The Academy of Athens and Greece’s public broadcaster, Greece’s Broadcasting Corporation (ERT), signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, as part of the celebrations marking the Academy’s centenary. The agreement aims to bring scientific thought and intellectual creativity closer to the public.

The Memorandum was signed in the Ceremonial Hall of the Academy of Athens by Nikiforos Diamandouros, President of the Academy, Antonios Rengakos, Secretary-General, and Giannis Papadopoulos, President of ERT.

This partnership highlights the institution’s historical journey and contemporary activities, connecting a century of intellectual contributions with the issues and challenges of today.

The agreement provides for the co-production of documentaries, short programs and informational messages, coverage of anniversary events, and the promotion of the Academy’s work through ERT’s television and radio programs, digital platforms and social media. The Academy will contribute by involving academics and researchers, providing scientific, historical and archival material and ensuring the scientific supervision of the content.

The President of the Academy of Athens, Nikiforos Diamandouros, emphasized that the centenary presents an opportunity to strengthen the institution’s engagement with society:

“For the Academy, the centenary is an opportunity not only to look back on a century of history, but also to open its doors even wider and bring its work closer to the general public.”

Describing the shared objective of the two institutions, he expressed the hope that this collaboration would “open up new avenues for knowledge, science and culture to play an even more significant role in public life.”

The Secretary-General of the Academy of Athens, Antonios Rengakos, highlighted the connection between the institution’s prestige and its responsibility towards the present and the future:

“An institution with such an important history must earn its prestige every day through the quality of its research, its independence of judgement and its involvement in the major issues of our time.”

Looking ahead to the Academy’s second century, he identified support for original research and young scientists, interdisciplinary cooperation, and the use of digital tools to facilitate access to its archives and collections as key priorities. As he noted:

“The measure of this responsibility lies in what future generations will be able to create thanks to our work.”

ERT President Giannis Papadopoulos stated that “ERT could not be absent from the celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the Academy of Athens”, emphasizing the role of public broadcasting in showcasing the Academy’s activities and its contribution to the country’s history. As he remarked, “ERT takes on the responsibility of bringing this important heritage to the wider public.”

Meanwhile, Pavlos Marinakis, Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister and Government Spokesperson, who attended the ceremony, welcomed the collaboration between the Academy of Athens and ERT. He emphasized that the production of vidcasts and podcasts, to be made available on the public broadcaster’s platforms, would give everyone, particularly younger generations, the opportunity to learn about the country’s history and achievements.

In conclusion, he added:

“I therefore welcome this initiative and am also very proud, on behalf of the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, that we too are part of this historic moment.”

The flagship project of the collaboration is the series “100 Years of the Academy of Athens: Reflections on the Present and the Future”, featuring 36 original stories by Academy members. Since October 14, the series has been available as a vidcast on ERTFLIX and as a podcast series on ERTεcho.

In their interviews with ERT journalist Antonis Tzavaras, the academics discuss their scientific and creative journeys and address issues that directly concern today's citizens: from the role of Ancient Greek in education to the ethical boundaries of medicine, from understanding the universe to the challenges of the climate crisis.

Through these personal accounts, audiences discover the people behind the research, the ideas and the work that can enrich public debate.

The following members of the Academy of Athens take part in the series “100 Years of the Academy of Athens: Reflections on the Present and the Future”:Nikiforos Diamandouros, Antonios Rengakos, Stamatios Krimigis, Antonia Trichopoulou, Michael Cosmopoulos, Prokopios Pavlopoulos, Andreas Tzakis, Ioli Kalavrezou, Christos S. Zerefos, Ares J. Rozakis, George Kollias, Alecos Levidis, Manolis I. Korres, Doros Theodorou, Christophoros Charalambakis, Christos Papadimitriou, Michael Stathopoulos, Athanasios Fokas, Efstathios- Fotis (Stathis) Livathinos, Dimitrios Skarvelis, Paschalis Kitromilides, Constantinos Vayenas, Apostolos S. Georgiadis, Alexander Nehamas, Theodoros Papanghelis, Pavlos Sourlas, Dimitris Thanos, Kostas Buraselis, Charalambos Roussos, Emmanouil Floratos, Konstantinos Synolakis, Giorgos Chrousos, Vasilis Rapanos, Michael Tiverios, Andreas Karamanos e Panayotis N. Soucacos.

As the Academy of Athens celebrates its centenary and ERT marks 60 years of television broadcasting, the two institutions are joining forces to bring knowledge and intellectual creativity to a wider audience, both in Greece and across the Greek diaspora.

Source: ert.gr, academyofathens.gr

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An Era of Art, Elegance and Change

The Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation presents BELLE ÉPOQUE, a major temporary exhibition at its Museum in Athens, running from October 31, 2026, to February 15, 2027. Dedicated to one of the most fascinating yet contradictory periods in European history, the exhibition explores the Belle Époque through the lens of one of its most characteristic phenomena: the artistic poster.

From the late 19th century onwards, posters began transforming the streets of Paris, the celebrated “City of Light”, emerging as a dynamic new form of visual communication and paving the way for the development of modern advertising and graphic design.

Paris, the City of Light

Bringing together approximately 90 works by 15 important artists, the exhibition highlights the distinctive artistic visions of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Alfons Mucha, Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen, Pierre Bonnard, Maurice Denis, Félix Vallotton and Henri-Gabriel Ibels, among others. Also represented are Jules Chéret, René Hermann-Paul, Émile Bernard, Claude-Émile Schuffenecker, George Bottini, Théo van Rysselberghe, Louis Anquetin and Wassily Kandinsky. Alongside the posters, visitors will encounter drawings, oil paintings and pastels.

