The Digital Management of the Archive of the Hellenic Institute for Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Studies of Venice has recently been completed and is already operating through the digital infrastructure of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, making it accessible to a global audience. It offers free access to an invaluable treasury of materials—including registers, documents, heirlooms, icons, works of art, miniatures, manuscripts, and early printed books—and sheds light on the historical trajectory of the Greek diaspora from the 15^th to the 20^th century.

As was emphasized during the events held following the completion of the project, the Archive of the Greek Community, and later the Archive of the Hellenic Institute of Venice, constitutes one of the most valuable cultural assets to have been digitized in recent years. The archival holdings date from 1498 to 1954 and document the history of the Greek Brotherhood in the city of the lagoons, as well as that of the broader Greek population under Venetian rule. These records, however, are far more than the documentation of routine administrative procedures—they are living history. (Cover photo: Deputy Minister of Education K. Vlasis and the contributors of the digitization program in Venice)

The reconstruction of the church of St George began in 1536, on land purchased a few years earlier by the Greeks of Venice and was completed in 1577. The work was supervised by the architects Sante Lombardo and Zuanantonio Chiona, while the well-known architect Andrea Palladio was the consultant for the construction of the women’s balcony. The church was decorated with icons brought by refugees from Constantinople, such as the Grand Duchess Anna Paleologina Notara, but also from other regions, with works by important painters such as Michael Damaskinos, Emmanuel Tzanes Bounialis, Thomas Bathas and others. The illustration of the dome was entrusted to John the Cyprian, who worked under the supervision of the remarkable Venetian painter Jacopo Tintoretto. (Photo: https://www.ertnews.gr/)

Thirteen years after the Fall of Constantinople (1453), the great wave of exodus from the Byzantine capital—a migration that would permanently alter the course of European history—carried thousands of scholars, philosophers, and theologians to the Italian peninsula. They brought with them precious ancient Greek manuscripts in what may be regarded as the first great "brain drain" to the West. They were followed by heirs of the Byzantine Empire, architects and mosaic artists, painters, craftsmen, aristocrats, members of the imperial court, descendants of noble families, former soldiers, and many others. Venice became their principal destination, owing both to its extensive maritime trade network and to the presence of an already established Greek confraternity. This community would soon develop into one of the most important strongholds of the Greek diaspora and the foremost center of Hellenism in Italy before the Greek War of Independence of 1821.

The formal establishment of the first Greek Community in Venice in 1498, at a time when approximately 5,000 Greeks lived in the city, and the construction of the Orthodox Church of St. George a few decades later, mark what historians describe as a milestone in the history of Hellenism. It was the first organized Greek community, founded some 333 years before the establishment of the modern Greek state.

For five centuries, the Greeks of Venice have maintained a continuous presence, preserving—as the Greek Deputy Minister of Education, Konstantinos Vlasis, aptly remarked in a public address—"the language, the faith, the educational tradition, and the identity of Hellenism." From the late fifteenth century onward, they played an active role in every major period of the nation's history. Following the end of the Second World War, the movable and immovable property of the Greek Community, together with its few remaining descendants, was transferred to the Hellenic Institute of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Studies in Venice. Today, the Institute stands as the historical continuation of that Community, preserving its legacy across both time and place.

The Institute’s Digital Repository now presents to the world hundreds of its rare printed books, most of them in Greek (148), Italian (123), Latin (105), and French (81). As reported to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (APE-MPE), the program coordinator, Professor of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ch. Arabatzis, stated that a total of 140,000 documented records are now accessible in high resolution and with thorough documentation to every student, specialized researcher, and interested citizen. This includes approximately 1,000,000 digital images, 10,000 items of images and ecclesiastical artifacts, 1,000 rare printed books, and 47 valuable Byzantine manuscripts. An important aspect of the program was the development of applications with a clear educational orientation. ‘Students and university learners no longer study copies or editions—they work essentially with the original sources themselves, in their physical form and chronological sequence.’ He added that the completion of the project represents an important step in linking Greek cultural institutions with corresponding European programs that are gradually being integrated into Europeana.”

"The Digital Management of the Venetian Archive is a project of exceptional scholarly and national importance," Professor Stratos Stylianidis, former Vice Rector of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA). "It brings to light," he added, "through the use of advanced digital technologies, an invaluable archival heritage of Hellenism. It constitutes a unique testament to the historical memory, intellectual continuity, and cultural presence of the Greeks within the European world." According to Professor Stylianidis, a faculty member of the Faculty of Engineering at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Vice President of the International Scientific Committee for Heritage Documentation (CIPA – Heritage Documentation), the digital management, documentation, and dissemination of the archive "are far more than a technological intervention. They represent an act of safeguarding our collective memory and an investment in future research, education, and the dissemination of cultural heritage."

The Alexander Romance by Michael Damaskinos, Theodoros Poulakis, and the Cretan School: Portrait of Alexander the Great standing, dressed in the costume and crown of a Byzantine emperor (left); Alexander the Great dining with Darius (upper right); Alexander the Great conversing with the Gymnosophists (lower right)

Occupying a place of distinction in the new digital portal—as in the cultural heritage of the Greek Community as a whole—is the Alexander Romance, the celebrated and uniquely illustrated fourteenth-century Byzantine manuscript by Michael Damaskinos, Theodoros Poulakis, and the Cretan School (Codex 5, Narrative of Alexander, Pseudo-Callisthenes). The manuscript contains 250 remarkable miniatures embellished with gold leaf, depicting—and imaginatively narrating—the life and legendary exploits of Alexander the Great. Comprising 193 parchment folios bound into twenty-three quires (measuring approximately 32 × 24 cm), the codex recounts the principal events of Alexander's life. He is portrayed not merely as the ancient Macedonian king but as a Byzantine emperor and protector, embodying the cultural legacy of Hellenism while leading campaigns beyond the boundaries of his empire as both a military leader and a just ruler. The Alexander Romance is a work of imaginative literature that achieved worldwide renown and has been translated into eleven languages. The manuscript's extraordinary illustrations vividly portray Alexander's birth and upbringing, his military campaigns, battles, sieges, encounters with foreign rulers, and his death. It is also presented on the digital platform through an interactive application. The Institute also preserves a further forty-seven manuscript books, forty of them in Greek, all of which have now been digitized in their entirety.

Noah’s Ark, second half of the 17th century, work by Theodoros Poulakis (https://istitutoellenico.org/museum/)

At the top of the digitized and documented images and artifacts are the works of Michael Damaskinos, the distinguished Cretan painter of the 16^th century, who managed to ideally combine the strict Byzantine tradition (maniera greca) with the innovations of the Italian Renaissance and the Venetian School (maniera latina) during the period he lived in Venice. The digital archive also presents the entire collection of Orthodox art inherited by the Institute from the Greek Community. This includes masterpieces of Byzantine iconography, such as the icons brought from Constantinople in the 15^th century by Anna Palaiologina Notaras, as well as dozens of works by well-known painters: Georgios Klontzas, Emmanuel Lambardos, Victor (painter), Franghias Kavertzas, Theodoros Poulakis, Ioannis Moskos, and Emmanuel Tzanes and Konstantinos Tzanes, among others. This collection allows every visitor to follow the evolution of Cretan painting from the 15^th to the 17^th century and to be taken on a journey from Byzantium to Crete and Corfu during those centuries. Also available on the same website are impressive icons by unknown artists, such as The Descent into Hades (late 14^th  century, unknown Constantinopolitan painter), The Dormition of the Virgin (second half of the 15th century, unknown painter from a Cretan workshop), and The Ascension (second half of the 15^th century, unknown painter from Candia).

