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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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/ )

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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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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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The Greek shipbuilding industry is a sector that enters a new period of reconstruction and growth. This development is not coincidental. Geopolitical realignments, Europe’s increasing need for defense autonomy, the restructuring of global supply chains, and the search for new industrial drivers of growth are creating an environment in which Greece is seeking to reposition itself on the international shipbuilding map. (Cover photo: ONEX's shipyards in Syros).

At the center of this effort are the country’s three major shipbuilding hubs: ONEX’s shipyards in Elefsina and Syros, Skaramangas Shipyards, and Salamis Shipyards. A common feature of these initiatives is the development of strategic partnerships with major industrial groups from abroad, primarily from South Korea, Germany, and France, with the support of the United States within a broader strategic framework. These partnerships aim to strengthen the domestic industrial base, facilitate the transfer of expertise and know-how, promote the development of advanced technologies, and create a modern industrial ecosystem.

At Posidonia 2026, the ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group presented its comprehensive vision for the future of the shipbuilding industry, energy, maritime infrastructure, and emerging technologies. At the center of the Group’s presence were new shipbuilding projects, energy developments, offshore energy production solutions, the serial production of ONEX RAstar 2800 tugboats, as well as the advanced repair, conversion, and technical support services provided by ONEX’s shipyards in Elefsina and Syros. (Source: https://www.facebook.com/OnexElefsisShipyardsSA/ )

The heads of the three shipyards, speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA), describe a shared vision: transforming Greece into a regional hub for shipbuilding, defense manufacturing, ship repair and maintenance, and the construction of specialized high-value-added vessels. At the same time, they emphasize the importance of new investments in creating thousands of jobs, upgrading workforce skills, and strengthening the country’s industrial presence. At a time when Europe is seeking new production capabilities in the defense and industrial sectors, Greek shipyards are aiming to capitalize on the country’s comparative advantages: its maritime heritage, strategic geographic location, and extensive experience in one of the most important sectors of the Greek economy.

The common denominator across all three cases is that the revival of the Greek shipbuilding industry is no longer viewed as an isolated industrial initiative, but rather as part of a broader national strategy that integrates the economy, technology, defense, and international competitiveness. The international partnerships already underway are creating the conditions for Greek shipyards to regain a significant position on the global stage, transforming a traditional sector of the economy into a major driver of growth for the decades ahead.

ONEX’s shipyards in Elefsina and Syros

ONEX's shipyards in Elefsina (photo amna.gr)

ONEX's shipyards in Syros

The most ambitious investment plan is being presented by ONEX through Project Trident, a €1.35 billion program that aims to establish a fully integrated production line for warships and submarines, with Greek participation exceeding 70% of the total project value. At the heart of the initiative is a strategic partnership with South Korean company Hanwha Ocean to develop capabilities for constructing advanced submarines and frigates. According to the investment plan, the first customer to join the frigate production line would receive its first vessel in 2031, while delivery of the first submarine is projected for 2034.

According to Panos Xenokostas, Chairman of the ONEX Group, the objective is to transform the shipyards of Elefsina and Syros into the “southern pillar” of the European shipbuilding industry. As he told ANA-MPA, the next stage of development is closely tied to the introduction of automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence technologies, as well as the transfer of critical expertise that would enable Greece to acquire the capability to build submarines, frigates, and other complex naval vessels. At the same time, the program is expected to create up to 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, providing a significant boost to employment and domestic industrial production.

Skaramangas Shipyards

Skaramangas Shipyards (photo amna.gr)

Skaramangas Shipyards are also poised to play a significant role in the evolving landscape of the Greek shipbuilding industry. Within a short period following the resumption of their operations, the shipyards have expanded their activities in both the commercial and defense sectors. Particularly important are the partnerships with South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Germany’s TKMS (ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems). The agreement with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries focuses on the design and construction of surface vessels and is expected to strengthen the participation of Greek industry in future shipbuilding programs through the transfer of expertise and best practices from one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups. At the same time, the cooperation with TKMS is centered on the modernization of the Hellenic Navy’s submarine fleet, leveraging the German company’s extensive expertise in Type 214 submarines.

