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Η.Α.C.K Kick Off Meeting
The H.A.C.K. project officially launched with a successful Kick-off Meeting held in Munich, Germany, bringing together representatives from all partner organisations. The meeting marked the beginning of the project’s implementation and provided an important opportunity for partners to establish a common understanding of the project’s vision, objectives, expected results, and overall implementation strategy.
During the meeting, the consortium reviewed the project work plan, discussed the timeline of activities and deliverables, and confirmed the roles and responsibilities of each partner. Particular attention was given to project management and coordination procedures, financial and administrative requirements, quality assurance mechanisms, risk management, and the internal communication strategy, ensuring that all partners shared a common framework for cooperation throughout the project.
The partners also exchanged ideas on the implementation of the first project activities, including the development of the project website, communication materials, the research report, the Best Practices e-Guide, and the H.A.C.K. Open Educational Platform. Discussions focused on establishing effective collaboration, coordinating upcoming tasks, and identifying opportunities to maximise the project’s impact among athletes, coaches, sport organisations, and other relevant stakeholders.
The Kick-off Meeting laid a solid foundation for successful transnational cooperation, fostering open communication, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to achieving the project’s objectives. By aligning expectations and establishing clear coordination mechanisms from the outset, the partnership ensured the efficient implementation of the H.A.C.K. project and strengthened its capacity to deliver high-quality and sustainable results throughout the project lifecycle.
Easter Wishes Town Twinning
From 20–22 February, Medina de Rioseco, Spain, hosted the Easter Wishes EU project, bringing together representatives of local authorities, civil society organisations, experts, and citizens from across Europe.
The event marked the first major activity of the project, funded under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme as part of the Town Twinning initiative. It brought together local authorities, civil society organisations, experts, and citizens from across Europe to strengthen cooperation between municipalities and promote active European citizenship through cultural exchange and dialogue.
A total of 127 participants, including 67 local and 60 international representatives, took part in the meeting. Delegates from partner municipalities, NGOs, and community organisations exchanged experiences and good practices on how Easter Week celebrations can become more sustainable while preserving local traditions and cultural heritage. Workshops and discussions focused on environmental responsibility, community engagement, and innovative approaches to organising cultural events that respect both tradition and sustainability.
The event opened with welcome remarks by the Mayor of Medina de Rioseco and the President of the Board of Easter Week Brotherhoods. Over the course of three days, participants explored the significance of Easter Week traditions across Europe through expert presentations, open discussions, and exchanges between representatives of the partner municipalities. Brainstorming sessions and presentations provided opportunities to share experiences, discuss common challenges, and identify good practices for preserving and promoting Europe’s rich cultural heritage.
The programme also placed a strong emphasis on gender equality and inclusion, encouraging the active participation of women in discussions, workshops, and decision-making processes. Several sessions highlighted the important role of women in promoting sustainability and green innovation within local communities. The event fostered intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, with participants from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds working together to strengthen European cooperation and build lasting partnerships between towns across Europe.
EDUHUB1 – Launching Green Skills Education in the Western Balkans
17 & 23 November 2024
A strong start for green skills education in the Western Balkans!
EDUHUB1 marked the first major milestone of the VETERANS project, bringing together VET providers, universities, NGOs, and community representatives in Petrila, Romania. Through cultural exchange, hands-on workshops, and collaborative curriculum planning, partners co-developed the foundations of the Basic Level Green Skills Curriculum.
From renewable energy and circular economy to entrepreneurship and inclusion, EDUHUB1 laid the groundwork for future project bactivities and strengthened cooperation across borders.
Together, we are shaping inclusive and future-ready green education.
EDUHUB2 – Shaping the Next Generation of Green VET Professionals
13–17 January 2025
Building future-ready green VET curricula!
EDUHUB2 brought educators and experts together in Prishtina, Kosovo, to design and adapt VET curricula aligned with EQF Levels 3–5. Participants collaborated on curriculum units covering green skills, renewable energy, circular economy, and sustainable entrepreneurship.
With field visits, assessment planning, and real-life case studies, EDUHUB2 transformed ideas into structured, practical learning pathways for green jobs in the Western Balkans.
A key step toward modern, sustainable vocational education.
EDUGREEN – Train-of-VET Trainers & Pilot Testing
9–15 March 2025
Testing green education in real conditions!
EDUGREEN gathered VET trainers from across the Western Balkans and EU partner countries for an intensive training and pilot-testing week. Trainers tested newly developed curriculum modules on green skills, renewable energy, and sustainable practices, providing valuable feedback to refine the final program.
Hands-on activities, evaluation sessions, and cultural visits ensured the curriculum is practical, relevant, and ready for accreditation and wider use.
Empowering trainers to lead the green transition in VET.
EDUTRAIN1 – Strengthening Green Entrepreneurship Skills
22–24 July 2025
Green ideas meet entrepreneurial action!
The first EDUTRAIN workshop brought together entrepreneur learners from the Western Balkans for hands-on training in green entrepreneurship. Participants explored sustainable business models, circular economy concepts, and energy efficiency while developing their own micro business ideas.