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/)

Read also:

“Alpha Beta: Learning Greek in the West: Byzantium – Italy – Europe”

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The new VisitGreece.gr, the official online portal for Greek tourism, officially launched on 1 July 2026, marking a new chapter in Greece's digital tourism promotion and communication. Presenting the new platform, Greek Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni said it represents a new approach to showcasing Greece's tourism identity internationally and engaging with visitors through the possibilities of modern technology. The redesign of VisitGreece.gr is part of the "Digital Transformation of the Greek National Tourism Organisation" project, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility.

In her address, Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni stressed that Greece's natural and cultural heritage is now acquiring a new digital dimension, further highlighting the authenticity, quality and richness of the experiences the country has to offer.  She noted that Greek tourism is in a strong growth phase, with 2025 marking a third consecutive record year. Revenues rose by 10% compared with 2024, outpacing arrivals and reflecting an upgrade in travel quality. She also pointed to continued growth beyond the summer season, with the first four months of 2026 showing a 37% increase in tourism revenues year-on-year. "These figures give us reason for optimism, but not for complacency," she said, noting that the international environment is constantly evolving.

The Minister underlined the goal of turning strong performance into long-term value for local communities, businesses and workers, while boosting the competitiveness of Greek destinations through diversification and special-interest tourism. These efforts are supported by Recovery and Resilience Facility-funded projects, including investments in infrastructure, accessibility and skills. Referring to the Digital Transformation of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, she stressed that it goes beyond a new website, aiming to create a comprehensive digital ecosystem connecting information, culture, technology and the visitor experience.

(Source: https://mintour.gov.gr/  )

The new “VisitGreece.gr”

As the Minister explained, the project is developed along three main pillars:

• The Digital Tourism Map, which through extensive recording, organisation and documentation of Greece’s tourism assets will serve as a tool for planning, promotion and the sustainable development of each destination.

• The Digital Repository and the Digital Interactive Tourism Museum. For the first time, a vast volume of the Greek National Tourism Organisation’s (GNTO) historical archive has been organised and digitised. A valuable part of the history of Greek tourism is now preserved and made accessible to citizens, researchers and future generations.

• The complete redesign of VisitGreece and the creation of a unified digital experience through the new website and the VisitGreece app.

The Minister also referred to the cooperation between the Greek government and ElevenLabs, one of the world’s leading companies in voice AI. Through the new VisitGreece platform, this technology is brought directly to the public, offering multilingual communication and a new personalised information experience. At the same time, it serves as a valuable tool for regions, municipalities, local communities and tourism businesses.

The new VisitGreece leverages Artificial Intelligence, enabling users to interact with digital assistants, receive personalised recommendations, organise their trips and access real-time information through a more natural and human-like communication experience.

Artificial intelligence is at the core of the new digital ecosystem, powering the AI Recommendation Chatbot and the Virtual Tourist Office. Operating through two complementary modes—Chat Mode for personalized trip planning and InfoDesk Mode for verified information on visas, ferry services, accessibility, and other travel essentials—the system provides visitors with reliable, official guidance throughout their journey. The redesigned mAI Greece application has also been fully integrated into the new Visit Greece app, creating a seamless digital experience.

Going beyond traditional text-based interaction, the AI assistant now supports natural voice conversations through speech-to-text and text-to-speech technologies, developed in collaboration with ElevenLabs. Visitors can speak in their own language, ask questions naturally, and receive spoken responses, significantly improving accessibility and making trusted travel information more immediate and intuitive.

The new Visit Greece portal and app further enhance the visitor experience by offering a fully personalized digital companion. Users can plan itineraries with the AI Trip Planner, navigate using their device's GPS, and receive live updates on events and activities. Greece's cultural heritage is brought to life through the Visit Greece AR App, which enables visitors to explore 3D models and digital reconstructions of cultural assets and reliefs, both on-site and remotely. The experience is completed with Traveler Stories, an interactive platform that allows visitors to share their own travel memories and experiences through intelligent content creation tools.

The Digital Transformation of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO)

This is the most comprehensive and sophisticated digital infrastructure programme ever undertaken in the history of Greece's public tourism sector, creating a unified, interoperable ecosystem of national scale. The project encompasses the simultaneous development of multiple interconnected digital solutions, including the new VisitGreece.gr portal, its companion mobile application, and AI-powered assistants—the AI Trip Planner and AI Chatbot—designed to deliver personalized visitor services.

The programme also integrates a Digital Geographic Map featuring 15,000 documented points of interest, alongside initiatives to preserve and showcase the historical archive of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) through a 3D Interactive Museum and the Visit Greece AR App. Supporting this innovative digital ecosystem is a robust backend infrastructure powered by advanced Big Data Analytics and digital management systems for local tourism businesses.

The history of Greek tourism is preserved through the platform by means of two interconnected tools: the Digital Repository and the Digital Interactive Tourism Museum. Thousands of historical assets from the archives of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO)—including iconic posters, photographs, publications, and films—have been digitized, catalogued, and preserved. This unique collection is now accessible to the public, while the 3D Digital Interactive Tourism Museum allows users to explore the evolution of the Greek tourism brand from the 1950s to the present day through an immersive virtual experience, accessible directly from their computer.

The history of tourism campaigns in Greece demonstrates the evolution of the country’s destination branding, as tourism itself has been transformed over the years searching for experience and authenticity in a digital globalized world 

With its long coastline, islands and warm climate, Greece is an ideal destination for summer sports. Visitors can enjoy activities such as sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving, running and beach sports throughout the summer season from May to October across the mainland and the Greek islands.

Read also:

A journey to Greece’s tourism campaigns: from archaeology to sharing authentic experience and values

Memorandum of Understanding Between Greece and AI Company ElevenLabs for Digital Government

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«Ὡς χαρίεν ἔστ’ ἄνθρωπος, ἂν ἄνθρωπος ᾖ» - How beautiful—mature—a person is when they are truly humane

94 archaeological sites, monuments, and museums - 12 regions - 190 events – 95 productions featuring music, theatre, visual arts/performance (1 July to 31 August 2026)

The Ministry of Culture’s initiative “All of Greece, One Culture” returns for a seventh consecutive year in the summer of 2026 to present its richest and most diverse programme to date. An inextricable part of Greece’s cultural map and a vibrant meeting point where cultural heritage and modern creativity intersect, the initiative has been substantially enhanced this year, with the number of productions increasing, more than 900 artists featured in the programme, and greater participation from local communities. For two months, from the 1st of July to the 31st of August 2026, emblematic archaeological sites, monuments, and museums across Greece will come to life through original works of the performing arts, offering audiences a unique cultural experience. The Ministry of Culture provides free admission to all events in the “All of Greece, One Culture” 2026 programme.

Launched in 2020 during the pandemic, the Ministry of Culture’s “All of Greece, One Culture” programme has become one of Greece’s leading cultural institutions. Every July and August, it presents high-quality events at archaeological sites, monuments, and museums, creatively connecting contemporary art with cultural heritage. The programme also supports cultural professionals and local communities, attracting enthusiastic audiences from Greece and abroad. The initiative has its own website (www.allofgreeceoneculture.gr ), which is compatible with all mobile devices. Through the platform, users can be informed about the full programme of events and about each production separately, as well as make the necessary bookings for all the events. At the same time, this website offers an interactive map showing all performances by region, and in the “Sites & History” section, one can find presentations of all the archaeological sites that have hosted the events from 2020 to the present day.

All of Greece, One Culture 2026 - Locations & history: 94 archaeological sites, monuments, and museums - 12 regions. With the unique privilege of presenting its events at archaeological sites, monuments, and museums across Greece, the programme has been enhanced this year with 19 new venues, further expanding the initiative’s map. Through the inclusion of new archaeological sites, monuments, and museums, the programme strengthens its presence across the country, bringing to light locations of special historical and cultural significance as venues for modern artistic creativity and cultural dialogue.

The programme’s seventh run centers on a thematic focus inspired by the famous line from Menander’s play O Dyskolos (The Difficult), “How beautiful—mature—a person is when they are truly humane.” Creators and artistic groups have been invited to measure themselves against the enduring question of humanity and the need to return to humanity as a measure of artistic creativity in modern times, and to create original works of performing arts, as well as hybrid forms of artistic expression in dialogue with the specific thematic field. At a time when humanism and meta-humanism, live spectacles, and the digital condition coexist and confront one another, the return to humanity as a measure of artistic creativity is a necessary gesture. The context of “All of Greece, One Culture,” grounded in a dialogue between modern culture and the cultural repository of emblematic archaeological sites, is the ideal framework for creating works that explore the broad scope of wonder opened by Menander’s quote.

The programme includes 95 new productions featuring music (23), theatre (34), performances/events for young audiences (13), dance (14), visual arts/performance (8), and music theatre (3). The productions will be showcased in two performances each at 94 archaeological sites, monuments, and museums across 12 regions of Greece, excluding Attica, highlighting each place’s uniqueness and enhancing cultural decentralization. A total of 190 events will be held at various venues, including ancient theatres, Roman Odeons, Byzantine monuments, museums, castles, mosques, mansions, and sacred monasteries.

The events featured in 2026’s programme were selected by a special evaluation committee of the Ministry of Culture, following an open call issued via the Ministry’s online portal: drasis.culture.gr. In line with the initiative’s philosophy, these events are directed towards innovative and hybrid forms born of the dialectical pairing of multiple art forms in each event. The productions were developed from original proposals submitted by artistic groups. The evaluation committee, in collaboration with the pertinent authorities of the Ministry of Culture, selected the archaeological sites to showcase the productions across 12 regions of Greece.

This year’s TV spot for the “All of Greece, One Culture” programme draws inspiration from human nature. Filming took place at the National Archaeological Museum and features two students from the GNO Professional Dance School, Georgia Dimou and Georgios Tsiggos. The video was created using 3D animation techniques. Among the museum’s precious exhibits, human figures depicted on ancient statues come to the fore. In the spot, as the statues crack, the human figures within them come to life, move, experience emotions, and create. The campaign’s main concept highlights the connection from ancient times to the present, with humanity serving as the common thread linking all cultures and the driving force of creation throughout the centuries.

Events On Demand: The “All of Greece, One Culture” 2026 platform also offers audiences 30 selected filmed productions from 2024 and 2025, available on demand and free of charge

Booking for events is open through the programme’s official website:

www.allofgreeceoneculture.gr

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With its focus firmly on the future of Greek entrepreneurship, the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), together with the Athens Startup Business Incubator (THEA), participated in BEYOND EXPO 2026, the leading technology exhibition in Southeast Europe. Through a rich program of events held at its exhibition booth, the Chamber highlighted the opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, and international collaborations, providing Greek businesses and the startup ecosystem with practical tools to thrive in the new digital era.

Beyond Expo has rapidly evolved into one of the most influential technology and innovation platforms in Southeast Europe. Its positioning extends beyond a traditional exhibition format, functioning as a regional convergence point for technology, investment, digital policy and innovation ecosystems. It brings together: Technology companies, Startups & innovation organizations, Research and academic institutions, Institutional representatives, public organizations and local authorities, Innovation ecosystems from Greece and abroad. Beyond Expo therefore represents a knowledge triangle with a quintuple helix model – a meeting point of technology, innovation, and public policy.  This makes the platform particularly relevant for international business communities seeking strategic visibility and engagement in the region.

The Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry is one of Greece's leading business organizations, representing and supporting enterprises across a wide range of sectors. Established in 1841, it promotes entrepreneurship, innovation, internationalization, and sustainable economic development. Through various initiatives, services, and business support programs, ACCI helps strengthen the competitiveness of Greek companies and contributes to the growth of the national economy.

The Athens Startup Business Incubator (THEA) is one of the most important initiatives of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (A.C.C.I.) aimed at supporting entrepreneurship. It focuses on nurturing innovative new business ideas with strong growth potential and an outward-looking orientation. Through THEA, the A.C.C.I. seeks to strengthen entrepreneurship in sectors related both to new technologies and technological innovation, as well as to traditional industries that demonstrate strong growth potential and international orientation.

In his welcoming address, the President of ACCI, Yiannis Bratakos, emphasized, among other things: “The next phase of the country’s development will depend on our ability to transform knowledge into products, technologies into business activity, and innovative ideas into export potential. This year, we chose to place special emphasis on Biotechnology and Health Sciences, a sector that combines scientific excellence with the creation of substantial added value. It embodies all the characteristics required for the country’s new productive model: innovation, outward orientation, high specialization, and the generation of strong added value.”

During the session “The Biotechnology and Life Sciences Ecosystem in Greece and Its Potential,” co-organized with Enterprise Greece and Bioinnovation Greece, participants examined the role of Artificial Intelligence in pharmaceutical development, , as well as issues related to sustainability and the transfer of research from the laboratory to the marketplace. The event concluded with the Biohealth-Biotech Competition, during which the sector’s most innovative ideas were presented and awarded.

Enterprise Greece is the official investment and trade promotion agency of the Greek State, operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It serves as the gateway to the opportunities Greece offers. Its mission is two-fold: to provide foreign investors with a one-stop shop for information, consulting, and assistance through every phase of their investment project, and promote Greek products and services in international markets.

BioInnovation Greece (BiG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing Greece’s biotechnology and life sciences ecosystem. Through innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic collaboration, it connects academia, industry, government, and international partners to drive scientific progress and economic growth. BiG’s goal is to position Greece as a regional hub for biotech innovation by supporting research, technology transfer, startups, and cross-sector partnerships. BioInnovation Greece Forum 2026, to be held on October 1–4, 2026 at Technopolis City of Athens, will convene leading figures from biotech, healthcare, research, startups, investment, and public policy.

The Greece–Slovakia Business Forum was co-organized by Enterprise Greece and the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO), with the support of EEN Hellas.

The Open Innovation Challenge, a joint initiative of ACCI and the Ministry of Digital Governance, was launched by Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence Dimitris Papastergiou and ACCI President Yiannis Bratakos.

The session on the “Positive Agenda Greece–Turkey” carried particular political and economic significance, highlighting the role of ACCI and THEA in strengthening entrepreneurship and innovation between the two countries. The discussion featured Mr. Bratakos, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Haris Theoharis, the Ambassador of Turkey to Greece H.E. Çağatay Erciyes, and the Secretary General of the Ministry of Digital Governance, Konstantinos Karantzalos. Emphasizing the new dimension of economic diplomacy, Mr. Bratakos noted: “Economic diplomacy through innovation is gaining particular importance, as partnerships are no longer built only in official offices, but also in incubators, startups, and technology communities. Initiatives such as the Greece–Turkey Hackathon go beyond a simple activity. They function as platforms for collaboration and knowledge exchange with long-term impact. Most importantly, they are not limited to the duration of a competition, but create the conditions for continuity, building relationships of trust among young people who are shaping the future of the economy.” In this context, the upcoming Greece–Turkey Hackathon 2026 was also presented, with this year’s central theme being Artificial Intelligence.

