The City of Athens took part in a high-level meeting in Brussels on March 24, organized by Eurocities, as discussions intensify around shaping the European Union’s forthcoming Strategy to Combat Poverty. The meeting was led by European Commission Vice-President Roxana Minzatu, who is responsible for Social Rights and Employment.
Representing Athens Mayor Haris Doukas, Elisaios Sarmas, CEO of the city’s development agency, presented Athens’ innovative approach to tackling energy poverty. His intervention highlighted the pivotal role cities play not only in designing but also in implementing effective social policies at the local level.
According to an official statement from the municipality, Athens’ participation carried particular weight given the timing. The European Commission is currently preparing, for the first time, a comprehensive Anti-Poverty Strategy—an initiative expected to significantly influence future European policies and funding mechanisms.
Athens’ experience was showcased as a best-practice model with strong potential for replication across other European cities. Its integrated approach links social cohesion with a fair energy transition, while promoting the exchange of expertise and successful policy tools.
The case of Athens, officials noted, contributes meaningfully to shaping policies that strengthen local intervention frameworks and address poverty in a more holistic and sustainable way.
Photo: European Commission
