First G4G workshop, focused on sustainable tourism – held in Thessaloniki

On 23 March 2026, the first workshop of the Green for Good (G4G) project was held at the CERTH premises in Thessaloniki, organised and hosted by CERTH/HIT.

The event brought together the project partners – Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region, CISS International Cooperation South-South Branch Skopje, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, and the Municipality of Thermi, and together with the other participants, they contributed to a constructive exchange of views and proposals on sustainable tourism and the smart planning of destinations.

The workshop combined presentations with an interactive case study focused on Thessaloniki as a strategic tourism destination, creating space for discussion, reflection and the sharing of practical ideas. Participants explored how tourism can be developed in a more balanced and sustainable way, while also responding to the needs of local communities and visitors.

As the first workshop organised within the G4G project, the event marked a meaningful start to this series of activities and highlighted the value of cooperation, knowledge exchange and working together toward more sustainable and resilient communities.

Successful implementation of the Kick-off press conference for the Green for good project

On 4 March 2026, at Hotel “Sirius” – Strumica, the kick-off press conference for the “Green for Good” (G4G) project was held, implemented under the Interreg VI-A IPA Programme “Greece – North Macedonia 2021–2027.” The project is co-funded by the European Union and the national funds of the participating countries.

The event was organized by the Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region, with the participation of project representatives, institutions, government officials and media.

Media statements were delivered by Zlatko Perinski – Minister of Local Self-Government, Petar Jankov – President of the Council for Development of the South-East Planning Region and Mayor of Municipality of Strumica, and Jovan Kocev – Acting Director of the CDSEPR, followed by their welcome addresses, together with an address by Goran Boshkov – a representative of CISS. In his address, the Acting Director of the CDSEPR, Jovan Kocev, emphasized: “The value of this project lies not only in the individual activities, but also in the foundation it lays for long-term change. It strengthens the region’s capacity to plan and invest strategically, with better coordination among municipalities and alignment with national policies and European programmes.”

After the opening speeches the “Green for Good” (G4G) was presented as well as the promotional video for the project. The project is aimed at reducing pollution and improving air quality; increasing the use of renewable energy and introducing smart energy management; advancing sustainable mobility; developing green urban infrastructure and environmental education; and strengthening cross-border cooperation through joint initiatives and governance structures.

The project also foresees specific actions and investments, including the installation of 8 fast EV charging stations across the cross-border region, the installation of photovoltaic systems in several municipalities, and the establishment of Green Education Centres, with the goal of delivering long-term and sustainable benefits for the community.

The event concluded with a Q&A session and a constructive discussion on the upcoming activities and next steps in the project implementation.

 

Kick-off meeting of the project “Green for Good”

On October 15, 2025, the kick-off meeting of the Green for Good (G4G) project was held in Gevgelija, organized by the partner CISS International Cooperation South South Branch Skopje. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Centre for development of the South-East planning Region as the lead partner of the project, along with other project partners from Greece, the Center for Research and Technological Development – ​​CERTH and the Municipality of Thermi.

The event marked the official start of the implementation of the project, which is being implemented within the framework of the Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Interreg IPA Greece – North Macedonia 2021–2027, co-financed by the European Union and the national funds of the participating countries.

During the meeting, the partners presented their activities and roles in the project. Representatives of the Centre as the lead partner presented the activities related to the coordination, administrative management and implementation of the main investment – ​​procurement and installation of six fast electric chargers in the Municipalities of Valandovo, Strumica, Radovish, Gevgelija, Dojran and Novo Selo.

A special part of the agenda was dedicated to the visit of the location in Gevgelija, which within the framework of the project will be transformed into a Center for Education for Renewable Energy Sources. This center will serve as a place for training, workshops and activities to raise public awareness about sustainable energy and environmental protection.

The “Green for Good” project aims to encourage the development of a low-carbon economy, strengthen the use of renewable energy sources and contribute to sustainable tourism and green transition in the cross-border region between North Macedonia and Greece.

Through joint activities and partnerships, the project contributes to achieving the goals of the European Green Deal and creating a cleaner, more resilient and sustainable future for the region.