Integral to the exhibition is its evocative scenography, which recreates the atmosphere of Belle Époque Paris. Exploring the relationship between artistic posters and public space, the exhibition design captures the image and pulse of the French capital, inviting visitors on a visual journey through the “City of Light”.

When Posters Became Art

The exhibition focuses on the decades between 1880 and 1900, when colour lithography reached new heights of technical sophistication, posters spread across urban spaces on an unprecedented scale, and printed images assumed an increasingly prominent role in everyday life. From advertisements for theatrical performances, cabarets and bicycles to emerging forms of consumption, transport and entertainment, the poster became a vivid reflection of a society changing at extraordinary speed.

Belle Époque Paris was a city in constant motion. Haussmann’s grand boulevards, electric lighting, the Métro, department stores, theatres, café-concerts and cabarets transformed everyday life, giving rise to a new urban culture. Posters followed this radical transformation, covering walls and public spaces and turning the streets into an open-air gallery.

The artists featured in the exhibition did far more than illustrate products or promote performances. Through bold compositions, vibrant colours and innovative graphic techniques, they brought the era’s aesthetic experimentation into the world of commercial imagery, helping establish the poster as an autonomous art form. It became much more than an advertisement: an ephemeral yet remarkably eloquent chronicle of contemporary life.

A City in Transformation

At the same time, the exhibition explores the many, often conflicting, facets of the Belle Époque. Behind the image of a glamorous and carefree era lay stark social inequalities, the harsh living conditions of the working class, political and ideological tensions, and profound changes reshaping modern society. Paris stood at the centre of these upheavals, reflecting technological, industrial and social transformations that were radically altering everyday life. The Dreyfus Affair, the expansion of individual liberties, the flourishing of popular entertainment and the emergence of a new consumer culture all contribute to a more nuanced portrait of the period.

The world of entertainment occupies a special place in the exhibition. Montmartre, the Moulin Rouge, the Folies-Bergère, café-concerts and theatres became vibrant centres of social interaction, amusement and artistic experimentation. Their stars – dancers, singers, actors and performers – became instantly recognisable through the posters created by some of the leading artists of the time.

Bringing an Era to Life

The picture of the era is further enriched by an extensive selection of photographic material documenting Belle Époque Paris, much of it sourced from the Bibliothèque nationale de France (National Library of France) and the Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris. These photographs place the artworks within their original urban context, bringing to life the streets, boulevards, crowds and everyday scenes of a city undergoing profound transformation.

The exhibition also incorporates excerpts from early films, including Les colleurs d’affiches (The Poster-Pasters) by the Lumière brothers and Défense d’afficher (Post No Bills) by Georges Méliès, offering an additional glimpse into the visual culture and urban life of the period.

Traditionally, the Belle Époque is considered to span the years from 1880 to 1914, coming to an end with the outbreak of the First World War. The B&E Goulandris Foundation’s exhibition, however, concentrates on the two decades between 1880 and 1900, when the artistic poster reached its zenith and the printed image transformed the relationship between art and everyday life.

BELLE ÉPOQUE invites visitors to rediscover Paris not simply as the mythical “City of Light”, but as a modern metropolis in the throes of feverish transformation – a city where art took to the streets and became an integral part of everyday life.

The exhibition is curated by Marie Koutsomallis-Moreau, Head of Collection at the B&E Goulandris Foundation, and Marina Ferretti Bocquillon, Scientific Director Emerita of the Musée des impressionnismes Giverny.

An extensive trilingual catalogue, in Greek, English and French, accompanies the exhibition, featuring detailed entries and documentation on the artworks.

B&E Goulandris Podcasts: Exploring the Belle Époque

The B&E Goulandris Foundation’s podcast series, “B&E Goulandris Podcasts: An Audio Dive into the Enchanting World of Art”, continues with a special feature dedicated to the BELLE ÉPOQUE exhibition.

The new instalment comprises three episodes. The first explores the Belle Époque as a period that profoundly transformed French society, everyday life and the image of Paris, amid far-reaching social and cultural changes. The second examines the emergence of a new visual language that transformed the streets of Paris and gave rise to modern advertising, while the third turns its attention to Athens during the same period.

Contributors include Marie Koutsomallis-Moreau, Head of Collection at the B&E Goulandris Foundation and co-curator of the exhibition; visual artist and exhibition scenographer Andreas Georgiadis; visual artist and graphic designer Kanella Arapoglou; journalist and author Nikos Vatopoulos; and Amalia Kotsaki, Professor of History and Theory of Architecture.

The podcasts are available on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube Music, as well as on goulandris.gr. Visitors will also be able to access them at the exhibition through QR codes.

Cover photo: Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen (1859-1923), The Street. Charles Verneau Posters, circa 1896.

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In the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the new Smart Building of the Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications (IIT) was officially inaugurated on 20 October 2026 at the National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos” (NCSR).

The state-of-the-art facility features advanced research laboratories, a modern data center and intelligent building management technologies. It will strengthen Demokritos’ research and technological development capabilities while fostering closer collaboration with businesses and public institutions.

The completion of the building marks a significant milestone in the wider modernization of Demokritos’ research infrastructure, creating new opportunities for researchers and supporting the development of technologies with practical applications across society and the economy.

A modern, sustainable and accessible research facility

The building’s distinctive architectural design comprises two separate volumes connected by a central atrium crowned by a glass pyramid, allowing natural light to reach every floor.

Designed with sustainability and accessibility in mind, the facility incorporates a centralized Building Management System (BMS), a photovoltaic installation and bioclimatic sunshades with adjustable slats. It is also fully accessible to persons with disabilities.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos, Deputy Development Minister Stavros Kalafatis and Secretary General for Research and Innovation Dimitris Terzis.