Within the framework of Posidonia 2026, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Skaramangas Shipyards, represented by Miltiadis Varvitsiotis (right), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, represented by Kim Jae Rak (https://www.amna.gr/) 

The Chief Executive Officer of Skaramangas Shipyards, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, told ANA-MPA that the shipyards’ trajectory serves as an example of how the revival of the Greek shipbuilding industry can be linked to the emerging needs of European defense and security. As he noted, Greece possesses the skilled workforce, geostrategic location, and maritime tradition required to play a leading role in the evolving European defense ecosystem. He added, the development of the shipyards is not solely about industrial production; it is also about creating expertise, generating added value, and fostering new employment opportunities that can have a multiplier effect on the Greek economy.

Salamis Shipyards

At the third pillar of the Greek shipbuilding industry, Salamis Shipyards are pursuing a strategy focused on specialization and participation in international defense supply chains. The company has already developed significant activity in supporting high-technology defense programs and is actively involved in the production of sections and components for naval vessels serving international customers. A notable example is its partnership with Naval Group under the FDI Frigate Program. Through this collaboration, Salamis Shipyards manufactures critical steel structures and ship sections for vessels destined for both the French Navy and the Hellenic Navy.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Salamis Shipyards, George Koros, believes that the Greek shipbuilding industry is facing a historic opportunity, driven both by geopolitical developments and by Europe’s efforts to strengthen its strategic autonomy. As he emphasizes, the objective is not mass production but the development of high-value-added vessels for specialized markets. Within this framework, Salamis Shipyards are exploring the expansion of their activities into the construction of next-generation commercial vessels, with particular emphasis on LNG carriers and high-specification dry cargo ships. This strategy is directly linked to the energy transition and the growing global demand for more efficient and environmentally friendly vessels—a sector in which Greek industry is seeking to establish a stronger presence.

He further stresses that Greece today possesses all the necessary prerequisites to transform its maritime strength and geostrategic position into industrial value creation, with the shipbuilding industry evolving into one of the key pillars of the country's economic development.

Salamis Shipyards - FDI Frigate Formion Blocks Construction

(Source: “Greek Shipyards Invest in International Partnerships and Seek a Role in the European Defense Ecosystem” by Thanassis Papadis, https://www.amna.gr/ )

The post A New Horizon for Greek Shipbuilding appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

On May 29, the Grand Arsenal of Chania hosted an event that captures the new era opening for Greece’s largest island, Crete.  The Economist  and Powergame.gr  organized the conference “Investing in Change: How Crete is Being Transformed,” with thematic pillars spanning from development and tourism to infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, road safety, circular economy, and culture.

Crete is currently at a pivotal development crossroads. Major infrastructure projects that are being implemented or planned — from road networks and water management works to energy interconnections — combined with strategic investments in tourism and hospitality, are shaping a new development model for the island and for the Greek periphery as a whole. Strengthening infrastructure resilience, ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources, upgrading the tourism product and attracting international investment constitute decisive factors for the long-term prosperity of Crete and of Greece. The main pillars to be addressed during the conference include:

• The strategic importance of major infrastructure projects for Crete’s economic growth
• Investments in tourism and the transition to a high-quality, sustainable hospitality model
• The role of energy and interconnections in shaping a new productive landscape
• The contribution of local production and the primary sector to the island’s extroversion
• The cooperation between Government, Local Authorities and the private sector in accelerating development.

(Source, agenda and key speakers: https://events.economistenterprise.com/  )

In the context of the conference, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis participated as the keynote speaker in a conversation with Mariana Mazzucato, Professor in the Economics of Innovation and Public Value at University College London. The discussion was moderated by Alasdair Ross, Countries Editor for The Economist’s The World Ahead, and Joan Hoey, Greece analyst and Europe consultant for the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

In his opening remarks, referring to Greece’s economic transformation and the investments being made in Crete, the Prime Minister noted, among others:

“We are in Crete, and this is an island which has benefited tremendously from significant public investment. And let me just highlight three projects of great importance. The first, which has already been completed, is the two electric interconnections between Crete and the mainland. These are important not only for reasons of energy security, but also because Crete used to burn diesel oil in order to produce electricity, and now it can benefit from an interconnected network and also leverage the significant renewable potential that the island has.”

“The second incredibly big public investment has been the new airport in Iraklion. When we’re looking at the potential of this island as the sort of the epicenter of the dynamic Greek tourism industry, we cannot envision an island growing to the 21^st century with 20^th century infrastructure. The old airport in Heraklion is struggling to meet the increased demands of people wanting to come to Crete. So building a brand new airport was a priority for us. It will be ready hopefully in 2028. 70% of the project has been completed.”

“And the third big infrastructure project was building a new highway that essentially runs across the northern part of the island. Again, a very significant public investment in infrastructure which is necessary to drive the island forward.”

