North Corfu Municipality at forefront of green mobility in Europe!
CORFU. 16 countries and 18 organisations. The two-day conference GREENMOVE: "Transforming Rural Mobility for a Sustainable Future" was crowned with great success.
Green mobility took centre stage at the official launch and inaugural meeting of the Green Move project, led by the Municipality of North Corfu. The event took place over two days, from February 27 to March 2, at Almyros Beach Hotel & SPA, bringing together representatives from 18 organisations across 16 countries.
With determination and vision, the Municipality of North Corfu is at the forefront of the Green Move initiative, serving as the lead partner in the project and playing a pivotal role in its implementation at a European level.
GreenMove, funded by the European Commission under the CERV-2024-Network of Towns initiative, aims to introduce innovative transportation solutions, reducing environmental pollution and enhancing the sustainability of rural mobility.
A Project Providing Solutions for Everyone
Transportation in rural areas poses a daily challenge for both residents and visitors, with limited options and increased environmental impact. The Green Move project seeks to change this reality, introducing innovative, sustainable and smart mobility solutions tailored to the real needs of each region.
Through modern policies and technologies, the project aims to:
- Reduce pollution and traffic congestion by implementing eco-friendly strategies.
- Utilise innovative digital tools to improve rural transportation.
- Engage citizens and local communities in the planning and implementation of sustainable mobility strategies.
The GreenMove conference
The two-day event brought together:
Representatives of the Municipality of North Corfu
- Georgios Mahimaris, Mayor of North Corfu
- Panayiotis Papadatos, President of the Municipal Council
- Ioannis Garnelis, Deputy Mayor of Finance & Administration
- Theofanis Skembris, Deputy Mayor of Civil Protection, Climate Crisis, Mechanical Equipment & Stray Animal Management
- Nikolaos Hirdaris, Deputy Mayor of Tourism, Outreach & Business
- Theodoros Mavronas, Head of Culture & Sports
Representatives from 18 Organisations Across 16 Countries
- Municipality of Glabusovske (Slovakia)
- FAJUME Organisation (Spain)
- Paphos Development Company "Aphrodite LTD" (Cyprus)
- RABRADA Organisation (Estonia)
- RTIS Innovation & Sustainability Network (Greece)
- Regional Association of Czech Red Cross (Czech Republic)
- WestPannon Organisation (Hungary)
- Municipality of Podstrana (Croatia)
- Municipality of Valongo (Portugal)
- Municipality of Fano (Italy)
- BK95 Organisation (Latvia)
- Municipality of Siġġiewi Local Council (Malta)
- Municipality of Gotse Delchev (Bulgaria)
- Municipality of Livno (Bosnia & Herzegovina)
- Municipality of Murska Sobota (Slovenia)
- Baltic Institute of Education Technology (Lithuania)
The event was also attended by Konstantinos Zorbas, Ionian Islands Regional Councillor as well as representatives from cultural, environmental and volunteer organisations, including:
- Corfu Branch of the Hellenic Red Cross
- Union of Cooperative Farmers
- "Erimitis Plus" Environmental Protection Association
- Various cultural associations and engaged citizens
Key Discussions & Sustainable Mobility Proposals
The official opening of the conference was conducted by Konstantinos Provatas, General Secretary of the Municipality, while the event’s speaker coordination and presentations were led by Spyridoula Kokkali, Deputy Mayor for Circular Economy, Environment, Cleaning Service & Public Relations.
Speakers from both the municipality and partner organisations focused on two key proposals for reducing pollution and promoting green mobility in rural areas:
- Encouraging the use of bicycles
- Transitioning to electric vehicles and taxis
Promoting green mobility contributes to environmentally friendly cities and regions, with less traffic congestion and better air quality. The shift to sustainable transportation solutions can bring significant environmental and social benefits, provided they are supported by appropriate policies and infrastructure.
All participants received a copper etching artwork titled "The Tree of Regeneration," signed by artist Ilias Valaris.
Following the successful launch in North Corfu, the GreenMove initiative continues dynamically, with the next transnational meeting scheduled for June 2025 in Malta. Subsequent meetings will take place in:
- Croatia – September 2025
- Italy – November 2025
- Cyprus – March 2026
- Portugal – May 2026
Finally, the 18 participating organisations from 16 countries expressed their high praise for the hospitality, coordination and organisation of the event.
ELENI KORONAKI
