RESTART W.M

RESTART West Macedonia (RESTART W.M) was founded by a group of active citizens from different fields who share a strong commitment to their region. The idea directly responded to the deepening socioeconomic challenges brought by the phase-out of lignite in Western Macedonia, including high unemployment, declining income, and reduced quality of life.

The organisation aims to contribute to the productive and social restart of the region by promoting a new development model rooted in innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and local empowerment.

RESTART W.M works closely with local stakeholders such as farmers’ groups, agricultural cooperatives, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, unemployed individuals, women, and youth. The organisation already collaborates with the local VET Centre "European Development", the Regional Unit of Kozani, and local producer groups, including Proud Farm and Patata P.C.

Its action areas include:• Innovation & Technology• Entrepreneurship & Startups• Rural Development & Primary Sector• Education & Research• Sustainable Development & Environment• Just Developmental Transition

At the European level, RESTART W.M aspires to join strong transnational partnerships to reduce regional inequalities, particularly in territories facing coal phase-out, mountainous barriers, youth unemployment, or low economic activity. Through its participation in Erasmus+ and other EU programmes, it aims to actively support territorial cohesion, inclusive growth, and the shaping of a more resilient, balanced and forward-looking Europe.