EGCA and EGLA Secretariat-Ezine No. 31 - July 2019

Ezine No. 31 - July 2019

 

 In this issue

• Leading light Lahti a northern star for cities worldwide: Lahti wins European Green Capital Award
• Welcome to our European Green Leaf cities Limerick and Mechelen
• Countdown to 14 October – deadline for entering #EGCA2022 and #EGLA2021 – Will your city follow Lahti, Limerick and Mechelen?
• All aboard! Discover Green Capital 2018 Nijmegen: DiscoverEU Meet-Up for young people
• The American Revolution: red, white and blue going green – early-mover U.S. city delegations visit European Green Capitals Oslo (2019) and Nijmegen (2018)
• Historic port city and European Green Capital Lisbon launches innovative 2020 plan on European Maritime Day
• Let’s make a match and fall in "city love" - Speed-dating session for Cities – 8 October 2019, Brussels, during #EURegionsWeek
• Latest News from EGC 2019, Oslo: including Oslo, wild at heart
• Latest News from EGC 2020, Lisbon: watershed for urban water recycling
• ​Latest News from joint EGLA 2019 winners, Cornellà de Llobregat & Horst aan de Maas
• Key Dates for your Calendar

 

Leading light Lahti a northern star for cities worldwide:

Lahti wins the European Green Capital Award!

Congratulations to the Finnish city of Lahti, who will be the 2021 European Green Capital. On 20 June, Karmenu Vella, European Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, announced Lahti as the winner at a spectacular and exciting awards ceremony in Oslo, the current European Green Capital 2019. Lahti also received €350,000 from the European Commission to help kick-start its European Green Capital year of activities.

Lahti mayor Pekka Timonen and the city delegation receiving their award from Karmenu Vella, European Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries 

Photo: Kilian Munch

It was Lahti’s third year in a row being a finalist for the green capital award and the city was joined by two other finalists: Lille and Strasbourg from France! All finalists presented to an international jury in Oslo to demonstrate their overall commitment to sustainable urban development, their capacity to act as a role model to other cities, and their strategy for communicating and engaging with their citizens. 

Accepting the awards, Mayor of Lahti, Mr Pekka Timonen said: “We believe we will be a great European Green Capital. We will be carbon neutral by 2025 - and it’s not a plan, it’s a reality. [For] next winter, we have cut our CO2 emissions by 70% so we are almost there already. This year we will also be the world’s first city to start personal carbon-trading for our citizens. They trade with their mobile phones and earn financial benefits by reducing their CO2 emissions. That’s action, that’s what we do.”

The sound of sustainability: “world’s first carbon-neutral symphony orchestra” 

Photo: Lassi Hakkinen/Lahden Kaupunki

“You need examples, you need guidance, you need people who inspire others. We have the world’s first carbon-neutral symphony orchestra and the world’s first carbon-free professional sports’ club.”

Pioneering Pelicans: striving to be the world’s first professional ice hockey club 

Photo: City of Lahti

 

“Sustainable cities are simply better cities. They are an inspiration for everyone, they are the cities that we all want to live in, so this is what all the cities must do. It’s as simple as that.”

The awarding of the 2021 European Green Capital Award to Lahti was a unanimous decision by the international Jury. Lahti performed strongly across all the environmental indicators, particularly regarding air quality, waste, green growth and eco-innovation, as well as governance. As a pioneer in air quality, the city set out an air quality plan in 1997, which has led to a major drop in emissions since. Its engagement with local businesses in air quality monitoring, and additional air quality regulations the city itself established, particularly impressed the jury. Ultimately, showing its capacity to inspire other cities to start their own journey towards becoming "fit for life."

The Jury for the European Green Capital 2021 and European Green Leaf 2020 Awards said that green cities are healthier and happier places for people to grow, live and work in, and for visitors too. It said that all finalists showed that the green transition is affordable for all and results in more socially inclusive and connected cities. They also demonstrated that the behavioural changes required to be a sustainable city are becoming the norm for their citizens, businesses and decision makers. The winning cities are eager to demonstrate to all cities in Europe, frontrunners or not, that they can achieve meaningful and measurable progress in their journey towards sustainable development.

Follow Lahti’s journey to becoming European Green Capital 2021 here.

Welcome to our new European Green Leaf cities 2020:

Limerick and Mechelen

There were two winners of the European Green Leaf Award for 2020: Limerick in Ireland and Mechelen in Belgium. Both cities received €75,000 from the European Commission to support their environmental programmes for the year.

