The elections of the Administrative Board were completed with the appointment of the Regional Governor of the South Aegean, George Hatzimarkos, as the new President of the Union of Regions of Greece (ENPE) and the Regional Governor of Crete, Stavros Arnaoutakis, as the First Vice President. These changes follow the resignation of the previous ENPE President, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, who has assumed duties as a European Commissioner in the European Commission.

The Regional Governor of the South Aegean, George Hatzimarkos, was elected as the new President with 21 votes out of 23 cast (two votes were blank).

After his election, the new ENPE President, George Hatzimarkos, stated:
“In a world that is changing at a whirlwind pace, the 13 regions of the country are called to play their own creative role as engines of sustainable development and catalysts for improving the quality of daily life for all citizens. This is the message of today’s process in the Administrative Board, which highlighted the path of understanding and cooperation. I thank my colleagues for their trust. I pledge to work with all my strength to achieve our common goals, proving in practice that Regional Governance is the ‘front line’ of the effort for Greeks to live in a better Greece.

The bar at ENPE is set high, where it was placed by President Apostolos Tzitzikostas. The legacy he leaves at ENPE serves as a valuable compass for our steps moving forward. Proud of what Regional Governance has achieved so far, we will continue our efforts with even greater intensity. Merry Christmas to everyone and may the new year be more productive and prosperous.”

Union of Regions of

Shortly after the elections, the outgoing President Apostolos Tzitzikostas, who now serves as European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, visited the ENPE offices. Mr. Tzitzikostas stated:
“Together with George Hatzimarkos and all the Regional Governors, we successfully managed the supreme collective body of Local Administration, the Union of Regions of Greece, over the past years. I am confident that the newly elected President, with the invaluable assistance of all Regional Governors, will continue down the path we have paved over these years, aiming to advance regional governance in Greece.

It is time for Regional Administration to take the next step forward. To evolve into full Regional Governance. We all worked hard, laid the groundwork, and now it is time to move forward with determination and strong public legitimacy—for our citizens and for the country. ENPE is in good hands. As a European Commissioner, our cooperation will continue, as the issues of mutual interest are many and extremely important. Together, we will proceed as we have all these years, with the same zeal and determination for local administration, society, and Greece.”

During the same special session, the election of the First Vice President was also held. The new President proposed the Regional Governor of Crete, Stavros Arnaoutakis, who was elected with 21 votes out of 23 cast (two votes were blank).

The Regional Governor of Crete, Stavros Arnaoutakis, as the new ENPE First Vice President, stated:
“Together with all colleagues, we continue the effort for strong Regional Governance. With unity, dialogue, and cooperation, we move forward, emphasizing that the decentralization of responsibilities and the increase of financial resources remain key demands for all Local Administration. I wish the new President of the Union of Regions and all members of the Administrative Board a good and productive term, for the benefit of the citizens we serve.”