Region of Central Macedonia

Region of Central Macedonia (RCM) is the largest region in Greece and its capital, Thessaloniki, is the second largest city in Greece in terms of population. The region has a population of 1,875,000 inhabitants, representing 17 percent of the country’s population and produces 17 percent of the GDP (second higher contribution after 37,7% of the region of Attica).In administrative terms the Region of Central Macedonia is a public authority at the second degree of local government, operating at regional level. It is comprised of seven regional units (former “prefectures”): Imathia, Thessaloniki, Pella, Kilkis, Pieria, Serres and Chalkidiki. Its regional administration is structured at central and regional level. According to its structure all the relative Regional Units organizationally belong to the central administration which is seated in Thessaloniki.Regions according to the Law 3852/2010 “New Architecture of the Self-Government and Decentralized Administration – Kallikratis Programme” design, plan and implement policies at regional level in the context of their jurisdiction, according to the principles of sustainable development and social inclusion of the country and in line with national and European policiesThe Central Administration of the Region of Central Macedonia is structured as follows:a. Office of the Governor of the Regionb. Office of the Deputy-Governors of the Regionc. Directorate General of Development Planning, Environment and Infrastructuresd. Directorate General of Internal Operationse. Directorate General of Regional Agricultural Economy and Veterinaryf. Directorate General of Developmentg. Directorate General of Transport and Communicationsh. General Directorate of Public Health and Social Welfare.