The Council of Europe’s Director General for democracy Mrs. Snežana Samardžić-Marković visited Chania (22 & 23 July 2019) and had meetings with the local authorities from the Region of Crete, the Municipality of Chania and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chania and EHICA.

The purpose of Mrs Markovic’s visit was to be informed about the preparations for the 10th International Forum “Cultural Routes” of the CoE to be held in Chania between 7-9 October 2020.
At this forum are expected to visit Chania. hundreds of delegates – representatives from the Council of Europe, the Presidents of the Republic of Greece and Cyprus, governmental representatives and participants from 55 countries.

During the visit Mrs Markovic had the opportunity to see the Conference Center selected for the 2020 Forum, but also museums and places that are in the forum’s agenda . In particular, she visited the Archaeological Museum of Chania, the Museum of Typography, Eleftherios Venizelos Museum, the Orthodox Academy of Crete and the Monastery of the Holy Trinity.

On the occasion of her visit to Chania, a Press Conference was organized where Mrs. Markovic explained the importance of the Forum but also shared her impressions and answer journalists questions. At the press conference panel were also Mr. Nikos Kalogeris, Deputy of Energy and Environment of the Region of Crete, Mr. Anastasios Vamvoukas, Mayor of Chania, Mr. Antonis Rokakis, President of Chania’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Mr. Vassilis Stathakis, Founder and President of the European Historic Cafes Association (EHICA).

During her visit at Chania, Ms Markovic expressed her contentment for the hospitality and the progress of the preparations for the Conference. She also thanked all the representatives of the local authorities she met, and renew her “appointment” with Chania on 7-9 October 2020, when the 10th International Forum”Cultural Routes” of the CoE will be held.