Breaking with convention

Date: 30/10/1997

The Greek city of Thessaloníki seems to be taking a novel approach to its role as this year's European City of Culture.

Usually, the European Union-backed 'city of culture' title provides the opportunity for the chosen municipality to promote local art, culture and architecture across the EU.

But Thessaloníki town council appears to see things differently. According to Greek Green MEP Alexandros Alavanos, the municipal authorities are currently demolishing some ancient refugee dwellings which back on to the city's medieval walls to make way for new roads and a car park.

The dwellings in question are apparently on UNESCO's international world heritage list and, to add insult to injury, Alavanos claims the local authorities are using EU funds to carry out their demolition.

Culture Commissioner Marcelino Oreja says Euro-money is not being used for the project, but admits there is little he can do to stop it.