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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Greece’s official development assistance

Greece’s total bilateral and multilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA) amounted to USD 357.81 million in 2025, equivalent to 0.13% of Gross National Income (GNI). Bilateral assistance amounted to USD 53.41 million, while multilateral assistance totalled USD 304.40 million.

Greece’s Bilateral Official Development Assistance

Greece’s total bilateral ODA in 2025 amounted to USD 53.41 million, of which USD 50.4 million was spent on refugees hosted in Greece.

Greece’s Multilateral Official Development Assistance

Greece’s total multilateral ODA in 2025 amounted to USD 304.04 million. Of this amount, USD 290.00 million was allocated to EU institutions for external development assistance, USD 10.90 million to organisations within the United Nations system, and USD 3.5 million to other international organisations.

Humanitarian Action

Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Greece responded promptly to appeals for contributions to international organisations and/or their programmes, as well as to requests for bilateral assistance to countries affected by humanitarian crises. The following are some examples:

• On 17 January and 6 February 2025, aircraft of the Hellenic Air Force arrived in Jordan carrying medical supplies, clothing, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products. The aid was intended for the Gaza Strip and was to be delivered through the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO).
• On 9 August 2025, Greece took part in a Jordanian initiative to airdrop humanitarian aid to the population of the Gaza Strip. Two Hellenic Air Force aircraft dropped 8.5 tonnes of food and water.
• In November 2025, two shipments of humanitarian aid, comprising pharmaceutical products and medical supplies, were transported by sea and land to the Embassy of Greece in Damascus. The supplies had been collected by the Ministry of Health in cooperation with the Panhellenic Union of Pharmaceutical Industries (PEF) and the Human Plus organisation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs covered the transportation costs, and the supplies were delivered to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch to support the hospitals it assists.

Contributions to International Organisations, Programmes and Agencies

In 2025, Greece made ad hoc financial contributions on 25 separate occasions to international organisations and their programmes, with a particular focus on countries facing humanitarian crises and on international development cooperation programmes.

Reconstruction of Ukraine

Finally, Greece has pledged to contribute to Ukraine’s future reconstruction through public-private partnerships in the construction, healthcare and cultural heritage protection sectors, particularly in the Odesa region.

Source Photos: https://hellenicaid.mfa.gr/

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On September 9, 2026, a ceremony was held to mark the launch of the specialized “Life-Saving and Limb-Saving Hospitalization” programme at the Saint George University Medical Center (SGUMC) of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Beirut. Funded by Hellenic Aid of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the World Health Organization (WHO), the programme forms part of a series of interventions carried out through the Embassy of Greece in Beirut to support Lebanon’s health sector.

In his address  His Eminence Metropolitan Elias Audi of Beirut, expressed his gratitude to the Greek Government, and particularly to the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for this highly significant initiative, describing it as a supreme expression of human solidarity.

Similarly, the CEO of Saint George University Medical Center (SGUMC), Dr Ziad Haydar, expressed his deep gratitude for Greece’s continued solidarity with Lebanon and the SGUMC during particularly challenging circumstances, as well as for the excellent cooperation. He emphasized that these interventions contribute to strengthening the hospital’s operational and functional capacity as a center for emergency medical care, particularly for vulnerable groups within society.

For his part, the WHO Representative in Lebanon, Dr Ahmed Zouiten, praised the significant contribution of the Greek Government at a particularly critical juncture for Lebanon’s highly vulnerable health system, as well as the excellent cooperation with the Embassy of Greece in Beirut and the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Subsequently, in her remarks, the Ambassador of Greece to Beirut, Ms Despina Koukoulopoulou, referred to the long-standing relationship and cooperation, spanning several decades, with this emblematic and historic Lebanese hospital, which Greece had equipped with a helipad as early as twenty years ago. She also highlighted the assistance provided by Greece following the devastating explosion at the Port of Beirut in August 2020, in the form of medical supplies and financial support. The Ambassador stressed that today’s donation of €500,000 to Saint George University Medical Center (SGUMC), provided through Hellenic Aid of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, forms part of Greece’s broader and long-standing commitment to Lebanon.

More specifically, cooperation with the WHO at SGUMC will implement a vital, tailor-made programme, “Life-Saving and Limb-Saving Hospitalization,” aimed at supporting essential hospital services and life-saving interventions, as well as upgrading the hospital’s medical equipment. By providing targeted and tangible assistance, Greece is helping to improve access for patients from the most vulnerable population groups to life-saving health services and, consequently, to strengthen Lebanon’s health sector.

