Komotini Municipality represented at European inclusion and diversity event in Brussels
REPRESENTATION IN BRUSSELS
The Municipality of Komotini participated in the 2025 Capital of Inclusion and Diversity ceremony held in Brussels on 29 April. The city was represented by Athanasios Lapatas, President of the Development Agency "K. Karatheodori," and Dimitris Garsonis, the Mayor’s special advisor.
Komotini had submitted its application for the European Commission’s “Capital of Inclusion and Diversity” title following an official invitation. The application highlighted the municipality’s policies in areas such as infrastructure, services, participatory initiatives, and innovation, all aimed at promoting inclusivity and diversity. Komotini’s proposal was well-received, earning the city a spot among the ten finalists.
FOCUS ON ACCESSIBILITY AND EQUALITY
Cities competing for the title addressed various pressing social issues, including economic inequality, disability, migration, tolerance of differences, sexual orientation, and the effects of the war in Ukraine. Komotini’s submission focused on policies, interventions, and initiatives targeting disadvantaged groups, with a particular emphasis on disability and accessibility.
European Commission officials personally informed Lapatas that Komotini was shortlisted alongside major European cities such as Paris, Utrecht, Salzburg, Bilbao, Krakow, and Zaragoza. The effectiveness of Komotini’s submitted policies and documentation was praised, although the European Commission suggested further development in strategic planning and the creation of monitoring indicators.
AWARD CEREMONY AND DIVERSITY MONTH LAUNCH
The award ceremony also marked the launch of the 2025 European Diversity Month. European Commissioner for Equality, Hadja Lahbib, delivered a keynote speech highlighting the significance of inclusivity in shaping European communities.
In the category of municipalities with over 50,000 residents, Utrecht (Netherlands) won the Gold Award for its strong institutional framework and commitment to diversity. Bilbao (Spain) received the Silver Award for its intersectional approach across sectors like employment, education, and transportation, while Krakow (Poland) was awarded Bronze for its inclusive programs in public spaces, health, education, and culture.
WORKSHOPS AND NETWORKING
On 30 April, a series of workshops and meetings brought together all participating cities to explore the use of new technologies and artificial intelligence in combating social inequality. These sessions provided a platform to exchange best practices and address the challenges and opportunities cities face in the realm of inclusion and diversity.
Topics included migrant integration, gender equality, and support for persons with disabilities. The event fostered cross-city collaboration and network-building, contributing meaningfully to the creation of more inclusive and diverse societies.
BILATERAL MEETINGS AND REGIONAL COOPERATION
During his stay in Brussels, Lapatas held a working meeting with Member of the European Parliament Yannis Maniatis and Yannis Malandrakis, Mayor of Platanias in Chania. Discussions focused on local governance developments in both Greece and the broader European Union context.
Lapatas also met with officials from the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Region. The meeting aimed to provide updates on matters directly affecting Komotini and to discuss ways of enhancing the municipality’s access to financial tools, initiatives, and networking opportunities. Strengthening Komotini’s voice and presence in decision-making centers was highlighted as a key objective.