By combining in-person workshops with the VETERANS e-learning platform, EDUTRAIN1 strengthened both practical skills and entrepreneurial mindset.
Supporting young entrepreneurs to build sustainable futures.
EDUTRAIN2 – Advancing Green Skills in VET
19–21 October 2025
Turning green skills into practice!
EDUTRAIN2 continued the journey in Herceg Novi, Montenegro, bringing together learners and trainers to further develop green entrepreneurship and sustainable business skills. Participants tested the VETERANS digital platform, refined training content, and shared feedback to improve future learning experiences.
With collaborative workshops, networking, and cultural visits, EDUTRAIN2 strengthened cross-border cooperation and practical application of green skills.
Learning, testing, and improving—together.
Multiplier Events – Sharing Project Results Across the Western Balkans and EU
Spreading impact beyond the partnership!
VETERANS multiplier events were organized in all partner countries to share project results, showcase educational tools, and promote green skills and sustainable entrepreneurship. Educators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and stakeholders engaged in presentations and interactive workshops.
These events strengthened visibility, encouraged uptake of project results, and ensured the long-term sustainability of the VETERANS educational program.
From project results to real-world impact.
Final Conference
We are pleased to have implemented the Final Event of the VETERANS Project, taking place in Skydra, Thessaloniki, on 24–25 November 2025.
This two-day event will bring together educators, VET providers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to:
Present the final results and achievements of the VETERANS project
Showcase the green skills curriculum, training activities, and digital platform
Discuss impact, sustainability, and future pathways for green skills and sustainable entrepreneurship in vocational education
The Final Event marks the culmination of a collaborative journey across the Western Balkans and the EU, highlighting how education and innovation can support the green transition.
Join us to celebrate results, exchange ideas, and explore how VETERANS continues beyond the project lifetime.
Final Meeting
VETERANS Project – Our Journey Toward Green Skills
As the VETERANS project comes to a close, we look back at an inspiring journey of collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment to sustainable vocational education. From educational hubs and training workshops to pilot testing and multiplier events, partners worked together to strengthen green skills and entrepreneurship across the Western Balkans.
Thank you to all partners, trainers, learners, and stakeholders who contributed to this journey.
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EU ECO Project Event Held in Križevci, Croatia
- 📅 6–8 November 2025
The EU ECO project event “Cooperation and Improvement of Local Knowledge for Sustainable Places to Live” was held in Križevci, Croatia, from 6–8 November 2025, bringing together more than 200 participants from Croatia and across Europe.
The event aimed to empower citizens to better understand EU policies, actively participate in democratic processes at the European level, and strengthen a shared European identity, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and the objectives of the European Green Deal. The project is co-financed by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) under the CERV Programme – Town Twinning.
The three-day programme combined policy discussions, best-practice examples, and cultural exchange. Participants were introduced to sustainable urban solutions, including Križevci’s fully electric public transport system powered by municipal photovoltaic plants. Presentations covered EU policies, the CERV programme, and the EU ECO project’s goals, followed by partner organisation contributions on civil society development and environmental protection.
A panel discussion highlighted Križevci’s ambition to become climate-neutral by 2030, accompanied by the documentary “Križevci – The City with the Smallest Climate Footprint in Croatia”. Additional sessions addressed resilient social infrastructure, citizen engagement, and ecological innovation.
The event also featured cultural and educational activities, including a photography exhibition by students from Novi Sad, a geocaching city tour emphasising shared European heritage, and an evening showcasing local traditions and tamburitza music.
The final day concluded with a round table on Smart Ecological Food Production, presenting the “Zdravo Križevci” initiative, which connects organic producers and consumers through a digital platform.
The EU ECO project event successfully combined education, sustainability, and cultural dialogue, reinforcing the importance of local action in building a greener and more democratic Europe.
Έκθεση Λαϊκού Πολιτισμού & Καλλιτεχνικής Δημιουργίας
- 📅 7–9 Σεπτεμβρίου 2025
📍 Αίθουσα Εκδηλώσεων Ξενοδοχείου Ionian Blue
Ο πολιτισμός της Λευκάδας συναντά την καλλιτεχνική δημιουργία σε μια μεγάλη γιορτή! Για τρεις ημέρες, το νησί θα φιλοξενήσει μια ξεχωριστή Έκθεση Λαϊκού Πολιτισμού & Καλλιτεχνικής Δημιουργίας, με παραδοσιακές φορεσιές, χειροτεχνήματα, μουσική, χορό και γεύσεις που αναδεικνύουν την πλούσια πολιτιστική μας κληρονομιά.
Η εκδήλωση αποτελεί μια μοναδική ευκαιρία για μικρούς και μεγάλους να γνωρίσουν από κοντά τις ρίζες μας, να ανταλλάξουν εμπειρίες και να εμπνευστούν από την καλλιτεχνική έκφραση του τόπου.
- 👉 Σας περιμένουμε όλους στο φιλόξενο χώρο του Ionian Blue, για να γιορτάσουμε μαζί την παράδοση, τη δημιουργικότητα και τη χαρά της συνάντησης.
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