Information Office in

2012 ACTIVITY REPORT

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT INFORMATION OFFICE IN GREECE

8, Amalias ave. - 105 57 ATHENS Tel.: +30 210 32 71 011 - Fax: +30 210 33 11 540 - Email: [email protected] Website: www.europarl.gr S U M M A R Y

CITIZENS' FORA ...... 3 Citizens' Forum in Thessaloniki Citizens' Forum in Arta Citizens' Forum in Drama Regional Discussion Forum in Tripoli-Megalopoli OTHER INFORMATION ACTIVITIES ...... 5 Presentation of annual programme Celebration of Europe Day Painting competition for young pupils EP Simulation CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS ...... 8 Seminar in Brussels for first voters Award ceremonies for Citizen's Prize Conferences for University students Conference on European Governance Nobel Prize event CONFERENCES ON EP VALUES ...... 11 Women's Day LUX Prize Sakharov Prize PRESS ACTIVITIES ...... 12 Regional press seminars Round-table with chief-editors Seminar in Brussels for young journalists Joint Press seminars with Nicosia EPIO on energy security of supply in the EU Joint press Seminars with Berlin EPIO on the financial crisis Invitation of journalists to plenary sessions Inserts/special editions in the Greek press Media, audiovisual and press analysis Press clippings and media monitoring FAIRS AND EXHIBITIONS ...... 17

Book Exhibition in Thessaloniki AUDIOVISUAL ...... 17 SPECIAL EVENTS ...... 18 OTHER ACTIONS ...... 20

2 CITIZENS' FORA

Citizens' Forum in Thessaloniki (Northern Greece, 18 May)

The first 2012 Citizens' Forum took place on the "European Year for Active Ageing (2012)", in collaboration with the EC Representation in Greece, the Active Ageing National coordination committee and the Municipality of Thessaloniki. A very interesting communication and information action was organized, followed by a large debate, with the participation of 150 persons. Participating MEPs:  Chrysoula PALIADELI - S&D  Ioannis A. TSOUKALAS - PPE

Citizens' Forum in Arta (N-Western Greece, 23 July)

The second Citizens' Forum was organized on "Regional development and Agriculture Policy in the EU". An active debate took place with the participation of MEPs and approx. 200 persons, representing stakeholders, agriculture associations, regional and local authorities and media. The event was directly broadcasted through the national and regional networks of NET TV and retransmitted by ERT World satellite. The key-note speaker was Mr Athanasios Tsaftaris, Minister of Rural Development and Food. Furthermore, the MEPs had the opportunity to visit the Acheloos area, accompanied by regional authorities and to hold meetings with the representatives of agricultural enterprises and agro tourism, as well as with young farmers. Participating MEPs:  Charalampos ANGOURAKIS - GUE/NGL  Nikos CHRYSOGELOS - Greens-EFA  Jorgo CHATZIMARKAKIS - ALDE - Germany  Spyros DANELLIS - S&D

3 Citizens' Forum in Drama (N-Eastern Greece, 21-22 September) The EPIO in Greece, in cooperation with the EC Representation in Greece, the Municipality of Drama and the International Short Film Festival of Drama, organized a two-day Citizens' Forum on "the regional and cohesion policies of the EU as the response to the economic crisis", with the participation of 120 representatives of stakeholders, regional and local authorities and media. The Mayor of Drama and the Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace welcomed the Forum. The key-note speaker was Mr Athanasios Tsaftaris, Minister of Rural Development and Food. Furthermore, during the Forum two of the winning films of LUX Prize 2011 ("Attenberg" and "The Snows of Kilimandjaro") were screened in the frame of the International Short Film Festival of Drama. The 2 MEPs and the Head of EPIO participated in the awarding ceremony of the Film Festival. Participating MEPs:  Chrysoula PALIADELI - S&D  Theodoros SKYLAKAKIS - ALDE

