The hybrid Conference was held at the Municipal Theater of Piraeus, on July 1st, with the participation of distinguished representatives of European institutions and politics, science, and public administration.
The opening of the conference was addressed by the Rector of the University of Piraeus Professor Angelos Kotios, the vice-president of the European Commission and responsible for the Promotion of the European Way of Life Margaritis Schinas, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, the Governor of the Attica Region Georgios Patoulis, Andriana Zarakeli Deputy Mayor of Outreach, Tourism and European Programs of the Municipality of Piraeus, Panagiotis Kyrimis Head of the European Program "EUROPE DIRECT PIRAEUS" and Professor Michalis Sfakianakis Dean of the School of Economics, Business & International Studies of the University of Piraeus.
The vice-president of the European Commission and responsible for the Promotion of the European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, observed that the new Europe of action must have a leadership that will be legitimized by the will of the citizens, not by decisions in closed rooms and bargaining. The clear messages of our fellow citizens are not only taken seriously but will be catalytic in the next stages of the formulation of European policies The threat, the need, the external enemy - in a paradoxical way - is also an opportunity for Europe. On the contrary, inertia, immobility, eudaimonism are Europe's greatest enemies. We need this sense of collectiveness to succeed against all and sundry that threaten us. This is the European catalyst, the lever, for a better and stronger Europe. The way we want it: A place of peace, prosperity, justice and progress for all. Deputy Foreign Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis emphasized that Europe proposed supranational cooperation and what the Conference wanted was to get closer to its citizens by opening its ears and eyes to their concerns, to see how it will be better in the future. In the same context, Mr. Varvitsiotis noted that European citizens demand from the Union more secure borders, a greater role in international crises, energy autonomy, effectiveness in the fight against climate change, strong institutions against authoritarianism and revisionism, but also dynamic protection the rule of law and human rights, underlining in particular the demand for more Europe in their daily lives, but also for a Europe with an expanded geopolitical footprint.
According to the Regional Governor of Attica, Georgios Patoulis, the Regions have a pivotal role in shaping the future of Europe. Grade A and Grade B Local Government can be a catalyst for the recovery of economies and social cohesion at the local and European level, provided they are actively involved in decision-making. In the difficult times we are going through, the role of the Regions in shaping the Europe of the future is confirmed every day by public opinion polls and is embedded in the collective consciousness of European societies. The decentralization of administrative responsibilities is the key to the creation of a truly efficient state, effective in achieving its goals and friendly to the citizens. Together we can co-shape a sustainable, just and happy society, which will respond both to the challenges of the time and to the needs and desires of the people..
The Head of the Delegation of the European Commission in Greece, Ms. Niovi Rigou, referred to the architecture of this "unprecedented democratic exercise" and the innovative multilingual platform that was created to serve the working groups to formulate and complete their proposals.
The spirit of the 49 proposals creates a new vision focused on providing social protection and justice, defending values and the rule of law, remaking an independent, autonomous and strong Europe. She also referred to the next steps of the EU institutions. such as the announcement of the first set of proposals based on the results of the Conference, in September ΄22 by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, which will be included in the Commission's 2020-23 program.
The speakers were Michalis Chletsos, Professor, Department of Economics, University of Piraeus, Napoleon Maravegas, Professor of Macroeconomic Analysis, European Economic Integration, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Konstantina Kottaridis, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Piraeus, Fotini Asderaki, Associate Professor of International and of European Studies of the University of Piraeus, Michalis Argyrou President of the Council of Economic Experts, Andreas Liaropoulos Assistant Professor of International and European Studies at the University of Piraeus, Aristea Sinanioti – Maroudi Professor of Organization & Business Administration at the University of Piraeus with Dimitrios Karagounis Min. Doctor and finally Panagiotis Grigoriou Professor of International & European Institutions of the University of the Aegean. Demosthenes Kyriazis, Associate Professor of Digital Systems at the University of Piraeus, also participated.
A special presentation of the EUROPE DIRECT PIRAEUS activities was made by Panagiotis Kyrimis, the Head of the European Program "EUROPE DIRECT PIRAEUS". Coordinator of the Conference is Athanasios M. Choupis, Journalist of ERT "Voice of Greece".