The Efxini Poli - SolidarCity Network EGTC results from a partnership between Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria, involving about 4 million inhabitants in a 7.500 km² area.
The EGTC aims to propose and implement a comprehensive policy for sustainable development with a special focus on enhanced waste management.
Review of activities in 2016
Modification of membership
The EGTC has started entering into discussion with potential new members from Albania.
Tasks
In 2016, the EGTC has been a partner in two EU-funded projects, Europe for Citizens and ERASMUS+, both in reference to the circular economy and waste prevention. In both cases, the EGTC has been the bridge for municipalities to increase knowledge capacity of their staff by having access to training and networking workshops organised by the projects on the topics of the circular economy and waste prevention.
The EGTC has started implementing territorial cooperation projects in the field of green growth and climate change. In addition, the EGTC is involved in H2020 projects, regarding innovation-enabled sustainable urban development. The EGTC implements activities for economic growth, social cohesion and sustainability, which are incorporated in different projects. It is not yet feasible to implement a joint strategy due to the lack of funding for such an action.
During 2016, the EGTC submitted a proposal to the ADRION programme with partners from the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region in the field of sustainable tourism development. The EGTC EFXINI POLI has easy access to European projects and programmes due to the experience accumulated throughout its years of existence. However, a big challenge is to have access to funding as an intermediate body (Managing Authority), to be able to implement a strategy of territorial cooperation and local development in its member areas. In Greece, where the seat of the EGTC is located, power is still centralised, which inhibits the deployment and implementation of a unified strategy for the EGTC members.
Challenges or issues
The EGTC EFXINI POLI aspires to develop a Balkan Mediterranean Macroregional Strategy and for this reason intends to identify partners from the Balkan area to join the partnership.
Budget
€ 200,000
EU-funded projects and programmes in phase of imple-mentation in 2016
Two EU-funded projects:
1) CENSE - Europe For Citizens Programme,
2) LAWPRET - ERASMUS+ Programme.
Staff (in FTE)
5 permanent employees from the previous organisation:
1 accountant; 2 project managers; 1 administrative staff;
1 Managing Director
