Sitia Strengthens Its European Outlook at the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair
[1m 5s read]
At the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair, the Mayor of Sitia Giorgos Zervakis attended on Sunday, 6 September 2026, the institutional event titled “Interreg: Five Borders, Twenty‑Six Cooperation Regions, One Common Europe.” The event was organised by the General Secretariat of NSRF, the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, and the Interreg 2021–2027 Managing Authority, highlighting the strategic role of European Territorial Cooperation in shaping regional development across the continent.
The event showcased the five cross‑border Interreg programmes managed by the Interreg 2021–2027 Managing Authority — Greece–Albania, Greece–Bulgaria, Greece–Italy, Greece–Cyprus, and Greece–North Macedonia — illustrating how coordinated European initiatives can address shared challenges and generate tangible benefits for local communities. Discussions focused on the importance of cross‑border cooperation as a mechanism for developing joint solutions in areas such as climate resilience, innovation, entrepreneurship, social cohesion and regional competitiveness.
Participants also explored the future of European Territorial Cooperation beyond 2027, emphasising the need to strengthen synergies among European regions to support sustainable and balanced development. The dialogue underscored that long‑term regional progress increasingly depends on stable partnerships, shared priorities and active engagement from local authorities.
The presence of Mayor Giorgos Zervakis at the event reflects the Municipality of Sitia’s commitment to leveraging European funding tools and expanding collaborations that can unlock new opportunities for the region. Sitia’s participation signals a clear strategic orientation toward extroversion, European engagement and proactive involvement in initiatives that enhance innovation, competitiveness and community well‑being.
The Municipality of Sitia remains dedicated to strengthening its European footprint, capitalising on the potential offered by cooperation programmes and generating added value for its citizens. Its participation in TIF 2026 reaffirms the municipality’s role as an active European partner, advancing development, collaboration and outward‑looking growth for the wider region.
