The City of Athens has been investing in a revitalisation strategy for an improved, re-energised city and future. The City is committed to a comprehensive urban management plan based on the principles of sustainability and resilience, with better maintenance of public green spaces. The plan includes the upgrade of urban and public spaces and infrastructure all over Athens with a focus on its popular commercial centre.

To that end, the City has begun one of the largest urban interventions in the history of the capital: a complete plan for the revitalization and unification of the historic center. Among others, the City’s plan also includes the renovation of two landmark sites in the centre of Athens, the Lycabettus Hill and the National Garden, alongside the creation of a new athletics and entertainment park to transform the formerly run-down area of Elaionas.

In 2018, Athens was crowned the European Capital of Innovation by the European Commission. This is an annual prize awarded to the European city that has demonstrated the ability to harness innovation to improve the lives of its citizens. By prioritising innovation, the City of Athens has helped the local community bring about change and open up to the world. Some of the city innovations include:

• The POLIS² project to revitalise abandoned buildings through small grants to residents, small enterprises, creative communities and other civil society groups, bringing life to all corners of Athens.
• The renovation of the Kypseli Public Market, a 90-year old historical building, with active support of Athens’ citizens aspires to create a new social entrepreneurship market hosting exhibitions, workshops, theatre shows and other initiatives.
• Transforming the Serafeio Complex into a popular community playground and novel events space, hosting enterprises like the Athens Digital Lab, the Open Schools initiative and the Athens Makerspace following a joint decision by the municipality and the local community.
• The Curing the Limbo initiative gives refugees and migrants the possibility to connect with other residents in order to learn the language, develop new skills, find employment opportunities, and engage in active citizenship.
• The Digital Council unites companies and educational institutions to offer training on digital literacy and civic technology, as well as flagging sustainable innovations like smart recycling bins.
• The ‘This is Athens’ campaign invited local volunteers to talk about the city’s present and past to some of the record 5 million tourists who visited Athens in 2017.
• The City of Athens fosters innovation by creating the first municipal early stage tech incubator, Athens Digital Lab City of Athens, a research and development lab for “smart cities” digital solutions. It supports the development and maturation of applications addressing the real needs of the city, upgrades the life quality of Athenians and visitors, and enhances the digital transformation of the city.
• The Athens Makerspace of the City of Athens, equipped with digital tools and machines such as laser cutters, printers, CNC router etc., offers free services and training seminars in the field of digital design and construction.
• Based in the world’s cradle of democracy, theater and storytelling, the Athens Film Office provides an array of free services to facilitate any production needs with the basic aim of transforming Athens into a Film Friendly City.