The activities of ACCI concluded with the Ready 4 Invest: Investment Readiness Toolkit (EEN2EIC) workshop and the event “Strategies for the Internationalization of Tech Startups and SMEs,” co-organized with Enterprise Greece.

Throughout the three-day event, visitors also had the opportunity to meet 10 innovative startups supported by the Athens Startup Incubator (THEA) of ACCI: EmAIRging, Brainfood Intelligent Media Cloud, Papertrail, Wocap, Oinovation, Synergy Accounting Intelligence Network, CloudSignals, HORECA360, Run4More, and KORI.

(Source: https://acci.gr/ )

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Leading representatives of the political, business, and investment communities from Greece and abroad gathered in Athens on June 22 for the third consecutive year for the Growthfund Investor Summit 2026. Under the theme, "Navigating the New Geoeconomic Order: Greece as a Strategic Hub for Capital and Growth," the summit highlighted the opportunities emerging for Greece from the evolving global geoeconomic landscape. Discussions focused on the forces shaping the next chapter of growth for the Greek economy, spanning investments and strategic infrastructure, artificial intelligence, energy, innovation, and tourism.

Growthfund, the National Fund of Greece, is the asset manager of a major portfolio of state-owned enterprises (https://growthfund.gr/en/)

Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis delivered the opening remarks, while Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou and Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Dimas also spoke at the event. The summit concluded with an address by National Economy and Finance Minister and Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis. Representatives of major international organisations and investment institutions also took part, including the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), along with executives from leading Greek and international corporate groups.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/en/  ,  https://www.naftemporiki.gr/english/ )

Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis stated at the GFI Summit 2026, among others, that the Greek Innovation and Infrastructure Fund is now fully operational, with its first investment in digital infrastructure expected to be announced shortly. The Fund aims to mobilize more than €1 billion in investments over the next three years, while projects financed in the longer term are expected to reach €20 billion. He noted that the Fund, established under Law 5131/2024, forms part of a broader reform of Growthfund and its subsidiaries, supporting co-investments in strategic sectors and strengthening Greece’s development prospects. This is an instrument that has existed for years in most European countries but was missing from Greece. “Growthfund is no longer a vehicle serving the repayment of public debt; it is gradually being transformed into a major national development fund,” he said. Hatzidakis also highlighted the progress achieved by Growthfund and its subsidiaries in upgrading public services, improving the management of public assets, and accelerating investments in strategic infrastructure through the Strategic Contracts Unit.

Kostis Hatzidakis highlighted investors’ strong confidence in the Greek economy, noting that Foreign Direct Investment has exceeded €44 billion since 2019 and that Greece has recorded the highest increase in investment in the EU over the same period. He stressed that the country is increasingly attracting long-term capital and establishing itself as a stable and reliable investment destination.

He also announced the signing of the concession agreement for Kalamata International Airport with the consortium of Fraport, Delta Airport Investments, and PILEAS Holdings. The project is of particular importance for Messinia and the Peloponnese as a whole and is expected to upgrade the airport’s infrastructure and services, create jobs, and boost the local economy, while complementing the successful concession model already implemented at Greece’s 14 regional airports and soon to be extended to 22 smaller regional airports.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/)

Concession agreement for Kalamata International Airport

The panel “Scaling Up Greece’s Investments Pipeline” brought together Giannis Papachristou, CEO of Growthfund, Nikos Stathopoulos, Chairman of Europe at BC Partners, and Giovanni Callegari, Head of Economic Risk Analysis at the European Stability Mechanism (ESM). The discussion focused on investment opportunities emerging in Greece and Europe, the role of artificial intelligence, competitiveness challenges, and the conditions needed to create the next generation of business champions, against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, and evolving global economic challenges.

Giannis Papachristou, CEO of Growthfund, highlighted Greece’s emergence as a pillar of stability and an increasingly important hub for energy, logistics, transportation, and digital infrastructure in the Eastern Mediterranean. He noted that the country’s EU membership, skilled workforce, and strategic location continue to strengthen its investment appeal, while estimating that an additional €15 billion in annual investment is needed to accelerate economic transformation.

Emphasizing Growthfund’s role in attracting capital, Papachristou said investors look for three key factors: credibility, speed, and a strong project pipeline. He pointed to strengthened corporate governance standards, including merit-based board appointments and performance-based management evaluation. He highlighted the contribution of Growthfund’s Strategic Contracts and Projects Unit, which has launched more than 850 tenders, awarded projects worth €2.5 billion, and built a pipeline approaching €10 billion. Papachristou also pointed to the successful listing of Athens International Airport and the improved performance of Growthfund’s portfolio companies, with eight out of ten now profitable. Looking ahead, he said Growthfund is shifting its focus from successful divestments to strategic investments in sectors such as technology, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure. He also highlighted the Invest10 initiative, developed with McKinsey, which identified 30 mature investment opportunities from an initial review of around 100 sectors. The next step is to select ten fully investable projects to be presented to the international investment community.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/ )

A Memorandum of Understanding between Growthfund and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) was signed as part of Growthfund’s conference. Giannis Papachristou said that Greece has all the conditions to significantly strengthen its position in the global meetings and exhibitions industry. He highlighted the country’s strong brand, strategic geographic location, highly skilled workforce, and rich tourism experience, as well as a unique cultural legacy spanning more than 40 centuries.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/  )

Dimitris Papastergiou, Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, described the Pharos AI Factory as a tool capable of creating real value, speaking at Growthfund’s Investor Summit 2026. He noted that the initiative will serve as an open hub for artificial intelligence in Greece. “We are not simply building a supercomputer. We are building the country’s capacity to develop, test, and deploy AI solutions with a Greek footprint and in line with European standards,” he said, outlining the structure of the Pharos AI Factory, which is being developed in Lavrio around Greece’s first national supercomputer, Daedalus. Papastergiou added that “Daedalus is only the beginning,” emphasizing that the ecosystem of training, access, and expertise being built around these infrastructures will be expanded through new facilities currently being developed by GRNET in Kozani. “Artificial intelligence requires talent, and Greece has an abundance of it. It also requires data, which is why we recently made available 22,000 open, high-quality datasets through data.gov.gr, as well as the necessary infrastructure,” said Papastergiou, emphasizing the importance of AI for productivity, competitiveness, and the country’s long-term development prospects.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/  )

Christos Dimas, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, speaking at the Growthfund Investor Summit 2026, emphasized that strengthening supply chain resilience, facilitating international trade, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and safeguarding the free and secure movement of people and goods are key priorities for Greece. Describing Greece as a “bridge of stability connecting Europe, the Balkans, the Black Sea, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Middle East,” Dimas highlighted recent efforts to advance regional connectivity. He noted that, during a meeting in Thessaloniki, Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania reaffirmed their commitment to completing the Black Sea–Aegean axis as part of the Baltic–Black Sea–Aegean (BBA) Corridor. He also said he held discussions with representatives from the Western Balkans, Moldova, Ukraine, as well as investors and financial institutions, on accelerating the infrastructure projects needed to ensure the smooth and profitable operation of the Western Balkans–Eastern Mediterranean corridor.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/  )

Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Minister of National Economy and Finance, announced the renaming of Growthfund to the National Development Fund, describing it as both a symbolic and substantive reflection of Greece’s transformation beyond the crisis years. He said the organization’s mission is now to convert public assets into productive capital, mobilize investment, and support long-term economic growth. “The time is now,” Pierrakakis stressed, calling on Greece to invest, accelerate reforms, and seize new development opportunities.

