Following the initial warm-up events in the Greek pilot areas Kythera and Konitsa, MedINA organized additional meetings with the participation of the local communities to strengthen dialogue and cooperation around the concept of Smart Villages and the development of meaningful, participatory actions, aiming to enhance well-being and social inclusion in these areas.

During the meetings, the main objectives of the INSPIRE project were outlined, followed by discussions on the project’s upcoming activities. Participants learned about the establishment of Smart Village Labs and their potential in empowering local communities through collective actions, the use of digital tools, and the development of innovative ideas that highlight and protect local assets, strengthening regional resilience by building on local strengths and opportunities.

At the same time, upcoming project activities were introduced, including capacity-building workshops and free online courses covering digital, entrepreneurial, and social (soft) skills, as well as environmentally friendly innovation practices with a focus on sustainability.

In Konitsa, the event took place at the Municipal Hall, with the participation of local authorities, associations, and residents. The meeting served as an opportunity to discuss social needs and challenges of the area, as well as innovative initiatives and ideas that could be developed within the framework of the INSPIRE project.

In Kythera, a series of meetings and discussions were held with local stakeholders, associations, and residents, focusing on the primary sector, which requires further support to address critical challenges and to enhance and promote the island’s agri-food potential.

Finally, the INSPIRE informational video was shared, highlighting the project’s vision for stronger and more resilient rural communities.

Find more information (also available in Greek) on MedINA’s website here.