Guests were welcomed by Vangelis Karkaletsis, Director and Chair of the Board of Demokritos, and Giorgos Paliouras, Deputy Director of the Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications. The event also brought together directors of Demokritos’ institutes, researchers, members of Parliament, representatives of academia and the research community, business leaders and local authorities.

Mitsotakis: Investing in technology, research and modern infrastructure

In his address, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted the importance of investing in emerging technologies, research, and modern infrastructure for the country’s future, stating:

“This is a building that truly reflects the new momentum of excellence and innovation in our country, as well as the government’s equally high ambitions for Greece in the age of artificial intelligence. We can now say that the worlds of science, technology, and public administration are coming together under one roof with the business community, including both start-ups and larger companies.

I believe this is important because we are now leaving behind an era in which our country essentially relied on importing ready-made technological solutions. Today, we are bringing our strengths together with the aim of developing not only domestic expertise but also innovative applications across a range of cutting-edge fields.”

Demokritos announces its eighth institute: IRISE

Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos emphasized that Greece is not merely observing technological change but actively contributing to it by generating knowledge and developing innovations that benefit the economy and society.

He also announced the establishment of IRISE, the Institute for Research Integrity, Security and Ethics, which will become Demokritos’ eighth institute.

IRISE will support the development of knowledge, tools and policies for trustworthy artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and responsible research.

“Demokritos is once again at the forefront of innovation,” he noted, emphasizing that “the research we pursue places people at the center.”

From pioneering computing to artificial intelligence

In his welcoming remarks, Vangelis Karkaletsis reflected on the role of scientific research and invoked a famous saying attributed to Democritus of Abdera: “The truth lies in the depths.”

He explained that scientific knowledge requires questioning, perseverance, boldness and collective effort rather than reliance on appearances alone.

Tracing the history of the Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications, he highlighted its early work in electronics in 1958, the development of the experimental computer “Proteas”, the establishment of pioneering artificial intelligence laboratories, the creation of the “Ariadne” network - which helped lay the foundations for the internet in Greece - and the establishment of the Institute in 1987.

These milestones, he noted, illustrate the Institute’s longstanding contribution to the development of Greece’s technological expertise.

Karkaletsis also emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary research and the links between technology, philosophy and ethics. He advocated an approach to artificial intelligence that strengthens human judgement and autonomy, while recognizing the researchers and teams behind the infrastructure as Demokritos’ greatest asset.

Interdisciplinary research serving society

Deputy Development Minister Stavros Kalafatis highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the practical application of digital research to societal challenges, including those in healthcare, the environment and culture.

He noted that bringing together different scientific disciplines gives Demokritos and the Lefkippos Technology Park a distinctive advantage. The proximity of researchers and businesses, he explained, creates opportunities for partnerships that translate scientific knowledge into innovative solutions and tangible benefits for society.

The new IIT building is expected to reinforce this model by bringing research, technological development and entrepreneurship closer together.

The New IΙΤ Building Strengthens Collaboration and International Outreach Across the Research and Innovation Ecosystem

Dimitris Terzis, Secretary General for Research and Innovation, highlighted the new opportunities created by the Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications (IIT) building, as well as investments aimed at strengthening the country’s research infrastructure, stating:

“The new building of the Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications houses Pharos AI Factory, which makes use of the national supercomputer DAIDALOS. It also accommodates an advanced data center, which will soon be connected to Lavrio via fibre-optic cable and will serve not only the needs of Demokritos but also some of DAIDALOS’s own requirements.

The facility we are standing in also symbolizes a series of major investments the government has made in research, using both national and European Union funding.”

Exploring the future of AI and telecommunications

The inauguration program concluded with two panel discussions showcasing the Institute’s research and examining opportunities to strengthen links between scientific knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship.

The first panel, “Artificial Intelligence and Telecommunications: Shaping the Digital Future,” featured IIT researchers presenting different aspects of the Institute’s work in artificial intelligence and telecommunications.

The second panel, “Research, Infrastructure and Business: Building the AI Ecosystem,” focused on cooperation between the research community and the private sector, as well as on leveraging research infrastructure to develop innovative applications.

Source: National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”

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Study in Greece’s second Greek University Panorama in the Balkans brought university representatives to Albania and North Macedonia, highlighting strong interest in Greek higher education and new opportunities for international student recruitment.

Study in Greece has successfully completed the second edition of the Greek University Panorama in the Balkans, held from 13 to 18 October 2026 in Albania and North Macedonia. The initiative brought together representatives of the University of Macedonia, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, in cooperation with the Embassies of Greece in Tirana and Skopje.

Through school visits, dedicated information events and participation in international study fairs, the roadshow introduced prospective students to English-taught undergraduate programs and explored the broader potential of Greek higher education in neighboring countries. Strong attendance and considerable interest across the activities highlighted the value of sustained outreach in a region where geographical proximity, existing familiarity with the Greek language and the appeal of accessible, high-quality university education create significant opportunities for international recruitment.

Albania: Bringing Greek University Opportunities Closer to Students

In Tirana, Study in Greece visited three educational institutions: Protagonists High School, which also incorporates Logos University College; Arsakeio High School of Tirana; and the British School of Tirana.

The visits provided an opportunity to introduce students to undergraduate study options in Greece, present programs taught in English and encourage direct discussion about pursuing university studies in a neighboring country. Engagement with school communities is an important part of international student recruitment, enabling prospective students to explore academic pathways and access information to help guide their future decisions.

