Greece Announces Creation of Green Cities Network

Environment and Energy Minister Kostas Skrekas informing local representatives on the Greek green cities network. Photo source: Ministry of Environment and Energy

Greece’s Environment Ministry recently announced the creation of a green cities network made up of 85 Greek cities aimed at helping the country achieve climate neutrality.

In this direction, the local governments of 85 cities met in Athens for a special event where they signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) under which they commit to working towards achieving climate neutrality through best practices and sustainable policies.

The move comes after six Greek cities – Athens, Ioannina, Kalamata, Kozani, Thessaloniki and Trikala – joined the EU Cities Mission for 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030 which aims through the involvement of local authorities, citizens, businesses, investors as well as regional and national authorities to deliver 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030 and ensure that these cities act as experimentation and innovation hubs to enable all European cities to follow suit by 2050.

The ultimate goal is to help cities accelerate green transition.

Environment and Energy Minister Kostas Skrekas. Photo source: Ministry of Environment and Energy.

City representatives from 12 Greek municipalities signed the MoU for the creation of Greek Green Cities Network which in collaboration with the environment ministry commit to:

– implementing environmental and sustainable policies within the framework of the European Green Deal;
– integrating Sustainable Development Goals into local policies in order to create more humane, inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities;
– taking actions to protect biodiversity; promoting sustainable public projects and circular economy activities;
– designing and implementing Sustainable Urban Mobility plans;
– and investing in and financing sustainable projects.

“Following the six Greek participations in the EU Mission for 100 climate-neutral and smart cities, the creation of a network consisting of 85 Greek cities demonstrates society’s interest and eagerness to proceed with the green transition,” said Environment Minister Kostas Skrekas.