In the invitation to the municipalities, in order to submit their proposals for their participation in the “National Youth Capital 2025” program, which was instituted last year by the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family, Minister Sofia Zaharakis proceeded.

According to its decision, the OTAs of the first degree that wish to participate in the program are invited to submit an application for participation electronically to the address [email protected] from today, 01.07.2024 until 30.09.2024.

The proposals of the Municipalities will be evaluated by a special committee that will submit its recommendation and the declaration of the “National Youth Capital 25” will be made by the end of the year.

The evaluation process provides for specific criteria as well as additional scoring and favorable provisions for small, medium-sized mountain and island municipalities. The “National Youth Capital” with a relevant regulation passed by the Parliament after a proposal by the minister will be subsidized, starting this year, with the amount of up to 80,000 euros.

Sofia Zaharaki said: “Komotini was the first “station” of this successful program that we seek to make a useful institution. Today we invite municipalities to participate in the program for 2025, submitting their proposals for innovative actions and initiatives, which will allow young people to intervene more effectively and decisively in everything related to their lives and future. The award to the city with the best plan includes a significant financial boost from the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family. In recognition of the efforts of the Municipal Authorities and their commitment to support our youth. The government and especially the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family have proven, with concrete interventions both in the economic and social fields, that they stand by young people. Helping them with the complex problems they face, offering them a perspective for a better tomorrow. The very establishment of the ministry that I have the honor to head constitutes an effort to coordinate and horizontally promote all policies for youth.”

More specifically, the goals of the program are:

  • The promotion of the active participation of young people aged 15 to 29 years in the commons and wider social life at the local level,
  • Cultivating strong ties between young people and the local community,
  • The encouragement of local authorities. first degree for the implementation of actions concerning young people of the specific age group (15-29),
  • The information, training and familiarization of young people regarding the operation and administration of the OTAs of the first degree,
  • Drawing up a local strategy for youth,
  • The promotion of the municipality at national and European level.