Regional Discussion Forum (Peloponnese, 1-2 November) With the participation of 6 MEPs, a Regional Discussion Forum on "Energy and Environment - Renewable energy sources" was organized in Tripoli and Megalopoli, which is a major energy production centre in Greece. The event was attended by 120 persons, representing stakeholders, regional and local authorities. The main partners were the Representation of EC in Greece, the Regional Governor of Peloponnese, the Municipalities of Tripoli and Megalopoli and the Journalists' Association of Peloponnese - Epirus and Islands. MEPs and Members of the Task Force GR were the main speakers on the economic crisis in Greece, the economic recovery and how energy and environment can be an instrument for development and growth.

Furthermore, a press seminar to the regional and local press and media of Peloponnese was organized on this occasion, with the participation of 43 journalists. The subject of the seminar was "Writing about Europe: Topics and Tools" and aimed to the better understanding of the current European issues by the journalists and the more efficient use of the services provided by European Commission and European

4 Parliament to journalists and Media. In addition, on 02/11/2012 MEP Salavrakos, accompanied by the Head of EPIO, gave a conference to pupils of a secondary public school in Megalopoli. On the same day, MEPs paid a visit to the Megalopoli powerplant (DEH) and held meetings with the board of directors, representatives of staff and trade-unions. Another meeting was held in the townhall of Megalopoli with the participation of local authorities, stakeholders and NGOs.

Participating MEPs:  Nikolaos CHOUNTIS - GUE/NGL  Nikos CHRYSOGELOS - Greens- EFA  Marietta GIANNAKOU - PPE  Georgios PAPANIKOLAOU - PPE  Nikolaos SALAVRAKOS - EFD  Theodoros SKYLAKAKIS - ALDE

OTHER INFORMATION ACTIVITIES Presentation of annual programme (2 February)

The 2012 Programme of our EPIO was presented in our premises to our stakeholders (representatives of the and Government, ex-MEPs, media, public administration, Embassies, NGOs, Universities, business community, etc.) with the participation of Greek MEPs. The presentation was followed by a reception for 350 persons. The Government was represented by the Deputy Foreign Minister Marilisa Xenogiannakopoulou, ex-MEP. Participating MEPs:  Marietta GIANNAKOU - PPE  Maria Eleni KOPPA - S&D  Georgios KOUMOUTSAKOS - PPE  Rodi KRATSA-TSAGAROPOULOU - PPE  Anni PODIMATA - S&D  Konstantinos POUPAKIS - PPE  Nikolaos SALAVRAKOS - EFD  Theodoros SKYLAKAKIS - ALDE

5 Celebration of Europe Day (9, 11 and 18 May)

Two actions were organized in our premises on the occasion of Europe Day, in collaboration with the EC Representation: the first action took place on 09/05/2012, in our premises, on the "European Year of Active Ageing" for the information and education of senior citizens on theoretical and practical issues related to protection and management of natural areas, with the participation of 70 senior citizens from two "Open Care Centres for the Elderly". The action was supported by the NGOs "Mediterranean SOS" and "Hellas 50+". The national coordinator for the EY of Active Ageing was the key-note speaker, together with specialized scientists on the third age and social workers of the abovementioned NGOs. This event was complemented with an outdoor action, which took place on 18/05/2012, with the participation of 80 seniors and young pupils. Its objective was the information and active participation in voluntary beach and other natural area cleaning. The young pupils were coached by the seniors. It is to be mentioned that, during this outdoor action, shots have been taken for a TV spot of EuroparlTV.

The second action took place on 11/05/2012: a public event was organized in our premises with the participation 140 persons, among them many mayors from the Attica region, as well as representatives from municipalities of Italy and Cyprus and representatives of the civil society and youth organizations. The subject was: "Local authorities in the EU and perspectives of the European integration".

Participating MEPs:  Nikolaos SALAVRAKOS - EFD  Georgios STAVRAKAKIS - S&D

The two events were supported by active on-line action.

