Officials gather to mark the start of the Douzelage General Meeting

Tree planting tradition begun

Preveza, Greece – On the morning before delegates arrived for the Douzelage General Meeting 2025, members of the Douzelage Presidency joined Mayor Nikolaos Georgakos and Vice Mayor Leonidas Argiros of Preveza in planting a tree — beginning a new tradition that will mark future General Meetings of the European town-twinning network.

The symbolic act reflects this year’s General Meeting theme: “The integration of city and nature and protection of natural habitats in relation to tourism.” Sustainability is at the heart of this year’s agenda, with delegates also set to take part in a workshop on how Douzelage itself can become more carbon-friendly as the organisation looks toward the next decade.

Mayor Nikolaos Georgakos and Douzelage President Shane Smyth plant the tree

“This tree planting is more than a gesture — it’s a commitment,” said Shane Smyth President of Douzelage. “Each year, we want our host towns to leave behind something tangible, rooted in the soil, that reflects our values. In Preveza, we are literally planting the seeds for a greener and more sustainable future.”

Mayor Nikolaos Georgakos added: “Preveza is proud to begin this tradition with our Douzelage friends. Protecting natural habitats is not just a local responsibility, but a shared European priority. Tourism and sustainability must go hand in hand, and we are delighted that this year’s General Meeting puts this vital issue at its core.”

Douzelage President Shane Smyth thanks Mayor Nikolaos Georgakos of Preveza for the opportunity to plant the tree

The General Meeting, bringing together delegations from Douzelage’s member towns across Europe, will run from October 16th to 19th in Preveza. Alongside sustainability-focused sessions, it will feature exchanges on tourism, community, and cross-cultural cooperation.