It is worth noting that Greece’s contribution to the World Health Organization for Lebanon is of particular significance. According to the Head of the WHO Office in Lebanon, Dr Ahmed Zouiten, the amount of Greece’s voluntary contribution represents the largest voluntary funding contribution ever received by a WHO country office in its host country to date.

According to updated data from the WHO Office in Lebanon for 2026, following the payment of its contribution to the WHO Lebanon Office for Saint George University Medical Center and its commitment to supporting the launch of the Balamand Hospital in North Lebanon, Greece ranks first among the WHO’s donor countries in Lebanon and is the second-largest international donor overall, after the EU’s DG ECHO. The significance of Greece’s contribution is even greater when measured in relation to the GDP of international donors, in which regard Greece ranks unequivocally first. The above initiatives, undertaken in cooperation with the World Health Organization Office in Lebanon, form part of Greece’s broader engagement and contribution to Lebanon, with an emphasis on humanitarian solidarity and the development dimension, including the strengthening of institutions and public services and support for the country’s long-term resilience.

The event concluded with a visit to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (the only such unit in all of Lebanon). The programme’s coordinating director, representing the hospital, outlined the details of the selected interventions together with the heads of the respective departments.

[Source: Embassy of Greece in Beirut

Photo credit: Embassy of Greece in Lebanon / Facebook - @Greece in Lebanon]

Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs – “HELLENIC AID”

The General Directorate for Development and Humanitarian Aid, operating under the international title “HELLENIC AID,” serves as the national mechanism for development and humanitarian assistance and as the body responsible for planning and formulating development strategy. The General Directorate is responsible for promoting, managing and implementing the national policy on international development cooperation.

[Source: Hellenic Aid, Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO organized an event entitled “The Promotion and Implementation of UNESCO Flagship Programs in Greece: National Achievements and Significant Synergies”, as part of the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).

The event was addressed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yiannis Loverdos, and the newly appointed President of the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO, Dora Vyzovitou.

Mr Loverdos highlighted a number of recent achievements of the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO, most notably the proclamation of 9 February as World Greek Language Day, the inscription of Mount Olympus on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the inclusion of Nisyros in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.

Mr Loverdos praised the work of the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO and congratulated the outgoing President, Aikaterini Tzitzikosta, in recognition of her longstanding contribution. He also congratulated the newly appointed President, Dora Vyzovitou, and wished her every success in her new role.

The Deputy Minister further announced that the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO will host the next Meeting of the UNESCO National Commissions of Europe and North America, which will take place in Crete in May 2027. He noted that this constitutes another significant achievement, demonstrating the Commission’s ongoing efforts, while also providing an excellent opportunity for Greece to further contribute to international cooperation in the promotion of culture.

The Rector of Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and Member of the Board of the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO, Professor Christina Koulouri, spoke about the enduring legacy of the Greek language and the major national achievement of the international organization’s establishment of World Greek Language Day.

Subsequently, Dr Charalambos Fasoulas, President of the Psiloritis UNESCO Global Geopark, presented the UNESCO Global Geoparks program. He highlighted Greece’s leading role in the program, with 10 UNESCO Global Geopark designations, supported by the expertise and assistance of the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO.

For his part, Professor Dimitris Vergados, Head of the UNESCO Chair “Creative Cities in Motion: Urban Sustainable Mobility and the Utilization of Cultural Resources” at the University of Piraeus, presented the Chair’s most recent initiative: the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Municipality of Didymoteicho in support of the city’s candidacy for the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

The event concluded with a presentation by Ms Vera Dilari, National Coordinator for UNESCO Associated Schools at the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, on the UNESCO Associated Schools Network, which currently comprises 150 schools in Greece.

The event was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis; the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Charis Theoharis, the Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Maira Myrogianni and numerous other guests.

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100 Years of TIF (1926–2026)

The 90th Thessaloniki International Fair, taking place from September 5 to 13, 2026, marks an exciting new chapter in its long and distinguished history. This landmark year celebrates both the 100th anniversary of its first edition and the beginning of a new era.

The Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) is held every September and, for a century, has been one of Greece’s leading trade and exhibition events, as well as a major institution for Southeast Europe. Dynamic and renewed, this year’s TIF continues to serve as a major hub for entrepreneurship, culture, innovation and international cooperation.

