1. Budapest, 29-30th of May 2013 Raising the Public Awareness about EU Regional Funds Budapest, 30 - 31 th of May 2013 Eleni Pouliasi Communication Officer Intermediate Managing Authority of Western Greece Region 11th meeting of the INFORM network of EU Regional Policy communication officers

2. Budapest, 29-30th of May 2013 Our Region WESTERN GREECE Consists of : Three provinces – Aitoloakarnania, Achaia & Ilia Position: Ionian Sea – West gate of Greece Population: 680.190 (6,30% of Greece)

3. Budapest, 29-30th of May 2013 Results of the public survey carried out in Western Greece region in 2012 48.60% are aware of the EU contribution in Western Greece 74.30% know that most infrastructure projects in Greece are co-financed by the EU 63.10% have heard about the ESPA (NSRF) 86.90% are aware that ESPA (NSRF) is co-financed by EU 77.50% have never heard or read anything about the Regional Operational Program of Western Greece Region 2007-2013 64.80% have a good or rather good impression of the Regional Operational Program of Western Greece Region 2007-2013 85.10% believed that they were poorly or not informed about projects financed by NSRF in their province

4. Budapest, 29-30th of May 2013 Steps undertaken in order to raise the public awareness Cooperation with EUROPE-DIRECT office in Western Greece Celebration of May, the Month of Europe Establishment of provincial offices in the capitals of the provinces of Aitoloakarnania and Ilia for the support of final beneficiaries and the information of the public

5. Budapest, 29-30th of May 2013 Celebration of May, the Month of Europe In collaboration with the EUROPE-DIRECT office in Western Greece we organized events in the capitals of the three provinces in Western Greece Region as follows: Messolongi, Aitoloakarnania Province, on the 14th of May Pyrgos, Ilia Province, on the 17th of May Patras, Achaia Province, on the 25th of May

6. Budapest, 29-30th of May 2013 Celebration of May, the Month of Europe (2) The three events took place at central squares and pedestrian roads and included: photo exhibition with projects co-financed by EU 3d map with pointers on the cities of the region where EU- financed projects are constructed Promotional material Live music Posters and a brochure with simple information about the purpose of this celebration

7. Budapest, 29-30th of May 2013 Celebration of May, the Month of Europe (3) Impressions: citizens were attracted by the event and glad that someone came to their city to discuss and present what EU is actually doing for them they had the chance to get an answer to their concerns and learn about other projects in their city as well, which made them happy Since projects are under construction, they seemed more impressive in photos rather than in real life They wanted more information and even another event later on with updated information about the EU projects

8. Budapest, 29-30th of May 2013 www.depin.gr