The Vamvakou Revival team had the honor of participating in yesterday’s (16.07.2025) discussion held by the Prime Minister, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in Fourna, Evrytania. The discussion involved young people from across Greece who have chosen to relocate and become active in small mountainous villages throughout the country.
Participants in the discussion included Vasiliki Koimtzidou (NGO Agrafa Heritage – Thessaly), Eutychia Bouka (Arcadiani multifunctional farm – Gortynia, Peloponnese), Vasilis Konstantinidis (Social Cooperative Enterprise “Oreini” – Aetolia-Acarnania, Central Greece), Giota Diamanti (NGO “New Life in the Village” – Fourna, Evrytania), Kostas Prokopis: Young farmer (Papous Olive Oil – Ilia, Peloponnese), Stefanos Kostopoulos (first father of a large family to settle in Fourna, Evrytania), and Haris Vasilakos, representing the Vamvakou Revival organization. The discussion was moderated by Dimitris Kyriazis and, of course, the Prime Minister himself participated actively.
Our team presented the Vamvakou Revival initiative, which has been implemented since 2018 with the support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). We also addressed the significant issue of lack of infrastructure, particularly housing, which can pose a major obstacle to the development and growth of efforts to revive small villages. The Prime Minister acknowledged this concern and expressed his intent to focus seriously on this problem.
Our presence at this meeting confirms the importance of revitalizing rural Greece and encourages dialogue on supporting initiatives that promote sustainable development, return and activation to rural regions. The experience of Vamvakou stands as a living example of the revitalization of a small mountainous village and a restart of a local economy and community. It highlights the potential that arises from collective effort, collaboration, and vision.
We hope this discussion will mark the beginning of positive developments not only for Vamvakou but also for other similar initiatives across Greece. Moreover, we hope it will inspire and motivate more young people to return to their hometowns.
Vamvakou Revival reaffirms its commitment to rural revitalization, not only through entrepreneurial activities but also by supporting initiatives related to infrastructure, housing, education, and healthcare. We hope the interest from the State remains strong, and we will continue to be active in dialogue with the government and local communities to legislate and implement policies and incentives that strengthen the Greek countryside.
Watch the discussion at the following video: