THE «DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF EPIRUS S.R.O. - Development Agency of Local Authorities (HEPIROS SA) in cooperation with the General Secretariat of EU Resources and Infrastructure of the Ministry of Rural Development & Food successfully completed, on the weekend of 20-21 November 2025 at the Du Lac Hotel in Ioannina, a special two-day conference - celebration, where the results of the Local Programme CLLD/LEADER 2014-2020 for the regions of P.E. Ioannina and Thesprotia, on the occasion of the 35 years of LEADER and the 45 years of operation of HPEIROS SA.
The event was honored with the presence of the Secretary General of EU Resources & Infrastructure Mrs. Argyro Zerva, representatives of the Special Service for the Implementation of Rural Development Interventions, the Special Service for the Management of the Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy, the Special Service for the Management of the «Piraeus» Programme, His Eminence Bishop of Ioannina Mr.Mr. Maximos, Vice-Regional Governors, Mayors, representatives of local institutions, investors and representatives of Development Companies (DDCs) of Greece.
The focus of the work was on the strategic role of HEPIROS SA in the implementation of the programme and the prospects of the new programming period, as presented by the General Manager of the Company Mr. Georgios Theocharis and the Coordinator of the CLLD/LEADER Operational Programme Mr. Ilias Mokos. Particular reference was made to the importance of inter-local cooperation, networking with development agencies at national level and the participation of HEPIROS SA in European networks, with the presence of ELARD representatives.
The topics of the two-day event covered the whole range of LEADER interventions: from the results of the previous programme and the new perspectives of the CAP 2023-2027, to best practices of public and private projects, the challenges of rural development and the strengthening of local entrepreneurship. The programme presented detailed examples of inter-territorial partnerships («Cultural Routes and Ancient Theatres», «Tastes of Greece II», «UNESCO Geoparks», «Wine Tourism», «Co-operative Development»), highlighting the scope and quality of the partnerships implemented.
The two-day conference was an essential opportunity to reflect on the previous period, but also a starting point for dialogue on the new development potential of Epirus. Through discussion, statements and presentations, the role of Local Action Groups, the contribution of innovation and the value of cooperation as pillars of local development were highlighted.
HPEIROS S.A. confirmed once again its firm orientation in supporting the countryside, promoting synergies, participatory processes and development initiatives with a substantial impact on local communities.
Rich photographic material from the conference is available at the link:
https://www.conferre.tv/anaptixiakiipeirou
On the same platform have been posted:
- the video of the presentation of the CLLD/LEADER Local Programme with short interviews of the investors who presented their projects,
- statements by representatives of institutions, organisations, as well as regional and local authorities who participated in the event
The President of the Board & the LEADER 2014-2020 NDEP
Konstantinos Detsikas