Pierrakakis said Growthfund’s transformation marks a shift from crisis management to a strategic development role, acting as a catalyst for investment and long-term growth. He noted that Growthfund currently manages assets worth approximately €12.3 billion, with a portfolio of 23 subsidiaries and holdings, operations across 11 strategic sectors of the economy, and more than 25,000 employees within its companies. These assets span critical national infrastructure in energy, transport, logistics, real estate, and networks. Growthfund provides the institutional framework needed to align investments, infrastructure, productivity, and public administration reforms into a coherent engine for long-term economic growth.

Pierrakakis said this is precisely Growthfund’s strategic role: to mobilize capital, mature projects, and accelerate investment in key sectors of the economy. He highlighted the Invest10 initiative, developed jointly by the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, Growthfund, and McKinsey, which identifies priority sectors on both emerging industries—such as semiconductors, data centers, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and high-tech startups—and established strengths, including infrastructure, energy, logistics, agrifood, medical tourism, and the “silver economy.” He also stressed that competitiveness depends on concrete factors such as energy costs, financing access, licensing speed, logistics efficiency, and productivity, with Growthfund positioned at the center of these dynamics as Europe advances integration in capital markets, energy, and infrastructure.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/)

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Greece continues to make significant progress in its digital transformation, as reflected in two leading international assessments by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Commission. The latest reports confirm improvements in public digital services, the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure, the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, and the country’s steady progress toward achieving the objectives of the Digital Decade 2030.

OECD (2026), Digital Government Outlook. According to the OECD’s Digital Government Outlook 2026 report, Greece ranks among the countries demonstrating strong performance in the digital transformation of public administration, achieving an overall score of 0.71, compared with the OECD average of 0.70. Greece’s performance surpasses that of several advanced economies.

Greece also outperforms the OECD average across four key indicators:

User-Driven: 0.77 vs. 0.71

Government as a Platform: 0.75 vs. 0.71

Proactiveness: 0.70 vs. 0.67

Open by Default: 0.63 vs. 0.59

The report highlights several flagship initiatives, including the Interoperability Center of the Ministry of Digital Governance, gov.gr with more than 2,250 digital services, the use of Artificial Intelligence in the Hellenic Cadastre, the digital assistant mAigov, and the new national open data portal data.gov.gr. These initiatives underscore Greece’s commitment to modernizing public administration, improving service delivery, and fostering greater transparency and accessibility through digital technologies.

European Commission’s Digital Decade 2026 Report

According to the European Commission’s Digital Decade 2026 Report, Greece continues to consistently implement its national strategy for the digital transformation of public administration and is steadily converging with the broader European Union digital agenda. The country addressed 83% of the European Commission’s recommendations, maintaining its steady progress toward achieving the Digital Decade targets throughout 2025. Public digital services for citizens reached 79.4% in 2025, while digital services for businesses rose to 86%, exceeding national projections of 76.2% and 84.4%, respectively.

Particularly strong performance is evident in digital infrastructure. 5G network coverage now reaches 99.5% of the population, effectively approaching the national target of 100% by 2030 and significantly surpassing the 2025 projected milestone of 90%. Similarly, coverage in rural and island areas has reached 99%, making a substantial contribution to reducing geographical disparities in digital connectivity. At the same time, Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) and Very High Capacity Networks (VHCN) are expanding at an annual growth rate of 29.7%, more than five times the European average. From virtually zero coverage in 2019, Greece has increased FTTP and VHCN coverage to 59.8%, exceeding the projected 2025 benchmark of 51% and reaffirming its steady trajectory toward universal coverage by 2030.

The European Commission’s report also highlights Greece’s strengthened geostrategic role as a digital hub for Southeastern Europe, driven by investments in submarine cable systems, international telecommunications infrastructure, and data centers. At the same time, the implementation of the country’s national data governance policy and the new National Cybersecurity Strategy are enhancing the resilience, reliability, and security of Greece’s digital infrastructure. The report further underscores Greece’s growing presence in advanced technologies. Key initiatives include the establishment of the “Pharos” AI Factory, one of the first seven AI Factories in the European Union, Greece’s participation in European initiatives for quantum infrastructure, and the creation of the Hellenic Microchip Competence Centre, aimed at strengthening expertise and innovation in semiconductor technologies.

The “Pharos” AI Factory

The Hellenic Microchip Competence Centre

(Source: 2026 digital decade eHealth indicator study. Annex : country factsheets )

Digital health

The country’s progress is also evident in the field of digital health. According to the eHealth Indicator Study 2026 by Capgemini Invent, Greece recorded one of the largest annual improvements in Europe, with its composite digital health index increasing by 20 percentage points in a single year to reach 94%, compared with an EU average of 87%. With this performance, Greece ranks among the leading EU member states in digital health.

The progress reflected in international assessments is accompanied by areas where Greece is expected to accelerate its efforts further. The Digital Decade 2026 Report identifies the strengthening of digital skills as a key challenge for the coming years. Currently, 51% of citizens aged 16–74 possess at least basic digital skills, compared with 60.4% across the European Union. The report also highlights the need to further expand the pool of professionals in information and communication technologies (ICT) and to accelerate the digital transformation of businesses. At the same time, the report acknowledges that Greece is advancing at a faster pace than the European average in several critical areas, including fiber-optic deployment, public digital services, electronic identification (eID), access to electronic health records, and the adoption of advanced digital technologies. These achievements confirm that Greece is steadily converging with the European Union’s digital standards and objectives.

Observed Key Performance Indicators as Percentage of the EU 2030 targets. The graphs represent the observed Key Performance Indicators in Greece as a percentage of the EU 2030 targets.  (Source: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/factpages/greeces-2026-digital-decade-country-report )

(Source:https://www.amna.gr/mobile/article/1002163/Diethnis-anagnorisi-gia-ton-psifiako-metaschimatismo-tis-Elladas-,  https://www.mindigital.gr/ ) 

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DAEDALUS Supercomputer Enters Final Implementation Phase

The post Greece’s Digital Transformation Receives International Acclaim appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

Energy security and resilience in the Eastern Mediterranean were at the core of the meetings held by the Greek delegation, led by the Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, during its visit to the United States. Cooperation among the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean—through the 3+1 platform (cover photo), the East Mediterranean Gas Forum, and the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum—appears to be gaining momentum, taking on a more concrete form, and establishing clear rules for the region. This is the first time that energy diplomacy has moved beyond the narrow boundaries of economic transactions and begun to carry significant geopolitical implications. In this new energy landscape, Greece aspires to play a decisive role as an anchor of stability.

10^th Ministerial Meeting of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF)

The 10^th Ministerial Meeting of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) was held on June 8 at the headquarters of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., under the chairmanship of Greek Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou and hosted by the United States Department of Energy and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. Participants included Michalis Damianos, Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Cyprus; Karim Badawy, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; Saleh Ali Al-Kharabsheh, Jordan’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources; heads of delegations from the governments of Israel, Italy, and Palestine; as well as representatives of the European Union and the World Bank.

The meeting took place nearly three years after the previous ministerial session, during which Greece assumed the Forum’s presidency. It is particularly significant because the EMGF remains only forum that brings together the governments of Jordan, Israel, and Palestine, alongside its permanent members - Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Italy, and France - and its observers: the European Union, the United States of America, and the World Bank. The crisis in the Middle East had led to repeated postponements of meetings. Nevertheless, the importance of energy security in the region and the protection of energy infrastructure brought all member states back to the table.

