The document discusses a citizen engagement project in Thessaloniki, Greece. It provides background on Thessaloniki, noting it is the second largest city in Greece and has faced economic and political crises in recent years. This has led to challenges like unemployment, lack of opportunities for youth, and decreased resources. The document outlines next steps for the project, including establishing trust between citizens and authorities, rebuilding community spirit, and reliably managing information to address needs and provide accountability.

1. Citizen engagement project
Primary steps
Dimitra

2. Where do we live?
Thessaloniki (Greek: Θεσσαλονίκη) is the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of Greek Macedonia. The
city’s Metropolitan Area extends over an area of 1,455.62 km2 (562.02 sq mi) and its population in 2011
reached a total of 1,104,460 inhabitants; more specifically, according to the Greek census 2011, the
municipality of Thessaloniki today has a population of 325.182, while the Thessaloniki Urban Area (the
contiguous built up area forming the "City of Thessaloniki") has a population of 788,952.
According to a municipality strategic plan reform, named Kallikratis, as of 1 January 2011 the Thessaloniki
Urban Area which makes up the "City of Thessaloniki", is made up of six self-governing municipalities and one
municipal unit.
Thessaloniki has a rich history spans some 2,300 years, as a major hub of business and culture, from the Roman
period to the Byzantine Empire; an important metropolis by the Roman period, the second largest and
wealthiest city of the Byzantine Empire.

3. Our current challenges
Today Thessaloniki is still an important metropolitan region for Greece, with an active port, a
respected university, and a robust tourist industry. Even though it has the second position among
greek cities, accounts only for 8.9% of the total economy of Greece.
Its population is deeply democratized: active and alert, politically sensible and motivated, reacts
dynamically to political and social events that influence, either in a local/national level, or
international also.
The city, however, has also been affected by the economic and political crises that have rocked
Greece in recent years.
 Growing unemployment from a shrinking manufacturing sector
 lack of opportunities for young people have increased social needs,
 resources to provide services have decreased.
These challenges had a strong impact mostly within population.
 We feel betrayed by the State from current situation (dramatic income shortage, rising
unemployment, corruption issues, government low responsiveness and accountability)
 signs of indisposition,
 lack of co-operation spirit,
 opposition and reluctance to anything new;
 disappointment that even the local authorities do not correspond to solve our everyday needs
(ex. Circulation hurdles, parking areas, underground venture stopped, public transportation,
bicycles, etc) .
 Tensions have led to the rise of extremism, riots, and civil unrest, and broken down relations
between residents and public authorities.

4. We have to move on
 Establish trust and cooperation among citizens and authorities (local
authorities and government).
 Establish reliable information and cooperation between local authorities and
government
 Rebuild community spirit and cooperation among citizens; establish citizens
engagement; improve volunteerism.
 Reliably manage information (concentrate needs, prioritize, imply and get
feedback)
 Cement and build deliberative communication
 Provide incentives to safeguard sustainability of the project
One of the most substantial issues of all the aforementioned – least but not
last - is: funding and resource allocation.

5. Let’s community constructively
 Let’s google and relate each other

6. Let’s community constructively
 Let’s meet together systematically
 Let’s think, innovate, prioritize

7. Let’s community constructively
 Let’s prioritize
 Let’s decide

8. Let’s community constructively
 Let’s cement and create Thessaloniki’s communities networking.
 Let’s empower our voice.
 Let’s address our needs massively and try to build accountability.
Let’s try to build citizens and authorities accountability. It’s unique way for
development and sustainability