On 11–14 September 2025, at Lake Plastiras, the “Academy of Alternatives” took place — a series of workshops, discussions, and presentations aimed at strengthening and coordinating Social Solidarity Economy initiatives, as well as highlighting the Karditsa region through the connection of local actors. The event strongly underscored the need for new political narratives and strategies at the local level.

The over-concentration of population, power, resources and opportunities in large cities is a characteristic feature of Greece, which creates a clear and multilevel gap between urban and rural areas. The prolonged economic crisis and the demographic problem have put the sustainability and long-term prospects of the Greek countryside at risk. With this special dossier, the Heinrich Böll Foundation is launching a public debate on this overlooked issue, addressing it in all its complexity and presenting not only the problems but also best practices that can serve as an example for Greek cities and regions.

In light of the lack of a functioning EU migration policy respecting human rights and valuing the experiences and needs of people on the move, especially of the most vulnerable and marginalised among them, the intersection of feminism and migration seems to be more relevant than ever. This dossier collects various forms of contributions at this specific intersection and thereby aims to present alternatives to current policies and discourses.

The complex issue of migration and asylum, in the light of the new EU Pact, was addressed at the major international congress "Shipwrecked. Rethinking migration and asylum in Europe", which we organised in Thessaloniki in June. Over 130 experts from all over the world – activists, lawyers, journalists, academics, politicians, members of civil society organisations – came to a number of alarming conclusions. Find here texts, as well as audio and visual material from the congress.