“So for us, when we look at our agenda, public investments do play an important role alongside policies that foster entrepreneurship, bring in investment, and leverage the comparative advantages of our country. And of course, also all these projects, they’re being constructed by our big construction companies. So this is essentially a public-private partnership, given that these are concession models, which in our mind work very, very well. So this is no longer just about stabilizing the country, improving its image abroad. I think this work to a great extent has been done. Of course, we always need to be very vigilant. This is about the new phase of growth in which public investment plays a very, very important role, especially here in Crete.”

(Source: https://www.primeminister.gr/en/2026/05/29/38626 , Photos: https://www.ertnews.gr )

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in conversation with Mariana Mazzucato at the “Investing in Change: How Crete Is Being Transformed” conference in Chania

The President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos A. Tasoulas, officially opened the proceedings of the conference noting, among others: "Twenty-eight centuries ago, the beauty and wealth of Crete were described in the Odyssey by Odysseus himself, speaking to Penelope in Book 19: ‘There is a land called Crete in the midst of the wine-dark sea, fair and fertile, surrounded by water, with countless people and ninety cities...’ It is this Crete that has brought us together today—to speak about its beauty and its potential for the sustainable development of its natural wealth, which it has preserved through the centuries."

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

Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, delivered a Keynote speech about the importance of European connectivity for sustainable development. Mr Tzitzikostas noted, among others, "Europe is investing in Crete. Through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), through its infrastructure and transport budget, through the European Investment Bank, through cohesion policy, and through investments in transport, energy, and tourism. It is investing through the Recovery and Resilience Facility, which, with €1.37 billion in funding, supports 93 businesses, 72 of which are small and medium-sized enterprises. Europe invests because it believes in this place. It invests because it recognizes its potential. It invests because Crete is not Europe’s periphery. Crete is the center of the Mediterranean. Europe, therefore, is not merely a source of funding. It is a partner; it is an ally. And connectivity is not a technical issue—it is a political one. It is a choice. It is a vision.”

“Crete possesses everything it needs to play a leading role and to become a strategic asset for Greece, which can and should develop into a central hub of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), indeed serving as one of its key terminal gateways. Just as Greece is evolving into a strategic hub for the whole of Eastern Europe through the Aegean–Black Sea rail and road corridor project that we have signed and are now launching—a project that has been my highest priority since I first assumed office. Crete has the geography, the culture, and the people. It now also has the infrastructure that is being built. The new era has already begun. Here. In Crete. In Chania."

(Source: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/ )

Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas presented the plans and progress of the major infrastructure projects that are transforming Crete.

Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou focused on the dynamic relaunch of Greece’s hydrocarbons programme, the prospect of the first exploratory drilling operation in the Ionian Sea in half a century, and Crete’s emergence as a new energy hub for the country were at the center of remarks by. He outlined Greece’s strategy for the role of natural gas and hydrocarbons within Europe’s evolving energy landscape. According to the minister, the presence of two of the world’s largest private oil companies, Chevron and Exxon Mobil, in Greece’s offshore concession areas is neither a temporary development nor simply a reflection of the policy shift in the United States following the election of Donald Trump. Rather, he argued, it is the result of a long-term and systematic effort that began several years earlier, with Greece making sustained investments in energy infrastructure and the collection of critical geological data.

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

Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni noted, among others, "Culture is an important instrument of social cohesion. It brings society together in a variety of ways. At the same time, however, it is also a powerful driver of development.” The minister also referred to Greece’s approximately 28,000 archaeological sites and monuments—“an astonishing number,” as she described it—emphasizing that Crete is perhaps the place in the Mediterranean with the highest concentration of cultural assets, monuments, and archaeological sites. "Crete is also one of the most multilayered cultural landscapes, because it is not only home to an extraordinary wealth of archaeological sites and monuments spanning thousands of years, from antiquity to modern times. It is also defined by the immense strength of its traditions and intangible cultural heritage, expressed through its language, dances, songs, and gastronomy. Crete brings all of these elements together.” “At a time when major investments—such as the Northern Road Axis of Crete, the island’s energy interconnection projects, and the new airport at Kastelli—are creating critical infrastructure, what is needed, in my view, is a unifying element that ties all these developments together. That element is culture." Lina Mendoni also referred to the celebration marking the inclusion of the Minoan Palaces on the UNESCO World Heritage List, an inscription that took place in July 2025.