The presence of the country’s political and state leadership has established TIF as a key platform for announcing strategic priorities and public policies, while the participation of hundreds of exhibitors from Greece and abroad highlights its importance and international reach.

Its extensive program of cultural and entertainment events, designed to appeal to visitors of all ages, reinforces the Fair’s broader social and cultural role. At the same time, TIF makes a substantial contribution to the economic life of Thessaloniki and Greece as a whole, showcasing the country’s modern, outward-looking character. The Fair, first held in 1926, is today organized by HELEXPO.

90th TIF: Honored Country: Japan

This year’s ΤΙF welcomes Japan as its Honored Country, highlighting the country’s distinctive culture and its global reputation for quality, innovation and excellence.

Set within a contemporary and multifaceted exhibition environment, Japan will present its achievements, values, and distinctive identity, showcasing the harmonious interplay between tradition and innovation. Its participation seeks to offer visitors an immersive journey through Japan’s culture, technological excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and creative expression, qualities that have come to define the Land of the Rising Sun.

More than simply the practice of a profession, Takumi represents a lifelong dedication to the pursuit of perfection in one’s craft. It is grounded in expertise, precision, meticulous attention to detail, and human-centered design, values that lie at the heart of Japanese culture and are internationally recognized as benchmarks of quality and excellence.

The Greek and international audiences of this year’s TIF will have the opportunity to discover the unique Japanese “universe” through the philosophy of Takumi (Ta-ku-mi), a Japanese term meaning master or artisan. Rooted in the values of wisdom, empathy, and purpose, Takumi embodies a tradition of knowledge and craftsmanship passed down from generation to generation.

Japan’s participation is being coordinated the Embassy of Japan in Greece, which will support the participation of a broad range of Japanese companies and organizations. The initiative aims to further strengthen the political, economic, and business relations between the two countries.

Japan’s participation will showcase dynamic sectors including tourism, infrastructure, technology and innovation, the automotive industry, energy, and healthcare, highlighting the country’s diverse and forward-looking business landscape.

A rich program of parallel events will complement the Japanese participation, featuring educational activities, networking events, corporate presentations and a series of cultural programs. These activities will introduce the Greek public to Japanese art and tradition, as well as to contemporary Japanese creativity.

Exhibition “TIF 100 YEARS OF FUTURE”

The Thessaloniki International Fair takes on a special commemorative character this year, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of its first edition in 1926. A century of continuous presence, development and contribution to the economic, business, social and cultural life of Greece provides the starting point for a unique exhibition that goes beyond a historical retrospective and instead turns its gaze towards the future.

In collaboration with MOMus-Museum of Contemporary Art, TIF presents a specially curated exhibition from September 5 to November 1, 2026, exploring the TIF’s enduring connection with innovation, technological progress, and the major transformations that have shaped each era.

Through a rich collection of archival material, rare photographs, historical documents, audiovisual projections and contemporary storytelling techniques, visitors will have the opportunity to discover the defining moments of TIF’s century-long journey, the pioneering achievements that marked its history, and the vision shaping its future.

The historical journey culminates in the presentation of the major redevelopment project for the exhibition center, marking the beginning of the institution’s second century.

At this turning point in its renewal, a historic site is being transformed without severing its ties with the past. Instead, it carries its memory forward as it prepares to welcome what has yet to happen.

The exhibition is hosted at MOMus-Museum of Contemporary Art, within the TIF premises, as one of the major commemorative events of this year’s Fair, creatively connecting the past, present and future.

Thessaloniki International Fair – A Historical Overview

The city of Thessaloniki has a long-standing tradition of hosting exhibitions and trade fairs. In many ways, the history of Thessaloniki can therefore be seen as running parallel to the history of the Fair. Against the backdrop of the interwar period, the idea of establishing the Thessaloniki International Fair emerged in 1925, just 12 years after Thessaloniki became part of the Greek state. The initiative was led by Nikolaos Germanos.

The preparation of the first TIF faced numerous and significant challenges. However, through the persistence of Nikolaos Germanos and the support of local institutions and economic forces, these obstacles were gradually overcome. Finally, on the morning of Sunday, 3 October 1926, the first Thessaloniki International Fair was inaugurated in a festive atmosphere. The event took place at Pedion tou Areos (Field of Mars), on the outskirts of the historic city center and only a few meters from the site of today’s Fair.

