Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, Dimitris Papastergiou, presented the opportunities arising for Greece’s space ecosystem as Adrian Golemis becomes the first Greek to participate in the official European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut training program.

For the first time in its history, Greece is officially represented in an ESA astronaut training program. Adrian Golemis will soon begin his training at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany. This development marks a major milestone in strengthening Greece’s presence in space research and technology, opening new opportunities for the country’s participation in international space missions. The training, scheduled to start in April 2026, is a fundamental prerequisite for future participation in space missions and includes an intensive program of theoretical instruction and practical exercises.

Minister Papastergiou stated: "The training of the first Greek astronaut is not only a personal achievement for Adrian; it is a powerful symbol of a new era for our country in space. It is living proof that Greece can design, participate, and play a leading role in a field that until recently seemed distant. I cannot think of a better proof than the fact that a Greek citizen will now have the opportunity to travel to space. Our national presence in space is not fragmented; it is part of a cohesive strategy that is already underway: from increasing our participation in ESA research programs to the National Microsatellite Program, whose first launches are already a reality. Six micro- and nanosatellites are currently in orbit, while in the coming days, weather permitting, six more Greek nanosatellites are expected to be launched. In April, we continue with thermal microsatellites, further expanding our operational capabilities in space. In this way, we are creating a comprehensive ecosystem of knowledge, innovation, and production".

Adrian Golemis commented: "It is a great joy for me that, through the systematic work of the Hellenic Space Center and the General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Post, my success in ESA’s most recent astronaut selection has been transformed from a personal achievement into a national opportunity. It is an honor to help Greece be represented for the first time in the field of astronauts. Traveling to space has been a childhood dream. I am thrilled that we are moving forward with the right framework for our country: my integration into ESA’s astronaut training program expands the window for Greek companies, universities, and research institutions to participate in the agency’s collaborative programs, complementing the National Microsatellite Program that is already underway. Having worked in this field for eight years, I have witnessed the significant economic, scientific, geopolitical, and educational benefits that arise. I am particularly pleased that Greece is now moving in this direction and extending its activity in human and robotic space exploration. It is important to recognize that our country has a mature ecosystem capable of contributing to and benefiting from the European framework. Astronaut training also prepares us for the possibility of Greek participation, in collaboration with Europe and the U.S., in missions to the International Space Station (ISS), advancing domestic space research and technology for future applications that improve life on Earth. I would like to sincerely thank my family for their support, as well as every Greek citizen who has worked for our country’s entry into the astronaut program."

Brief Biography of Adrian Golemis

Adrian Golemis was born and raised in Larissa, studied medicine at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and completed an interdisciplinary Master’s in Space Sciences at the International Space University (ISU) in France.

He has lived and worked for one year in complete isolation with a small crew at the Concordia Station in Antarctica, conducting European experiments studying changes in human physiology and psychology under extreme living conditions similar to those in space. His next posting was at the French Institute of Space Medicine and Physiology (MEDES), where he worked on clinical studies simulating the challenges faced by the human body in space, aimed at improving understanding and care on Earth.

Since 2018, he has contributed to the medical support of ESA astronauts, currently serving as Lead Flight Surgeon. He is also a research collaborator at the Hellenic Space Center (ELKED).

In 2022, Golemis ranked first among 25 selected candidates out of 22,500 applicants in ESA’s astronaut selection process, becoming the first Greek citizen to complete all selection stages, enabling Greece to be represented in a research mission in space for the first time. Subsequently, he was elected a member of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA).

Golemis also promotes science through public presentations and interviews, including many in schools.

Source: Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence

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Celebrating World Greek Language Day, the Embassy of Greece in Tokyo organized, on March 9, an academic event in cooperation with the University of Tokyo, held at the University’s premises. At the opening of the event, the commemorative message of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Loverdos, was presented, along with a relevant informational video produced by the Ministry of Culture, translated into Japanese.

This was followed by a welcome address from the Ambassador of Greece to Tokyo, Ms. Kliamaki, who emphasized the timeless value of the Greek language throughout its long history, from the works of ancient Greek authors to our National Poet, Dionysios Solomos, as well as its contemporary use in science and its status as an official language in Greece and Cyprus, both members of the European Union.