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

Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni noted "Crete is a place with a deep historical memory, a strong identity, and a decisive contribution to Greece’s development trajectory. At the same time, it embodies all the elements that make Greek tourism unique." She also underlined that Crete offers a unique and multifaceted tourism product, combining natural beauty, cultural heritage, and a strong gastronomic identity, thereby reinforcing its position as a year-round, 12-month destination. Addressing the role of Greek tourism, the minister noted that it remains a key pillar of the economy, employment, and regional development, making an especially significant contribution to Crete. The minister further referred to the major infrastructure projects being implemented by the government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, which are creating new development prospects for Crete and significantly strengthening the island’s connectivity and competitiveness, alongside substantial private-sector investments in tourism.

(Source: https://mintour.gov.gr/  )

Video of the Conference “Investing in change: How Crete is being transformed” (GR)

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Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with ElevenLabs CEO Mati Staniszewski at the Maximos Mansion and subsequently attended the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Greek Government and the company, in the presence on behalf of the government, of the Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou and the Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni. ElevenLabs is among the global pioneers in the development of artificial intelligence in the field of voice technology. (Cover photo: https://www.ertnews.gr/)

During the meeting, they discussed the main areas of cooperation, with a focus on the use of ElevenLabs technology on the Gov.gr portal, in tourism, and in the preservation of Greece’s local dialects and idioms.

• As for Gov.gr, the goal is to enhance digitized services with voice-activated features, particularly those services that are widely used by citizens, thereby facilitating equal access and service for all users. In a second phase, the possibility of a voice interface will be explored, which will allow users to give voice commands or ask questions verbally.
• As for tourism, ElevenLabs’ technology is expected to be integrated into the VisitGreece portal, to help provide information and guided tours to visitors at museums and archaeological sites, and to help promote lesser-known destinations.
• With regard to preserving our country’s linguistic diversity, a pilot digital library of local accents and dialects will be created in collaboration with the Athena Research Center and the Institute of Language and Speech Processing. In the first phase, the natural speech of speakers of distinct dialects will be recorded to serve as the basis for creating a digital voice.

During the discussion, views were also exchanged on the potential use of voice models in civil protection, an area in which Greece already has the tried-and-tested early warning system “112”, as well as on how to better connect ancient Greek philosophy with the modern public.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized, “We are implementing one of the most ambitious digital transformation strategies of any European country. We provide more than 2,200 digital services to our citizens. But of course, we used to think of Gov.gr as a screen interface where people would type in whatever their requests were, but of course AI is opening up completely new opportunities to interact with the state in a completely conversational, multilingual, voice-enabled and at the end of the day much more intuitive manner.”

Prime Minister added, “I’m also very happy that we’re extending this partnership beyond government services. In tourism, and we’ve discussed this frequently with the Minister, these technologies can vastly help people experience what Greece has to offer in entirely new ways and making our history, our culture, our destinations available in every language.” “And I’m also fascinated by the third aspect of this partnership, which relates to the preservation of our very rich linguistic heritage of various dialects that are still spoken in Greece. Unfortunately, some of them we risk losing, and the ability of AI to capture this linguistic wealth and to keep it alive for future generations is truly fascinating.”

Mati Staniszewski highlighted Greece’s role within the ElevenLabs ecosystem, noting “I’m very excited about the MOU and, as you said, the three pillars of bringing it to the digital services across 2,200 parts of the government and across amplifying tourism and preserving the languages. Greece has been a big part of ElevenLabs from the beginning. We have a Greek leading our research engineering, we have a Greek leading our deployment efforts, and some of the earliest enterprise customers were from Greece. So even more excited for what Greece is doing and having a pleasure to be a part of the voice layer of that ambition.”

According to Minister Papastergiou, the partnership will focus on digital voice services for the public sector, “Pharos” — Greece’s AI Factory for culture, language, health, and environmental sustainability — and the digital mAiGreece platform, developed by the Ministries of Tourism and Digital Governance to support visitors to the country.

(Source: https://www.primeminister.gr/en/2026/05/28/38599, https://www.ertnews.gr/   )

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ remarks during his conversation with the Chief Executive Officer of ElevenLabs Mati Staniszewski, in the context of the “Panathēnea 2026” festival

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis participated in a conversation with the Chief Executive Officer of ElevenLabs Mati Staniszewski, in the context of the “Panathēnea 2026” festival, held at the Zappeion Megaron. In his opening remarks, referring to the memorandum of understanding signed between the Greek government and Eleven Labs, the Prime Minister noted, among others:

“What we did today was to expand the partnerships that we established with leading AI companies to improve public services. The idea is very simple. We take one of the leading, if not the leading, voice AI chatbot companies in the world, and we try to integrate their technologies in delivering public services through our Gov.gr site. So instead of typing your request, you just talk to the site, and hopefully you will get meaningful responses and engage in constructive conversations”.

