AIDA was entrusted with organizing the 51st General Assembly of the Chambers Union for the Development of the Greek Islands (EOAEN), in collaboration with the Halkidiki Chamber of Commerce.

The General Assembly took place over two days, May 27 and 28, in Ouranoupoli, Halkidiki, coinciding with the inclusion of the Halkidiki region in the Greek Islands Chamber Development Union (EOAEN).

The Assembly was attended by Presidents and members of the Boards of the member island Chambers of EOAEN. The key speakers on Saturday, May 28, 2022, included: Mr. Emmanouil Koutoulakis, General Secretary for the Aegean and Island Policy; Mr. Emmanouil Konsolas, President of the Special Permanent Committee on Regions and the Subcommittee on Island and Mountain Areas of the Hellenic Parliament; Ms. Christina Kalogirou, General Secretary for Rural Development and Food; and Ms. Marialena Athanasopoulou, Special Secretary for the Management of Private Debt.
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The delegates were welcomed by Mr. Ioannis Koufidis, President of the Halkidiki Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Sotiris Skiadaresis, President of EOAEN and President of the Lefkada Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Ioannis Koufidis highlighted the efforts made by the Halkidiki Chamber to position the region as a gastronomic destination. Mr. Sotiris Skiadaresis, President of EOAEN, addressed the impact of successive crises on island economies and the pressing challenges faced by businesses in these regions. He called for the implementation of new, targeted policies and measures to support island entrepreneurship and the economy, including a) the reinstatement of reduced VAT rates across all islands, b) the extension of the Transport Equivalence Scheme to include fuel, c) the implementation of the “island clause” principle, and d) special support for small islands, categorized as double-island islands, to ensure their sustainability.

The session was further enriched by greetings from Father Georgios Kyriakou, representing the Metropolitan of Ierissos, Mount Athos, and Ardamelia, Members of Parliament for Halkidiki, Ms. Kyriaki Malama and Mr. Apostolos Panas, the Mayor of Aristotelis, Mr. Stylianos Valianos, the Deputy Regional Governor for Entrepreneurship and Innovation of Northern Aegean, Mr. Leonidas Athinadis, the President of the Halkidiki Development Company, Mr. Georgios Pasalis, the President of the Municipality of Ammouliani, Mr. Konstantinos Tsaknis, and the President of the Development Association of Ammouliani, Mr. Nikitas Martygakis. Additionally, a video message from the Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports, Mr. Lefteris Avgenakis, was presented, along with messages from the Deputy Minister of Macedonia-Thrace, Mr. Stavros Kalafatis, and the President of the Panhellenic Federation of Hoteliers, Mr. Grigoris Tassis.

In his address, Mr. Emmanouil Koutoulakis, Secretary General for the Aegean and Island Policy, outlined the steps taken in the last three years to strengthen the islands, emphasizing that “a systematic effort has been made to implement a comprehensive island development policy, and we now have significant tools and resources to put it into action”.

In an online connection from Kalymnos, Mr. Emmanouil Konsolas, President of the Special Permanent Committee on Regions and the Subcommittee on Island and Mountain Areas of the Hellenic Parliament, elaborated on the goals and priorities that should define a comprehensive island policy.

Ms. Christina Kalogirou, Secretary General for Rural Development and Food, described the agrifood sector as a key component of the new development model for islands, stressing that tourism alone is not sufficient for the development of a region and that a holistic model encompassing all economic sectors is required.

In an online address, Ms. Marialena Athanasopoulou, Special Secretary for the Management of Private Debt, presented in detail the available tools for the prevention and management of business over-indebtedness, as provided by Law 4738/2020 (“Debt Settlement and Provision of a Second Chance”).

On Friday, May 27, 2022, Dr. Nancy Alonistioti, Associate Professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, presented the activities of the LIVINGTRAC Digital Innovation Hub, while Mr. Vasilis Christidis, CEO of KNOWLEDGE AE, showcased the innovative “Digital Platform (One Stop Shop) for Promoting the Overall Tourism Product” of the areas covered by the Chambers.

During the discussions, Mr. Nikos Reizakis emphasized the need to delineate land-use regulations on the islands for sustainable and balanced development of tourism units and businesses.

Furthermore, the General Assembly members unanimously approved the administrative report for 2021, as well as the 2021 financial statements. The proposal from the Rethymnon Chamber of Commerce to host the next 52nd General Assembly of EOAEN was also unanimously accepted.

As part of the General Assembly, both the delegates and their accompanying members had the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of Ammouliani and the archaeological sites of the Athos Peninsula. Additionally, all participants enjoyed a boat tour around Mount Athos and had the pleasure of sampling local delicacies from Halkidiki.
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AIDA successfully organized and executed this event, receiving accolades for the exceptional quality of services from all attendees.