The infrastructure projects in Greece and the presence of Mega Transport Infrastructure Projects (MTIPs): changing paradigms and priorities

Abstract

This article deals with the development of infrastructures in Greece with special reference to the mega transport infrastructure projects (MTIPs). The review starts from the end of the 19th century and spans until today, trying to decipher the major political, economic and social challenges that historically influenced the formation of the Mega Transport Infrastructure Projects. We propose a periodisation according to broader periods that relate both to socio-political changes and to changes of the priorities of the country that reflect the transformation of the regime of accumulation. We present critically the main factors for each period and the way they have influenced the planning, financing and creation of infrastructures, hence of the MTIPs.

Emphasis is particularly attributed to the periods after the 80’s which we consider as the most informative for the formation of today’s framework for planning and materialisation of MTIPs. The paper concludes with our thoughts on the difficult dilemmas and questions related to MTIPs that are in the phases of planning or construction, given the importance of several broader challenges such as privatisation, economic globalization, environmental protection, and the economic and institutional viability of the state.