The Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Studies recently participated in a transnational meeting of the VIRTUOUS project, held in Thessaloniki (Greece). During this meeting, the partners of this project – funded by the European Commission’s Internal Security Fund (ISF) – reviewed progress, shared knowledge, and planned the next steps to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative on the protection of places of worship.
A press conference was also held to showcase the project’s progress to local stakeholders, demonstrating its practical contribution to community security and collaboration across sectors. The press conference emphasized the project’s strong commitment to improving community security, fostering cooperation among the actors involved, and delivering tangible results across the participating countries.
Professor Nikolaos Dimitriadis, President of the Center for Ecumenical, Apostolic, and Environmental Studies (CEMES), emphasized the symbolic and practical importance of protecting sacred spaces. “Places of worship represent not only faith but the foundation of peaceful coexistence. Thessaloniki has long been a city where Christians, Muslims, and Jews lived together harmoniously. Protecting these spaces is essential to preserving that legacy,” he stated.
Likewise, the press conference highlighted that ensuring security in religious sites is not only about physical protection but also about strengthening resilience, fostering interfaith understanding, and maintaining public trust. A message of support from the Office of the Prime Minister of Greece further reinforced the importance of such initiatives.
The VIRTUOUS Project continues to advocate for coordinated measures that combine faith, knowledge, and community engagement, showing that true security is built on collaboration and solidarity across religious and societal lines.