6 Painting competition for young pupils (8 June)

A painting competition was launched for primary school pupils under the title: "Children paint on the European emergency number 112", in collaboration with "Kids' Fun" children magazine, through 2 full page inserts (in March and April) and through its web site. Over 2000 applications were registered and equal number of ready paintings was received. During the awarding ceremony which took place on 8 June in our premises, with the collaboration of the EC Representation, 12 winners, as many as the stars of the European flag, were awarded. Additionally, another 150 beautiful paintings were also exhibited in a specially set-up location in the EPIO. All children were gifted gadgets with the "112 emergency" and the EU logos. The event was attended by 100 children, parents and teachers. Among the parents was Pyrros Dimas, Gold medal Olympic champion and ex-MP. Participating MEP:

 Sylvana RAPTI - S&D EP Simulation (Athens, 14 December)

A simulation was organized in the Zappeion Hall with the participation of 135 pupils of the Lycée Franco-Hellénique d'Athènes. The central subject of the action was "Immigration in the EU". Three MEPs participated, as well as the Undersecretary of Education, the Ambassador of France, the Head of the EC Representation in Greece and the representatives of the Lycée Franco-Hellénique. Participating MEPs:  Marietta GIANNAKOU - PPE  Georgios PAPANIKOLAOU - PPE  Sylvana RAPTI - S&D

7 CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS Seminar for first voters (Brussels, 6-8 March)

A 2-day seminar was organized in Brussels for a group of 30 young people, first voters on 2014 European Elections, winners of Athens EPIO's competitions organized in 2011. The young people had the opportunity to attend meetings with 8 Greek MEPs and EP officials, to visit the Commission and to discuss and discover the EU realities. They were informed in particular about the political and legislative priorities of the EP. Participating MEPs:  Nikolaos CHOUNTIS - GUE/NGL  Spyros DANELLIS - S&D  Marietta GIANNAKOU - PPE  Georgios KOUMOUTSAKOS - PPE  Georgios PAPANIKOLAOU - PPE  Georgios PAPASTAMKOS - PPE  Anni PODIMATA - S&D  Niki TZAVELA - EFD

Award ceremonies for Citizen's Prize (5 October and 30 November)

Two events were organized for the award of the European Citizen's Prize to the two Greek laureates. Both events were very successful, with the participation of the two MEPs who proposed the winners, as well as of a great number of representatives of environmental organizations, civil society, youth and cultural associations. The first event, for the awarding to the Greek Society of Environment and Culture (ELLET), took place on 05/10/2012 in our premises, with the participation of 160 persons, representing youth and environmental organizations and NGOs, civil society and stakeholders. Participating MEP:  Kriton ARSENIS - S&D

8 The second event, for the awarding to the Musical Atelier "Labyrinthos", took place on 30/11/2012 in Heraklion/Creta island, with the participation of 170 representatives of cultural and musical organizations, civil society and stakeholders, who had all the opportunity to congratulate a well-known musical band and in particular its leader, the very popular Irish musician Ross Daly. Participating MEP:  Spyros DANELLIS - S&D

Conferences for University students (9 and 24 November)

Two Conferences were organized for University students on: "European economic governance" and "Economic Development Perspectives in the EU - Particularities of the Islands". The first was held in Athens, in collaboration with the IDIS-Institute of International Studies of the Panteion University, in its premises, with the participation of 85 students in European and International studies. Participating MEPs:  Marietta GIANNAKOU - PPE  Anni PODIMATA - S&D

The second took place in Lesbos, in collaboration with the European Chair Jean Monnet of the Aegean University and the participation of 100 students and academics, as well as of representatives of media, regional and local authorities. Information was given on the initiatives of the EP on insularity and the perspectives of development of islands in view of the new MFF. Participating MEPs:  Nikos CHRYSOGELOS - Greens-EFA  Spyros DANELLIS - S&D

Both were very successful events, with high-level presentations from the speakers and active exchange of views with students and stakeholders.