When asked about his personal ambition to transform Greece from a laggard into a leader in the fields of technology and artificial intelligence, Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated, among others, “We made the digital transformation of the state our number one priority, and I think we have been able to leapfrog many European countries in terms of delivering a very convenient and user-friendly interface with the government through our Gov.gr site”… “We have a strategy. We have a Ministry in charge of Artificial Intelligence. We have a data policy, which is absolutely critical when it comes to leveraging open data. We have an open data policy. You can go on our Gov.gr site and look at the number of open data datasets that we have made available only over the past two weeks. This is an incredible treasure for many of the companies that may be joining us today who are looking for well-curated, high-quality data to develop their own models”.

When asked about Greece’s priorities in the field of artificial intelligence, the Prime Minister noted, among others, “I would highlight three areas. First of all, be a leading country in terms of using AI smartly and responsibly to provide public services, develop a sovereign AI infrastructure that leverages the interest to invest in the country, whether it means our new supercomputer, which is in the process of being built in Lavrio, “Daedalus”, or even encouraging big data gigafactories such as a project which is launched by the Public Power Corporation in Western Macedonia. So, we want to be part of the sovereign European infrastructure space, and I think we have enough investment opportunities and a well-thought-out strategy to generate interest for these types of investments.”

Read the full article here: https://www.primeminister.gr/en/2026/05/28/38608

Read also: DAEDALUS Supercomputer Enters Final Implementation Phase

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On the occasion of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of its founding, the Department of International and European Studies of the University of Piraeus, in collaboration with the organization “WOMEN ACT,” organized the second conference titled Women and Diplomacy on May 26.

During the conference, the Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Maira Myrogianni, delivered a speech entitled “Women in International Relations and in the Greek Diaspora”, in which, among other things, she stated:

“The General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy embraces the idea of organizing a conference that brings together Women Diplomats and highlights the timeless role of women in international relations.

Highlighting the pivotal role of women in the Greek diaspora is a priority of the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis. This government has implemented a series of national strategies, action plans, and legislative initiatives that incorporate participation in public policies with a view to promoting human rights, gender equality, and social inclusion. 

In 2024, under the guidance of our Minister Mr George Gerapetritis and our Deputy Minister Ms Alexandra Papadopoulou, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs developed an Equality Action Plan, which represents a crucial step in the collective effort to improve the conditions under which our workforce at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs carries out its mission –namely the protection and promotion of our country’s interests.

In today’s global environment, the growing presence of women in leadership roles is the result of multiple interconnected factors. The General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy implements a holistic approach that includes actions to encourage everyone to participate, including women, with the overall goal of strengthening the ties between the diaspora and the metropolitan center.

To this end, in our comprehensive Strategic Plan for the Greek Diaspora, which we implement together with our Deputy Minister Mr Yiannis Loverdos, one of our key objectives is to highlight the multifaceted role of women as guardians or Hellenism, responsible for the preservation of the Greek language, customs, traditions, and culture.

Additionally, under the “Women in Diaspora” initiative we plan to organize workshops, conferences and networking events to highlight the timeless role of Greek Diaspora Women in all facets of family, social and professional life.

Some of the initiatives we are currently undertaking, include the creation of Diaspora Women's Networks, an Annual Meeting of Greek Women in the Diaspora, scholarships for Greek Women Abroad, training, funding and mentoring programs, seminars, the use of Digital Platforms and Social Media as well as the creation of a Digital Library of Greek Women's Art and Creativity. We are also exploring ways to provide psychological Support and Social Integration Programs, as well as awards of Excellence.

Equally important is the role of women in our Public Diplomacy Strategic Plan, where the stories of excellence of Greek women are part of our country’s storytelling. They represent the modern, forward-thinking Greece, which invests in merit, equality and inclusion. Advancing gender equality in diplomacy is a prerequisite for building more effective and lasting global solutions.”

Within the framework of the conference, the Director General for Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Katerina Koika, participated in a panel discussion entitled “Women in High-Level Diplomacy: Breaking the Glass Ceiling”, alongside PASOK Member of Parliament Nadia Giannakopoulou, diplomatic correspondent Alexia Tasouli, and Ino Afentouli, Special Advisor and Head of the Geopolitics and Diplomacy Observatory at ELIAMEP.

