Athens and Trikala Exchange Know-how on ‘Smart City’ Programs

Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis and Trikala Mayor Dimitris Papastergiou (center).

The Municipalities of Athens and Trikala recently signed a memorandum of cooperation in their aim to exchange best practices and know-how on “smart” programs and applications to facilitate life in the two cities for residents and visitors.

The mayors of Athens and Trikala, Giorgos Kaminis and Dimitris Papastergiou respectively, have agreed to exchange information on city upgrade programs for areas of commercial and historical significance, through pilot schemes and smart applications.

Athens, Greece

“It is a pleasure to share our know-how with other cities and offer help for the upgrade of the lives of citizens, visitors and shop owners,” Mayor Kaminis said in an announcement.

The Municipality of Athens is currently running a “smart” program for the upgrade of the city’s commercial triangle, which includes the “smart collection” of waste via SMS; the “smart lighting” of streets and the joint planning of initiatives with the citizens.

The Municipality of Trikala, located in central Greece, has also implemented a number of smart programs and applications during the last few years to improve everyday life and make the city sustainable.

Trikala, central Greece. Photo Source: Municipality of Trikala

“We are taking action to improve Trikala’s old commercial center through the ‘Open Mall’ program, while also adopting new waste collection systems; graffiti management policies; vehicle circulation control systems; cultural activities; and many other initiatives,” Trikala Mayor Dimitris Papastergiou said.

Athens and Trikala also agreed to jointly conduct research and organize educational activities in order to inform and educate shop owners, residents and visitors.