Mr. Evangelos Fragakis, Mayor of Chalki and member of the Greek Delegation to the European Committee of the Regions, participated in Brussels, June 1, 2026, in the proceedings of the 9th meeting of the Commission for Natural Resources (NAT) of the European Committee of the Regions.
During the session, important issues concerning the future of European agriculture, the bioeconomy, public health, natural resource management, and the resilience of local communities in the face of contemporary challenges were discussed.
Particular emphasis was placed on the reform of the common market organization for agricultural products and the European Union’s school program, the new strategic framework for a competitive and sustainable bioeconomy, the European plan for cardiovascular health “Safe Hearts Plan”, the integrated management of forest fire risks, as well as initiatives that strengthen the regions’ resilience to the climate crisis.
The Mayor of Chalki had the opportunity to exchange views with representatives of the European Commission, the European Parliament, regional and local authorities from all member states, highlighting the specific needs of small island regions and the importance of strengthening cohesion policies, sustainable development, and the protection of natural resources.
In his statement, Mr. Fragkakis said:
“Chalki’s presence in European decision-making centers is particularly important. Small islands must have a strong voice in the European policies that shape the future of local communities. We continue to work to ensure that the needs of island communities, climate resilience, public health, and sustainable development remain at the center of the European dialogue.”
The Municipality of Chalki remains an active participant in European processes, promoting initiatives that enhance residents’ quality of life, protect the environment, and ensure a sustainable future for small island communities.