In her remarks, Ms. Koika addressed the longstanding challenges women continue to face in their pursuit of positions of high responsibility, while acknowledging the significant progress achieved in recent years both in Greece and internationally. She noted that the introduction of quotas in the past highlighted pre-existing inequalities, emphasizing, however, that genuine equality requires a broader shift in mindset, sustained investment in education, and the strengthening of institutions that promote equal opportunities and lifelong professional development. She further pointed to Scandinavian countries, with their deeply rooted culture of equality, as notable examples of strong female representation in senior governmental positions.

Turning specifically to Public Diplomacy, Ms. Koika underscored its growing importance as a strategic communication tool and a means of enhancing Greece’s international profile. She observed that Greece’s public diplomacy efforts are steadily expanding beyond the scope of traditional diplomacy into areas such as science, the environment, energy, and the economy. With regard to the role of women in the Greek diplomatic corps, she noted that although the situation within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has improved, with women currently holding approximately 37% of leadership positions, further progress is still needed to achieve full equality. She also highlighted that the Ministry is already implementing a Strategic Equality Plan aimed at addressing existing challenges and further strengthening women’s representation in leadership roles.

Concluding her intervention, Ms. Koika expressed her conviction that women are fully capable of excelling and competing on equal terms for top positions on the international stage, not on the basis of gender, but through merit, competitiveness, and the quality of their work. She referred to prominent examples of women who have distinguished themselves in leading international institutions and organizations, stressing that genuine equality is ultimately secured through meritocracy, robust institutional safeguards, and sustained collective effort.

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A Major Exhibition at the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation

Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation presents Jannis Psychopedis: Landscapes of Memory. The Ones I Chose to Keep, a major retrospective dedicated to one of the foremost figures in contemporary Greek art, Jannis Psychopedis.

On view from May 20 to October 4, 2026, the exhibition traces Psychopedis’ artistic journey from 1962 to the present through approximately 70 paintings, drawings, and mixed-media works. Of particular significance is the fact that these are works the artist himself chose to retain in his personal collection, offering a rare and deeply personal insight into both his artistic evolution and the choices that shaped it.

Jannis Psychopedis, a major figure of postwar Greek painting, develops a distinct visual language, exploring political tensions, social unrest, memory, exile, fragmented urban life and autobiographical elements. His practice is at the same time profoundly literary. Text, manuscripts, poetry and allusions to writers, philosophers, and historical documents frequently inhabit his compositions, transforming many of his works into visual meditations that unfold like diaries or fragments of remembrance. His paintings invite reading as much as viewing.

Psychopedis emerged on the Greek art scene during the liberal climate of the 1960s as a prominent member of Art Group “A”, the New Greek Realists, and the Centre for Visual Arts. From the outset of his career, his work reflected the international shift toward neo-figuration, a movement that found a distinctive resonance in Greece. The richness of his contribution to neo-realism was shaped by the dynamic coexistence of two artistic worlds: one deeply rooted in Greek culture and another formed through his Western artistic education. Rather than dissolving into a unified visual language, these parallel influences remained in productive tension, fostering fertile artistic exchanges while reinforcing the artist’s resistance to aggressive industrialization and rampant consumerism.

The exhibition unfolds across twenty thematic chapters shaped by the artist’s own narratives and reflections. It opens with works from 1962, marking the true beginning of Psychopedis’ artistic path, followed by works from 1967 that capture the political and social tensions of the era.

The section Anatomy Lesson reveals the artist’s enduring engagement with anatomy, dating back to his student years. This preoccupation recurs throughout the exhibition in figures that seem to bear invisible wounds; even the nude bodies, initially suggestive of eroticism, appear fragile and vulnerable. In The Letter that Never Arrived, elements of everyday life intertwine with autobiographical references through the use of heterogeneous materials. Night in Brussels, created after the artist settled in Brussels in 1986, explores the relationship between interior and exterior space, between the intimacy of the private room and the urban landscape beyond the window.

The 1999 cycle Report to Goya functions as a powerful anti-war statement, linking traumatic images of the past with contemporary realities. Equally emblematic is Oracle, one of the artist’s most significant works, distinguished by its multilayered structure and its dialogue between ancient and contemporary civilization. References to classical antiquity also permeate the series inspired by the devastating fires of 2007 in Ancient Olympia, where the artist reflects on the relationship between lived experience and the enduring legacy of the classical world.

