On 25 – 26 September the Centre of Expertise participated in the Conference on Insular Policy organised by the Hellenic Institute of Local Administration in Kithira, Greece.

The Conference gathered mayors of the island municipalities, as well as the Central Association of Municipalities of Greece (KEDE), and representatives of the Greek Ministry of Interior and local government. It provided an opportunity for the Centre of Expertise to promote the EU-CoE Technical Assistance Project on Institutional Enhancement of Local Governance in Greece and two of its activities specifically addressed to island municipalities.

Indeed, at the request of the Ministry of Interior the Centre of Expertise conducted a policy advice analysis on the exercise of competences by island municipalities early this year and is currently implementing a capacity building action to boost cooperation among island municipalities.

 The debate afterwards focused on the financial situation of the islands, human resource policy, competencies and reforms.