The response to the roadshow also reinforced the importance of maintaining a consistent presence in Albania. Returning to the country following the first Greek University Panorama in the Balkans in spring 2026 enabled Study in Greece to build on previous contacts, establish new connections and further raise awareness of the opportunities offered by Greek universities.

From Bitola to Skopje: Greek Universities Attract Strong Interest

In North Macedonia, Study in Greece participated in the “Study Opportunities in the EU” fair at Bitola Europe House, alongside representatives of France, Germany, Austria and Bulgaria. The event offered prospective students the opportunity to explore study destinations across Europe and learn more about academic opportunities at Greek universities.

The roadshow continued on Friday, 16 October, with a successful visit to Zef Lush Marku High School, an Albanian-language school in Skopje, followed by a dedicated Study in Greece information event at Skopje Europe House. The event attracted a particularly strong turnout, giving students and families the opportunity to learn about Greek higher education and speak directly with representatives of the participating universities.

Over the weekend, Study in Greece also took part in two international study fairs organized by the Educational Advising Center (EAC) and Future Option. The Greek university stands attracted considerable attention, drawing strong interest alongside institutions representing established international study destinations, including the United Kingdom, Australia, France and Germany.

The response at these fairs highlighted the potential for Greek higher education to gain greater visibility alongside well-established international destinations. By showcasing the quality, accessibility and diversity of their academic offerings, Greek universities demonstrated their potential to attract prospective students in an increasingly competitive international education landscape.

Combined with the strong turnout at the Skopje information event, the interest recorded throughout the roadshow points to promising opportunities for Greek universities to expand their presence in North Macedonia and strengthen their engagement with prospective students and their families.

Beyond English-Taught Degrees: Unlocking the Potential of Greek-Language Education

One of the key opportunities highlighted by the roadshow is the potential to attract more international students to Greek-taught university programs. In both Albania and North Macedonia, prospective students include people who already speak Greek, as well as those willing to learn the language to pursue their academic ambitions in Greece.

This interest creates an opportunity to broaden international recruitment beyond English-taught degrees and make greater use of the linguistic and cultural ties connecting Greece with its neighbors.

In Bitola, the Pelagonia Association, which offers Greek-language courses and operates as an examination centre certified by the Hellenic Ministry of Education, provides an established point of reference for language learning and certification.

Closer links between local educational initiatives of this kind and Greek universities could help establish clearer pathways for prospective students interested in pursuing degrees in Greek. Realising this potential would also require examining the admission capacity available to international students in Greek-taught undergraduate programmes. In particular, the current limit of 1% of international students per undergraduate programme raises the question of whether existing provisions could be expanded to accommodate growing interest.

Developing these pathways would support a more comprehensive approach to international student recruitment, encompassing both English-taught programmes and opportunities for students who wish to study in Greek.

Sustained Presence, Lasting Impact

The second Greek University Panorama in the Balkans underscored the importance of continuity in establishing Greece as a recognized destination for international higher education. Returning to Albania and North Macedonia just a few months after the first edition in spring 2026 enabled Study in Greece to reinforce its presence, build on previous outreach and maintain engagement with prospective students and local educational communities.

The strong attendance and interest recorded throughout the roadshow highlighted the potential for further growth, particularly for universities in Northern Greece, whose geographical proximity to both countries offers an additional advantage for students considering studying abroad.

By maintaining a consistent presence in the region and strengthening connections with schools, educational organizations and prospective students, Study in Greece aims to raise awareness of the quality, accessibility and diversity of Greek higher education. The Greek University Panorama in the Balkans forms part of these broader efforts to expand the international reach of Greek universities and build lasting connections with prospective students across the region.

Source: Study in Greece

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Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vassilis Kikilias highlighted the importance of cooperation between Greece and Japan in shaping developments in global shipping, safeguarding free trade and protecting economies and societies from the impact of international crises, in his address to the Capital Link Japan Maritime Forum  held on Friday, 16 October 2026, in Tokyo.

The Minister stressed that Greece and Japan, which together account for approximately 32% of the global merchant fleet, have the ability to shape developments in global shipping. He noted that although Greece represents just 2% of Europe’s GDP, it accounts for 20% of the global fleet, while Japan accounts for approximately 12%.

Commenting on international developments, Minister Kikilias noted: “We have wars in the heart of Europe and in the Middle East, inflation, and high energy and goods prices. And right now, there is no prospect of an immediate end to the wars. Japan is the world’s fourth-largest economy, yet it too faces problems, depending on how events unfold. We know that conditions will become extremely difficult. We therefore need to coordinate our efforts and engage in discussions and negotiations on global trade.”

He also noted that “so far, alternative fuels meet just 0.5% of global needs. We say that we will ultimately reach our goal, and we must take steps in that direction.”

Addressing representatives of the shipping industry, he highlighted that “the shipping industry, shipowners, shipbuilders, traders, everyone working in and around the sector, masters, engineers and seafarers are inseparably linked to society.”

On the historic ties between Greece and Japan, he stressed: “After the devastation of the Second World War, Greek shipowners had the courage to come here, to Japan, and invest in building their ships in Japanese shipyards. We are here to show that we deeply appreciate this country, respect its people and seek to bring our countries even closer together.”

Minister Vassilis Kikilias, held meetings in Tokyo with Japan’s Minister for Development Strategy, Minoru Kiuchi; Vice-Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Kentaro Asahi; and Chairman of the Japan–Greece Parliamentary Friendship Group, Taro Kono. The meetings took place as part of his visit to Tokyo and focused on deepening bilateral relations, strengthening maritime cooperation, and discussing international developments affecting maritime safety.

