Subject: Letter of Collaboration Proposal to ESPA – April 2025 / Επιστολή Πρότασης Συνεργασίας προς την ESPA – Απρίλιος 2025
Thessaloniki, Monday, April 14, 2025
Dear representatives of the European Spas Association (ESPA),
The Panhellenic Association “Friends of the Thermal Springs and Spas of Greece” has been active for over 20 years in the protection, promotion, and utilization of the thermal springs and spas of Greece. Our goal is to promote thermal medicine, balneotherapy, and drinking therapy, while also supporting their connection to health, education, tourism, and local development. We have represented our cause at numerous international scientific and institutional meetings in the field, and we collaborate with Greek and European stakeholders to ensure a sustainable future for thermalism in Europe.
We wish you great success in all your actions and initiatives, and we wholeheartedly support your work. We stand by your side in our shared mission to highlight and utilize Europe’s natural therapeutic resources for the well-being of citizens.
Currently, thermalism in Greece faces significant challenges. The lack of a clear institutional framework, limited public funding, the neglect of many historic spas, and the absence of a governmental strategy for thermal medicine have led to the degradation of infrastructure and reduced accessibility. The lack of integration with the healthcare system and the shortage of trained professionals further complicate the development of a modern, scientifically substantiated model of thermal care.
These challenges directly affect the work of our Association, limiting our ability to collaborate with institutional bodies, reducing community participation, and creating additional barriers to promoting balneotherapy as a reliable complementary medical practice. Despite these setbacks, the Association remains steadfast in promoting the significance of thermalism for public health and local development.
To overcome these challenges, we seek collaboration with organizations such as ESPA to amplify our voice, exchange best practices, and highlight the value of thermalism on a health, social, environmental, and cultural level. Our participation in international networks serves as a source of inspiration and empowerment, particularly at this critical moment when thermalism in Greece urgently needs support and redefinition.
We look forward to the possibility of collaborating with ESPA and hope for a dynamic partnership to strengthen thermalism across Europe. We would greatly appreciate your response and remain at your disposal for any further communication.
Sincerely,
On behalf of the Panhellenic Association of Friends of the Thermal Springs and Spas of Greece
Dr. Emmanouil Kozadinos
Thermal Medicine Physician
Scientific Associate and Head of International Relations