Athens Joins Cities Alliance to Address Sharing Economy Impact

Athens, Greece. Photo Source: Visit Greece / Y. Skoulas

Sharing Cities Summit 2018: Global cities agree on a Declaration of Principles and Commitments of the Sharing Cities

The Municipality of Athens has joined more than 40 cities worldwide in a joint effort to address the challenges arising from the sharing economy after signing a declaration in Barcelona, this week, during the Sharing Cities Summit.

Under the Sharing Cities Alliance, Athens together with New York, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Paris, Seoul, Washington, Singapore and Copenhagen, among others, will work together towards the creation of common policies and the exchange of views on issues generated by the sharing economy.

“Athens is once again present in the formation of policies and proposals for the resolution of issues affecting modern-day cities,” said Athens Mayor Georgios Kaminis, adding that Athens currently hosted an event focusing on the sharing economy phenomenon “in efforts to initiate dialogue in Greece among stakeholders”.

“Athens’ participation in the Sharing Cities Alliance will contribute to the creation of a realistic proposal for a regulatory framework that will be mutually beneficial to the city, its residents and professionals,” said Kaminis, who signed the declaration at the Sharing Cities Summit in Barcelona, together with mayors representing the international network of cities in the alliance, which is aimed at addressing the impact of sharing economy practices on the economy, employment, the environment, labor, culture, and on citizens’ rights.

Photo Source: @Ajuntament de BCN

Established in 2017 and run by an independent foundation, the Sharing Cities Alliance is a global city network relying on city-to-city collaboration, and empowering city governments to address the challenges arising from the sharing economy.

According to the Sharing Cities Alliance, the “sharing of goods and services among citizens and local businesses benefits the local economy, improves social cohesion and boosts sustainability and overall quality of life”.

At the same time however, it blurs the line between public and private activities leading to friction between stakeholders and requiring city authorities to reconsider policies and regulations such as taxation, licensing, and zoning.