9 Conference on European Governance (7 December) In collaboration with the French Institute of Athens, a conference on European Governance was organized in its auditorium with the participation of 120 University Professors and Students, as well as representatives of the Greek Government, Embassies and several other institutions. The event was very successful and the conference based on a very important topic with high level presentations from all the speakers and an interesting debate between the students and the Members of the European Parliament. There was also an excellent approach of the topic from Didier Georgakakis, professor of the University of Paris, Panthéon- Sorbonne.

Participating MEPs:  Marietta GIANNAKOU - PPE  Marilena KOPPA - S&D  Georgios KOUMOUTSAKOS - PPE  Anni PODIMATA - S&D

Nobel Prize event (12 December)

The retransmission of the central event from EP plenary in Strasbourg took place in our premises, with the participation of 206 University and high school students, as well as representatives of the civil society. It was followed by a very interesting debate with former MEPs (former Vice-Presidents Anastasopoulos, Dimitrakopoulos and Romaios and former MEP Marinos) and specialized journalists in European affairs.

Furthermore, a 5 min. video on the Nobel Prize awarded to the EU was produced by our EPIO and sent for broadcast to Greek TV channels and Internet/social media. Focussing on the consolidation of peace in Europe through EU action, policies and values and on the role of the European Parliament, the video presents the most important phases of the European construction, as well as interviews with President Schulz and MEPs Mrs Giannakou and Mr Cohn-Bendit. The video is screened at every event organized by our EPIO.

10 CONFERENCES ON EP VALUES Women's Day (8 March) The celebration of Women's Day took place on 9 March in our premises, in collaboration with the EC Representation: a panel discussion was organized on "Equal pay for equal work", with the participation of 140 persons, representing Women Associations, NGOs and media, as well as students. The keynote-speaker was Mrs M.Damanaki, Greek Commissioner. Participating speaker: Mrs M.Stratigaki, Secretary General for Gender Equality. Participating MEPs:  Anni PODIMATA - S&D  Nikolaos SALAVRAKOS - EFD  Theodoros SKYLAKAKIS - ALDE

LUX Prize (3-5 November) In collaboration with the Thessaloniki International Film Festival (TIFF), the Athens EPIO launched the LUX Film Days in the frame of its 53rd organization. The LUX Film Days were warmly welcomed by the public. In the Cinema Theatre "Pavlos Zannas" of 250 seats, the three screenings (one per day) were sold out.

Since subtitling of the films was made both in EL and EN, the public was consisted by plural nationalities.

The LUX Film Days and the "Public Audience Mention" issue promoted the awareness of the public on the LUX Prize.

Participating MEPs:  Chrysoula PALIADELI - S&D  Georgios PAPASTAMKOS - PPE

11 Sakharov Prize (23 November) The event was organized in our premises for the promotion of the Sakharov Prize and the presentation of the 2012 winners with the participation of 45 persons, representing the civil society, youth organizations and NGOs. The debate was moderated by a very well-known TV journalist. The event was broadcasted on 02/12/2012 and 16/12/2012 by the public TV channel NET in the frame of its special broadcast "Europe 27", which was dedicated to the human rights and in particular to the Sakharov Prize and the freedom of thought and expression. Participating MEPs:  Marietta GIANNAKOU - PPE  Georgios KOUMOUTSAKOS - PPE  Rodi KRATSA-TSAGAROPOULOU - PPE

PRESS ACTIVITIES Five Regional press seminars on "Writing about Europe - Themes and Tools" In collaboration with the regional and local authorities, 5 regional Press seminars have been organized in 2012: 29-30/06/2012 in Chania, 14-15/9/2012 in Patras (no cost), 9-10/11/2012 in Florina, 15/12/2012 in Metsovo and 1-2/11/2012 in Tripoli- Megalopoli (Peloponnese). The EC Representation participated in the 4 seminars initiated by our EPIO and organized/covered the cost of the seminar in Patras. In total, 220 journalists from regional and local press an media participated in these actions.

