The mayor of athens, Haris Doukas, embodies a modern model of urban leadership, where scientific expertise is paired with a profound understanding of the city as a living, evolving organism. As Professor of Energy and Environmental Policy at the National Technical University of Athens, he brings authoritative insight into key domains that define urban transition — resilience, sustainability, green and digital innovation. His vision of Athens goes beyond infrastructure and governance; he sees the city as a cultural and social ecosystem in constant transformation. In the interview that follows, he offers a thoughtful and layered perspective on Athenian urban life, exploring the
challenges, tools, and possibilities that will shape its future.
How do you envision the metropolitan identity of Athens? What are the main pillars that should be strengthened for the city to become a modern European metropolis?
Athens is a modern European metropolis that is evolving day by day. Our goal is for it to become even more sustainable, resilient, inclusive and human-centered, and every step we take brings us closer to that goal. For example, the city’s protection through major anti-flood works, the complete reconstruction of 11 playgrounds by the summer, the reinforcement of the cleaning service with 100 underground waste compression systems, the upgrade of six municipal clinics into multifunctional centers and their support with innovative programs for vulnerable and elderly citizens.
Athens aspires to become a green city. How will the capital meet this challenge?
We believe that a “green Athens” is not a utopia. Through continuous tree planting in more neighborhoods, we will once again meet the goal of planting 5,000 trees this year, while we continue upgrading the city’s green lungs, such as Lycabettus Hill and Strefi Hill. We are turning “grey” districts green by creating a microforest in Kypseli. Our aim is to reduce the perceived temperature through natural shading in areas with excessive concrete, by creating green routes and planting rain gardens. Of course, we want citizens to be our allies in this effort. That is why we are giving voice to Athenians, especially young people, through initiatives such as the Climate Forum, the Youth Climate Assembly, and the Green School Athens Hackathon.
Athens is expected, for the first time this year, to become Greece’s Top Destination, welcoming 10 Million visitors.
Athens is a city with an invaluable cultural heritage. How do you plan to combine the protection of his heritage with the development of modern infrastructure that a metropolis requires?
Athens’ cultural wealth is an invaluable canvas that we are called upon to enrich. It is no coincidence that just a few months ago, our city was awarded the title of Leading Cultural Destination for 2024, while the Maria Callas Municipal Museum received a special mention at the European Museum of the Year Awards 2025. We want this priceless cultural heritage to be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, mobility, or health conditions. That is why we are conducting intensive inspections, imposing strict fines for antisocial parking behavior, and improving infrastructure by repairing sidewalks where needed across all municipal districts and installing accessibility ramps for people with disabilities.
At the same time, we are offering services for individuals with visual and hearing impairments in exhibitions at the Municipal Gallery, and we have launched the implementation of the “HEPHAESTUS” program, which aims to train our municipal employees to serve people with disabilities according to their specific needs.
Given that tourism is a key pillar of Athens’ economy, how do you plan to balance tourism growth with improving residents’ daily life?
Athens is expected, for the first time this year, to become Greece’s top destination, welcoming 10 million visitors. In fact, just a few days ago, the city was ranked among the world’s top ten conference destinations for 2024. In order to assess the city’s capacity and take preventive action where necessary, we conducted the Carrying Capacity Tourism Study. What did it show us? We’re not at Barcelona levels yet — but we must act as if we are. The study revealed that there are 27 over-saturated areas, where not even one more tourist can be accommodated. With the establishment of the Sustainable Tourism Observatory, we can now monitor data in real time and intervene wherever problems arise.
We believe that a ‘Green Athens’ is not a Utopia.
What new digital projects or technological solutions are you planning to improve the lives of Athenians in a future “smart” city?
The digital modernization of the city is a major challenge for us. We are the first municipality to integrate artificial intelligence into its official website. We offer real-time monitoring of all tree plantings through the Athenstrees platform, and since the beginning of the year we have been implementing the leading information system, SAP-ERP. In the immediate future, new innovative services for citizens are planned, such as an app that will notify businesses in Athens 20 minutes before the garbage truck arrives, so they can place their waste outside at the appropriate time.
What is your favorite neighborhood in the city where you truly feel the renowned Athenian charm?
Every neighborhood in Athens has its own charm and energy. Each route evokes different emotions and thoughts: awe on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, in the shadow of the Acropolis; strong vibes in Gazi; and multiculturalism in Metaxourgeio. Whenever I find the time, I walk through the streets of the city. It’s a great opportunity for direct communication with residents. Many approach me to share their concerns — and that gives me the drive to keep fighting, both for each individual and for everyone collectively, toward a better everyday life.