Limerick delegation receiving its award from Karmenu Vella, European Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries 

Photo: Kilian Munch

Mechelen delegation receiving its award from Karmenu Vella, European Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries 

Photo: Kilian Munch

Limerick and Mechelen presented to the international jury in Oslo on 19 June, along with Finnish finalist Lappeenranta. These three finalists were shortlisted from 12 applicant cities across Europe.

Limerick was commended for its ongoing investments leading to improvements in air quality and noise levels in the city. The jury was particularly impressed by the city’s current transformation into Ireland’s first digital city, integrating several public services, creating smart homes and buildings, energy districts and smart neighbourhoods. Read more here.

Mechelen was recognised for its dedication to sustainable urban mobility, nature, biodiversity, sustainable land use, and waste and circular economy. The jury was particularly impressed by how closely involved citizens were in the creation and achievement of the city’s environmental goals. Mechelen was also a finalist in last year’s competition. Read more here.

 

Countdown to 14 October 2019 – deadline for entering #EGCA2022 and #EGLA2021 – Will your city follow Lahti, Limerick and Mechelen?

Does your city have what it takes to be the next European Green Capital or European Green Leaf Award winner? The search is now on to find the 2022 European Green Capital and 2021 European Green Leaf Award winning cities.

The European Green Capital Award (EGCA), now in its 13th year, is awarded annually to a European city with over 100,000 inhabitants that has shown itself to be a leader in environmental, social and economic sustainability. The winner of the 2022 Award will receive €350,000 to kick-start its year as a European Green Capital.

The European Green Leaf Award (EGLA) is open to towns and cities with between 20,000 to 100,000 inhabitants, to recognise and promote their efforts towards better environmental management and outcomes. The winner of the 2021 Award will receive €75,000 to support its activities throughout its European Green Leaf year.

 

Benefits of winning & applying for the awards!

Being a European Green Capital or a European Green Leaf brings many benefits including, a greater focus on environmental projects, increased tourism and foreign investment, boosting the local economy and helping to create employment. EGCA and EGLA winners and finalist cities also gain access to the exclusive European Green Capital Network and European Green Leaf Network, respectively, providing them with support and a platform for sharing knowledge and best practice.

Everybody gains from entering the Awards, not just the winners. Previous applicants have reported that the application process itself has proved beneficial in evaluating their city’s progress and bench-marking themselves against their peers across Europe.

For details on how to enter, including eligibility criteria and key dates, visit our competition portal.

 

All aboard! Discover Green Capital 2018 Nijmegen:

DiscoverEU Meet-up for young people

On 12 and 13 July, #DiscoverEU travellers headed to Nijmegen, EGCA winner 2018, to participate in the first official "green city meet-up." Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands, but with a young vibe. Nijmegen is also known as the cycling capital of the Netherlands, an added attraction for young people and a form of transport that goes well with longer distance travel by train.

DiscoverEU is an initiative of the European Union giving young people the opportunity to travel around Europe. By travelling sustainably by rail, these youngsters can discover Europe's stunning natural landscapes and its endless variety of cities and towns.

Some of the benefits to cities of being a European Green Capital or a European Green Leaf include an increased focus on environmental projects as well as tourism. The DiscoverEU initiative is encouraging its young rail travellers to follow the DiscoverEU "Green Route" of European Green Capitals and European Green Leaf cities for this year’s edition. Step aboard the DiscoverEU Green Route inter-rail experience and discover more here. Why not try Oslo, Lisbon and Lahti next?

 

The American Revolution: red, white and blue going green - early-mover U.S. city delegations visit European Green Capitals Oslo (2019) and Nijmegen (2018)

The European Green Capital Award is going global! In June 2019, delegations from 11 early-mover U.S. cities visited European Green Capitals Oslo (2019), Nijmegen (2018) and also Antwerp, Amsterdam and Brussels, to share insights on what European green city champions are doing to make their cities resilient for the global challenges that lie ahead.

Globally, we are faced with enormous environmental challenges. Climate change, over-consumption, plastic waste and biodiversity loss are major threats to our cities and our future.

The European Union is a global front-runner in sustainability and climate policies and has shown its commitment to implement the Paris Agreement and the fight against climate change by mainstreaming spending of at least 25% on climate action across all EU programmes. In the proposal for a new LIFE programme for 2021-2027, theEuropean Commission intends to allocate €5.450 billion to projects supporting the environment and climate action. This is an increase of €1.950 billion. 

