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 policies
The Central Administration of the Region of Central Macedonia is structured as follows:
a. Office of the Governor of the Region
b. Office of the Deputy-Governors of the Region
c. Directorate General of Development Planning, Environment and Infrastructures
d. Directorate General of Internal Operations
e. Directorate General of Regional Agricultural Economy and Veterinary
f. Directorate General of Development
g. Directorate General of Transport and Communications
h. General Directorate of Public Health and Social Welfare.