The global influence of the Greek language was internationally acknowledged at the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO (Samarkand, November 2025). The audience was particularly impressed by the speech of the Minister of Culture, Ms. Mendoni, delivered at the UNESCO General Conference, in which she illustrated the contribution of Greek to the English language through the use of Greek-derived terms.

The event also featured lectures by academics with a background in classical studies from four different universities in the Japanese capital, addressing themes related to different periods of the Greek language. Dr. Takashi Matsuura (University of Tokyo) spoke about the origins of the Greek language, including the arrival of the first Greek tribes in the Greek region and the earliest examples of ancient Greek writing and dialects. Special emphasis was placed on the connection between Linear B and the Cypriot syllabary with the ancient Greek alphabet.

Professor Yoshinori Sano (International Christian University) discussed the reception of elements from the Iliad—especially the story of Ajax—in Sophocles’ tragedy of the same name, also drawing parallels with similar themes in Japanese epics and Noh theatre. Explaining the evolution of the Greek language after antiquity, he concluded that despite the millennia separating classical ancient and modern Greek, linguistic continuity remains stronger than in the case of Japanese.

The audience also attended with admiration a short musical performance by artist Futaba Sato, a graduate of classical studies, who performed excerpts from the Iliad and poems by Sappho, accompanied by an ancient Greek lyre acquired from a specialized workshop in Greece.

In the second part of the event, Professor Akihiko Watanabe (Otsuma Women’s University) addressed katharevousa as a linguistic bridge between ancient and modern Greek and as a unique example of combining elements from all periods of the Greek language. By reading excerpts from the works of A. Papadiamantis and D. Vikelas, he presented examples of the coexistence of ancient and modern Greek elements in katharevousa, a feature that continues in contemporary Greek, which is enriched by archaizing expressions.

The event concluded with a lecture by Emeritus Professor Masako Kido from Kyoritsu Women’s University, who has been awarded the rank of Commander of the Order of Beneficence for her contribution to promoting Greek culture in Japan. Her presentation focused on the work of Fotis Kontoglou,   within the search of “Greekness” and the broader intellectual movement of the “Generation of the 1930s,” emphasizing the interplay between text and image and the influence of Byzantine tradition. She also referred to other major modern Greek literary figures, including Nobel laureates George Seferis and Odysseas Elytis.

The event received a particularly positive response from the audience, consisting mainly of Japanese philhellenes and students, as well as members of the Greek and diplomatic communities. It served as a unique opportunity to showcase the long history and international significance of the Greek language at Japan’s most prestigious university. Also in attendance was the Head of the Japan–Greece Parliamentary Friendship Group and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Digital Reform of Japan, Mr. Taro Kono.

The success of the event was greatly supported by the Department of Classical Studies of the University of Tokyo, as well as by the high level of expertise demonstrated by the speakers.

This initiative forms part of the Embassy’s broader program to promote the Greek language in Japan. In this context, on 13 February, an interactive presentation was held for students of Shibahama School, in cooperation with the Greek language school “Girisha Plaza” and the Municipality of Minato, where the Embassy is located. The presentation focused on the Greek language and its influence on Japanese and was accompanied by a demonstration of traditional Greek dances by the Japanese dance group “Kefi.” In addition, outreach activities were conducted in four prominent Japanese schools, introducing students to Greek history, language, and culture, including reference to the establishment of 9 February as World Greek Language Day by UNESCO.

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The National Strategy for the Protection of Cultural Heritage from the Impacts of Climate Change was recently presented by the Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni at the auditorium of the Acropolis Museum. “This is the first systematic effort to integrate the climate dimension into the management, protection, and promotion of cultural heritage in Greece, and one of the few internationally that incorporates and synthesizes updated and reliable guidelines,” emphasized Lina Mendoni, referring to the project, which integrates international standards from the UN and the EU (Cover photo: The archaeological site of Delos, Source: Ministry of Culture).

The National Strategy was developed within the framework of the project “Protection of Iconic Sites and Monuments of Cultural Heritage from Climate Change,” funded with €22,000,000 from the Recovery and Resilience Facility. This project forms part of the national effort to address the impacts of climate change in the cultural sector and marks a significant step toward strengthening the resilience of the country’s cultural heritage.

