ICLEI Europe is pleased to share that three more ambitious European cities are now ICLEI Members. Welcome to: Athens and Thessaloniki (Greece), and to Łódź (Poland)!

Athens

Situated along the Mediterranean coast, Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece, has a population of over 3 million, making it one of the largest urban areas in the EU. The City of Athens has demonstrated a strong dedication to ambitious environmental objectives and fostering a sustainable, resilient future, exemplified by their Urban Resilience Strategy 2030. Additional climate achievements include the city's commendable efforts through the Natural Capital Financing Facility; the recent publication and update of their comprehensive Climate Action Plan; and their selection as a participant in the EU Mission for Climate-neutral and Smart Cities, through which the city aims to be climate neutral by 2030. Athens anticipates that being part of the ICLEI network will bring with it valuable technical assistance and knowledge-sharing opportunities.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, the capital of the Macedonia Prefecture, is Greece's second-largest city, whose strategic location has led it to play a pivotal economic and political role in the broader Balkan region. It is furthermore a tourism and transportation hub for northern Greece, with a well-connected railway system that links to Turkey and the Balkans, as well as a bustling port, and an international airport.

In recent years, Thessaloniki has also emerged as a frontrunner in sustainability initiatives, forging a path towards a greener and more resilient future. The city has actively pursued projects focused on mobility, energy efficiency, resilience and heat-proofing the city. By actively engaging with international networks like ICLEI, Thessaloniki showcases its dedication to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and join a global movement to tackle global sustainability challenges.

Łódź

Lodz, the third largest urban center in Poland, is situated in the heart of the country. While historically renowned for its textile industry, the city has experienced a remarkable transformation, evolving into a thriving hub of industry and business, as well as universities and academic institutions.

Lodz has embraced sustainability as a key pillar for its future development. The city has implemented initiatives focused on renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency, waste management, and urban sustainability. Lodz looks forward to making use of its new ICLEI members to find solutions to common challenges through networking and learning from others' experiences, as well as to seek out new opportunities and funding tools. Topically, the city is keen to dig deeper into climate data, zero-emission public transport, sustainable buildings, and smart city solutions.

Vasileios Latinos, ICLEI Coordinator, Urban Resilience and Climate Adaptation, put it perfectly when he expressed: “Congratulations to Lodz, Athens, and Thessaloniki for joining the ICLEI network! Their commitment to sustainable development and proactive efforts towards creating greener and more resilient cities will undoubtedly inspire positive change in Europe and globally.”