Eastern Macedonia & Thrace wins four gold awards and “smart region of the year” at best city awards 2026
The awards were received by Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis, who emphasized that the recognition belongs primarily to the people of the Region — the administration, employees, partner institutions, scientists and, above all, the citizens who trust and support the regional vision.
The Best City Awards recognize measurable results aligned with international standards, promoting innovation, efficiency and continuous improvement in local and regional governance.
Four Gold Awards for Innovation, Safety and Sustainability
The distinctions reflect a unified and human-centered development strategy focusing on safety, environmental protection, resilience and sustainable growth.
1. Gold Award – Road Safety & Sustainable Mobility
REMTH implemented a comprehensive Road Safety and Sustainable Mobility program aimed at education, prevention and traffic awareness.
- Over 21,000 students participated in interactive road safety courses
- Public awareness campaigns rolled out across all regional units
- Smart infrastructure and sustainable transport initiatives expanded
The program establishes a collaborative network promoting safe mobility and respect for life within local communities.
2. Gold Award – Drones & Integrated Early Warning Systems
The Region pioneered digital civil protection systems, deploying drones and advanced monitoring platforms for early risk detection.
Through its Regional Operations Center and cooperation with the Fire Service, Forestry Services, the Armed Forces and volunteer groups, REMTH ensures rapid response to wildfires and natural disasters.
This initiative positions the Region as a national benchmark in technological preparedness and crisis prevention.
3. Gold Award – International Promotion of Local Entrepreneurship
REMTH developed a model for internationalizing local businesses, centered on its Brussels Office.
Strategic actions include:
- Business missions abroad
- Participation in international trade fairs
- Cooperation with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
- Collaboration with Enterprise Greece
The initiative enhances exports, investment attractiveness and economic networking, reinforcing the Region’s outward-looking development strategy.
4. Gold Award – Climate Resilience in Practice
REMTH introduced an integrated climate resilience strategy combining technology and environmental governance.
Key measures include:
- Drone-based forest monitoring
- Establishment of a Carbon Footprint Office
- Creation of Greece’s first Regional Climate Change Observatory under the LIFE program
These actions strengthen emission reduction efforts, environmental protection and sustainable regional transition.
“Smart Region of the Year” Special Distinction
In addition to the four Gold Awards, REMTH received the special title “Smart Region of the Year” — a distinction granted based on overall evaluation scores rather than through direct application.
Governor Topsidis thanked the evaluation committee, noting that the recognition brings pride but also increased responsibility. He stressed that the Region is evolving, modernizing and moving forward, with these awards serving as strong confirmation that it is on the right path.