The National Strategy was designed by the Ministry of Culture, through the Directorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, in collaboration with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the National Hellenic Research Foundation, having carried out detailed climate-risk assessments examining threats such as wildfires, flooding, extreme heat, landslides, and coastal erosion. Its development and implementation were carried out in close cooperation with the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection and the Ministry of Environment and Energy, ensuring a holistic and coordinated approach to safeguarding cultural heritage against the impacts of climate change.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr, https://www.culture.gov.gr)

Key elements of the strategy include:

• Climate risk assessment across the country, considering exposure, vulnerability, and hazard levels
• Preventive infrastructure projects, including fire protection, flood control, and landslide mitigation at vulnerable archaeological sites
• Digital tools and platforms for evaluating risks and selecting tailored adaptation plans.
• Monitoring and evaluation systems aligned with international indicators set at COP30 (2025) in Belém, Brazil
• Training programs for Ministry of Culture staff on climate adaptation measures
• International collaboration with the UN, UNESCO, and EU initiatives to integrate cultural heritage into global climate action

 (Source: https://www.tovima.com/culture/greece-unveils-plan-to-protect-monuments-from-climate-change/ )

More specifically, the National Strategy seeks to promote international collaboration, which includes, among other initiatives:

• Establishing a framework for collaboration with 54 additional United Nations Member States (Group of Friends for Culture-Based Climate Action) to integrate cultural heritage into the priorities of the UNFCCC (adaptation and mitigation)
• Maintaining systematic cooperation with UNESCO and other international organizations
• Participating in the European Union Working Group on enhancing the resilience of cultural heritage to the impacts of climate change
• Creating a dedicated program within the Forum of Ancient Civilizations and drafting a memorandum of cooperation with all member states, as well as establishing a network of contact points within the Forum to ensure coordination and coherence of activities in the field of cultural heritage protection from climate change
• Participating in national and international research initiatives

(Source: https://www.culture.gov.gr)

Firefighting systems at the archaeological site of Mystras. Within the framework of the project, infrastructure and risk management interventions were also implemented, such as the installation of fire protection systems in Philippi and Mystras, flood protection works in Dion and Malia, as well as measures to mitigate landslides and rockfalls in Delphi. These interventions clearly reflect the transition from scientific knowledge and strategic planning to the implementation of concrete protection policies

Minister Lina Mendoni stressed, among others, that “the Ministry of Culture, since 2019, has been implementing a comprehensive program for the identification and assessment of climate risks, as well as for prevention and resilience-building, in alignment with international standards and in harmony with the broader National Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change. Our aim is for it to serve as a reference framework for all relevant state institutions in safeguarding monuments and archaeological sites, while promoting the integration of cultural heritage management with climate resiliency. The National Strategy follows a long-term plan with a horizon extending to 2050, including intermediate targets every five years. It provides for adaptation plans for 40 archaeological sites by 2030 and makes use of modern technologies and planning tools.

“The National Strategy is structured around 4 pillars of action: Diagnosis, Monitoring, Prevention, and Response. These pillars do not operate in isolation, but in an interconnected and functionally sequential manner. They constitute a unified risk management cycle: they begin with the scientific understanding of threats, move on to systematic monitoring, organize prevention, and culminate in targeted field interventions. This is a structure that allows the Strategy to be translated into practical public policy,” added L. Mendoni. “It is part of a broader, dynamically evolving international, European, and national institutional framework, which in recent years has been gradually shaping a new approach to environmental governance and climate policy”.

Readiness drill at Mystras

The Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Giannis Kefalogiannis, stated that “the protection of monuments can no longer be limited to restoration after damage, but must be based on prevention, preparedness, and systematic planning.” He also referred, among others, to the cooperation developed in recent years between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, which was established with the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation in 2021 and further strengthened in subsequent years through more targeted actions, particularly in addressing the risk of wildfires. He also referred to the establishment of a special Fire Protection Regulation for archaeological sites and monuments, being developed jointly by the two ministries. This regulation provides for specific preventive measures, such as the systematic management of vegetation, improved access for firefighting forces, the provision of safe evacuation routes for visitors and staff, and the strengthening of preparedness procedures in emergency situations.