Ultimately, the Commission wants to help support the transition to sustainable, green cities, and make sure that this transition happens as quickly as possible. And it can’t happen fast enough, because also according to a recent survey, European citizens are concerned: “Europeans are increasingly concerned about the state of the natural world. 96 % of the more than 27,000 interviewed citizens said that we have a responsibility to protect nature and that this is also essential for tackling climate change. The vast majority of citizens - 91% - also totally agree that biodiversity is indispensable for the production of food, fuel and medicines, and 92% consider that biodiversity and healthy nature are important for long-term economic development."

The U.S. delegation included visitors from across the country, east and west, north and south, coming from Providence, Rhode Island on the Atlantic coast and from Portland, Oregon on the Pacific. Other members of the delegation came from Nashville, Tennessee; Richmond, Virginia; Washington DC; Fremont, California; Cincinnati, Ohio; Phoenix, Arizona; the state of Minnesota and Colorado cities Aspen and Fort Collins.

During their visit to Europe, the U.S. delegation members attended the European Green Capital and European Green Leaf Awards’ ceremony in Oslo on 20 June.

There, Mr Karmenu Vella, EU Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in welcoming the U.S. visitors said that: “they have come to learn from green champions like Oslo and Nijmegen, but I am sure that we will be listening very carefully to their experiences as well. This is a very big step for all of us - I think it’s the first time that the Green Capital is really going global - a sign of greater things, yet to come.”

 

 

Historic port city and European Green Capital Lisbon launches innovative 2020 programme on European Maritime Day

 

The Mayor of Lisbon, Mr Fernando Medina, launched the city’s plan for its European Green Capital year at an event during European Maritime Day in May. Lisbon’s vision for green leadership will be realised in a packed 2020 programme that will kick off many concrete actions for environmental sustainability. Lisbon will have a major emphasis on using the platform of its European Green Capital year to mark it out as one of the strongest responders to climate change. The comprehensive programme for the year plans to mobilise citizens to participate in Lisbon’s sustainability voyage. The city will lead and focus on measures ranging from green infrastructure to a broad mix of thematic, visual and sensory exhibitions - exploring the themes of climate change, energy, water, nature, biodiversity, waste, and as you could expect: oceans!

For more on the type of cutting-edge initiatives to expect from Lisbon in 2020, read on below to the cities’ latest news sections.

Mayor Fernando Medina launched Lisbon’s planned programme for its European Green Capital year in 2020

Photo: City of Lisbon

#UFGC19: Lisbon’s “Alone we can go fast – together we can go further” message communicated at UFGC in Oslo in May

Photo: EU Green Capital Secretariat

Follow Lisbon’s journey as European Green Capital 2020 on its official Twitter account @camaralisboa or see for more information see here.

 

Let’s make a match and fall in "city-love"

Speed-dating session for Cities – 8 October 2019, Brussels, during #EURegionsWeek

Have you ever felt alone, desperate in wanting to make your city a better, greener place to live and work? Looking for inspiration which could match YOUR needs? Search no more! Make your way to this "speed-dating session for cities" on 8 October and make new city friends to realise your city’s dreams!

The European Commission’s Directorate General for Environment brings you this inspiring opportunity during #EURegionsWeek – where you can learn from the best of the best about a range of environmental topics such as mitigation or adaptation to climate change, waste management, sustainable urban mobility or urban governance.

Cities, find your “green city love” at speed-dating for cities event, Brussels, 8 October 2019

European Green Capital winning cities will share with you how they managed the sustainability transition and how you can do the same.

Register here by 27 September 2019!

 

Latest news from #EGCA2019, Oslo

Oslo, wild at heart

As the European Green Capital this year, Oslo is working to increase citizens’ awareness of the importance of its rich biodiversity. Not many know that Oslo is the municipality in Norway with the most registered species. As the “biodiversity capital” of Norway, almost 15,000 registered species can be found in Oslo.  However, the city’s biodiversity is still under threat and organisations, individuals and the city government all need to contribute in taking care of this valuable resource. That’s why the City of Oslo, together with a range of civil society partners, organised the city’s first “Biodiversity Week” in June. 