It is to be mentioned that the seminar in Tripoli- Megalopoli was held in the frame of the Regional Discussion Forum organized by our EPIO.

12 Participating MEPs:  Nikos CHRYSOGELOS - Greens-EFA  Nikolaos CHOUNTIS - GUE/NGL  Spyros DANELLIS - S&D  Marietta GIANNAKOU - PPE  Georgios KOUMOUTSAKOS - PPE  Georgios PAPANIKOLAOU - PPE  Georgios PAPASTAMKOS - PPE  Nikolaos SALAVRAKOS - EFD  Theodoros SKYLAKAKIS - ALDE  Ioannis A. TSOUKALAS - PPE

Round-table with chief-editors (23 March)

A round-table on the economic crisis in Europe and especially in Greece was organized in our premises with the participation of 4 MEPs and 31 chief-editors and journalists. It was followed by a brunch-buffet reception.

Participating MEPs:

 Marietta GIANNAKOU - PPE  Anni PODIMATA - S&D  Nikolaos SALAVRAKOS - EFD  Theodoros SKYLAKAKIS - ALDE

Seminar in Brussels for young journalists (27-29 March) A press seminar was organized in Brussels for a group of 29 young journalists and journalism students from media schools from all over Greece. The participants had the opportunity to visit the audiovisual premises of the European Parliament and to talk directly with the executives from EuroparlTV, Radio and generally with the members of audiovisual production Unit. They also had the opportunity to visit the Parlamentarium and guide themselves through the journey of European integration and the impact this has on our everyday lives. Last but not least, they had the opportunity to meet and exchange views with 10 Greek MEPs for over two hours.

13 Participating MEPs:  Kriton ARSENIS - S&D  Nikolaos CHOUNTIS - GUE/NGL  Marietta GIANNAKOU - PPE  Maria Eleni KOPPA - S&D  Georgios KOUMOUTSAKOS - PPE  Rodi KRATSA-TSAGAROPOULOU - PPE  Georgios PAPASTAMKOS - PPE  Sylvana RAPTI - S&D  Theodoros SKYLAKAKIS - ALDE  Georgios TOUSSAS - GUE/NGL

Two joint Press seminars with Nicosia EPIO on energy security of supply in the EU

Two joint press seminars were organized with Nicosia EPIO on: "Energy security of supply in the EU". The 1st took place in Nicosia on 02-03/04/2012 with the participation of approx. 150 persons and the 2nd in Creta on 26-27/05/2012 with the participation of 70 persons. The key-note speaker in both actions was Andreas Mavrogiannis, Cyprus EU Affairs Minister. In the Creta seminar, the Regional Governor and ex-MEP Stavros Arnaoutakis was also a key-note speaker. Stakeholders from energy bodies from Cyprus and Greece addressed the seminars. Both events were a very useful forum for the exchange of views and experiences in the field of energy and in particular the improvement of safety of offshore oil and gas operations, better coordination of external energy policy for the "27" and strengthening of energy networks of the Union. Participating MEPs:  Nikos CHRYSOGELOS - Greens- EFA  Takis HADJIGEORGIOU - GUE/NGL - Cyprus  Eleni THEOCHAROUS - PPE - Cyprus

