The Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace participated in the International Conference of the Balkan and Black Sea Regions, which took place in Patras from 27 to 29 May 2026, continuing the consistent policy of extroversion, institutional networking and international cooperation promoted by the Regional Governor of the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Christodoulos Topsides. The conference was organized by the CPMR Balkan and Black Sea Committee, in collaboration with the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization and its Parliamentary Assembly.

The AMTH Region was represented by Mr. Odysseas Vourvoukelis, in an event with intense geopolitical, developmental and regional interest, as the focus was on the major challenges of the wider Balkans and Black Sea region: energy, transport, connectivity, climate resilience, water management, tourism and the blue economy. The same themes are also reflected in the official agenda of the conference.

The presence of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace is of particular importance, as it is geographically located at a crossroads between the Balkans, the Black Sea, the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean. Its geographical position, port and transport infrastructure, its energy footprint, the primary sector, tourism and its cross-border identity make it a natural interlocutor in any discussion on the future of regional cooperation.

The conference brought together leading institutional representatives, executives from governments, regions, European and international organizations, with the aim of formulating common proposals and collaborations for a more resilient and sustainable development framework in the Balkans and the Black Sea region. According to the organization, representatives from approximately 40 regions belonging to the CPMR participated.

The participation of the AMTH Region is part of the strategy set by the Topsides administration for a more active presence of the Region in international networks, exhibitions, conferences and development platforms. The same direction is already reflected in extroversion initiatives for agri-food, local products, innovation, fisheries and aquaculture, with the aim of strengthening the competitiveness and international recognition of the region.

Of particular importance is the fact that the AMTH Region, through the Office of Extroversion, has already developed a presence in international dialogues on development, investment and institutional networking. In its recent participation in a Mediterranean development forum, Odysseas Vourvoukelis represented the Region as a representative of the Office of Extroversion, conveying the interest of the AMTH Region in international cooperation, entrepreneurship, investment and interconnection with broader development networks.

The Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace seeks to utilize such events not as simple institutional presences, but as areas for substantial networking, exchange of know-how and highlighting the comparative advantages of the region. The aim is for the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace to gain a stronger role on the map of regional cooperation, with an emphasis on development, sustainability, innovation, extroversion and cross-border cooperation.

Participation in the International Conference of Patras confirms that the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace can and should be at the table of major regional discussions, not as an observer, but as an active factor in cooperation in the wider Balkans and Black Sea region.