North Corfu Municipality joins Resilient Cities Network
Photo: North Corfu Municipality
CORFU. The Memorandum of Cooperation was formally signed on Monday, March 30, in the “Aris Garoufalis” Hall at the Athens Conservatory.
(North Corfu Municipality) Representing the Municipality, the Mayor of North Corfu, Giorgos Mahimaris, together with the Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Mr. Yiannis Kefalogiannis, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation for Resilient Cities through the Hellenic Network of Resilient Cities and its President, the Mayor of Elliniko–Argyroupoli, Mr. Yiannis Konstantatos. The Deputy Mayor for Civil Protection, Theofanis Skebris, was also present.
The official signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection and the Hellenic Network of Resilient Cities took place on Monday, March 30, in the “Aris Garoufalis” Hall of the Athens Conservatory.
The historic significance of the moment was highlighted by the presence of 150 mayors from across the country, who personally signed on behalf of their municipalities alongside the Minister, under the umbrella of the Hellenic Network of Resilient Cities. This mass participation constitutes strong and undeniable proof that local government is entering a new era of cooperation, responsibility, and joint action with the State.
The event is part of the national strategy to strengthen urban resilience, as outlined in the “Active Fight” bill, and is implemented with the support of the Adaptation Hubs project, which is co-funded by the European Union.
In his speech, the Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Mr. Yiannis Kefalogiannis, highlighted the importance of the Memorandum as an institutional step with substantial content. He stressed that cooperation between central government and local authorities is no longer a linear model of top-down instruction, but now incorporates the experience and specific characteristics of each locality.
“With this Memorandum, a cooperation already tested in practice is formally established. We are moving from fragmentation to interoperability and from improvisation to structured processes. The ‘Active Fight’ bill is a necessary initiative born from frontline experience, where decisions are made under responsibility and pressure,” he stated.
At the same time, the President of the Hellenic Network of Resilient Cities and Mayor of Elliniko–Argyroupoli, Mr. Yiannis Konstantatos, stressed the importance of unity and coordinated action among municipalities within a national framework for protection and resilience.
The Mayor of North Corfu, Giorgos Mahimaris, noted: “With the signing of the Memorandum, we are moving from simple reaction to organised prevention. It demonstrates our commitment to planning, preparedness, and the safety of our citizens. United, we can make our municipalities more resilient and effective in addressing the challenges of our time. We are claiming the resources and personnel we are entitled to, so that our municipality’s Civil Protection services become more effective in safeguarding the lives and property of our fellow citizens.”
For his part, the Deputy Mayor for Civil Protection, Theofanis Skebris, stressed the importance of training and regular preparedness exercises, underlining that safety is a matter of both collective and professional readiness.