The first period of TIF’s operation, from 1926 to 1940, was a challenging one. The institution had to address numerous operational and organizational issues while also navigating significant rivalries and personal ambitions among the economic and political actors of the time. The primary objective of the Fair during its early years was to promote Greek industry and introduce the wider public to Greek products.

Through persistent efforts, these challenges were gradually overcome, allowing TIF to establish solid foundations and evolve into a major economic, political and social institution for Thessaloniki and Greece as a whole. Following the first major post-war Fair in 1951, which proved a great success, TIF entered a period of sustained growth, both in terms of the number of exhibitors and visitors, as well as official national participations.

Between 1951 and 1966, the number of visitors to TIF tripled, reaching an extraordinary 1,634,542 visitors in 1966. This figure was remarkable for the time, particularly considering that Thessaloniki’s population was approximately 300,000, while Greece’s total population stood at around 8.5 million. The year 1966 remains TIF’s all-time record for visitor numbers, a record that has stood to this day.

Following 1974, alongside the main Fair, which continued to take place every September, a number of specialized sectoral exhibitions were also developed. With a more focused industry orientation, these exhibitions attracted the interest of thousands of professionals from their respective sectors, further strengthening Thessaloniki’s position as a major exhibition and business hub.

Photo source: Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) — https://www.thessalonikifair.gr/en

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Set against the breathtaking landscape of Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands, the KYMATA Film Festival brings together cinema, music and culture in a unique seaside setting. Known for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic mountains, picturesque villages and rich cultural heritage, the island will once again become a vibrant meeting point for filmmakers, artists, industry professionals and cinema lovers from Greece and around the world, as the 5th International KYMATA Film Festival celebrates contemporary cinema through screenings, special tributes, educational activities, exhibitions and live performances.

Featuring leading figures from the international and Greek film industries, major screenings, educational initiatives, and a rich program of cultural events, the 5th International KYMATA Film Festival returns to the beautiful island of Kefalonia from 21 to 30 August 2026, once again aiming to establish itself as one of the most significant cinematic events of the Greek summer.

Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands, is a place where dramatic natural landscapes meet a rich cultural heritage. From its rugged mountains and spectacular caves to its crystal-clear waters, secluded beaches and picturesque villages, the island offers a striking diversity of landscapes and a distinctive Mediterranean atmosphere.

The KYMATA Film Festival is the only film festival in the Ionian Islands. It takes place at the Thalassomylos Municipal Cultural Complex, a seaside venue located approximately 2 km from the centre of Argostoli. Organized in collaboration with the Municipality of Argostoli, the festival has enjoyed an enthusiastic response from audiences since its launch in 2022.

The festival was founded to promote and celebrate cinema and music, encourage audience participation and engagement, and establish a lasting creative hub where Kefalonian artists and industry professionals can connect and network with peers from across Europe and around the world.

This year’s edition will feature international short-film competitions in Fiction, Documentary and, for the first time, Animation, alongside major open-air screenings, special tributes, masterclasses, late-night screenings, concerts, and live music cinema performances. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore a series of exhibitions, including one dedicated to Greece in the 1980s.

Among this year’s honored guests are Jerzy Skolimowski, one of Europe’s most important filmmakers and a celebrated Polish director, and his long-time collaborator, screenwriter and partner Ewa Piaskowska. Audiences will have the opportunity to attend special screenings of Skolimowski’s work, meet the two distinguished filmmakers in person, and take part in conversations with them about their careers and creative journeys.

With its distinctive seaside setting, international line-up and diverse program of screenings, performances, exhibitions and educational activities, the 5th KIMATA Film Festival promises to transform Kefalonia into a vibrant meeting place for filmmakers, artists, industry professionals and cinema lovers from Greece and around the world.

Source: Kymata Film Festival

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In the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, an agreement was signed at the Maximos Mansion on August 5, 2026 for the entry of the French investment group Meridiam as the majority shareholder in Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), which, according to the initial planning, will undertake the development of the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection project. A tripartite agreement was also signed between the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO), GSI and Nexans concerning seabed survey works for the implementation of the project.

“Welcome to Athens. Today is, I believe, a very important day, marking significant progress for the Great Sea Interconnector project. As you know, this is a project of strategic importance both for Greece and Cyprus, but I believe also for Europe as a whole. And Meridiam’s entry as the majority shareholder in Great Sea Interconnector, a special-purpose company established by IPTO to implement the project, is, in my view, a very strong vote of confidence in Greece’s energy sector, in IPTO’s technical capabilities, and in the strategic value of this interconnection project,” the Prime Minister said in his remarks.

