İskeçe chamber president builds European partnerships for women’s entrepreneurship
Marianthi Malliaroudaki, president of the Xanthi Chamber of Commerce and the Hellenic Association of Women Entrepreneurs’ Chambers (EEDΕGE), held meetings with European business representatives to strengthen cross-border cooperation on women’s entrepreneurship during the Eurochambres Congress 2026 in Valencia, Spain.
The congress took place on September 28–29, bringing together chamber representatives to discuss business competitiveness, access to finance, digitalisation, sustainability and skills development.
Malliaroudaki joined the Greek delegation led by Giannis Voutsinas, president of the Central Union of Chambers of Greece (KEEE), representing the union in the Eurochambres Women Network.
PREPARATIONS FOR GREECE’S 2027 EU PRESIDENCY
During the congress, Malliaroudaki met Marina Rozic, president of the Eurochambres Women Network, to discuss initiatives ahead of Greece’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in July 2027. Rozic expressed support for the Greek plans, according to the report published by Empros on October 9.
Bilateral meetings were also held with representatives of the chambers of commerce of Croatia and Lithuania. The discussions focused on exchanging expertise and developing cross-border partnerships to support women entrepreneurs.
EUROCHAMBRES GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO BE HELD IN GREECE
The Greek delegation participated in sessions, working meetings and panel discussions addressing the green and digital transitions of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), competitiveness, access to finance, international outreach and skills.
The congress also decided that the Eurochambres General Assembly would take place in Greece on June 24–25, 2027, one week before the country officially assumes the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.
DIGITAL SKILLS PROGRAMME FOR 5,353 WOMEN
Malliaroudaki said the Greek delegation highlighted the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, including more difficult access to financing, multiple professional and family responsibilities, and persistent stereotypes.
She also pointed to an EEDΕGE digital-skills programme intended to benefit 5,353 women, saying the organisation wanted to bring its experience to the European level.
“Greece’s 2027 presidency is our opportunity,” Malliaroudaki said, according to Empros. She added that initiatives by the Eurochambres Women Network should reflect Greece’s contribution and include perspectives from regions beyond the country’s main urban centres.
The meetings in Valencia form part of efforts to strengthen European cooperation on women’s entrepreneurship ahead of Greece’s upcoming EU Council presidency.
