INTERREG Programme: Cooperation Beyond Borders
A new episode of DIADYMA’s “RU READY” podcast highlights the contribution of European programmes to the development of Western Macedonia, focusing on the INTERREG programme and the importance of cross-border cooperation. Through the implementation of European projects, the episode showcases how European Union funding is transformed into meaningful interventions with a direct impact on local communities and citizens’ everyday lives.
🎙️ The episode features Eleftheria Votsari, Communications Officer of the Interreg Greece–North Macedonia Programme, who explains the philosophy and functioning of INTERREG programmes. She also discusses the opportunities they offer to public and private organisations, as well as the key challenges they face during project implementation.
📍 Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of cross-border cooperation, especially for regions such as Western Macedonia that are undergoing economic transition. The episode also presents representative examples of projects in the fields of healthcare, the environment, entrepreneurship and tourism, which have contributed to strengthening infrastructure and services.
🎧 The episode highlights how a European project such as RU READY can create meaningful value when its results are integrated into citizens’ everyday lives and remain active beyond the end of the funding period. It also discusses the priorities of the new programming period and the prospects for strengthening cooperation and sustainable development in cross-border regions.
The episode is available on the RU READY project website in the Podcast section (https://rureadyproject.eu/podcast/), on the DIADYMA website in the Podcast section ( https://diadyma.gr/podcast/), and on the DIADYMA YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@diadyma/podcasts) and it is part of the RU READY project’s podcast series, which highlights key European policy issues with a particular focus on Western Macedonia.
Recycling or narrative? The RU READY Challenge
A special podcast series dedicated to recycling and the circular economy, inspired by the cross-border project Reduce, reUse and RecyclE Actions for cross borDer interplaY – RU READY, implemented within the framework of the Interreg VI-A Programme “Greece - North Macedonia 2021-2027”, is being carried out by DIADYMA as the Lead Partner of the project. The RU READY project is co-funded by 80% European Union resources and 20% National funds.
🎙️The first podcast episode presents the main pillars of the project and the innovations it introduces in the management of recyclable materials in Western Macedonia, aiming to strengthen recycling, reuse and waste prevention.
📍 On the Greek side, the project will be piloted in the Municipality of Velventos through the Earn As You Throw system, while in North Macedonia a Materials Reuse Center will be created in the area of Bitola.
🎧 The podcast series will continue with upcoming episodes highlighting the challenges and prospects of the circular economy in Western Macedonia.
M. Grafakos: Greece’s National Strategy for the Circular Economy
A new episode of DIADYMA’s “RU READY” podcast highlights Greece’s national strategy for the circular economy, focusing on the role of modern infrastructure, recycling, and active citizen participation. The guest of the third episode is the Secretary General for Waste Management Coordination at the Ministry of Environment and Energy, Manolis Grafakos, who presents the key priorities of the National Circular Economy Plan and the challenges that Greece will face in the coming years.
🎙️ The episode explores the transition from the traditional waste management model to a modern system based on source separation, recycling, material recovery, and energy recovery from residual waste. It also presents the progress made in developing the necessary infrastructure across the country through the National Waste Management Plan.
📍 Particular emphasis is placed on the progress of infrastructure projects, with 14 waste treatment facilities currently in operation, and a further 28 under construction. According to the Secretary General, by the end of the decade, Greece is expected to have all the necessary facilities in place, which will make a decisive contribution to reducing waste landfilling and achieving European targets.
🎧 The episode highlights that the success of the circular economy depends not only on infrastructure, but also on active citizen participation. Particular emphasis is placed on the implementation of the “Pay As You Throw” principle, as an important tool that connects proper waste management with financial incentives, encouraging greater household participation and strengthening trust in the recycling system.
The episode is available on the RU READY project website in the Podcast section (https://rureadyproject.eu/podcast/), on the DIADYMA website in the Podcast section ( https://diadyma.gr/podcast/), and on the DIADYMA YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@diadyma/podcasts) and it is part of the RU READY project’s podcast series, which highlights key European policy issues with a particular focus on Western Macedonia.
LIFE Circular Greece: Putting the Circular Economy into Practice
A new episode of the “RU READY” podcast by DIADYMA highlights the progress of the circular economy in Greece, focusing on LIFE IP Circular Greece, one of the country’s most important projects for advancing the circular economy. Our guest is Nora Saous, Financial Management Officer of the project, who presents its vision, objectives and key achievements.
🎙️ The episode explores initiatives such as the development of new Green Points, the implementation of the “Pay-As-You-Throw” system, the development of national circular economy indicators, as well as awareness-raising and information activities targeting citizens and stakeholders.
📍 Particular emphasis is placed on Western Macedonia, where DIADYMA is implementing actions for the management of hazardous household waste, including the procurement of specialised equipment and the development of dedicated information tools.
🎧 The discussion also highlights the importance of completing the pilot actions, disseminating the results and transferring good practices, ensuring that the project leaves a lasting impact beyond its completion in 2027.
🔗 The episode is available on the RU READY project website (rureadyproject.eu/podcast/), on the DIADYMA website (diadyma.gr/podcast/) and on the DIADYMA YouTube channel..