“I believe, however, that the most important message is that we are joining forces for a European project of common interest and, at the same time, that this development is accompanied by the signing of a strategic agreement between IPTO, GSI and Nexans. The three parties will work together from the outset to accelerate the implementation of the project, with the completion of the seabed surveys being the first priority.

“I believe IPTO brings to this project deep technical expertise, extensive knowledge of power systems and a proven ability to implement major energy interconnections, with the Athens-Crete interconnection serving as an example of a particularly complex project that was recently completed. And, of course, you bring international experience in similar projects and a long-term commitment to strategic infrastructure.

“By combining these complementary strengths, the two partners are creating a significantly stronger and much more credible platform for the construction and successful completion of the project. This particular transaction, of course, concerns the project’s special-purpose company, which is responsible for developing the interconnection.

“I would like to emphasize that IPTO remains a strategic shareholder and a central partner in this project, while your participation strengthens the capital base, leads to better risk allocation and enhances the project’s ability to be implemented. We have been exploring this possibility over the past few months, and we are particularly pleased that we have succeeded in strengthening the project’s capital base.

“Clearly, for us this is both a strategic project and a project of particular importance for the energy structure and stability of the entire network in our region. It will make a substantial contribution to ending Cyprus’s energy isolation and connecting the country to the wider European electricity system. And, of course, it will facilitate the integration of more renewable energy into the grid and will strengthen Europe’s overall energy resilience.

“I am very pleased that Greece is once again demonstrating that it can attract serious, long-term international investors for projects of strategic importance. I believe it is particularly significant that we have managed to attract one of the largest, if not the largest, European investors in the infrastructure sector. I also believe that this is the right time to support strong strategic participation, international investment, technical expertise, as well as a clear allocation of responsibilities and risks.

“Allow me, therefore, to congratulate all the parties involved on the signing of this agreement, and we look forward to taking all the necessary initiatives so that the project can move forward as quickly as possible. Once again, welcome,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis concluded.

Source: Athens-Macedonian News Agency

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The Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence has unveiled the key pillars of HELLAS-SPACE 2.0, Greece's new National Space Program, a €350 million initiative designed to strengthen the country's security, resilience and technological capabilities.

Implemented by the General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Post, the program is financed through the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) – Greece 2.0 and is being delivered in cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA).

HELLAS-SPACE 2.0 serves as the cornerstone of Greece's National Space Strategy, bringing together investments in space infrastructure, the development of the domestic space industry, satellite applications and data services, research and innovation, and the cultivation of a highly skilled workforce.

The program focuses on the following strategic priorities:

• Deployment of very high-resolution Earth observation satellites to generate advanced geospatial data.
• Development of thermal imaging satellites to support civil protection, environmental monitoring and national security.
• Expansion of secure satellite connectivity and positioning services for critical public and private sector applications.
• Establishment of space surveillance and radio frequency monitoring systems to strengthen national operational capabilities.
• Launch of a space innovation and testing program to accelerate the development of new technologies and applications.
• Development of secure data infrastructure and digital services for use across the public and private sectors.
• Support for the Greek space industry, research community and highly skilled workforce, fostering a stronger and more competitive national space ecosystem.

These initiatives will enable the wider use of space technologies in critical sectors, including civil protection, natural disaster management, environmental monitoring, transport, precision agriculture and public administration.

The New National Space Program (HELLAS-SPACE 2.0) aims to:

• Strengthen Greece's national space infrastructure and enhance the country's strategic capabilities.
• Develop a competitive and internationally oriented Greek space industry.
• Harness space technologies to address challenges related to environmental protection, civil protection, security and economic development.
• Promote closer collaboration between the public sector, universities, research institutions, industry and international partners.

With a budget of €350 million, the program represents the largest national investment ever made in Greece's space sector. It aims to position Greece as a strong and trusted partner within the European and global space ecosystem.

Source: Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence

Photos: Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA)

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A new chapter in the development of Greece's space infrastructure has begun with the successful launch of the Hyperion GR-1 microsatellite, the first Greek optical microsatellite developed under the National Microsatellite Program. The satellite was placed into orbit around Earth on Tuesday, July 7, following its launch aboard a SpaceX rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This milestone gives Greece, for the first time, its own national optical Earth observation capabilities.

