On Saturday, 4 July 2026, the EcoZani Designathon was successfully held, marking the next stage of the Open Call for small-scale urban interventions (Urban Acupuncture) in the city of Kozani. The Open Call attracted a total of 57 proposals submitted by citizens, groups and local communities, who shared creative ideas for improving the city’s public......
EcoZani is featured on Portico, the knowledge-sharing platform of the European Urban Initiative. The article explores how Kozani is moving from planning to implementation, turning sustainability ambitions into tangible action through circular economy practices, social inclusion, and the adaptive reuse of spaces. A big thank you to Maciej Kolczynski for the insightful reflection on EcoZani’s......
The 2nd EcoCarnival Business Challenge was successfully completed on Monday, December 15, 2025, organized by the University of Western Macedonia within the framework of the EcoZani project. A total of 21 teams presented their business ideas, demonstrating a high level of creativity, maturity, and passion for innovation and sustainable development. Their presentations filled the stage......
EcoZani has officially joined the Social Innovation Match (SIM), the European platform that brings together projects, initiatives and actors that bring real social and environmental change. This inclusion – made with the support of SEED2SCALE – shows that EcoZani meets the core criteria of the SIM: that it is fundamentally linked to the priorities of......
In this short video, Maciej Kolczyński, EUI Innovative Action Expert, highlights why the transfer of knowledge from EcoZani to the Transfer Cities is so valuable. It’s not just about “do’s and don’ts.” It’s about: Learning how to manage complex partnerships. Building on local potentials and assets. Adapting innovative solutions to real city needs. Watch......
In this short video, Ronald Lievens, Transfer Expert of the EcoZani project, shares his perspective on his role in helping cities adapt and benefit from the EcoZani solution. He highlights two key questions every city must face: – How can the solution be adapted to each city’s unique needs? – How can we make sure......
Sofia Jaravin, the Project Officer of the Ecozani, shares her perspective on the importance of the participation of Transfer Cities in the project. The European Urban Initiative (EUI) invest on the exchange of knowledge and experiences among European cities. Within EcoZani, the Transfer Cities, Kyustendil, Cologne, and Limassol, bring their unique perspectives and local contexts,......
On September 3–4, 2025, the Opening Site Visit of the EcoZani project took place in Kozani, with the participation of transfer partners from Limassol, Cologne, and Kyustendil. The two-day program included: Presentations on the framework for knowledge transfer and best practices. Visits to key sites in the region, including the Kozani Railway Station, the Creative......
We’re excited to welcome the Municipality of Kyustendil, Bulgaria, to the EcoZani journey, with the incredible Джамала Festival bringing its voice and cultural spirit to our mission. Kyustendil, known as the “Town of Springs,” blends history, art, and nature in ways that inspire sustainable and creative urban life. With Джамала Festival’s music as a bridge......
We’re excited to welcome the City of Cologne as a Transfer Partner in the EcoZani project! The Cologne Carnival is more than an event, it’s a living symbol of togetherness, courage, and creative energy. A celebration that shows how culture can turn streets into stages, connect people across backgrounds, and bring cities to life.......
We are pleased to welcome the Municipality of Limassol to the EcoZani project as a Transfer Partner. The vibrant spirit of Limassol was on full display at the Grand Carnival 2025, one of the most iconic and lively cultural events in Cyprus! A celebration of creativity, tradition, and collective joy that perfectly aligns with EcoZani’s......
Project Officer Sofia Jaravin from the European Urban Initiative highlights the significance of the EcoZani Project’s presence at the Cities Forum 2025, taking place in the city of Kraków, as a unique opportunity for knowledge exchange, connection with other cities, and strengthening the community around urban innovation. ...
The presentation of the EcoZani project was successfully held at the 2nd Research Project Symposium of the University of Western Macedonia on Friday, June 13, 2025. Ms. Elpida Samara, faculty member of the Department of Accounting and Finance, presented the project EcoZani, titled: “Creative, innovative, and inclusive ecosystems towards just work transition in Kozani.” During......
With a vision rooted in the principles of Zero Waste – Zero Exclusion – Zero Emission, the EcoZani project was presented through an engaging and creative workshop. At the heart of the session was the design of MICTH – a Municipal Inclusive Circu-Tech Hub, which will be hosted at the former OSE (Hellenic Railways) site......
The 1st EcoCarnival Business Challenge was successfully completed in Kozani, organized as part of the EcoZani project by the University of Western Macedonia. The competition aimed to connect youth innovation with a sustainable and inclusive Carnival, attracting 45 entries, out of which the top 10 teams advanced to the final round. The ideas were evaluated......