The Mayor of Chalki, Mr. Evangelos Fragkakis, participated as a member of the Greek Delegation in the proceedings of the 8th meeting of the European Union’s Commission for Territorial Cohesion Policy and EU Budget (COTER), which took place on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Brussels, as part of the obligations of the European Committee of the Regions.
During the meeting, critical issues concerning the future of European regional policy were discussed, with an emphasis on sustainable development, the cohesion of European territories, and the interconnection of transportation and cities.
Particular mention was made of policies for a sustainable and interconnected European transportation system, the European agenda for cities, and new macro-regional strategies.
The Mayor of Chalki, in his remarks, once again highlighted the challenges of being a small island, emphasizing the need for targeted European policies that take into account the specific characteristics of small island municipalities.
He stressed that cohesion policy must effectively recognize small islands as distinct entities with greater needs in terms of infrastructure, connectivity, and access to basic services.
At the same time, he highlighted the role of Chalki as a model of sustainable development and a “living laboratory” for the green and digital transition, showcasing best practices that can be applied at the European level.
Mr. Fragkakis’s active participation, representing Greece’s small islands in European processes, confirms the dynamic pursuit of solutions that strengthen social cohesion, development, and the right of residents to remain in their homes.