During his meeting with Minoru Kiuchi, the two ministers expressed their concerns about the ongoing threats to maritime safety in the Strait of Hormuz and their impact on international maritime trade. They also continued discussions initiated in Thessaloniki in September, during the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), regarding deeper cooperation in port logistics and shipbuilding. Shipbuilding has been included among the 17 sectors of strategic importance identified by the government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Emphasising the shared values that unite the two countries and their commitment to international law, the two ministers reaffirmed their common determination to strengthen all aspects of their maritime cooperation, both bilaterally and within the framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), where crucial negotiations on the energy transition of the shipping industry are taking place.

Mr Kikilias also met with Japan’s Vice-Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Kentaro Asahi. During the meeting, both sides acknowledged the long-standing and deep-rooted maritime ties between Greece and Japan, which were forged in the aftermath of the devastation of the Second World War and have remained consistently strong ever since. These ties are reflected in the fact that Japan’s exceptionally high-quality shipyards remain a leading choice for Greek shipowners, who rank second in terms of shipbuilding orders.

Both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in further expanding bilateral cooperation in shipping and shipbuilding by promoting reciprocal investments. They also expressed interest in operational cooperation between their respective coast guards, as well as collaboration within the IMO.

They stressed that the current challenging geopolitical landscape inevitably affects the shipping industry and jointly condemned attacks against seafarers and international shipping. For his part, Mr Kikilias pointed out that these challenges, combined with the fact that sufficient alternative fuels for shipping are not yet available, make it necessary to ensure fairer treatment for LNG, the only truly viable transitional fuel.

He also underlined that managing this challenge entails a major responsibility, as it will determine whether global energy prices rise and, consequently, the extent to which people’s everyday lives and countries’ ability to remain competitive will be affected. For this reason, he emphasised the importance of further strengthening the existing channels of communication between the two sides on these issues.

Mr Kikilias also met with Taro Kono, Chairman of the Japan–Greece Parliamentary Friendship Group, who has previously served, among other roles, as Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister of Defense and Minister for Digital Transformation. He also met with members of the group: Kiyoshi Odawara, Vice-Minister of Defense; Nobuhide Minirikawa; Daisuke Nishino; and Shin Tsuchida.

With regard to shipping, they agreed to pursue closer cooperation, given the long-standing relationship of mutual respect and appreciation between Greece and Japan and the contribution of the Greek-owned fleet to Japan’s energy supplies.

Source (text and photos): Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy

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Greece inaugurated its new National Supercomputer, DAEDALUS, on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the Lavrion Technological and Cultural Park of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The Prime Minister and the Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, Dimitris Papastergiou, symbolically activated the country’s most powerful computing system to date, marking a significant milestone for scientific research, technological innovation, and the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in Greece.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted Greece’s progress in technology, particularly in Artificial Intelligence, and thanked everyone involved in bringing the project to fruition.

“Greece’s journey in technology, from lagging behind to becoming a pioneer, particularly in the field of Artificial Intelligence, has indeed been and continues to be exceptionally exciting.

I would like to thank everyone who worked to make this project a reality. I can see the deep emotion in the eyes of many people here, because I know how hard you have worked to bring us to this point, where our country now has one of the most powerful supercomputers. At the same time, we have installed it in a building of great historical and cultural significance.

Here, we are building a bridge from the Second Industrial Revolution, from the early 20th century, when electricity was generated at this site, to the present day, with the installation of a supercomputer offering exceptional capabilities.

Now we move to the next step: making this tremendous computing power available to Greek researchers, the Greek business community, startups, and larger enterprises alike.”

Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence Dimitris Papastergiou emphasized the strategic importance of DAEDALUS, describing it as a major step towards strengthening Greece’s position in the international AI and high-performance computing landscape.

“This site has something truly special about it. It takes us on a journey from the Second to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Where electricity was once generated, today we transform energy, data, and human talent into Artificial Intelligence.

With DAEDALUS, Greece becomes the 14th country worldwide to acquire this kind of infrastructure. This is a tremendous step forward.

DAEDALUS is being brought into operation today and, once the necessary tests and technical adjustments have been completed, it will begin providing services in December.

Our goal is for Greece to develop its own Artificial Intelligence, have its own infrastructure, and make use of its data here, in Greece and in Europe. We want to equip universities, researchers, and startups with the tools they need to create, innovate, and retain talent in our country.

With DAEDALUS, the new supercomputer coming to Kozani, and the capabilities of AI Factories, we are building the infrastructure that can make Greece a leading force in the wider region.

I would like to thank everyone who worked to make this outstanding project a reality. Today, from historic Lavrion, we are taking a major step towards the future.”

What Is DAEDALUS?

DAEDALUS is one of Europe’s most powerful computing infrastructures, designed to perform vast numbers of complex calculations at extraordinary speeds. It will provide Greece’s scientific and research communities with advanced computing capabilities that have often required access to specialized facilities abroad.

With a computing performance of 85.69 petaflops, DAEDALUS ranks among the world’s most powerful supercomputers. Its architecture comprises thousands of computing cores working in parallel, enabling it to tackle complex problems far more quickly than conventional computing systems.

Developed by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), the supercomputer is based on NVIDIA’s GH200 Grace Hopper Superchip architecture, which is designed for high-performance computing and AI model training. It also incorporates direct liquid cooling technology, helping improve energy efficiency and maintain stable operating conditions.

DAEDALUS is expected to support a broad range of applications, including Artificial Intelligence, medical and biomedical research, climate modelling, civil protection, defence, and large-scale data processing.

Its computing resources will be made available to universities, research centers, startups, businesses, and public-sector organizations, supporting scientific discovery, technological development, and the creation of innovative products and services.

