North Corfu Municipality Leads Successful Green Move European Project Completion
Valongo, Portugal / Corfu, Greece, May 19, 2026 – The European Green Move project has successfully concluded its series of transnational meetings in Valongo, Portugal, solidifying its position as a crucial European initiative for sustainable mobility, social cohesion, and inclusion. The final meeting, held from May 3 to May 6, brought together 17 partners from 16 European countries, who exchanged experiences, best practices, and modern approaches to the challenges of green transition and equal access for citizens to transport and public infrastructure.
The Municipality of North Corfu, which led the consortium for 18 months, was represented by Deputy Mayor Mr. Chariton Koutsouris and Authorized Municipal Councilor Mr. Ioannis Mouzakitis.
Key Discussions: Sustainable Mobility and Social Inclusion
At the core of the discussions were issues linking sustainable mobility with social integration, gender equality, intergenerational cooperation, and citizen participation in the planning of modern European cities and communities. Of particular interest were presentations highlighting practices for empowering vulnerable social groups, the use of digital tools to bridge the intergenerational gap, and innovative forms of participatory governance and citizen science.
Universal Design: A New Standard for Inclusive Cities
A prominent topic in the discussions was the concept of Universal Design, presented as a new standard for designing public spaces and infrastructure. The goal is to create cities that are truly accessible and functional for all citizens, regardless of age, gender, or physical abilities. This principle was unanimously adopted by the partners as one of the most significant legacies of the Green Move project, sending a strong European message in favor of a human-centered and inclusive development model.
Interactive Guide and European Day of Sustainable Mobility
Additionally, the final chapter of the Interactive Guide to Sustainable Living (GISLG) was completed, and the Green Move Digital Toolkit was highlighted as a permanent open-access European resource for citizens, local authorities, and stakeholders seeking to promote sustainable mobility practices and participatory planning. The partners also established the European Day of Sustainable Mobility, to be celebrated annually on May 9, as a continuous call for cooperation, participation, and joint European action.
During the meeting, participants also had the opportunity to explore the cultural richness and sustainable practices of the Valongo region. This included visits to cultural sites, social structures, and local production units, emphasizing the close connection between culture, local identity, and sustainable development.
North Corfu Deputy Mayor’s Statement
Deputy Mayor of North Corfu, Mr. Chariton Koutsouris, stated: “Green Move is not just a European program, but a common European commitment to a more humane, sustainable, and inclusive society. Through the cooperation of municipalities and the participation of citizens, we have proven that local communities can play a leading role in shaping the Europe of the future.”
The Green Move project, funded by the European Commission under the CERV – Network of Towns initiative, leaves a substantial European legacy of cooperation, democratic participation, and sustainable planning, enhancing the role of local communities in the transition to a more resilient and socially just Europe.
