Beyond the Beach: Climate Action in Thessaloniki

Every September, volunteers across dozens of countries take part in World Cleanup Day, clearing beaches, parks and public spaces of litter. This year, the initiative also connects with the #EUBeachCleanup 2026 campaign of the European Commission, dedicated to protecting the seas from plastic. Thessaloniki joins this global call to action with the event “Beyond the Beach”, and everyone is welcome to take part.

The event is organised by the European Climate Pact Partner Greek Eco Project, the European Climate Pact Ambassadors Vasiliki Drouga and Panoulis Kalaitzis, with the support of the European Climate Pact Country Coordinator in Greece, INZEB.

The event will take place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026, in two locations in Thessaloniki, Greece, bringing together 3 activities over 2 days: a volunteer beach cleanup, presentation & discussion on marine pollution, and a plastic-reuse workshop!

The programme is structured as follows:

• Saturday, 19 September, 2026 - 17:30: Beach cleanup in Aretsou, Kalamaria (Holy Chapel Neomartyr Saint George).
• Sunday, 20 September, 2026 - 10:30: Presentation and discussion on marine pollution, at the Reuse and Circular Economy Centre (SKG Makers).- 12:00: Plastic-reuse workshop, at the same venue.

The event focuses on raising awareness of the impacts of marine pollution and on practical approaches to plastic reuse.

Venue details:

• Saturday: Aretsou, Kalamaria (Holy Chapel Neomartyr Saint George), Manoli Giagkili 16, Kalamaria, 55132 
• Sunday: Reuse and Circular Economy Centre (SKG Makers), Kydonion 2, Thessaloniki 54655