By providing access to advanced computing infrastructure within Greece, DAEDALUS is also expected to strengthen collaboration between academia, industry, and the public sector, while creating new opportunities for Greek researchers and entrepreneurs.

A supercomputer is not a single computer but a sophisticated system comprising thousands of interconnected processors and computing units that operate simultaneously.

When given a complex problem, the system divides it into smaller tasks and processes them in parallel. This approach enables it to perform calculations and simulations that could take conventional computers weeks or even months in a matter of minutes or hours, depending on the workload.

By combining immense computing power with advanced energy-efficient technologies, DAEDALUS will provide Greece with an important tool for addressing complex scientific and technological challenges and advancing the country’s ambitions in Artificial Intelligence and innovation.

Sources: mindigital.gr, ertnews.gr

Photo Credits: MALIAKOS_NIKOS

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Greece’s largest battery energy storage system and one of the largest in Europe, was inaugurated on Wednesday, October 14.2026, in Larissa. With a power output of 330 MW and a storage capacity of 790 MWh, the project was developed through a strategic partnership between METLEN and the Karatzis Group of Companies.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou, attended the inauguration ceremony.

The new facility represents energy infrastructure of strategic importance, as energy storage, electricity grids and interconnections are essential prerequisites for attracting investment and strengthening the productive base of Greece and Europe. It clearly demonstrates the importance of having projects that are sufficiently advanced, modern infrastructure, and companies with the scale and expertise required not only to invest but, above all, to deliver projects successfully.

The facility is a flagship project for the new era of energy and an important milestone in building the productive foundation on which the next phase of the Greek economy will rely. METLEN undertook the construction, operation and maintenance of the facility, drawing on its international experience in delivering complex energy storage projects.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the facility as an important step towards the Greece of the future, highlighting the investment’s contribution to the country’s energy security and competitiveness.

Among other things, he explained that the investment would enable surplus electricity generated from renewable energy sources, primarily solar and wind power, to be stored and fed into the grid whenever needed. He described the project as an example of the flexibility required to manage electricity generated from renewables, emphasizing the important role that investments in energy storage facilities played in achieving this objective.

In this context, Prime Minister Mitsotakis underlined the importance of the project inaugurated by Metlen and the Karatzis Group, explaining that this was also why the government had supported energy storage investments through the Recovery and Resilience Facility and was continuing to allocate €200 million to similar initiatives.

Regarding the green transition, he stressed that it should be viewed as a marathon rather than a sprint. He also noted that, as Greece and Europe moved towards their long-term energy transition goals, fossil fuels would continue to play a significant role in the interim period.

He therefore he argued that the country’s overall energy planning should be balanced and flexible. In this regard, he noted that Greece was also moving ahead with its first natural gas exploratory drilling operation in decades, which was scheduled to begin in the Ionian Sea in the second quarter of 2027.

Prime Minister Mitsotakis further emphasized that investment in and support for Greek industry constituted a national priority. He described these developments as a vision of Greece’s future, in which the country would demonstrate greater resilience and adaptability, enabling it to better withstand external shocks and enhance its competitiveness in international markets.

Sources: primeminister.gr, amna.gr

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From Meteora and Theopetra to Aspropotamos, Pyli and Paleokarya, a comprehensive development strategy seeks to forge links between geology, nature, culture, gastronomy and local entrepreneurship. The area extends far beyond Meteora. Covering 2,410 km², it encompasses the geographical boundaries of the Municipalities of Meteora and Pyli and is home to a remarkable mosaic of geological, natural and cultural treasures.

The Meteora–Pyli UNESCO Global Geopark features 21 remarkable geological formations, six caves, seven religious monuments and 32 trails. Its territory also contains important historical and archaeological sites, rich flora and fauna, elements of intangible cultural heritage, and a distinctive local gastronomic identity.

Meteora is already inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, giving the region international recognition on which local stakeholders now intend to build a broader, more integrated tourism and economic offering. The main challenge is to transform this exceptional heritage into a genuine driver of economic development, moving beyond simple promotion to establish tangible connections with the real economy, businesses, producers and local communities.

This was precisely the objective of the meeting entitled “Developing Geotourism and Local Partnerships,” held on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, in Kalambaka on the occasion of World Tourism Day. The event was organized by the Meteora–Pyli Geopark in collaboration with the Municipalities of Meteora and Pyli.

21 Geological Formations, from Meteora to Aspropotamos

At the heart of the Geopark are 21 geological formations recognized by UNESCO as part of the world's geological heritage. The list includes Meteora, the Adrachti rock formation, the geological formations of Gavros, the Athamania Gorge, the Tzourtzia waterfalls, known as the “Demon’s Mill” (Μαντάνι του Δαίμονα in Greek), the Aspropotamos springs and the alpine Lake Verliga, the Gropa Gorge, and the Koziakas tectonic overthrust.

The list also includes the twin waterfalls of Paleokarya, Bei Cave, the Portaikos Valley and its folds, the Malakasiotis Valley, the tafoni and geological formations of Agios Dimitrios, the Voliotis sinkhole, the ophiolites of Panagia, the Katara site, the “Trypio Lithari” rock arch, the oceanic sediments of Malakasi, Theopetra Cave and the spectacular tafoni formations of Kalambaka.

Together, these sites form a genuine open-air geological museum, where diverse landscapes and fascinating geological histories create a continuous journey across the region.

From Geology to Culture and Gastronomy

The concept of a geopark extends far beyond the protection and promotion of geological formations. In keeping with the philosophy of UNESCO Global Geoparks, geological heritage is closely connected with the natural environment, history, archaeology, culture, education and sustainable development.

In the case of the Meteora–Pyli Geopark, these different dimensions coexist across a territory with a population of 32,126, six caves, seven religious monuments and 32 trails.

