Τhe Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung is the German political foundation, affiliated with the German Green Party (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen). With headquarters in Berlin and offices all around the world, our international network acts as think tank and a catalyst for green visions, strategies and for policy reforms towards a democratic, socio-ecological transition of society and economy.
The foundation's office in Greece is based in Thessaloniki since 2012. Our program intends to advance democracy and democratic governance, the protection of human rights, promote political dialogue, develop new concepts and practices towards a socio-ecological transformation of the economy focusing on energy transition and social solidarity economy We also place particular emphasis on gender democracy and intercultural inclusion aiming at the emancipation and the granting of equal rights to all social groups facing discriminations and the risk of social exclusion. We also place particular emphasis on gender democracy and intercultural inclusion aiming at the emancipation and the granting of equal rights to all social groups facing discriminations and the risk of social exclusion.
Ecology
The work of Heinrich Böll Foundation Greece in the field of Ecology revolves around just energy transition and environmental sustainability. Our goal is to encourage decision makers and public administrations at local, regional and national levels to establish policies and implement measures in cooperation with our partners, and to empower civil society actors to advocate and engage in activities for a democratic, ecological transformation of Greek society and economy towards social justice and gender equality.
Social Solidarity Economy
This video presents the innovative idea of a group from Kilkis/Greece to replace the environmentally destructuve plastic straw with a straw made of wheat. This group has created a social collective enterprise for locals and persons with migrant/refugee background. Director: Gabriel Psaltakis (keyframe) Research-Production: Heinrich Boell Foundation Thessaloniki Office and Transdisciplinary Institute of Environmental and Social Studies.
Social Solidarity Economy, defined as the set of different economic practices addressing social needs based on free collaboration and mutual support, is one of the main intervention fields of Heinrich Böll Stiftung in Greece. We want to contribute to the development of SSE practices in Greece on solid ground and proper principles, considering SSE a decisive force for the democratic and ecological transformation of economy and society.
Democracy
With Europe and the EU facing a time of political and financial crisis, the threats of rising Euroscepticism and populism are increasing. Against this backdrop our work in Greece aims at combating the ideologies of inequality by fostering civil society initiatives towards human rights protection and social inclusion policies as well as at deepening democratic governance through substantial citizens´ participation in political processes at all levels.
