Nikos Hardalias, the Regional Governor of Attica, told the board of the European Public Law Organization (EPLO) that the region's partnership with the institution was a deliberate choice with a clear institutional and developmental impact, as he addressed the organization's board meeting.
Hardalias said that during his time in office, 75 percent of the physical work under a programmatic agreement between the two bodies had been completed. That agreement provides 1.5 million euros in funding from the Attica Region to upgrade EPLO's buildings.
He said the region was not only investing in buildings and equipment but in an international institution that honors the country and strengthens Attica's presence on the global map of knowledge, law and institutions.
Plans for deeper cooperation
Hardalias also pointed to EPLO's capacity to run postgraduate programs, saying this opened new possibilities for further cooperation between the two sides. He described the partnership with EPLO as having a strategic character for the region and said officials wanted to make it deeper, more creative and more substantial.
He singled out the region's Executive Secretary, Yiannis Selimis, for his long-standing relationship with EPLO, and praised the organization's director, Spyros Flogaitis, saying Flogaitis's personal mark on EPLO's development was indelible and his contribution to Greece valuable.
Role of the organization
Earlier in his remarks, Hardalias referred to EPLO's international reach and long-standing work, highlighting what he described as its substantial role in strengthening the rule of law, democratic governance and modern public administration.
He said EPLO had grown into an international institution with a presence in dozens of countries, serving principles at the core of European identity, including the rule of law, human rights, democratic governance and the strengthening of institutions. He added that the organization's work was not limited to producing theoretical knowledge but translated that knowledge into institutional experience, education, technical support and reforms.
The European Public Law Organization is an intergovernmental body headquartered in the Attica region that focuses on training, research and technical assistance in public law and governance across its member states.
Amato among attendees
Among the professors from international universities, diplomats and representatives of EPLO member states at the meeting was former Italian prime minister and academic Giuliano Amato, who served for years as Italy's representative to the organization. Hardalias said he had the chance to discuss with Amato the pivotal role that regions play in modern Europe.
Amato served as prime minister of Italy on two occasions and is widely known for his long career in Italian and European politics and law.
Before the board meeting began, Hardalias toured EPLO's facilities, which have been renovated using Attica Region funds, accompanied by the organization's administration.
Renovation project details
The Attica Region and EPLO have signed a programmatic agreement for the upgrade, modernization and improvement of the organization's infrastructure and equipment, with a total budget of 1.5 million euros. The project is now in its completion phase, and funding paid by the region to date is close to 1.3 million euros.
The work covers EPLO's facilities in Legraina as well as its buildings in the Plaka and Kolonaki districts of Athens. It includes functional reconfigurations and the creation of multipurpose teaching rooms, an expansion of the library, upgrades to electromechanical systems and lighting, water and air conditioning networks, energy efficiency improvements, better accessibility, and the redesign of outdoor and parking areas.
According to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, completing the project will secure the functional and energy upgrade of EPLO's facilities and create modern infrastructure for the organization's educational, scientific and research activities, while reinforcing Attica's role as the seat of an international institution.