At the Minoan Palace of Malia in northern Crete, an integrated drainage network and upgraded protective canopies help safeguard the archaeological site from rainfall and erosion

The National Strategy for the Protection of Cultural Heritage from the Impacts of Climate Change represents the first comprehensive national effort to assess climate risk and design adaptation measures for the protection of cultural heritage. The methodology developed is based on a multidimensional approach to climate risk assessment, with a pilot application in 19 archaeological sites across the country. It serves as a reference framework for all relevant institutional and administrative levels—the Ministry of Culture, particularly the Ephorates of Antiquities, the competent ministries, regional and local authorities, as well as academic and research institutions and local communities—strengthening the connection between cultural heritage management and climate resilience. At the same time, it constitutes a dynamic strategic planning tool that can be adapted to new scientific data, updated climate projections, and evolving needs for the protection and management of cultural heritage.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr, https://www.culture.gov.gr)

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Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis participated in the 2^nd Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris (10/3). At this summit — the second since 2024, when the first Summit was held in Brussels — 41 countries participated.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated in his speech, among other points:

“In Greece, in recent years, we have, invested heavily in renewables. Twenty years ago, we generated more than half of our electricity from coal. Today we generate more than half of our electricity from wind and solar. Renewables have turned us from a net electricity importer to a net electricity exporter. They have lowered our prices and strengthened our energy security. Given our superior resources, we will continue to invest in solar and wind, coupled with investments in batteries, pumped hydro and natural gas as a transitional fuel.

But the tide is turning. Nuclear energy is clearly having a comeback. Countries with nuclear power want to build more reactors and countries that abandoned nuclear power are reexamining their position. This is a welcome shift.

I came to Paris today to announce that Greece is also turning the page. It is time for my country to explore whether nuclear energy, and specifically small modular reactors, can play a role in the Greek energy system. We will set up a high-level ministerial committee to make a definite recommendation to the government on this front.

Our need for electricity is only going to grow. So no matter how much we expand renewables, we will need long-term predictable baseload power. No technology can match what nuclear can offer us.

Α topic that Greece cares a lot about is nuclear power in shipping. This is a proven technology that is already used for decades in military and other niche applications. At this point, we have no credible solutions to decarbonize shipping. Nuclear should be part of this conversation as well. It is a topic in which Greece plans to lead, separately from whether nuclear might have a role to play within Greece’s own system.

So, dear friends, this is a major day for Greece. We are writing a new chapter. Please consider Greece to be a friend of nuclear energy. Whether nuclear will end up playing a role in Greece remains to be seen. But at a time of great geopolitical upheaval, all options must be on the table. Our task is to make nuclear part of the solution again.”

(Source: https://www.primeminister.gr/en)

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Connectivity between the Balkan countries is of crucial importance, and the role of Greece has become increasingly significant.

The initiatives and policies designed and implemented to strengthen energy connectivity, regional cooperation, and sustainability, with a focus on electricity, as well as the key priorities for the future of the Balkan countries, were discussed during an event organized on March 9th in Thessaloniki by the OECD and the Delphi Economic Forum to present the OECD’s new project titled: “Electricity, Digital & Regional Interconnectivity in South East Europe.”

Nikos Tsafos, Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, referred to the pivotal role Greece has acquired in recent years in the sectors of transport and connectivity networks across the wider Balkan region. He emphasized the importance of establishing rules to better achieve the goal of interconnection, while also highlighting the importance of adding renewable energy sources (RES) to the energy mix and strengthening regional security.

“Greece has become an exporter of electricity; last year, for one-third of the day we used to be importers,” Tsafos noted. He stressed that Greece strongly supports energy interconnection, since in previous years it experienced the consequences of being at the edge of the European energy system.

As an example of the importance of Balkan interconnectivity, he mentioned 2019, when electricity prices in Greece were 34% higher than in neighboring Bulgaria, while today—after the implementation of the interconnection pipeline—the two countries have similar prices.

He also highlighted that Greece has undergone a radical transformation in its energy mix.
“Twenty years ago, 60% of our electricity came from lignite. Last year it was below 5%.”

More than half of the country’s electricity is now produced from solar and wind energy, while Greece has become a net exporter of electricity, generating €400 million annually in revenue, Tsafos added.

Sanja Božinovska, Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources of North Macedonia, also emphasized the importance of cooperation among Balkan countries and the added value it brings to the region. She also stressed the importance of financing for such projects.

