Bakoyannis: Cities can become the “engines” of our European vision

In Athens will be held in 2022, the first Session of the Balkan Cities Network Summit (B40 Balkan Cities Network Summit), as announced at the inaugural Session, which is held today and tomorrow in Istanbul with the participation of a delegation of Greek mayors led by the mayor of Athens Costas M.

The purpose of the network is to strengthen the cooperation of its members in the fields of culture, sustainable development, economy and innovation, as well as to strengthen peace and democracy in the Balkan region. A coordinated effort to make cities and societies resilient to the climate crisis and to meet major challenges such as the implementation of UN climate targets.

Apart from Costas Bakogiannis, the mayors of Thessaloniki include the mayors of Thessaloniki, Konstantinos Zervas, Patras, Konstantinos Peletidis, and Mytilene, Stratis Kytelis.

In his greeting, Mr. Bakoyannis, among other things, stated:

“The fact that the Greek cities have such a strong representation in this meeting, confirms our commitment and indicates the reason that would particularly honor Athens to host the next Conference. What we are used to saying to our European partners: It is a very simple, fundamental principle.

If we want peace and prosperity in Europe, European unification cannot be fragmented. We believe that the new Europe that is being born will be even richer, stronger and more resilient, only if it includes Southeastern Europe. An area that needs to be transformed, from Europe’s “backyard” to its “front yard”. And rest assured that cities can become the “engines” of our European vision. Yes, my friends, Europe is the key.

The European vision has managed to create strong links between enemies of common values ​​and interests. The European Union has made the first half of the last century seem far away. I now realize that there are those who have doubts or openly question Europe. They are usually authoritarian, populist or kleptocratic who do not want the light to shine in their darkness. They are taking advantage – to some extent justifiably – of the frustration and cynicism that is observed among our peoples regarding Europe. It is in this light and in the light of today’s clear challenges, from public health to the climate crisis, and from social justice to the digital switchover. For most, if not all, countries currently in line to join the European Union, the prospect of membership has acted as a major stimulus for democratic change. It has encouraged and supported governments on the long and difficult road to an open democracy with respect for human rights, which values ​​diversity, protects minorities, encourages differing views and accepts criticism of government policies. We Greeks have warmly supported the integration of our entire region in this great European family “.

On Tuesday morning, the Greek delegation will attend the Throne Feast of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Divine Liturgy, while in the afternoon it will have a meeting with the Ecumenical Patriarch Mr. Bartholomew.

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