 

Oslo: raising citizens' awareness of biodiversity

Photo: City of Oslo

Among the events that took place throughout the week were guided tours along Oslo’s waterways; trips to the biodiversity-rich islands in the Oslo fjord; seminars on the “city trees” and on how biodiversity must be taken into account in city planning; and the launch of a podcast series about Oslo’s biodiversity. More than 35 different events during “Biodiversity Week” made sure thousands of citizens gained knowledge and inspiration to take care of this precious resource.

Swans and other wild birds have made this restored waterway in Oslo their home again

Photo: EU Green Capital Secretariat

The city also organised an outdoor screening of the documentary “Oslo’s wild heart” in one of Oslo’s urban gardens. The key message from the film summarised the message from Oslo’s Biodiversity week: “Open your eyes” - get outdoors and discover the wildlife that exists right outside your door!

Outdoor screening of the documentary "Oslo's wild heart"

Photo: City of Oslo

2,600 City Changers gather in Oslo for Urban Futures Global Conference 2019

From 22 to 24 May, 300 speakers and nearly 2,600 participants from all over the world gathered in Oslo for an amazing three days in the European Green Capital 2019. Through 85 sessions, 36 field trips and 20 side events, city officials, experts and urban innovation “ninjas” shared their personal stories, experiences and even failures. The event was co-organised with FutureBuilt, an innovative project that supports climate-friendly urban development in the Oslo region. 

#UFGC19: 300 speakers and nearly 2,600 participants from all over the world gathered in Oslo

Photo: City of Oslo

#UFGC19: European Green Capital Award & European Green Leaf Secretariat exhibited – global reach

Photo: EU Green Capital Secretariat

Shaking up the city

Urban Mobility, Built Environment & Architecture, Leadership and Green Business & Innovation were the thematic areas for the conference. But the conference did not all happen behind closed doors. During the 36 field trips and 20 side events attendees, explored and experienced first-hand what made Oslo a European Green Capital Award winner. Attendees swam in the Oslo Fjord, heating up in the floating saunas made from recycled materials. They went rowing to experience the harbour’s architectural changes; visited construction sites of iconic landmarks like the Munch Museum and the new national museum, both nearing completion; discovered the joys of cycling in Oslo’s car-free streets; and went hiking in nearby forests. 

Discovering the joys of cycling in Oslo’s car-free streets

Photo: City of Oslo

Delegates had plenty of great things to say about their days at the Urban Future Global Conference and 72% of them rated the conference as “amazing.” Other comments included that “UFGC in Oslo was easily among the top 3 conferences in my entire life;” “Extraordinary audience;” and “I was both inspired and energised.” 

 

Latest News from #EGCA2020 Lisbon

Watershed in urban water recycling – first place for Lisbon

With five million tourists visiting each year -that’s nine times its own population, Lisbon has a large demand for clean water. Lisbon also prides itself on being efficient in its use of water. Lisbon’s year as European Green Capital will begin in January 2020, but this month on 8 July, it has already turned the tap on the first urban recycling network. Another first place for Lisbon!

High-quality, treated waste water will be used for irrigation and street-washing, saving valuable potable or drinking water resources in Lisbon

Photos: City of Lisbon

 

#EGLA2019 Cornellà de Llobregat celebrates World Environment Day!

This year, 5 June marked World Environment Day, an international event to promote global awareness and action for improving the environmental condition of our planet. This year, celebrating the World Environment Day was especially important to Cornellà as one of the 2019 European Green Leaf cities. It held three guided tours to explain the city’s solutions and environmental services and identify “Ecopoints” in Cornellà. 
The Ecopoints are geolocated environmental initiatives that can be found on the Ecopunts Gaia platform that includes a website and a mobile app, created to identify and geolocate environmental initiatives in the province of Barcelona. The platform encourages citizens to participate in the city’s environmental journey, by enabling them to locate points considered of environmental interest by the population. It is also intended that citizens look to the app as a reference point to find environmental points already available on maps.
The Ecopoints are classified in eight categories: water, energy, mobility, waste, natural heritage, shops and services, environmental education and sustainable businesses. Each includes the geolocation, photo and description, which can be agreed with other participants. The platform was developed by the Barcelona Metropolitan Area and Barcelona Province government.