According to the joint communiqué, the participants “discussed ways in which member states can leverage the EMGF to promote the development of interconnected and resilient energy systems in the Eastern Mediterranean, founded on natural gas, while also highlighting the region as a strategic energy corridor linking the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.” At the same time, the participants emphasized their renewed commitment to strengthening cooperation within the Forum, with full respect for the rights of member states over their natural resources in accordance with international law. They also pledged “to promote constructive cooperation aimed at enhancing energy security and the resilience of energy systems, while also highlighting the interdependence between natural gas and electricity networks at a critical juncture.”

As of August 1, Israel will assume the presidency of the EMGF following a unanimous decision supported by the votes of Jordan and Palestine. Sources at the Ministry of Environment and Energy stressed that energy cooperation transcends the region’s troubled past and present, while Mr. Papastavrou stated that “we are building a framework of cooperation with full respect for international law, based on mutually accepted principles and commercial rules that strengthens stability and discourages unilateral and revisionist behavior.”

Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum

The Eastern Mediterranean took center stage on Wednesday during a panel discussion on the future of European energy resilience, held as part of the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum. Focusing on the shared priorities of Greece and Cyprus regarding interconnections and energy security, the Greek Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou  outlined the region’s emerging energy architecture, with Greece at its center, and highlighted the government’s efforts to achieve greater energy independence.

A key element of this energy architecture is the Vertical Gas Corridor, which strengthens energy security across Southeastern and Central Europe by creating a community of 100 million people and a network of interconnected infrastructure that supports both European and transatlantic energy resilience. The framework established by the East Mediterranean Gas Forum helps foster cooperation and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. It provides a platform that advances the region by promoting collaboration rather than competition.

Great Sea Interconnector (GSI)

GREGY Interconnector

The Greece–Cyprus–Israel triangle, on the one hand, and its expansion into a quadrilateral with the participation of the United States—known as the “3+1” framework—has highlighted the strategic value of regional partnerships. Major projects such as the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) and GREGY Interconnector are shaping an integrated energy ecosystem that extends beyond national borders.

The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)

At the same time, the major diagonal of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is taking shape. This ambitious connectivity project aims to link India with Europe through the Middle East by leveraging ports, rail networks, highways, and digital infrastructure. “Thus, the Eastern Mediterranean—and our country in particular—is, in reality, at the center of this new geometry,” the Minister remarked. At the same time, emerging initiatives such as IMEC and Greece’s cooperation with the United States are creating a broader global framework, underscoring Greece’s role as a gateway connecting Europe with the Eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East, and even wider regions.

The “3+1” energy cooperation framework

The Greek delegation also traveled to Houston, where it participated in the 2^nd ministerial meeting of the 3+1 energy cooperation framework, which brings together Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the United States. Interconnection projects once again featured prominently in the discussions, alongside joint initiatives aimed at strengthening—and potentially expanding—regional cooperation. Particular emphasis was placed on cybersecurity and the protection of critical energy infrastructure. The participants also agreed to establish a dedicated task force to address these issues. Stavros Papastavrou stressed that “the weaponization of energy is not acceptable in the region,” while U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright emphasized that “cooperation through trade prevails over conflict.” This is expected to form a new doctrine of cooperation and serve as the cornerstone of an emerging energy mosaic that excludes no one—except provocations and unilateral claims in the Eastern Mediterranean. In this context, the participants also agreed to hold their next meeting in Israel in December 2026.

A new geopolitical reality is now taking shape, with cooperation at its core as a necessary prerequisite. States that are unable or unwilling to adapt to these new conditions and the commercial rules that increasingly shape international relations risk choosing a path of isolation. All participants in the 3+1 framework endorsed this view as a fundamental principle, with the message of unity and shared objectives emerging as the dominant theme of the meeting.

Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou addresses the EMEC founding declaration signing ceremony at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy in Houston, Texas, describing the moment as historic. (Photo: Environment and Energy Ministry)

The East Mediterranean Energy Center (EMEC)

With the prevention of any weaponization of energy as its guiding principle, the signing of the declaration establishing the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center (EMEC) followed at Rice University. The declaration was signed by U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Greek Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou, Cyprus’s Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Michalis Damianos, and Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter. Senior executives from major U.S. energy companies participated in the ceremony following the signing of the declaration, including representatives of Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Cheniere Energy.

Greek Minister, Stavros Papastavrou, in cooperation with U.S. Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, brought the discussion on establishing the Center back to the forefront. The shared commitment to advancing energy security in the Eastern Mediterranean, expressed during the P-TEC meeting held in Athens in November 2025, was followed by the Greek minister’s visits and consultations in the United States in both March and June 2026. The latter visit culminated in the signing of the declaration that formally launches the establishment of the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center (EMEC).

The aim of the Center is to serve as a platform for strengthening regional energy security, expanding infrastructure development, and promoting commercial opportunities. With the support of Congress, the Center will enhance the economic and energy resilience of regional partners by facilitating investment, improving market integration, and supporting the development of advanced energy systems and infrastructure. Its activities will focus on increasing cross-border energy trade, improving system reliability, and positioning U.S. companies to compete in high-value regional projects. Within this framework, the Center will seek to foster cooperation among the governments participating in the 3+1 framework, as well as technical and financial institutions, academia, and the private sector. It is now increasingly clear that the Eastern Mediterranean is set to assume a new role as a key pillar of stability and prosperity, while also strengthening the transatlantic relationship between Europe and the United States.

(Sources: https://www.amna.gr/, https://ypen.gov.gr/ )

Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce Holds Meetings in the United States on Energy Policy in the Eastern Mediterranean

A series of meetings and discussions on energy policy in the Eastern Mediterranean was organized in Washington, D.C., by the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham Greece) on the occasion of the 3+1 Energy Ministerial Meeting held in the United States. According to a statement by AmCham Greece, the discussions highlighted the growing role of Greece and Cyprus as regional energy hubs, as well as the potential for connecting Eastern Mediterranean energy resources with European markets.

In cooperation with the Atlantic Council, AmCham Greece organized the first Eastern Mediterranean Energy Business Forum, with the participation of AmCham Cyprus. The initiative took place within the framework of the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Forum and aimed to bring the perspective of the Greek business community into the discussions on the energy policy agenda of the 3+1 framework. The forum brought together government officials, business executives, and energy policy experts.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/ )

Read also:

“Energy Is Power of Security, Growth and Influence” says Minister Stavros Papastavrou

The post Greece at the Center of a New Eastern Mediterranean Energy Architecture appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

The International Training Center for the Safety of Journalists and Media Professionals (ICSJ) organized a two-day joint training program at the facilities of the School of Advanced Training and Professional Development (Continuing Education) of the Hellenic Police in Northern Greece in Veria, creating a shared training environment for media professionals and security personnel.

The initiative, supported by the OSCE and conducted under the scientific supervision of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, brought together representatives of the security services and media professionals, focusing on the exchange of best practices and a practical approach to crisis management. Its objective was to develop common practices and strengthen cooperation in the field during the coverage of crises and high-risk incidents. The training concluded with participants gaining practical tools and collaborative strategies for covering high-risk events safely and effectively.

(Photo: https://www.facebook.com/dkirmikiroglou )

Secretary General for Communication and Information, Dimitris Kirmikiroglou, addressing the trainees, noted, among others, that the joint training of journalists and security personnel brings together two professional communities that are often required to operate under conditions of tension, such as demonstrations and social mobilizations. Through this process, both sides gain a better understanding of each other's roles and needs.

