The future of the European Union will be determined on June 9th, during the European elections, and our vote is more than important. The European Parliament enacts laws that affect us all. It has been shown that every significant national issue has a European dimension, from our country's economic development to immigration.
The EU has always shown strong interest in various sectors of Greece, offering substantial funding. Our country has committed to receiving support amounting to approximately 40 billion euros from the EU's long-term budget for 2021-2027. Its contribution often makes history, highlighting its natural wealth. For example, the Geopark of Kefalonia – Ithaca is co-financed at 80% by the European Regional Development Fund, with a total budget of 854,000 euros.
Kefalonia, aside from its archaeological and cultural history, is an island with biodiversity, rich geology, significant flora species, and an active "geological laboratory" located in the most tectonically active region of Europe.
Similarly, Ithaca, in the interior Ionian Archipelago, with its steep coastlines, clearly showcases the region's impressive geology and coastal caves. The natural heritage and habitats of the area are such that the Geopark aims to be included in the UNESCO Geoparks!
There are also many European programs in which our country's Ministries can participate. For instance, the Ministry of Environment and Energy is involved in a very important project, the Capable project, which has a total budget of 332,867 euros. Its goal is to contribute to the renovation of the public building stock (public buildings) and achieve climate neutrality, particularly in the public sector. The project covers all of Greece, both at the local and regional levels.
In the current NSRF program for our country's tourism, the entire tourism sector is supported, including the program for establishing new tourism SMEs. It envisages the comprehensive modernization of hotel units and more, such as special Tourism Infrastructure installations like conference centers, tourist ports, ski resorts, theme parks, thermal tourism facilities, thalassotherapy centers, sports tourism training centers, and mountain refuges across Greece. Four years ago, through the NSRF, a subsidy program of up to 65% was announced exclusively for the municipalities of Kefalonia and Ithaca, where the purchase, construction, or improvement of properties, investments in tourist accommodations, and the surrounding environment were foreseen, along with special equipment expenses like the purchase or construction of traditional wooden boats, other boats for marine tourism activities, and even the purchase of horses for touring activities.
The EU's tourism policy aims to maintain Europe as a top destination while promoting its economic growth and employment. Additionally, it encourages cooperation between Union states, mainly through "the exchange of best practices."
In the crucial field of education, Erasmus, the EU's program for education and training of the youth, continues its successful course. High-quality, inclusive education and training essentially equip young people and participants of all ages with the qualifications and skills required for meaningful participation in democratic society and increasing their job market opportunities.
Within the Erasmus program, a European competition (ETC4SE) is running, targeting young people from any region who want to start a new business but don't know how. Such a program solves the problem for many potential entrepreneurs who might live on an island and not know where to begin! By submitting their idea, it can travel beyond borders, compete with other ideas and proposals from other European countries, and win. The goal is to create educational resources and tools that will help existing and future entrepreneurs in the field of social entrepreneurship. There has been a noted lack of specialized educational modules and good practice materials referring to real businesses that can help entrepreneurs develop new enterprises while also addressing social challenges.
In the vital sector of rural development, the EU, through the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy for all EU countries and citizens), practically supports farmers, improves agricultural production, maintains rural areas, the rural economy, and helps address climate change and the sustainable management of natural resources. In June 2023, Kostas Kapodistrias, representing the Ionian Islands Region as Deputy Regional Governor of European Programs, participated in the management of European Programs and stated that in recent years, 8 million euros have come to the Ionian Islands from European programs!
The Regional Development Fund of the Ionian Islands Region has posted on its website that it has implemented the European ICE project (Innovation, Culture, and Creativity for a new economy) within the framework of the Greece-Italy Territorial Cooperation Program, with a huge budget of 4,000,000 euros! The project was co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) of the European Union at 75%. The project aimed to promote cooperation between artistic entities and local government entities to strengthen local economies. The goal was to identify the most important elements of the cultural heritage of the involved areas, which through a network of collaborations could create an entertainment industry attracting visitors and form the basis for strengthening cultural culture in the Ionian Islands.
Another important sector covered by the European Fund is the supply of firefighting and rescue equipment to enhance road safety and the road network of the Ionian Islands Region. This includes specialized firefighting/rescue vehicles of various types used in dealing with traffic accidents as well as other incidents under the responsibility of the Fire Brigade, which are particularly active during the summer months.
In a few days from now, all of us, as European citizens, will be called to elect 720 lawmakers who will represent us in decision-making at the EU level for the next five years. This is a unique opportunity to decide what the European Union should focus on. From the war in Ukraine to climate change and equal pay between men and women.
The President of the Parliament and Maltese politician, Roberta Metsola, made an appeal to undecided voters, as well as to those who believe that the European elections do not concern us: “Use your vote. Otherwise, others will decide for you. Be proud. Europe is your home. Do not abandon it.”
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