The Greek Deputy Minister of Development, Mr. Stavros Kalafatis, visited Chalki, touring the Interactive Green Park of the Centre for Research & Technology, Hellas (CERTH) and the island’s Photovoltaic Park, where he was briefed on the innovative initiatives being implemented to promote sustainable development, the energy transition, and green innovation.
The Deputy Minister was welcomed by the Mayor of Halki, Mr. Evangelos Fragkakis, and the visit was attended by the President of CERTH, Dr. Evangelos Bekiaris, Centre executives, representatives of the academic and research community, as well as partners in the projects being implemented on the island.
During his tour of the Interactive Green Park, he was shown applications related to smart energy, sustainable mobility, the circular economy, environmental education, and digital technologies.
The park, created as part of the “NHSOS” under the supervision of Mr. Vasilis Roussakis, Deputy Mayor for Development of the Municipality of Chalki, serves as a modern showcase for innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by island regions.
The Mayor of Halki, Mr. Evangelos Fragakis, stated:
“Today’s visit by the Deputy Minister of Development is a great honor for Chalki and, at the same time, a tangible recognition of the systematic efforts we have been making in recent years to transform our island into an international model of green and digital transition. Through strategic partnerships with CERTH, the academic community, the government, and the private sector, we are proving that even a small island can lead the way in innovation and produce solutions with national and European added value.
We continue to consistently invest in policies that strengthen energy self-sufficiency, resilience, environmental protection, and the quality of life for our residents.”
The visit reaffirms Chalki’s leading role in implementing innovative policies for sustainable development and highlights the island as a model for the transition of small island communities toward a greener, smarter, and more resilient future.
The Municipality of Chalki will continue to take advantage of every opportunity for collaboration and funding in order to implement pioneering initiatives that create real added value for residents and serve as examples of best practices for Greece and Europe.