Greece has launched a cross-border environmental cooperation project with Albania through a nearly 2 million-euro smart cities initiative aimed at cutting pollution and modernising urban transport. Greece's Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, Nikos Papathanasis, has signed the 1,940,984 euro funding contract for the project titled "Smart Cities: Smart solutions for resilient low pollution cities".
The scheme falls under the Interreg IPA VI A "Greece - Albania 2021-2027" Cross Border Cooperation Programme and focuses on practical pilot interventions in selected cities in both countries. Its stated goal is to improve residents' daily lives by promoting sustainable urban mobility, electromobility, and the use of digital tools, with a view to reducing air pollution and environmental noise.
- In the northern Greek city of Florina, 35 shared electric bicycles will be installed, supported by charging stations and environmental monitoring sensors. The project aims to encourage short-distance, low-emission travel while collecting real-time air quality data.
- Further south in Arta, the emphasis is on easing congestion by linking peripheral parking areas with the city centre. Two electric mini buses will be introduced, backed by charging points and digital information screens designed to improve passenger awareness and service efficiency.
- On the island of Lefkada, municipal cleaning services will be upgraded with the purchase of one electric cleaning vehicle and one electric street sweeper for use within the urban fabric and the old town, areas often sensitive to noise and exhaust emissions.
- Across the border in Albania, the Regional Council of Korca and the municipality of Vlora will each acquire two electric buses, together with the necessary charging infrastructure, reinforcing the project's cross-border character.
Alongside transport upgrades, digital tools for monitoring air quality will be developed, while awareness campaigns will target citizens and school pupils. Measures include establishing a "Zero Emissions Day" to strengthen environmental consciousness within local communities.
