We are thrilled to announce our participation in the new Horizon Europe research and innovation project, GREENCOOP (Green Transition through Cooperation models).
Representing our team, George Vlontzos traveled to Lugo, Spain, to participate in the project’s official kick-off meeting from October 15-17, 2025. This event marks the official start of a four-year collaboration (starting October 1, 2025) aimed at fostering significant advancements in rural sustainability.
About the GreenCoop Project
The GREENCOOP project (Grant ID: 101182021) is a significant initiative funded by the European Union. Its primary goal is to address key socio-economic challenges in rural areas, such as land abandonment, population aging, and low technology access, by developing new, sustainable Rural Communities Business Models (RCBM).
The project will establish a network of “Living Labs” across Europe and China to co-create and test innovative agroecological and digital solutions. By doing so, GREENCOOP aims to:
Promote the social economy and enhance prosperity for farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
Optimize the use of in-farm resources and reduce environmental impact.
Foster the bioeconomy and circular economy.
Improve working conditions, inclusion, and the creation of high-quality jobs in rural areas.
The Kick-off Meeting in Lugo
The meeting in Lugo, hosted by the project coordinator, the Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, brought together all 19 partners from across Europe (Spain, France, Portugal, Finland, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Hungary, and the United Kingdom) and partners from China.
This crucial first meeting allowed George Vlontzos and the other consortium members to finalize the project’s strategic plan, define the objectives for the first year, and establish the collaborative framework for the “Living Labs.”
We are proud to be part of this forward-thinking project and look forward to contributing our expertise. Stay tuned for more updates as we work with our partners to help revitalize rural communities and promote a greener future.