The exhibition is curated by Kyriakos Koutsomallis, General Director of the B&E Goulandris Foundation.

An extensive bilingual catalogue in Greek and English accompanies the exhibition, alongside a three-episode podcast series produced as part of B&E Goulandris Podcasts: An Audio Dive into the Enchanting World of Art, available on major streaming platforms.

Born in Athens in 1945, Jannis Psychopedis studied at the Athens School of Fine Arts before continuing his education at the Akademie der Bildenden Künste in Munich on a DAAD scholarship. During the years of the Greek dictatorship, he co-founded the group “Young Greek Realists,” whose socially engaged figurative painting became associated with anti-dictatorial resistance. Following extended periods in Munich, West Berlin, and Brussels, he returned permanently to Greece in the early 1990s and later taught painting at the Athens School of Fine Arts until 2012.

Over the course of his career, Psychopedis has presented numerous solo exhibitions internationally and participated in major collective exhibitions and retrospectives. His work occupies a singular position within contemporary European painting, distinguished by its fusion of political consciousness, historical depth, and intensely personal expression.

Featured Photo: “Broken Horizon” [part of a quadriptych], 1981. Coloured pencils on paper, 58.5 × 56 cm

Photo credits © Chris Doulgeris

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The Greek Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia has officially opened to the international public with Escape Room, a large-scale installation by internationally acclaimed artist and architect Andreas Angelidakis. Curated by George Bekirakis and commissioned by the Metropolitan Organization of Museums of Visual Arts of Thessaloniki (MOMUS), the project was inaugurated on Thursday, May 7, 2026, and will remain on view through November 22, 2026.

Transforming the Greek Pavilion into a present-day Platonic Cave, Andreas Angelidakis reimagines Plato’s seminal text as an immersive, inhabitable environment, situated within the current era of post-truth and rising nationalist populism. The Platonic allegory becomes a malleable instrument for probing the present, in which the world of images is saturated with digital illusions and cultural replicas. Shifting the focus to the history of the Greek Pavilion itself, the installation assembles elements presented as contested, constructed truths, illuminating both the complex nature of historical knowledge and its entanglement with nationalism and propaganda.

With a long-standing and distinguished presence on both the Greek and international art scenes, Athens-based Andreas Angelidakis has forged a hybrid, research-driven practice that brings architecture into vivid dialogue with the visual arts and digital media. His work touches upon the notions of ruin and historicity, articulated through narratives that resist linearity and challenge entrenched binaries such as the imaginary and the real, the physical and the virtual, the authentic and the copy. His installations approach history through the strategies of displacement, distortion, inversion, and humor, staging alternative frameworks for reading reality, identity, and cultural memory anew. Fiction lies at the core of his methodology as a primary narrative tool, while through processes of queering and the destabilization of the mechanisms that underpin truth and authenticity, his work probes the architecture of perception, culture in the making, and the construction of selfhood.

“The national pavilion is divided in two: the National and the Pavilion. Both function as mechanisms similar to those described by Plato in the Symposium,” Andreas Angelidakis explains. Transforming the pavilion into a labyrinth of images, objects, architectural fragments, videos, and “souvenirs” drawn from Greek history and identity, the artist creates a contemporary Platonic cave; a space where history, ideology, and national narratives are simultaneously produced, repeated, and dismantled.

At the heart of the installation, an imprisoned surveillance camera continuously films itself. Scattered objects and references operate as fragmented lectures or traces of collective memory: the year of the Greek Civil War, when Greece did not participate in the Biennale and Peggy Guggenheim rented the Greek Pavilion to exhibit Cubist and Surrealist works then perceived as anti-fascist art; a small monument dedicated to Vasso Katraki at the pavilion entrance; and references to Yannis Tsarouchis, Zak Kostopoulos, and Maria Beikou.

Speaking at the opening, Deputy Minister of Culture for Contemporary Culture Iason Fotilas emphasized the collaborative effort behind the presentation:

“I will not speak about the artistic work itself, as others are far more qualified to do so. Besides, this project is so compelling and powerfully structured that it speaks for itself and speaks to everyone. What I would like to highlight instead is the invisible work behind the scenes; the extensive effort undertaken by our national commissioner, MOMUS. The interventions, the security systems, the infrastructure, and the overall preparation made it possible for this work to be presented in its complete form and without limitation. Successful organizational work is invisible: it allows the artwork and the artist to speak freely.

