Greek and Cypriot EU Local Councillors join forces around EU topics

From 10 to 13 May 2026, Alexandroupolis hosted over 35 EU local councillors for Greece’s 2nd National Meeting. The event focused on boosting European cooperation and increasing local involvement in EU initiatives — from climate resilience to economic development. Attendees discussed how to tackle these challenges through joint efforts and EU support.

Organised by the European Commission Representation in Greece, this gathering marked a key moment of cross-border collaboration between local authorities from the two EU countries and strengthened ties between local authorities and the EU institutions. As part of the event, participants visited the border town of Orestiada, where they met with the Mayor of Orestiada and member of the EU Local Councillors Network, Diamantis Papadopoulos.     

Evangelos Fragkakis – Mayor of Chalki, European Committee of the Regions alternate member and EU local councillor hosted the first gathering of Greek EU local councillors on his island last year, and this year wanted to pass the torch by reminding that “Europe is not something far away, it can be found in our communities” and that the role of EU local councillors is crucial to “bring Europe into the daily life of the citizens but also the voice of citizens to Europe”. He stressed that smaller communities (especially islands) need tailored EU solutions, proving that collaboration across borders strengthens resilience. 

Greek and Cypriot officials exchanged best practices on implementing EU-funded projects, with Ioannis Zampoukis, Mayor of Alexandroupolis and EU local councillor, highlighting how EU investments have transformed his city. Niovi Rigkou, Head of the European Commission in Greece, emphasised the importance of local leadership in shaping EU policies, while Fotios Maris, Rector of Democritus University, underscored the role of education and research in supporting regional growth. 

The twinning of Alexandroupolis and Ayia Napa (Cyprus) was formalised at the Alexandroupolis’s Archaeological Museum. This partnership reflects the growing cooperation between Greek and Cypriot municipalities, fostering cultural, economic, and environmental exchanges. Participants also visited Dadia Forest, where EU-backed restoration is helping the area recover from wildfires, and Orestiada’s Agricultural School, which is advancing sustainable farming with EU support. 

By uniting Greek and Cypriot leaders, the event demonstrated how local governments can drive EU integration, ensuring policies work on the ground, where they matter most.