“From the heart of the Union, the representatives of self-government from all over Europe, we send a resounding message: A strong European Union means strong regions. In this course, Attica will play its own leading role” emphasized the regional governor of Attica Nikos Hardaliasspeaking at the 162nd Plenary of the European Committee of the Regions.

The regional governor referred to the ongoing struggle of the European Regions for “clear responsibilities and jurisdictions, with sufficient financial tools and substantial participation in the planning of the programs. With a strong voice in the European institutions and decision-making centers”. He underlined that the goal is to create a modern, efficient and functional model of decentralized governance, which will focus on balanced regional development, social cohesion and the empowerment of local societies and economies, “for a truly United Europe, green, resilient, sustainable and – above all – human”.

On the sidelines of the work, the regional governor held institutional meetings, focusing on major development projects in the Basin and outreach initiatives.

In particular, in the meeting with the president of the Committee of the Regions, Vasco Alves Cordeiro, Mr. Hardalias informed about the extroversion actions and the promotion of the positive image of Attica at the international level that the administration of the Region has undertaken. “With concerted efforts and a clear strategy, we are highlighting Attica as a modern European metropolis, resistant and sustainable, with growth and perspective, taking advantage of its strategic advantages,” said Mr. Hardalias.

In the meeting with the director general of DG REGIO Themida Christofidou, the regional governor discussed the large infrastructure projects being implemented in Attica from community funds and also the need to further strengthen cooperation with European institutions, in order to leverage more resources for the implementation of projects breath. Mrs. Christofidou underlined that DG Regio encourages similar cooperation initiatives and expects the submission of specific proposals, in order to advance the necessary procedures to secure resources.

Mr. Hardalias informed the permanent representative of Greece in the EU. Ioannis Vraila for the initiatives that are being planned, so that the Region of Attica has a dynamic presence in the community bodies and he received the assurance of the Delegation’s assistance in the efforts of the region in every possible way.

On the sidelines of the Commission, Mr. Hardalias also met with the secretary general of the European People’s Party Thanasis Bakolas, as well as with the secretary general of the EPP in the Committee of the Regions Heinz-Peter Knapp.

It is noted that the 162nd Plenary Session of the Committee of the Regions of the EU. this year also coincides with the 22nd European Week of Regions and Cities and was dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the 2004 enlargement.

The main topics focused on the assessment of the consequences of this enlargement, while key topics on the Plenary agenda were the priorities of the upcoming Hungarian presidency of the Council of the EU, as well as the exchange of ideas with the president of the European Investment Bank Nadia Calviño on the investment opportunities in regions of Europe.

In total, 11 recommendations were submitted concerning current issues of the European regions, such as the evaluation of the European Recovery Plan, the fair transition to sustainable development, the absorption of shocks in the common market, the promotion of thematic forms of tourism, demographics, alternative forms of energy , artificial intelligence, immigration, etc.