The Ministry of Culture, Minister Lina Mendoni, and I have always stood, and continue to stand, by the commissioner, the artist, and his team to present an important proposal that I am certain will spark meaningful dialogue. I would also like to thank the strategic supporter of the Greek participation, the Onassis Foundation, as well as all those who have supported Greece’s presence at the Biennale.”

The President of the Metropolitan Organisation of Museums of Visual Arts of Thessaloniki (MOMus), Epameinondas Christofilopoulos, stated:

“A few months ago, we undertook the role of national commissioner with enthusiasm and a great sense of responsibility. This assignment allowed us to serve a particularly ambitious endeavor and to contribute meaningfully to the national presence in Venice through Andreas Angelidakis’s Escape Room. With the unwavering support of the Ministry of Culture, we completed an extensive and demanding project in an exceptionally short period. Today, we stand before the result with the conviction that visitors to the Greek Pavilion will experience something truly meaningful.”

A special publication accompanying the installation includes a text by curator George Bekirakis, who describes Escape Room as an allegory of life under contemporary capitalism:

“Escape Room presents the viewer with an analogy of life under the shadow of capitalism. Traces are everywhere. The game we must escape from is not a room, but a deep, dark cave, shielded by the buzzing of millions of images circulating across our screens. Real and surreal realities collide on platforms that drain our attention while simultaneously serving national agendas and commercial interests. In this work, Andreas Angelidakis reverses spatial hierarchies, creating the paradox of a habitable ruin within the digital panopticon. Ultimately, he discreetly offers the audience clues that they may either sift through or simply overlook. Essentially, the viewer is invited to decide how to exercise their capacity to act and where to direct their attention. After all, it is just a game.”

Andreas Angelidakis (b. 1968, Athens) is an architect and artist based in Athens. He studied architecture at the Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angeles and subsequently at Columbia University in New York. His artistic practice is informed by a vibrant interdisciplinary engagement spanning architecture, publications, writing, design, and exhibition-making. His work materialises at the threshold between the real and the virtual, historical memory and fiction, sincerity and humour, constructing new narrative environments that propose new modes of experiencing and inhabiting the contemporary cultural and digital condition. In his conceptual cosmos, architecture operates more broadly as a vehicle for exploring identity, while Athens and the notion of the ruin – ancient, modern, or digital – recur as constant and critical motifs throughout his artistic output. From installation to essays, each work distils his ongoing inquiry into the relationship between viewer and artwork, foregrounding the interplay of power, space, and infrastructure through idiosyncratic visual systems that privilege embodied experiences within digital states.

As a testament to the international recognition of his work in architecture, art, and curating, Angelidakis has lectured widely at various universities and art institutions around the globe, and his work has been featured in leading international art publications and media, including Artforum, Frieze, e-flux, RIBA Journal, Nowness, Financial Times, Art Pulse, Archinect, Architectural Record, The New Yorker, Art in America, ArtReview, NERO Editions, La Repubblica, Flash Art, Dezeen, Designboom, Wallpaper, ARTnews, and The Art Newspaper, among others.

His work has been presented in Greece and internationally at prominent institutions and exhibitions, including: the National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens (ΕΜΣΤ), Athens; Onassis Foundation, Athens; documenta 14, Athens and Kassel; Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago; Galeria Municipal do Porto; Espace Niemeyer, Paris; Hayward Gallery, London; ETH, Zurich; and the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Humlebæk. His works are held in prominent public and private collections worldwide.

“Escape Room” is funded by Hellenic Ministry of Culture. Onassis Culture is strategic supporter. Additional supporters include ΕΚΚΟΜΕΔ (Hellenic Centre for Audiovisual Media and Creation), Qualco Group, Qualco Foundation, the National Bank of Greece, Ioannis and Maya Martinou, and Ioanna Martinou. The work is also supported by the Organization for Culture and Development NEON, the Irene Y. Panagopoulos Collection, the Office for Contemporary Art Norway (OCA), Anastasia Tsoureka-Sarakaki, Perianth Hotel, Aliki Martinou, Giorgos Petrocheilos and Diamantis Xilas, Eirini Laimou, the Thessaloniki Film Festival, the company “The Art of Living”, ARCH, Polygreen Culture & Art Initiative (PCAI), Eleni Martinou and Andreas Melas.

The official air transport sponsor is AEGEAN.

Photo Credits: Vladimiros Nikolouzos

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