Greek authorities discuss stronger coordination under new local government code

Greek administrative authorities, regional governments and municipalities have discussed ways to strengthen institutional and practical cooperation under the country’s new Local Government Code during a high-level meeting held at the headquarters of the Decentralized Administration of Macedonia–Thrace in Thessaloniki.

The meeting was convened by Dimitris Galamatis, secretary of the Decentralized Administration of Macedonia–Thrace, with the participation of Central Macedonia Regional Governor Athina Aidoná, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Regional Governor Christos Toppsidis, President of the Regional Union of Municipalities of Central Macedonia Ignatios Kaitezidis, and President of the Regional Union of Municipalities of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Savvas Michailidis.

The discussions focused on establishing closer coordination mechanisms between central government, regions and municipalities, in line with the provisions of the new Local Government Code.

Participants examined ways for the relevant institutions to cooperate through clearly defined procedures and responsibilities in order to respond more effectively to emerging administrative and operational challenges.

Galamatis stressed that while political willingness for cooperation already exists, stronger institutional and practical frameworks are needed through specific cooperation protocols.

"We want our services to also acquire specific cooperation protocols so they can respond to the new challenges ahead," Galamatis said, emphasizing the need to implement multi-level governance with clear roles and structured methods.

"Cooperation cannot remain only a principle we talk about. We already have it. However, we must also safeguard it institutionally and practically," he added.

Officials said the goal is to ensure coordinated action between central administration and local authorities in any future situation, with effective preparation and clearly established responsibilities among all involved institutions.

The next similar coordination meeting is scheduled to take place at the headquarters of the Decentralized Administration of Macedonia–Thrace in Gümülcine.