14 Two joint press Seminars with Berlin EPIO on the financial crisis

In cooperation with Berlin EPIO, two press seminars were organized for Greek and German high-profiled journalists in order to give them the opportunity to exchange views and have a better understanding of the national realities and the perceptions of the public opinion in both countries, related to the financial and economic crisis in the Eurozone. The first seminar took place in Athens (05- 06/06/2012) with the participation of 14 German journalists, and the second in Berlin (23-25/09/2012), with the participation of 16 Greek journalists. In the Berlin seminar, President Schulz welcomed and addressed the participants. In the Athens seminar, P.Roumeliotis, former representative of Greece in the IMF, was the key-note speaker. Representatives of political parties, financial institutions and banks, civil society associations, young entrepreneurs, NGOs and retired people participated in both seminars and exchanged views with the journalists. Greek and German MEPs also participated as key-note speakers. Participating MEPs:  Jorgo CHATZIMARKAKIS - ALDE - Germany  Nikolaos CHOUNTIS - GUE/NGL  Georgios PAPANIKOLAOU - PPE  Anni PODIMATA - S&D  Martin SCHULZ - S&D - Germany  Joachim ZELLER - PPE - Germany

15 Invitation of journalists to plenary sessions

Throughout 2012, the Athens EPIO invited to Strasbourg for the coverage of the plenary sessions 81 journalists in total, representing national and regional press, as well as audiovisual and Internet press.

Inserts/special editions in the Greek press

In the context of events organized by our EPIO, such as the regional press seminars in Florina ("Politis" newspaper) and Metsovo ("Proinos Logos" and "Ipeirotikos Agonas" newspapers), the Citizens' Forum in Thessaloniki ("Makedonia" newspaper), the RDF in Tripoli/Megalopoli ("Arkadikes Eidiseis" newspaper) and Citizen's Prize action in Creta ("Patris" and "Nea Kriti" newspapers, Cretalive.gr portal), we issued inserts/special editions in national and regional newspapers. It is to be mentioned that one more insert, in "Kathimerini" daily newspaper, was committed on 2012 budget but published at the end of December 2011.

Media, audiovisual and press analysis

The action was launched for the assistance of the Athens EPIO by a specialized company in designing, developing and implementing a detailed media promotion strategy focussing on the legislative output of the EP, via the following channels: TV and Radio, Internet, written press and social media, as well as any other channels deemed appropriate for reaching various target audiences. The action is ongoing.

Press clippings and media monitoring Our Office launched in 2012 an Open Procedure for press clippings and media monitoring for a 4-year period (2013-2016) for the full services of press clippings, daily press review, press overview of the Strasbourg plenaries, as well as regular statistical data on the daily and monthly press reviews. The contract was signed in January 2013.

16 FAIRS AND EXHIBITIONS Book Exhibition in Thessaloniki (8-24 June)

The Athens EPIO participated, in collaboration with the EC Representation, in the annual Book Exhibition which takes place every year in June in Thessaloniki.

In 2012, all stands were constructed in the new promenade street by the coast of Thessaloniki, situated close to the Concert Hall. Special publicity was given by the regional and local media, which attracted a high number of visitors. It has been estimated that approx. 500.000 people of Northern Greece visited all over the Book Festival.

AUDIOVISUAL

Weekly radio clips on EP news

The "multimedia video action" was replaced by another audiovisual project, the journalistic editing and broadcast of weekly radio "clips" on EP news in the central news magazino of the most important Greek radio station, Real FM. Between 14 November and 20 December, six 3-min. radio clips were broadcasted in prime time, once a week, on: the Nobel Prize, the Sakharov Prize, the Citizen's Prize, the conclusions of the European Council, the Irish presidency, as well as on events organized by our EPIO in Florina (press seminar), in Lesbos (conference for students) and Athens (conference with the French Institute). In the 6th radio spot, Vice-President Anni Podimata gave an interview on banking supervision.

Production of a TV and Radio spot

A 30 sec. TV and Radio spot was produced for the promotion of the "European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations - 2012". The spot had been submitted to the National Council of Radiotelevision for broadcast authorization as a "social message". The action is still ongoing.

17 SPECIAL EVENTS Two visits of President Schulz in Athens

The President of the European Parliament Mr. Martin Schulz visited Greece twice last year. In his first visit (28/02/2012), President Schulz visited the Hellenic Parliament and addressed the committees of European and International Affairs. Furthermore, meetings were organized in our premises with retired people, students and representatives of small and medium sized enterprises.