He stressed that the ICSJ has successfully translated ideas and proposals into practical initiatives with tangible results, while highlighting the role of training and systematic cooperation in fostering a culture of mutual respect and a deeper understanding of each other's roles. The Secretary General further emphasized that the State consistently supports initiatives that strengthen the safety of journalists and promote institutional dialogue among all stakeholders, noting that safeguarding freedom of information is a fundamental prerequisite for the proper functioning of democracy.

Professor Nikos Panayiotou of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications, Director of the Peace Journalism Laboratory and Head of the ICSJ, stressed that this training forms part of a series of initiatives implemented since the establishment of the ICSJ. As he explained, these initiatives not only enhance the country's international profile but, more importantly, bring to the forefront of public discussion the issues facing journalists, particularly those related to their safety while carrying out their professional duties and fulfilling their vital role.

He noted that the initiative, implemented with the support of the OSCE, seeks to address a range of critical issues arising in the practice of journalism during crisis situations, with particular emphasis on relations and interactions with security forces. According to Professor Panayiotou, this issue has proven to be of major importance, as significant challenges have emerged over time that require meaningful responses and practical solutions. "Our goal is to provide solutions in the field, not theoretical approaches detached from reality," he said, while also expressing his satisfaction with the work carried out by the ICSJ. "We address the real challenges journalists face in their work and strive to tackle them through practical interventions and initiatives," he concluded.

Christos Frangonikolopoulos, Dean of the School of Economics and Political Sciences at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, referred to the importance of the training implemented by the International Center for the Safety of Journalists. As he noted, at a time when freedom of expression—and journalists' freedom in particular—faces significant challenges, initiatives that promote understanding and cooperation among all stakeholders are essential. The attacks and pressures faced by journalists, whether through social media or while covering events in conflict zones and other critical situations, make such initiatives all the more necessary, he emphasized.

He described the seminar as particularly important, as it helps inform the security services—and especially the Hellenic Police—about the framework within which journalists operate, their rights and responsibilities, and the unique conditions they face in carrying out their profession. At the same time, he stressed that free and independent journalism is a fundamental prerequisite for pluralism and diversity of voices in a democratic society. He added that state support and the cultivation of relationships based on mutual understanding between journalists and public institutions contribute to strengthening the journalistic profession.

The training concluded with the presentation of certificates of participation to all attendees by the Commandant of the School, Sofia Gaitanidou, and the Training Coordinator, Dr. Ilias Nikezis, Executive Director of the International Center.

(Source: “Veria: The International Center for the Safety of Journalists and Media Professionals Focuses on Crisis Coverage and Field Incident Management”,  https://www.amna.gr/ )

The International Training Center for the Safety of Journalists and Media Professionals (ICSJ)has an educational and research focus. Regarding the educational focus, ICSJ utilizes the material and tools of the academic community and provides specialized training to journalists and media professionals. Regarding the research focus, the Center implements extended research on topics related to the safety of journalists and media professionals, both in war zones and in crisis, as well as threats against them, connected with everyday work, such as physical, legal, economic, freedom of expression and cyber security issues. In parallel, ICSJ aims to develop support tools, as well as a supportive network for journalists and media professionals that operate in war zones and crises. ICSJ acts under the scientific responsibility of the Peace Journalism Laboratory, Department of Journalism and Media, of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

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The post ICSJ Brings Journalists and Security Personnel Together for Crisis Management Training appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

The web portal Study in Greece is campaigning for the promotion and international visibility of Greek Universities and the comparative educational advantages of our country. In particular, the campaign focuses on the foreign language study programs that Greek Universities offer to Greek and international students. The initiative is supported by the General Secretariat of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs and the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. In this context, a number of educational programs and actions are presented in detail on a regular basis, such as undergraduate and postgraduate programs, summer schools etc, to inform international students about the many foreign language options offered by Greek Universities.

Panagiotis Partsinevelos is a Professor of Space Informatics and Unmanned Systems and Director of the Laboratory of Geodesy and Informatics of Geosciences at the School of Mineral Resources Engineering of the Technical University of Crete.  He is also the Director of the MSc in Sustainable Technologies of Energy Resources and Raw Materials.

Study in Greece interviewed Professor Panagiotis Partsinevelos on the MSc in Sustainable Technologies of Energy Resources and Raw Materials, its features and what it has to offer to international students.

School of Mineral Resources Engineering of the Technical University of Crete at Chania

Please give us a brief overview of the MSc in Sustainable Technologies of Energy Resources and Raw Materials, its structure and main research areas.

The Sustainable Technologies of Energy Resources and Raw Materials MSc is a 3-semester 90 ECTS program delivered under a hybrid mode in English by the School of Mineral Resources Engineering of the Technical University of Crete. It is structured around two core pillars: Energy Resources, focusing on reservoir engineering, Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS), and biofuels and Raw Materials, focusing on low-grade ore and near-zero-waste processing, critical raw materials recovery and recycling. These scientific areas are supported by high-end research laboratories equipped with advanced technological infrastructure, from geostatistical modeling and seismic processing to geoinformatics, automation and robotics. In addition, the implementation of many national and EU-funded projects in our School enables students to get acquainted with top quality research that advances beyond the current state of the art (SoA) and generates scientific breakthrough. The contribution of this Master’s program lies in providing high-level expertise in the extraction, processing, recycling, and environmental management of mineral raw materials and energy resources, a matter of strategic importance at both the national and global levels.

Could you tell us a few things about the program’s alignment with the Technical University of Crete’s broader picture and goals for internationalization?

The program extends well beyond the University’s strategy since the energy and mineral resources fields define the backbone of modern economies and the primary reason for geopolitical balance. The program provides the knowledge of sustainable extraction methods for strategic autonomy in the supply chains of rare earth elements and energy resources while enabling students to decouple the link between economic growth and environmental degradation through circular economy principles.

Thus, internationalization is a defining necessity and prerequisite of our program, scaled from local to global challenges.

In addition, through its core participation in the EURECA-PRO European University alliance, one of the strategic University alliances across Europe, the MSc program facilitates the cross-border mobility of engineering talent required to implement UN Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The MSc addresses a multicultural academic environment. It directly connects TUC’s engineering expertise with the European industrial network, facilitating mobility and collaborative research across borders.

“Sustainability” seems to be a term used so frequently that it may lose its meaning. How does sustainability take form in your MSc?

In this program, sustainability is defined by technical efficiency and hands-on results. It is embedded in the Low Environmental Footprint modules and Sustainable Mineral Processing objectives. Rather than theoretical discussion, sustainability in our program is translated to engineering systems that minimize waste, maximize the recovery of secondary raw materials from industrial by-products, and ensure the geomechanical safety of energy infrastructure. On the principle of technical verticality, sustainable solutions cannot be dissociated from a full understanding of the physical processes of production and extraction, requiring deep knowledge of thermodynamics, geomechanics, and chemical processing. Meaningful decarbonization and resource efficiency are not achieved through administrative management alone, but through the fundamental redesign and reengineering of industrial workflows, essential to the global industrial transition. In addition to the term “sustainability” we also introduce and justify another term in our MSc program, “responsible” mining and processing of raw materials mainly for the production of critical and strategic elements.

Please give us a few examples of the professional prospects for graduates of the program.

