Budapest, 29-30th of May 2013

Raising the Public Awareness about EU Regional Funds

Budapest, 30 - 31th of May 2013

Eleni PouliasiCommunication Officer

Intermediate Managing Authority of Western Greece Region

11th meeting of the INFORM network of EU Regional Policy communication officers

Budapest, 29-30th of May 2013

Our RegionWESTERN GREECE

Consists of : Three provinces – Aitoloakarnania, Achaia & Ilia

Position: Ionian Sea – West gate of Greece

Population: 680.190 (6,30% of Greece)

Budapest, 29-30th of May 2013

Results of the public survey carried out in Western Greece region in 2012

48.60%48.60% are aware of the EU contribution in Western are aware of the EU contribution in Western GreeceGreece

74.30%74.30% know that most infrastructure projects in know that most infrastructure projects in Greece are co-financed by the EU Greece are co-financed by the EU

63.10%63.10% have heard about the ESPA (NSRF)have heard about the ESPA (NSRF)

86.90% are aware that ESPA (NSRF) is co-financed are aware that ESPA (NSRF) is co-financed by EUby EU

77.50%77.50% have never heard or read anything about have never heard or read anything about the Regional Operational Program of the Regional Operational Program of Western Greece Region 2007-2013Western Greece Region 2007-2013

64.80% have a good or rather good impression of have a good or rather good impression of the Regional Operational Program of the Regional Operational Program of Western Greece Region 2007-2013Western Greece Region 2007-2013

85.10% believed that they were poorly or not believed that they were poorly or not informed about projects financed by NSRF informed about projects financed by NSRF in their provincein their province

Budapest, 29-30th of May 2013

Steps undertaken in order to raise the public awareness

Cooperation with EUROPE-DIRECT office in Western Greece

Celebration of May, the Month of Europe

Establishment of provincial offices in the capitals of the provinces of Aitoloakarnania and Ilia for the support of final beneficiaries and the information of the public

Budapest, 29-30th of May 2013

Celebration of May, the Month of Europe

In collaboration with the EUROPE-DIRECT office in Western Greece we organized events in the capitals of the three provinces in Western Greece Region as follows:

Messolongi, Aitoloakarnania Province, on the 14th of May

Pyrgos, Ilia Province, on the 17th of May

Patras, Achaia Province, on the 25th of May

Budapest, 29-30th of May 2013

Celebration of May, the Month of Europe (2)

The three events took place at central squares and pedestrian roads and included:

photo exhibition with projects co-financed by EU 3d map with pointers on the cities of the region where EU- financed projects are constructed Promotional material Live music Posters and a brochure with simple information about the purpose of this celebration

Budapest, 29-30th of May 2013

Celebration of May, the Month of Europe (3)

Impressions:

citizens were attracted by the event and glad that someone came to their city to discuss and present what EU is actually doing for them they had the chance to get an answer to their concerns and learn about other projects in their city as well, which made them happy Since projects are under construction, they seemed more impressive in photos rather than in real life They wanted more information and even another event later on with updated information about the EU projects

Budapest, 29-30th of May 2013

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