During his second visit (17-18/05/2012), President Schulz had meetings with the leaders of Greek Political Parties, as well as the President of the Hellenic Republic Mr. Karolos Papoulias. He also had meetings with retired persons and young people. During his visit, several TV channels, radio stations and newspapers interviewed the President. Furthermore, our Office organized in the Athens Concert Hall a public debate and a press conference with the participation of 250 people. In his address, the President referred to the economic crisis in the Eurozone and the particular situation in Greece and expressed his solidarity to the Greek people.

Assistance to MEPs

17 events were organized in our premises by Greek MEPs, while Ms Joly and Mr Cohn-Bendit participated in press conferences held by MEP Mr Chrysogelos. Furthermore, the German MEP (of Greek origin) Mr Chatzimarkakis organized a meeting in our premises and President of S&D Mr Swoboda gave a press conference. Finally, the delegation of LIBE committee was also assisted during its meetings in Alexandroupolis (N-Eastern Greece) and Athens at the end of October.

18 25th anniversary of Erasmus

Another very important conference was organized on the 25th anniversary of Erasmus, on 15/11/2012 in Thessaloniki, with the collaboration of the Municipality and the EC Representation and the participation of the whole ERASMUS Network. In total 130 persons attended the event.

Press conferences on EU presidencies

In collaboration with the EC Representation in Greece and following a several year tradition, the press conferences for the presentation of the programmes and priorities of the Danish and Cypriot presidencies of the Council of the EU took place in our premises, with the participation of EU Ambassadors and press representatives, in total 120 persons.

Events on various topics

In 2012, the Athens EPIO participated in approx. 30 events organized on various European topics. Furthermore, our Conference room was put at the disposal of European NGOs (Young Federalists, European Movement, Euractiv, AEDE, Greek section of AEJ) for approx. 40 events on topics such as European Integration, financial crisis, Eurozone, unemployment, asylum and immigration, active ageing, energy, etc.

Youth events

The Athens EPIO has organized a great number of no cost information actions for high school pupils and university students: 54 sessions for high school pupils in Athens and 3 regional, 21 sessions for university students in Athens and 2 regional, as well as 2 sessions for high school teachers. In total, 6800 persons participated in these info-sessions. Furthermore, on 27/01/2012 our EPIO was invited to Ptolemaida (Western Macedonia) in the framework of the International Programme "New Ideas for Europe". The specific topic was "New Energy for Europe". High school students simulated EP activities promoting innovative solutions for energy saving and securing energy supply. The representative of our EPIO organized an interactive informative session for the students focusing on the EU Energy Policy, involving

19 basic information on the functioning and the role of EU and the EP in particular. The event was open to the public and attracted high press and media interest.

EC Rep actions

Our Conference room was also put at the disposal of the EC Representation for all their events in the first semester 2012, because of renovation works in their building: press conferences and meetings of Commissioners (Damanaki, Dacian-Ciolos, Öttinger), meetings of Task-Force EU-Greece, seminar for journalists from EU Member states, etc. The launching of the campaign on Active Ageing and the Annual Meeting of the Europe Direct Network were also organized in our premises. It is to be mentioned that the EC Representation continues to use our Conference room for the organization of some information activities.

OTHER ACTIONS

Stakeholder and media mapping

In order to assist our EPIO in optimizing the mapping of key stakeholders and media, cooperation with an external specialized contractor was launched in late 2012 and the implementation of the action has started. The aim is to supply the European Parliament Information Office in Greece with mapping out key influence persons, policy and decision makers, governmental institutions, regional authorities, social and business unions, stakeholders, civil society agents and the media. The empowerment of the relations between the Office of the European Parliament and national stakeholders will upgrade the institution’s ability to better understand and address current challenges at the national level associated with the European Parliament’s political role and legislative duties.

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