Apokoronas council votes unanimously to defend ETANAP's local roots and jobs in Stylos

Summary

The Apokoronas Municipal Council passed a unanimous resolution on June 29, 2026, setting out the municipality's firm position on a possible change in ownership at local company ETANAP. The council's priorities are clear: protect jobs at the Stylos production site, keep the company tied to the local community, and ensure its long-standing social contributions continue. As a first concrete step, the council will invite ETANAP's board and representatives from the Bank of Chania to a public discussion at an upcoming council meeting.

Apokoronas stands firm on ETANAP: unanimous council vote to protect jobs and local identity

Every member of the Apokoronas Municipal Council voted in favour of a resolution on June 29, 2026, making clear that the municipality will not stand aside if the ownership of local company ETANAP changes hands without regard for the community. The decision, numbered 70/2026, marks the opening move in what could become a significant local economic and political battle.

What is ETANAP and why does it matter?

ETANAP is one of the most important companies rooted in the Apokoronas area, with its production operations based in Stylos. For decades it has been a cornerstone of the local economy, providing jobs and contributing to community life. Its history is closely tied to the late Irineos Galanakis, who built the company with a philosophy that combined business success with genuine social responsibility and commitment to the region. Any change in who owns or controls ETANAP — potentially linked to the Bank of Chania — directly affects many families in Apokoronas.

What the council decided

The resolution sets out several concrete steps, not just words of concern. The council made clear that its top priorities are:

Protecting existing jobs at ETANAP
Ensuring production continues at the Stylos site
Keeping the company's identity and ties to Apokoronas intact
Continuing the company's contributions to the local community

Beyond declaring these priorities, the council resolved to take action on three fronts.

First, the President and board members of ETANAP, along with representatives from the Bank of Chania, will be formally invited to attend an upcoming council meeting for an open public discussion. This gives residents and councillors a direct opportunity to hear from those involved and put their questions on record.

Second, the municipality will take the initiative of searching for local investors — businesses and private individuals from Apokoronas — who might be willing to participate in acquiring shares in the Bank of Chania's capital. This is a bold move that signals the council's intention to keep ownership in local hands if possible.

Third, the Mayor of Apokoronas has been authorised to take all necessary institutional steps to defend the interests of the local community, giving the executive branch a clear mandate to act.

What this means for people in Apokoronas

For residents whose livelihoods are linked — directly or indirectly — to ETANAP, this resolution is a reassurance that their elected representatives are paying attention and are prepared to act. The unanimous vote carries extra weight: there is no political division here, only a shared determination to protect what the company means to this community.

The next developments to watch for are the announced council discussion with ETANAP and Bank of Chania representatives, and whether a local investment group can be assembled in response to the municipality's call.

Official source

PRESS RELEASE – MUNICIPALITY OF APOKORONAS: UNANIMOUS RESOLUTION OF THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL IN VIEW OF POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE OWNERSHIP STATUS OF ETANAP

July 2, 2026, 7:11 AM

The Municipal Council of the Municipality of Apokoronas unanimously issued a resolution concerning the positions and principles of the Municipality of Apokoronas in view of possible developments in the ownership status of ETANAP.

Below is the text of the resolution:

The Municipal Council of Apokoronas, at its session of June 29, 2026, following deliberative discussion, decides Unanimously to issue the following resolution:

The Municipal Council of Apokoronas:

Acknowledges the longstanding contribution of ETANAP to the economic, social and developmental trajectory of Apokoronas.

Honours the legacy of the late blessed Irineos Galanakis, who linked entrepreneurial activity with social development and the progress of the area.

Expresses the legitimate interest of the local community in every development concerning the future of the company.

Declares that the priorities for the Municipality of Apokoronas are: the protection of jobs, the continuation of productive activity in Stylos, the preservation of the company's bond with the area, and the continuation of its social contribution.

Calls upon all involved parties to take into account the historical, social and developmental significance of the company for Apokoronas.

That the President and members of the Board of Directors of ETANAP and Representatives from the Bank of Chania be invited to a deliberative discussion at a subsequent Municipal Council session of Apokoronas.

That, on the initiative of the Municipality of Apokoronas, acquisition capital for the share capital of the Bank of Chania be sought from entrepreneurs and private individuals from Apokoronas.

Authorises the Mayor of Apokoronas to proceed with every necessary institutional action for the defence of the interests of the local community.

This decision was assigned the sequential number 70/2026.