The cities of Farkadona/Trikala/Meteora, Greece sign partnership agreement with the European Union International Urban Cooperation (IUC) programme to cooperate with the City of Leh, India on sustainable urban issues

On February 20th, 2020 the Honourable Mayor of Farkadona Mr. Ioannis Sakellariou signed on behalf of the Farkadona/Trikala/Meteora Municipalities a partnership agreement with the European Union International Urban Cooperation (IUC) India program.

By signing this agreement, the three Greek Municipalities will further engage with the partner City of Leh and develop a Local Action Plan on a mutually agreed area of cooperation and exchange best practices focusing on various sustainable urban development issues. This cooperation is part of the ongoing EU-IUC program where a total of 24 EU and Indian cities share best practices and develop pilot projects. Through this programme, the City of Leh will align its urban development targets with international best practices and will experience sustainable benefits for the city.

IUC programme

The IUC programme boosts cooperation on sustainable urban development between EU cities and partner cities in India, East Asia, North and South America. IUC/India, is part of the corresponding global IUC Programme. It is financed by the European Union, and implemented by a consortium of GFA Consulting Group GmbH (leader) and CRISIL. Through the programme, local leaders will connect and gain new perspectives on pressing sustainable urban development issues. EU and Indian cities are paired based on common priorities and development interests, allowing both parties to build cooperation and share knowledge. Representatives from both cities will attend exchange visits and will together develop a local action plan to drive the cities' sustainable urban development.

About the European Union (EU):

The EU, which consists of 28 countries, has the world's largest economy and its third largest population, after China and India. Though richly diverse, the countries that make up the EU (its 'Member States') are all committed to the same basic values: peace, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights. They have set up common institutions so that decisions on matters of joint interest can be made democratically at European level. By creating a frontier-free single market and a single currency (the euro) which has been adopted by 19 Member States, the EU has given a significant boost to trade and employment. It is also at the forefront of policies on sustainability.

EU-India relations: For Over 50 years the EU and India have worked together to reduce poverty, prevent disasters, expand trade, and promote joint research in energy, health, agriculture and many other fields of mutual interest. More information at: http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/india

For more information on IUC consult www.iuc.eu or contact Ashish Verma averma@iuc-india.eu