Visitors who come to discover Meteora can therefore be encouraged to explore much more than this iconic landmark: visit Theopetra, discover geological sites, follow hiking trails, explore villages, learn about the region's history and culture, sample local products and enjoy authentic gastronomic experiences.

The aim is to create a network of complementary experiences linking all these assets, offering visitors a more comprehensive discovery of the region while contributing to its sustainable development.

The Main Challenge: Boosting the Local Economy

During the meeting in Kalambaka, discussions focused precisely on this dimension: how to turn the Geopark into a genuine driver of growth for the people and businesses that sustain the region on a daily basis.

Tourism professionals and entrepreneurs shared their experiences, market needs, development prospects and the challenges facing their sector.

The objective is clearly defined: connect a geological site to a hiking route, the route to a village, the village to a local producer, the regional product to a gastronomic experience, and bring all these elements together in a coherent and comprehensive tourism offering.

The Geopark can thus play a unifying role, bringing tourism, culture, local production and entrepreneurship together under a common identity.

Nikos Pitsioulis, the Geopark's special adviser, highlighted the importance of partnerships in moving beyond the simple promotion of natural and geological assets towards the creation of integrated tourism experiences.

Meanwhile, Grigoris Papacharalampous, Director General of the development organisation THESSALOMA and representative of the Geopark's management, presented the available tools and opportunities for establishing tangible links between businesses, local products and visitors.

The Region of Thessaly and the Financial Dimension

Funding also plays an important role in this initiative. According to the information presented, the Region of Thessaly has secured €12 million under the Integrated Territorial Investment (ITI) scheme for the Meteora–Pyli Geopark, providing a substantial financial foundation for implementing projects and initiatives across the territory.

This funding supports the efforts of the two municipalities and provides an additional, crucial element: the opportunity to translate cooperation into concrete interventions and strategic projects.

At the same time, cooperation between the Municipalities of Meteora and Pyli and the Region of Thessaly is particularly important. The Geopark's development cannot be the responsibility of a single organisation; it must form part of a collective territorial development strategy involving all relevant stakeholders.

“The Geopark Can Become a Shared Framework for Development”

In an interview with the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA), Lefteris Avramopoulos, Mayor of the Municipality of Meteora, emphasised the importance of connecting the region's assets and strengthening cooperation between the two municipalities and the Region of Thessaly.

“The major challenge is to connect all the region's assets so that visitors to Meteora also have reasons to discover the geological sites, villages, museums, routes, local producers and regional gastronomy.

“The Meteora–Pyli Geopark can serve as a unifying framework, bringing together the natural environment, geological heritage, culture, the local economy and tourism.

“In this major undertaking, we benefit from significant support from the Region of Thessaly. The Regional Governor, Dimitris Kouretas, has secured €12 million for the Integrated Territorial Investment of the Meteora–Pyli Geopark, giving considerable momentum to the joint efforts of the two municipalities.

“This funding provides a solid foundation on which we can design and implement initiatives to raise awareness of the Geopark and strengthen its links with the local economy and entrepreneurship.

“At the same time, we maintain an excellent working relationship with the Municipality of Pyli and its mayor, Kostas Maravas. Our two municipalities share a common vision of how this tremendous opportunity should be harnessed.

“We are working in a coordinated manner with the Region of Thessaly to ensure that the Geopark becomes a genuine engine of development for the entire area.”

From International Recognition to Local Value Creation

As highlighted during the meeting, the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network comprised 213 geoparks across 48 countries in 2024. Their mission extends beyond protecting geological formations. It also encompasses education, environmental conservation, sustainable development and, above all, strengthening the links between geological heritage and local communities.

This is precisely the major challenge facing the Meteora–Pyli Geopark.

The aim is not to make it merely another international recognition label, but to establish a shared platform that connects Meteora with the villages, geological sites with trails, nature with culture, local production with gastronomy, and visitors with the people who live in the region.

With €12 million in funding, cooperation between the two municipalities and the Region of Thessaly, and the active participation of tourism professionals and local businesses, the next step is to transform the immense natural and cultural wealth of this 2,410 km² territory into tourism experiences, visits, stays, partnerships and tangible economic benefits for the region.

Source (Text): Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA)

Source (Photos): Meteora–Pyli Geopark Facebook page.

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The 2nd Quadrilateral Ministerial Meeting on Energy and Connectivity in Southeastern Europe concluded on October 6, in Belgrade, with the participation of Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria and North Macedonia.

The meeting was attended by Greece’s Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, Serbia’s Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Handanović, North Macedonia’s Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, Sanja Božinovska, Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy, Iva Petrova, as well as the heads of the natural gas and electricity transmission system operators from the four countries.

The meeting followed the 1st Quadrilateral Ministerial Meeting, held in Athens last May at Greece’s initiative, reaffirming the four countries’ commitment to strengthening regional energy coordination. Discussions focused on enhancing energy security, diversifying energy sources and supply routes, developing energy interconnections, and further integrating electricity and natural gas markets.

Particular emphasis was placed on the development of the Vertical Gas Corridor. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening its role as a reliable energy gateway to Southeastern and Central Europe and the Western Balkans. They welcomed Serbia and North Macedonia’s participation in the Corridor, as well as the forthcoming start of construction of the natural gas interconnector between the two countries.

The Ministers also discussed strengthening electricity interconnections and transmission networks, developing renewable energy projects, energy storage and pumped-storage hydropower, and further integrating the electricity markets of Energy Community contracting parties with the European Union’s single market.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the four countries reiterated their commitment to continued regional cooperation and to jointly enhancing energy security, connectivity and resilience across Southeastern Europe. Greece continues to play a pivotal role as an energy gateway and transit corridor to Southeastern and Central Europe and the Western Balkans.

