South-East European Research Centre (SEERC)

SEERC participated in an inspiring Thessaloniki Innovation Zone event exploring how AI and blockchain can shape a trustworthy and privacy-preserving digital future. Moderated by Dr. Simeon Veloudis, the discussion featured keynote insights from Charles Hoskinson (IOG/Cardano) and a distinguished panel of experts.

On October 3rd and 4th, SEERC (CITY College, University of York Europe Campus), together with Light Trees (Φωτόδεντρα) and the Kapnikos Stathmos of Katerini, organised a series of capacity-building workshops in Katerini as part of The LISTEN Project. The event explored local social innovation initiatives, funding opportunities such as the CERV Programme, and included a participatory storytelling workshop fostering dialogue on community challenges and opportunities.

Catch up on the latest updates and insights in mental health innovation!

The GEO-POWER-EU 2025 survey captures how citizens in the Western Balkans and Associated Trio Countries perceive international actors, regional security, migration, and prospects for EU and NATO membership. Insights from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia highlight trends shaping Europe’s future.

From 26–29 August 2025, SEERC hosted the Methods School at CITY ULE in Thessaloniki, offering participants the chance to enhance methodological skills, engage in scholarly discussions, and connect with peers across Europe.

The Interdependence Database, developed through the EU-funded GEO-POWER-EU project, is now live. It offers comprehensive insights into how nine countries in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership regions interact with five major global actors.

Congratulations to Ilina Atanasovska, who had her viva on Wednesday 2 July, and was awarded the PhD subject to revisions. Congratulations also to Ilina’s supervisors, Prof Panayiotis Ketikidis and Prof Lenny Koh for their great work and support.

Why do small local organisations often struggle to include the voices of vulnerable communities in their solidarity initiatives? Join the LISTEN's Project “We LISTEN, We BUILD” event to explore this together!

Η πρώτη Συνέντευξη Τύπου του ευρωπαϊκού έργου MENTBEST πραγματοποιήθηκε στις 28 Μαΐου 2025 στο Βασιλικό Θέατρο Θεσσαλονίκης, με συμμετοχή εκπροσώπων ΜΜΕ, θεσμικών φορέων και συνεργατών. Το έργο επικεντρώνεται στη μείωση και πρόληψη προβλημάτων ψυχικής υγείας στον γενικό πληθυσμό και σε ευάλωτες ομάδες.

We are thrilled to share that Prof. Panayiotis Ketikidis, our Chairman, has been appointed as a member of the National Council for Research, Technology, and Innovation (ΕΣΕΤΕΚ).

LISTEN successfully completed Participatory Needs Assessment events in Greece (Ano Poroia, Katerini, Thessaloniki), Bulgaria (Topolovgrad), and Portugal (Faro). The process emphasized the importance of inclusive, community-driven approaches, highlighting local strengths such as grassroots collaboration in Greece, solidarity networks in Bulgaria, and deep community trust in Portugal. These insights will guide the development of tailored strategies rooted in the real needs and priorities of each community.

ACCTING’s Final Conference in Brussels brought together key stakeholders to reflect on its impact toward a fair and inclusive European Green Deal.

Στις 15 Μαΐου 2025, το έργο ACCTING διοργανώνει ένα διαδικτυακό σεμινάριο αφιερωμένο στους αγώνες και τις εμπειρίες αλληλεγγύης που αναπτύσσονται από γυναίκες και τοπικές κοινότητες σε δασικές και αγροτικές περιοχές της Ελλάδας και της Τουρκίας, ενάντια στους κινδύνους των δασικών πυρκαγιών. Η εκδήλωση περιλαμβάνει παρουσιάσεις πολιτικών προτάσεων και εργαλείων πρόληψης, καθώς και συζήτηση στρογγυλής τραπέζης με εκπροσώπους τοπικών κοινωνιών, οργανώσεων και φορέων.

Professor Panayiotis H. Ketikidis co-authors a new peer-reviewed article in European Planning Studies, examining the dynamic relationship between circular economy principles and smart specialisation strategies. The research provides critical insights into regional development, innovation policy, and territorial anchoring.

Μια ουσιαστική εκδήλωση με θέμα τη μετανάστευση και την ψυχική υγεία πραγματοποιήθηκε από το MENTBEST και τη ΜΚΟ JETA (ΖΩΗ), αναδεικνύοντας τις προκλήσεις και τις αντοχές της αλβανικής κοινότητας στη Θεσσαλονίκη. Μαζί, ανθίζουμε χωρίς κατάθλιψη.

On April 29th, SEERC participated in the ACCTING Final Conference in Brussels, titled “Empowering Change: Building a Fair and Inclusive Green Deal.” The event highlighted the importance of social and environmental justice through sessions on knowledge, dialogue, and action. SEERC Director Mr. Zaharis moderated a key session on behavioural change and collaboration. Stefania Gourzoulidou also presented two EU-funded projects—INSPIRE and LISTEN—focused on rural development and inclusive community engagement. The conference showcased collective efforts toward a more equitable and sustainable Europe.