The launch marks the beginning of the operational deployment of a Greek constellation of seven optical microsatellites, all of which are being built in Greece by Open Cosmos Aegean. The initiative is a strategic investment aimed at strengthening the Greek public sector's capabilities in areas such as civil protection, environmental monitoring, maritime surveillance, precision agriculture, and the protection of critical infrastructure.

Open Cosmos Aegean is implementing a critical part of the National Microsatellite Program, manufacturing 7 cutting-edge satellites (out of a total of 13 in the national program) in Greece, in state-of-the-art facilities in Pallini, which include 300 m² clean rooms and capabilities for comprehensive satellite design, assembly, integration, testing and operation. In addition, Open Cosmos Aegean has undertaken the construction and operation in Greece of a satellite ground station to provide telemetry, remote control and data transfer services for the entire constellation.

Hyperion GR-1 is equipped to capture high-resolution multispectral imagery with a ground sampling distance of up to 90 centimeters, enabling the systematic observation and monitoring of changes in both natural and built environments. The satellite also incorporates artificial intelligence (AI)-powered onboard data processing and inter-satellite communication links (ISLs), allowing for faster processing and transmission of critical information to ground stations. The data collected by the microsatellite will be integrated into Greece's Government Earth Observation Hub, which is being developed as the country's central digital platform for managing and exploiting satellite-derived information across the public administration.

With the launch of Hyperion GR-1, Greece now has a total of 18 microsatellites in orbit, as part of its broader strategy to develop national space infrastructure

According to the plans of the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, the system's applications will range from the early detection of wildfires and floods to post-disaster damage assessment, as well as the protection of forests and water resources, precision agriculture and aquaculture, and maritime surveillance, including vessel tracking and the detection of marine pollution incidents. In addition, the satellite data is expected to support urban planning, the monitoring of major infrastructure projects, and the inspection of critical infrastructure, strengthening the government's ability to make informed decisions based on up-to-date geospatial information.

Hyperion GR-1 is the first of seven optical microsatellites being developed under Greece's National Microsatellite Program, which is funded through the "Greece 2.0" Recovery and Resilience Facility. The program is being implemented by the General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Posts, with the support of the Hellenic Space Center (HSC) and the European Space Agency (ESA).

The Hellenic Space Center (HSC) is Greece's national space agency, responsible for coordinating the country's space policy, supporting the development of its space sector, and representing Greece in international space activities. Established in 2018, the HSC works under the supervision of the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence and collaborates closely with the European Space Agency (ESA), of which Greece has been a member since 2005. The HSC plays a central role in planning and implementing Greece's national space strategy. Its responsibilities include promoting satellite technologies, supporting research and innovation, strengthening the domestic aerospace industry, and encouraging participation by Greek companies and universities in European space programs. The agency also helps expand the use of satellite data in public services, including environmental monitoring, disaster management, maritime surveillance, precision agriculture, and urban planning.

Particular emphasis has also been placed on the involvement of the Greek aerospace industry in the development of Hyperion GR-1. According to the announcement, the satellite was built with the participation of Greek companies and engineers, helping to strengthen domestic expertise and laying the groundwork for the development of exportable space technologies and services.

The Greek government has already outlined the next phase of its space strategy through the HELLAS-SPACE 2.0 program, with a total budget of €350 million. The initiative aims to significantly expand the country's capabilities in the space sector over the coming years.

The Greek Space Tech Forum 2026 (GSTF26) is one of Greece's leading events dedicated to the rapidly growing space sector, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, researchers, investors, startups, and European institutions. Held in Athens on 7–8 July 2026, the forum focused on strengthening Greece's role in the European space economy and advancing national capabilities in satellite technologies, Earth observation, artificial intelligence, defence and dual-use applications, climate resilience, and commercial space innovation.

Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence Dimitris Papastergiou stated that "the launch of Hyperion GR-1 marks a new era for our country. We are acquiring another powerful tool that will enable us to use satellite data for the benefit of our citizens: to protect our forests and maritime areas, support precision agriculture, map both regulated and unregulated development, and make faster decisions during times of crisis.” He added that the launch forms part of a broader national strategy, referring to the recent unveiling of the HELLAS-SPACE 2.0 program, with a €350 million budget, which builds on the National Microsatellite Program. "Our goal is for technology to make the state more effective, the country more resilient, and the everyday lives of citizens better," he concluded.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/  )

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