Ecopunts Gaia platform or app encourages citizens to participate in Cornellà’s environmental journey, by enabling them to locate points considered of interest by local citizens

Photo: City of Cornellà de Llobregat

 

Latest news from #EGLA2019 Horst aan de Maas

“Bike to work day”

Horst aan de Maas officially took part in national “Bike to work day” for the first time on 23 May 2019. The idea behind the day is to encourage more people to see cycling as an easy and accessible way to get to work. 
In the lead up to the “Bike to work day” and on the day itself, the city promoted the bicycle as a healthy and sustainable option for commuting to work. Citizens were encouraged to leave their cars at home and use their bikes, even for just for one day. People who took up the challenge and cycled to work were rewarded with a healthy drink and sandwich to kick-start their day. 

"Bike to work day" 

Photos: City of Horst aan de Maas

Horst interviewed citizens who use their bike regularly for commuting to work and shared the interviews across social media to inspire more citizens to join in with national “Bike to work day” and start using their bikes more, instead of cars.

International Kids Climate Conference – Horst aan de Maas 20 to 22 September 2019

Horst is delighted to host an international Kids Climate Conference, together with the World Wildlife Fund and Center Parcs this year, from 20 to 22 September 2019.
During the Kids Climate Conference (KCC), a select group of 150 primary school students from all over the Netherlands and Flanders, Belgium will work together to raise awareness of the importance of a healthy and sustainable living environment. The city will organise workshops (together with companies and non-governmental organisations that make a difference in the agri-food & climate sector) where the team will challenge the children to come up with smart solutions and creative ideas on different topics within agriculture, food and climate. The weekend’s results will be made publicly available and will be offered to both the Dutch and Belgian governments; and the European Commission.
The KCC message fits very well within Horst aan de Maas’ European Green Leaf year aims. By hosting the KCC, Horst also reflects the growing involvement by children, internationally, in highlighting and addressing environmental issues.

 

 

Key dates for your calendar!

There are many events coming up over the next few months. Be sure to pencil them into your calendar to make sure you don’t miss out!

• Call for experts - coming soon! Call for experts to apply for membership of the European Green Capital 2022 and European Green Leaf 2021 awards Expert Panel - Follow European Green Capital Secretariat social media for updates
• 20 to 22 September 2019 – Kids Climate Conference, Horst aan de Maas (European Green Leaf 2019) Register here
• 8 October 2019 – Speed-dating session for Cities, at European Week of Regions and Cities, The Square, Brussels - learn from the best for your #EGCA2022 and #EGLA2021 applications, during #EURegionsWeek! Programme out now - register by 27 September 2019 here 
• 14 October 2019 - Closing date for entering #EGCA2022 and #EGLA2021competitions - register your interest or apply here
• 20 to 22 November 2019 – EUROCITIES Annual Conference, Prague, Czech Republic

CANADA's latest news

New investments to improve public transit for British Columbia

July 18, 2019
Victoria, British Columbia

British Columbians need efficient and affordable public transit to get them to work or school on time, and back home safely at the end of the day. By investing in public transit, we fight climate change, reduce commute times, strengthen the middle class, and build more sustainable communities.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, Premier of British Columbia, John Horgan, and President and Chief Executive Officer for BC Transit, Erinn Pinkerton, today announced more than $79 million in joint funding to improve public transit in British Columbia. This funding includes $16 million in contributions from municipalities.

These funds will be used to purchase 118 new buses for use in Victoria and communities across British Columbia. The new buses will help shorten daily commutes, reduce the number of cars on the road, and make the province a greener place to live.

The new buses will replace others at the end of their life cycle or increase capacity in communities where ridership is growing. The investment includes funding for 10 long-range electric buses that will provide greener transportation options in Greater Victoria. The new buses will be more efficient, have improved accessibility and safety features, and will support BC Transit's new NextRide technology and closed-circuit television security cameras. By investing in zero-emission buses, the Government of Canada is also working towards fulfilling its Drive to Zero pledge, and is taking steps towards achieving a transition to zero-emission vehicles and a clean economy.

This investment will help meet British Columbians’ transportation needs while cutting air pollution and making our communities better places to live. The Government of Canada will continue to invest in the future so that we can grow the middle class and help Canadian families thrive.

Quotes

“Many British Columbians depend on public transit to get where they need to go safely and efficiently. As communities in B.C. continue to grow, investments in public transit need to keep pace. By investing in reliable, efficient public transit, we are making a real difference in the lives of British Columbians, while protecting our environment, strengthening the middle class, and making our communities even better places to live.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“Public transit infrastructure is vital to building strong, sustainable communities where all residents have access to essential services and opportunities, and businesses can thrive. This investment in modern, eco-friendly vehicles serving communities across British Columbia will ensure that public transit services can continue to provide convenient, accessible transportation options that will improve the quality of life for residents today and contribute to a greener future.”
—The Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

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Dr. Córdova on Moon Landing 50th

07/19/2019 01:00 AM EDT

NSF Director France Córdova reflects on the anniversary of the Moon Landing and how the power to captivate the world with science inspires us to pursue other once deemed impossible moonshotsÂlike detecting gravitational waves at NSF'S LIGO facility or imaging a black hole like the NSF funded ...