“We have prepared a strategic plan for the country’s energy development for the next 20 years. However, discussions will also need to take place with companies. Our energy reform agenda amounts to €800 million. We are working to strengthen the grid and investing in smart systems,” Božinovska said, noting that North Macedonia aims to shift from being an electricity importer to becoming an exporter.

Corina Crețu, Consul General of Romania in Thessaloniki, referred among other things to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Moldova, highlighting the contribution of the OECD in achieving connectivity across the Balkans.

“Romania strongly supports regional cooperation,” Crețu said, emphasizing that the country aims to strengthen renewable energy sources. This goal is part of Romania’s energy security plan for 2025–2030, along with reducing dependence on fossil fuels, transitioning to clean energy, and expanding nuclear power development.

“Regional cooperation and a common vision are necessary; each country cannot act alone,” said Aleksandar Zlatković, Advisor to the Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy, providing an extensive overview of projects implemented in recent years.

“We are implementing investments so that the country can develop into an energy hub and become a reliable and active partner in the region. Construction of a hydroelectric project will begin within the year, while we are also building large-scale solar parks with a capacity of 1 GW,” Zlatković said. He also emphasized that nuclear energy is of major importance for Serbia, with the goal of beginning the construction of relevant infrastructure by 2035, following the necessary studies.

www.ertnews.gr

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A working meeting took place at the Ministry of Environment and Energy on March 5^th, 2026, following the storage permit granted by the Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company (EDEYEP) for the nationally and strategically important project “Prinos CO₂” to EnEarth Greece – a subsidiary of Energean.

With this decision, the main licensing stage defined by national and EU legislation has been completed. The process began in 2022 with the granting of an exploration permit to assess the potential for CO₂ storage in the area.

The Minister of Environment and Energy, Mr. Stavros Papastavrou, stated that “Greece is taking a leading role in the energy sector and is also pioneering cutting-edge technologies. In December, we passed the law on the capture, utilization, transport and storage of carbon dioxide. Today, just three months later, the storage permit was issued to EnEarth. This is an important development that contributes to reducing carbon dioxide emissions and protecting the environment, while at the same time strengthening the competitiveness of our industry and supporting sustainable development. In this way, Greece becomes the third country in the European Union, after the Netherlands and Denmark, to move forward with the implementation of this innovative technology, placing itself at the forefront in Europe.”

For his part, the CEO of EDEYEP, Mr. Aristofanis Stefatos, stated that “The granting of the storage permit for the ‘Prinos CO₂’ project is an important step for the development of carbon capture and storage technologies in Greece. These technologies can significantly contribute to reducing emissions in industrial sectors where a large portion of emissions originates from the industrial process itself. In such sectors, emissions cannot be substantially reduced without the use of technologies such as CCS, which makes the geological storage of CO₂ an important tool for achieving climate targets and transitioning to a low-emissions economy. EDEYEP, as the responsible authority, completed the evaluation of the technical dossier through a strict and well-documented process in accordance with the national and European regulatory framework, and will continue to exercise its institutional role in supervising and technically monitoring the project in all subsequent stages of its implementation.”

Mr. Nikolas Rigas, Head of Carbon Storage at the Energean Group, said: “We are particularly pleased that the major carbon storage project in Prinos is becoming the first project in Southern Europe to receive a storage permit, following the standards of the most environmentally advanced countries in Europe. The project plays a decisive role in combating the effects of climate change, supporting the competitiveness of our industry, and maintaining industrial activity in the Gulf of Kavala, which has been developed for almost half a century with full respect for the environment, tourism, fisheries, and all activities of local communities.

The investment, exceeding €1 billion, is progressing rapidly, and these days we have awarded one of the most important tasks, the Preliminary Engineering Design, which will be undertaken by Kent, one of the most established technical companies in the sector, headquartered in the United Kingdom. Our plan is for the storage facility to be fully operational before 2030.”

The underground storage of CO₂ in the nearly depleted Prinos reservoir is a project of particular importance and a key infrastructure of national and European interest, within the framework of the country’s integrated energy and climate strategy and the protection of domestic industry. It is the first geological CO₂ storage project implemented in Greece and only the second in Southeastern Europe.