Following the meeting, Mr Papastavrou stated:

“Our countries face the same major challenge every day: ensuring affordable and reliable energy for our households and businesses. Regional energy interconnection and cooperation are an integral part of this effort. Since our last meeting in Athens in May, significant progress has been made. On September 4 in Thessaloniki, 11 transmission system operators from nine countries in Southern and Central Europe agreed to expand the Vertical Gas Corridor to include Serbia and North Macedonia. This development is particularly significant following the European Union’s decision to phase out Russian natural gas, as Central Europe is expected to face a need to replace approximately 20 billion cubic meters of gas.

“Today, all the Ministers reaffirmed our strong commitment to expanding the Vertical Gas Corridor to include Serbia and North Macedonia. Its expansion increases the capacity to transport natural gas from Greece to Central Europe, providing additional supply routes. It strengthens Greece’s strategic role and demonstrates what we can achieve together.

“Meanwhile, specific projects in the electricity and petroleum products sectors are underway. It is therefore useful for us to meet regularly, potentially every six months, to monitor their implementation. The next meeting will take place in Sofia, where we will have the opportunity to assess progress on all these issues.

“For Greece, the significance of this initiative extends beyond the energy sector itself. Energy serves as a connecting link that brings our four countries closer together and fosters a new culture of cooperation, enabling us to address challenges jointly and promote shared solutions. Greece supports Serbia’s integration into the European energy system. Together with my Bulgarian counterpart, we will strongly support this effort at meetings of the European Union’s Energy Ministers.”

The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continued regional cooperation and to jointly strengthening energy security, connectivity and resilience throughout Southeastern Europe.

Source: Minister of Environment and Energy

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The 19th edition of the International Animation Festival ANIMASYROS concluded in Syros on 27 September, reaffirming its position as one of Greece’s leading institutions in the field of animation and a key platform for bringing together artistic creativity, culture, innovation and international development. The 2026 edition was dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the founding of Ermoupolis, highlighting the city’s enduring historical significance as one of the most important centers of modern Greece while connecting this rich heritage with a forward-looking program.

Over the course of seven days, ANIMASYROS presented more than 280 films from 50 countries, alongside seven competition sections, screenings, international tributes, educational activities and social inclusion initiatives. Once again, the Festival demonstrated its ability to bring diverse audiences closer to the art of animation while creating valuable networking opportunities for artists, producers, institutional representatives and professionals from the audiovisual industry.

The artistic dimension of this year’s event was also reflected in the awards officially announced on 27 September. In the International Competition, the award went to Please by Anna Mantzaris; in the Greek Competition, to The Dog by Konstantinos Dimi; and in the Student Competition, to Gauze by Noran Fikri Alezabi, Nicholas Arujah, Xinyue Ma, Yulin Yue and Xiaonan Zhou. In the TV & Commissioned Films category, Saltwater by Eilidh Nicoll was recognised, while Eyeliner by Aisha Boudjillouli received the award in the Animapride section and The Eagle and the Kinglet by Paul Jadoul in the K.ID.S section. The Audience Award went to Unstoppable by Martin Lund.

Alongside its cultural dimension, ANIMASYROS is also establishing itself as an important platform for the international promotion and visibility of Greece’s animation ecosystem. In this context, the Festival’s partnership with Enterprise Greece is of particular significance, supporting the professional dimension of the Agora. As part of the Animation Agora Days, Enterprise Greece supported the B2B “Speed Dating” initiative, designed to connect Greek creators, producers and industry professionals with international representatives of the audiovisual sector.

The initiative aims to strengthen the international visibility of Greek creative talent, expand professional networks, foster potential international co-productions and create new business and investment opportunities. In this way, animation emerges not only as a form of artistic and cultural expression, but also as a dynamic creative industry with the potential to contribute to the internationalization of the Greek economy and the development of new partnerships.

This direction is closely aligned with the mission of Enterprise Greece, a state-owned company supervised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which focuses on attracting foreign direct investment to Greece and promoting Greek products and services internationally. Its presence at ANIMASYROS highlights the growing importance of the cultural and creative industries in strengthening the international presence and outward orientation of the Greek economy.

In the context of ANIMASYROS, Dimitris Skalkos, Secretary General for International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of Enterprise Greece, highlighted the importance of the Festival as a platform for meeting, dialogue and cooperation. He underlined its contribution to connecting sustainable local development with the diversity of traditions and communities, as well as with the fields of culture, creativity and entrepreneurship.

Within the same framework, he emphasized the importance of animation as both an artistic form of expression and a creative industry, with the potential to strengthen cultural ties, promote business activity and enhance the international visibility of initiatives and destinations.

The combination of the artistic program with professional activities further reinforces Syros’s role as a meeting point for the animation industry in the Eastern Mediterranean. The participation of professionals and representatives from different countries encourages the exchange of experience, expertise and diverse perspectives, further expanding the sector’s international reach.

The 2026 edition also acquired a distinct international dimension through the screening of Decorado by Spanish director Alberto Vásquez, presented in cooperation with the Embassy of Spain in Greece and Instituto Cervantes. The Spanish participation reinforced the open and Mediterranean character of a platform that connects Greek audiences and industry professionals with the global animation community.

With its 19th edition, ANIMASYROS has once again demonstrated its ability to serve as a space for artistic expression, a platform for professional exchange and a catalyst for international collaboration. The partnership with Enterprise Greece and, in particular, the development of the Speed Dating initiative within the Agora helps translate creative potential into new professional connections and opportunities for collaboration, strengthening the international presence of Greek animation.

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