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AHEPA Marks Somber 45th Anniversary of Invasion, Occupation of Cyprus

AMERICAN HELLENIC EDUCATIONAL  PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION July 20, 2019 AHEPA Marks Somber 45th Anniversary of Invasion,  Occupation of Cyprus    WASHINGTON (July 20, 2019) --  Supreme President George G. Horiates has issued a statement on the 45th anniversary of the illegal invasion of the Republic of Cyprus by Turkey that occurred July 20, 1974 and subsequent illegal occupation: "Today we observe a somber day-the 45th anniversary of the illegal invasion and occupation of theRepublic of Cyprus by the Republic of Turkey, an unreliable NATO-member country. This was, and remains to this very day, an intolerable act; one that is a gross violation of the rule of law, human rights, and democratic ideals. We pause to remember the innocent civilians who lost their lives and the individuals who went missing, including five American citizens, four of whose investigations remain incomplete. The illegal invasion and occupation caused the displacement of 200,000 Greek Cypriot refugees who to this day are unable to return to their homes which is also a violation of human rights as determined by the European Commission on Human Rights. Moreover, Turkey's restrictions upon religious freedom and destruction of Cyprus' cultural and religious heritage in Turkish-occupied Cyprus have been well-documented by the U.S. Helsinki Commission, the Law Library of Congress, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, and several media publications. "It is our hope the two sides resume their dialogue and work to resolve difficult issues that include security and guarantees. Unfortunately, Turkey's renewed hostilities, acts of provocation, and perpetual assault on international law threaten the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus, which is a United States strategic partner and European Union member, and does not bode well for the resumption of settlement talks.  Recently, two Turkish drill ships are stationed in Cyprus' designated exclusive economic zone (EEZ) leading Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades rightfully to call Turkey's intention to drill a 'second invasion.' The very notion of Cyprus enduring a second invasion is unconscionable. We welcome measures the European Union has taken in response to Turkey's illegal activities, and we have stated our support for the U.S. to follow suit. "Further, Turkish intransigence in the quest for a settlement must end. Turkey must abandon its insistence to be a Guarantor Power of a reunified Cyprus, essentially the right to intervene, especially as the security of all Cypriots in a unified, EU-member Cyprus would be provided by the EU. Again, we urge the U.S. government to convey a strong message to Turkey that it must play a constructive role in the movement of confidence-building measures, which includes the removal of 40,000 Turkish troops from the island. We contend these troops would serve a better purpose elsewhere, especially to NATO, as opposed to Cyprus. "These actions are in the best interests of the United States, which has conveyed appreciation for the 'strategic partnership' it has with the Republic of Cyprus. A just and viable solution to the division of Cyprus will strengthen the Eastern Mediterranean and bring peace and security to the region. This is especially important due to the discovery and potential exploitation of hydrocarbon reserves within the exclusive economic zone of the Republic of Cyprus by multinational energy firms, including American ones, that could provide Europe with energy security. However, as aforementioned, Turkey has wasted no time taking aggressive measures toward Cyprus and the multinational energy companies that rightfully intend to explore within Cyprus's exclusive economic zone. "Despite these troubling circumstances, we restate our call for a reunified Cyprus with a single sovereignty, single international personality and single citizenship; and with its independence and territorial integrity safeguarded as described in the relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions. We contend such a solution is in the best interest of all Cypriots and must emanate from Cypriots themselves without arbitrary timetables. "We state adamantly 45 years is too long. Our hope is that we will no longer need to observe this 'black anniversary,' but instead, celebrate the anniversary of a settlement. AHEPA remains committed to doing all within its power, and pledges to continue to work with all organizations, to keep the Cyprus issue in the public eye until a just and viable solution that benefits all Cypriots is realized."

