The curtain fell on the Synod of the Network of Balkan Cities – K. Bakoyiannis presented the six axes of the Presidency of Athens

The effort to establish a broader shared vision, a European reality in the Balkans, as clearly defined by the Mayor of Athens, Costas Bakoyannis in his closing speech at the B40 Network Summit, signals the assumption of the Presidency by Athens.

During the two-day Summit of Mayors held in Technopolis on Monday and Tuesday, January 23 and 24, more than 70 mayors and local governments from large and smaller cities in the Balkans agreed that cooperation, participation and joint action in the search for solutions to common problems and at the local level is the only way to ensure the peace and prosperity of the peoples of the Balkans.

“These last 48 hours, all together, we have strengthened the foundations of our larger vision. Inter-Balkan cooperation, mutual trust and common regional development. And we all put a stone together. For a better tomorrow, composed, collective, a tomorrow for all and sundry”, noted Mr. Bakoyannis and added: “Thus taking the baton of the Presidency, Athens aims to pursue even more positive results. Our main concern is the active cooperation of members around key areas for sustainable development and strengthening the resilience of our cities. With a proactive horizon, with participation but above all with participation. With actions accessible to all and with open inclusive procedures. Why we envision a European reality in the Balkans. Let us be a good example in the region.”

Mr. Bakoyiannis set the program axes, the political framework, but also his priority in view of his Presidency for 2023.

“The main priority during our Presidency is to strengthen participation, that is, the active and equal participation of all member cities in the activities of the Network. […] For Athens, the Presidency is not an exercise of power. It’s a service. Opportunity for give and take with mutual benefits. Not at the expense of the other, but for the good of all. With the compass of efficiency we want to build and continue the great work of the Presidency of Istanbul. This shaped the strategy and set the specific axes of cooperation of our Network. All together now, we must take these shared priorities, and take them one step further. From discussion to action”.

The six axes of the Presidency

1. Addressing the climate crisis
2. Smart cities and the acceleration of digital transformation
3. The strengthening of fair and inclusive, but also tolerant societies
4. Economic cooperation and development
5. The strengthening of our local democracy
6. The tightening of cultural ties

Mr. Bakoyiannis highlighted as a crucial bet for the effectiveness of the Network the high participation of small and large cities in the region and announced that more incentives will be given to members for their active participation.

At the same time, set the goal of developing functional relations with other networks, organizations and European institutions such as the Commission, the European Bank, the C40 Network and Eurocities. “These partnerships are important because they allow us to operate with greater scope, with new financial tools and investments with a common denominator. We will increase the value, efficiency and effectiveness of our Network. And above all, we will give an institutional dimension to cooperation and partnerships in the Balkans.”

Mr. Bakoyannis emphasized that the Network’s efforts cannot but be based on the economic development of cities. “Everything would be empty words if we did not support and support the economic development of our cities,” he said, pointing out that “we must investigate the very essential proposal of Ekrem Imamoglou for the possibility of creating a common Green Bank”.

The mayor of Athens directly linked the perspective of peace and prosperity of the Balkans with European integration.

“What is more common and more beneficial than the vision of European integration. Europe with all its weaknesses, with all its contradictions, remains the noblest effort in our troubled history, to put peace in the face of war, the dignity of people above all interests and power,” he said and added: ” Starting from the bottom, let’s reach high. By vehicle the Balkan cities-centers and fuel their cooperation. To ensure peace, shield security and cultivate Democracy, in the wider area of ​​South-Eastern, continental Europe. In the Balkans we want”.

Nowadays dark forces are plotting against the Republic

“Democracy is a perpetual effort of balance and moderation. Democracy endures only where there is respect for freedom and rights. Dear colleagues, nowadays, there are many dark forces who consult the Republic. We, as the most direct representatives of our people, have the duty but also the ability to protect it. Our cities are institutional laboratories that allow us to shield and develop their democratic functions. With boldness, imagination and persistence we can establish representative and inclusive modes of local governance. Let’s show them, experiment, collaborate and move forward. If not us, who?’

We will give a coordinated battle to complete the integration of all the Balkans into the EU

The mayor of Athens referred to the ongoing process of accession of the Balkan countries to the European Union, underlining that from 2003 and the EU Summit in Thessaloniki until today there is a historical pending.

“To agree that we cannot and cannot afford to wait any longer. And that the Municipalities must take it upon themselves, undertake the necessary initiatives, send the necessary political messages. All together because the cohesion, development and resilience of the Balkans directly depends on our own action and our place in our common European home. It is an uphill battle, but we must fight it united, coordinated and firm. Europe can accommodate us all and needs us all”, said the Mayor of Athens.

Closing the proceedings of the Synod, Mr. Bakoyiannis reminded what the Network is in essence and what is its driving force: “We are a network of cities, a network of people. If we find the ways to enrich it with the inexhaustible energy and dynamism of our citizens, we will achieve many times”.

Specializing in the pursuits of B40, Mr. Bakoyiannis referred to the strengthening of fair and inclusive societies and the strengthening of tolerance with an eye on the vulnerable.

“As we share our Balkan land, we will share knowledge, technology, best practices, and solutions to improve the lives of our citizens. In managing economic uncertainty and inequalities, in dealing with the climate crisis, in strengthening the security of our cities, in strengthening democratic institutions, in protecting future generations, in development. […] Personally, I am committed in the coming months and during my Presidency to visit each Member Municipality, at least in each area to collaborate and co-organize nice events, to undertake joint initiatives. We live in the age of networks”.

Mr. Bakoyiannis said goodbye to the participants, calling them to always remember that “Athens is their second home”.

The Nardella and Prebilic interventions

During the second day of the work of the Synod, Mr. Dario Nardella, President of the Eurocities Network and Mayor of Florence, as well as the Vice-President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, Mr. Vladimir Prebilic.

In his speech, Mr. Nardella emphasized that the cooperation between the Eurocities and B40 Networks is necessary, in order to undertake joint strategies in dealing with crises. “B40 as another sister Network gives the impression that Municipalities can take a more active role and contribute to central decisions. This Network is a step towards equally representing all Municipalities”.

On the other hand, Mr. Prebilic referred to the multiple crises of our time highlighting the extremely important role of cities and regions. “Total action, cooperation, partnership towards a common goal is a one-way street. We as local rulers must cooperate, be in solidarity”.

It is recalled that the Synod was attended by 69 Mayors and a large number of self-government representatives, in total from ten Balkan countries: The Mayor of Constantinople, Ekrem Imamoglu, who handed over the baton of the Presidency of B40 to Mr. Bakoyannis, as well as the Mayors of Tirana, Sofia, Zagreb, Sarajevo, Podgorica, etc.

The representation of the Greek cities was very important, since together with Athens, 38 other Municipalities of the country took part: Thessaloniki, Piraeus, Trikkaia, Patras, Chalkida, Kalamata, Chania, Nikaia – Ag. Ioannis Rentis, Kallithea, Nea Smyrni, Kifissia, Ag. Dimitriou, Aigaleo, Zografou, P. Faliro, Korydallos, Pallini, Veria, Kozani, Karditsa, Rethymnon, Corinth, Mytilene, Chios, Corfu, Argos – Mycenae, Orestiada, Lefkada, Karpenisiou, Pylaia-Hortiati, Thermaikos, Kilelere, Rhodes, Pella, Agrini, Agia Paraskevi, Kavala and Acharnon.

RES-EMP

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