Graduates enter the global market as specialized engineers capable of leading and managing the routes of the energy transition and raw materials challenges. Career paths include resource engineers for the critical minerals supply chain, subsurface engineers for carbon sequestration and geothermal projects, environmental engineers in the recycling industries and consultants for international energy firms navigating the transition to net-zero, Social License to Operate (SLO) and ESG Governance. Also, the future of the sector focuses on digital mining, automation, robotic systems, digital twins, AI, In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU)and data analytics, to drive sustainability, circular economy practices, and environmental risk mitigation in industrial extraction sectors. 

Could you share a few insights on the international outlook of the program? What impact will your graduates expect to create in sustainable development on a global level?

The program specifically addresses the technical demands of the European Green Deal and the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). The program aligns with the global shift to a sustainable energy economy, projecting a substantial increase in mineral demand by 2050, especially for battery metals, to meet net-zero targets. By mastering the extraction and processing of the materials required for renewable technologies, our graduates play a decisive role in securing global supply chains. Their impact will be reflected in the implementation of "Near-Zero-Waste" protocols and the development of cleaner energy resources that reduce global reliance on carbon-intensive fuels.

What is the one defining quality of your MSc that you believe makes it especially attractive to international students?

The defining quality of the MSc in Sustainable Technologies of Energy Resources is that it offers a direct path into the strategic autonomy sectors of the global economy, where the demand for expertise currently far exceeds the available supply. While many international programs address "sustainability" from a policy or environmental management perspective, this MSc focuses on the physicality of the transition, teaching the technologies required to secure the supply of critical raw materials (Lithium, Nickel. Cobalt, Copper, Rare Earth Elements) which are currently the primary bottleneck in the global economy.

By bridging the fields of raw material and energy resources, the program equips international students with the ability to understand and solve the energy-materials balance. This provides a direct path to becoming a high-level technical leader in the most strategic sectors of the future global economy.

Applications are now open! For more, follow the link:

https://apply.studyingreece.edu.gr/en/programmes/msc/1650/details/sustainable-technologies-of-energy-resources-and-raw-materials

Chania is a vibrant student city where history, innovation, and natural beauty meet. An inspiring Mediterranean destination offering exceptional quality of life and outdoor experiences. (Photo: https://www.visitgreece.gr/)

Read more:

https://www.visitgreece.gr/islands/crete/chania/

https://www.chaniatourism.gr/

The post International Program Stories / MSc in Sustainable Technologies of Energy Resources and Raw Materials at the Technical University of Crete, Chania appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

In its 2026 European Semester assessment, the European Commission concluded that Greece no longer suffers from Macroeconomic Imbalances, marking the country's removal from the corresponding monitoring framework for the first time since the Greek sovereign debt crisis began. The Greek Ministry of National Economy and Finance described the development as a landmark achievement, underscoring its strong symbolic value and its tangible significance for the country's economic progress.

According to the ministry, this development carries significant historical weight. Following the decade of bailout programs (2010–2018), the Enhanced Surveillance regime (2018–2022), Greece's prolonged placement in the category of Excessive Macroeconomic Imbalances during 2019–2024, and its inclusion in the category of Macroeconomic Imbalances in 2025, the country is now returning to full European normality. The ministry adds that the significance of this development is even greater when considering that ten European Union member states are currently subject to excessive deficit procedures. This highlights not only the significant improvement in Greece's fiscal position, but also the fact that the economy's external imbalances and structural weaknesses have now been reduced to a level that no longer constitutes a systemic risk to the country's economic stability.

According to the Ministry, Greece's exit from the Macroeconomic Imbalances framework, the maintenance of fiscal surpluses, the continued reduction of public debt, improvements in the labor market, sustained progress in structural reforms, and the effective utilization of European funding instruments together paint the picture of an economy that has definitively moved beyond the conditions of the crisis era. These achievements, the Ministry notes, reflect an economy that continues to advance on a path defined by stability, credibility, and resilience, while strengthening its foundations for sustainable long-term growth.

More specifically, the European Commission notes in its assessment that vulnerabilities related to public and external debt have declined significantly in recent years. It highlights that sustained economic growth, fiscal surpluses, stronger bank balance sheets, and the implementation of reforms have played a decisive role in reducing the risks that had characterized the Greek economy for many years.

The Commission further emphasizes that:

• public debt is on a steady downward trajectory;
• external imbalances have been substantially reduced;
• banks have significantly strengthened their balance sheets;
• labor market conditions have continued to improve; and
• Greece has implemented a broad range of reforms in the business environment, labor market, and tax administration.

Strong Growth Despite an Uncertain International Environment

The Greek economy expanded by 2.1% in 2025, despite a period of heightened uncertainty for both the European and global economies. The European Commission forecasts that growth will continue at a rate of 1.8% in 2026, compared with an average of 0.9% for the Eurozone, reaffirming the resilience of the Greek economy.

Fiscal Surpluses and Strong Fiscal Performance

Greece recorded a General Government surplus of 1.7% of GDP in 2025, up from 1.3% of GDP in 2024.

According to the European Commission, this performance was driven by:

• restraint in current public expenditure;
• lower debt-servicing costs; and
• stronger tax revenue collection.

Greece achieved this result while simultaneously implementing reductions in social security contributions, increasing public-sector wages, and introducing targeted support measures for households.

Continued Debt Reduction at the Fastest Pace in Europe

Greece continues to record the fastest pace of public debt reduction in Europe, further strengthening the sustainability of its public finances and enhancing confidence in the country's long-term economic outlook. The European Commission projects a further significant decline in Greece's public debt ratio:

• 154.2% of GDP in 2024;
• 146.1% of GDP in 2025;
• 140.7% of GDP in 2026 (forecast); and
• 134.4% of GDP in 2027 (forecast).

In other words, Greece is expected to reduce its debt-to-GDP ratio by nearly 20 percentage points in just three years. According to the Commission, this improvement is being driven by strong nominal economic growth and the continued generation of fiscal surpluses.

Recognition of Reforms and the Digital Transformation

The report places particular emphasis on the reforms implemented in recent years, highlighting their contribution to strengthening the Greek economy and improving public sector efficiency. Specific reference is made to:

• the digitalization of tax administration;
• the digitalization of customs controls;
• the development of digital compliance tools;
• the significant reduction in the VAT gap; and
• the overall improvement in tax compliance.

The European Commission also underscores the substantial progress Greece has made in modernizing its public administration. At the same time, it notes that public-sector wage expenditure amounted to 10.2% of GDP in 2025, remaining broadly in line with the European Union average of 10.3%.

Above the EU Average in the Implementation of European Programs

The European Commission finds that the implementation of Cohesion Policy programmes in Greece is progressing at a faster pace than the European Union average, both in terms of project selection and the disbursement of funds. At the same time, the Commission acknowledges the significant contribution of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) in advancing investments and reforms that strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of the Greek economy. These developments underscore Greece's ability to effectively absorb and utilize European funding, supporting sustainable growth and accelerating the country's economic transformation.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/)

OECD: Greek Economic Growth Remains Resilient

In its latest Economic Outlook, the OECD projects that the Greek economy will maintain strong growth momentum despite the uncertainty stemming from the crisis in the Middle East. Specifically, the OECD forecasts GDP growth of 1.9% in 2026 and 2.0% in 2027, broadly in line with the 2.1% growth recorded in 2025.

According to the report, investments will be supported by increased disbursements from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), which are expected to rise from 2.6% of GDP in 2025 to 4.4% of GDP in 2026. At the same time, consumption is projected to benefit from continued employment growth, reductions in personal income taxation, and measures aimed at mitigating the impact of the energy crisis, despite persistently elevated energy prices. The OECD also expects exports to strengthen gradually during the second half of 2026 as international demand improves.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/)

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