On 24 March 2026, the Mayor of Chalki, Mr. Evangelos Fragkakis, participated in the works of the CIVEX Committee (Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs) of the European Committee of the Regions, which took place in Brussels.
The meeting discussed critical issues concerning the future of the European Union, with emphasis on the management of migration and asylum for the period 2028-2034, the strengthening of internal security, as well as the new European strategy for democratic resilience (European Democracy Shield).
Particular attention was paid to the following:
shaping a more coherent and effective European framework for migration and integration;
the need to strengthen the role of local and regional authorities in decision-making and policy implementation;
funding security and resilience actions based on the real needs of local communities;
protecting democracy from disinformation and external interference.
The Mayor of Chalki, within the framework of his interventions, highlighted the particular challenges faced by small and remote islands, such as Chalki, stressing the need for:
targeted European policies that take account of micro-insularity;
empowering local authorities with resources and responsibilities;
a fair distribution of European funding;
and for the effective participation of island municipalities in the design of European policies.
At the same time, it was pointed out that local government is a key pillar of democracy and social cohesion, especially in areas with geographical and social particularities.
The active participation of the small island municipalities in the European procedures confirms the strategic choice of extroversion and assertiveness, aiming to improve the daily life of citizens and the sustainable development of our islands.