HEPA Military Medal of Honor Presented L-R: Supreme Treasurer Tsivicos, Supreme President Horiates, Lt. Gen. Leontaris, and Board Chairman Karacostas, PSP. AHEPA proudly presented Lt. General Ilias Leontaris, chief of the Republic of Cyprus National Guard General Staff, with the AHEPA Military Medal of Honor, July 11, in New York City. Supreme President George Horiates presented the award accompanied by Board Chairman Nicholas Karacostas, PSP, and Supreme Treasurer Savas Tsivicos. Lt. Gen. Leontaris conveyed his appreciation for the honor and complimented AHEPA as an institution that since its establishment has been a facilitator of enhanced U.S. relations with Greece and Cyprus. Lt. Gen. Leontaris was unable to attend the 97th Grand Banquet in Chicago where AHEPA announced the award. Grand Banquet Honors Excellence Miss the 97th AHEPA Grand Banquet? Catch our recap of the gala affair held at the Palmer House Hilton, July 5, 2019. The pinnacle event of the Supreme Convention honored excellence in the community and Archbishop Elpidophoros delivered his first Keynote Address to the AHEPA family.  read more ICYMI | Ahepans Receive National Accolades  During the Supreme Convention, then-Supreme President George Loucas oversaw the presentation of AHEPA's 2019 National Awards to districts, chapters, and Ahepans who excelled during the 2018-19 administrative year: Ahepan of the Year: Antonis Giannikouris, Chapter HJ33, Rhodes, Greece. District Governor of the Year: Dimitrios Papageorgiou, Automotive District 10 District of the Year: Hellas District 25 Chapter of the Year: Delphi Chapter 25, Manhattan, N.Y. We commend the awardees for their service to the Order. Congratulations, Brothers! AHEPA on Twitter | Apollo 50 Commemorated The Ahepan Summer Edition is Out! Share the summer 2019 edition of The Ahepan magazine with family and friends! This issue recaps the 91st annual Leadership Excursion, features a Greek Independence Day pictorial and news of AHEPA Housing's latest property opening; and shares our chapter's community service programs. Give it a read! Don't forget to follow AHEPA on social media:

Join AHEPA Today! In Our Own Words. What AHEPA means to us. Join AHEPA Now Upcoming Events & Deadlines   August Fall 2019 The Ahepan magazine Greek American News Digest   Editor's Note: Editorials, commentaries, opinion pieces, and articles are shared for information purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy positions of the Order of AHEPA, its affiliated organizations, and members.   EU Slaps Sanctions on Turkey Over Gas Drilling Off Cyprus New York Times (July 15)   European Union foreign ministers on Monday turned up the pressure on Turkey after approving an initial batch of sanctions against the country over its drilling for gas in waters where EU member Cyprus has exclusive economic rights.  read more Greece's New Groove: Why Athens Is No Longer Europe's Black Sheep Foreign Affairs (July 15) The past decade has been rough for Greece. After the global financial crisis of 2008-9, the country lost a quarter of its GDP and became the bête noire of Europe for nearly catalyzing the implosion of the eurozone. Roughly four years ago, however, Greece began a quiet recovery. Under Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and his Syriza party, the economy inched back to positive growth, populist movements lost their momentum, and Greece's relations with its allies and many of its neighbors improved. But Tsipras's successes, particularly in foreign policy, didn't translate into popularity. So on July 8, Greeks woke up to news that opposition leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his center-right New Democracy party had defeated Tsipras in a landslide.  read more The rift in the relationship between the U.S. and Turkey may be permanent NBC News (July 15) take delivery of a Russian-made air defense missile system Trump cuts off F-35 for Turkey. And lawmakers say sanctions are coming. Defense News (July 16) a Russian-made air defense system US approves MH-60R sale to Greece Jane's Defence Weekly (July 7) The US State Department has approved the sale of seven Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk maritime multimission helicopters to Greece. read more Mobile phone links established between two sides Cyprus Mail (July 11) The first mobile phone call across the divide after interoperability of phones across the island was achieved was made on Thursday just after noon between the two leaders.  read more  The Best Island in Europe Has Stunning White Stone Beaches and Some of the Most Turquoise Water in the World Travel+Leisure (July 10) For a brief moment, I forgot where I was. Suddenly stirred awake by a balmy breeze, I slowly became aware of my surroundings: The warm sand below my belly cooling off as I slept, the shade from the boulder I was tucked under moving ever so slightly away from me as the sun went down, and the sound of the Mediterranean waves crashing along the rock and coral-filled shore. Then I realized it; I just woke up from a drool-inducing midday nap in paradise, otherwise known as Milos. read more