yposchethikan-gia-tis-katastrofes/