Sources:

ypen.gov.gr

www.facebook.com/ypen

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The Plenary of Parliament approved by majority vote the bill of the Ministry of the Interior titled “Designation of an Electoral Constituency for the Greek Diaspora – Facilitation of the Exercise of Voting Rights for Voters Outside the Territory through Postal Voting in Parliamentary Elections”, following a roll-call vote, in accordance with the constitutional provision.

The provisions concerning the introduction and availability of postal voting for citizens residing outside the country received more than 200 affirmative votes and will apply starting from the next national elections. The provisions concerning the creation of an electoral constituency for the Greek Diaspora did not obtain the required two-thirds majority of votes. This means that they will not apply in the upcoming national elections, nor in the event of repeat elections (with party lists), but only in elections that will again be held using the preference vote system.

More specifically, the provisions concerning the establishment of a three-seat electoral constituency for the Greek Diaspora, the number of MPs representing it, the right of political parties to submit candidate lists (only parties that have candidate lists in three-quarters of the total constituencies in the country), the adaptation of existing legislation, the setting of campaign spending limits for Diaspora candidates, and the entry into force of these provisions did not receive the constitutionally required majority of 200 affirmative votes. As a result, these provisions will not apply in the upcoming national elections.

By contrast, the provisions aimed at facilitating the exercise of voting rights by Greek citizens residing outside the country were approved. These include the possibility of voting by post or in person, the choice of voting method by voters abroad, the adaptation of special electoral registers, the upgrade of the voter registration system for Greeks abroad, the relevant application deadlines, the organization of polling stations, and the procedures for postal ballots and the announcement of election results. Consequently, the option of postal voting for Greeks living abroad will apply from the next national elections.

(Source: www.amna.gr )

Interior Minister Theodoros Livanios, concluding the two-day debate in the Plenary, stressed that “postal voting can operate safely and reliably and it strengthens participation. The Diaspora constituency ensures authentic representation and a genuinely distinct voice for Greeks abroad in Parliament”. Offering a brief historical overview, the minister said that the bill resolves an outstanding issue concerning the vote of Greeks abroad that stems from the 1975 Constitution, for which, for various reasons, no implementing law had ever been enacted. Referring to the legislative initiatives undertaken over the years, Mr Livanios noted that many successive attempts had been made, but that the time is now ripe to take this step, both with regard to the right to vote and the right to stand for election for Greeks living abroad.

The minister noted that significant progress has been made thanks to technological developments adopted in the transmission of election results. He clarified that election results are not issued by the Ministry of the Interior, but by the Courts of First Instance across the country. The company that is used— the same one for many years— simply transmits the results on election night for the information of citizens. Regarding the bill, Mr. Livanios said that it was examined in three meetings of the cross-party committee, where the discussion focused specifically on its provisions. He also noted that changes were made during this process.

Concerning the choice of a single three-seat constituency for Greeks abroad, he explained that this is the best option in order to avoid single-party representation, which could occur if an equal number of single-member constituencies were created. The minister also clarified once again that the creation of this special constituency does not prevent political parties from including additional Diaspora candidates in electable positions on their nationwide party lists.

The minister announced that in the coming days, the cross-party committee at the Ministry will be convened again to discuss registration applications, how there should be a formal channel of communication between the Greek state and Greeks abroad, and the initial details regarding the organization of postal voting. Regarding a census of the Greek Diaspora, he noted that this is not feasible, but the registration applications will provide a general idea of their numbers. Concerning the limit on campaign expenses, he explained that it is set precisely to prevent millionaire candidates from dominating, and the limit is three times higher for Diaspora candidates, which he considers reasonable. On the proposed preference vote system, he observed that this serves as a guarantee of accountability, ensuring that the elected Diaspora MP will advocate for their constituents’ concerns in the Hellenic Parliament, rather than the other way around.

Mr. Livanios noted that the legislative improvements made addressed the observations raised by the Ombudsman, and that provisions will be in place to ensure an alternative method of registration in the electoral rolls, since the aim is not to exclude those who do not have Taxisnet codes, as this would reintroduce the problems related to previous limits. The Interior Minister also stated that the difference compared to 2024, when changes to postal voting were introduced for the European elections, is that “we now have practical results, as everyone has seen how it worked. Our experience has shown that postal voting can operate safely, reliably, and it enhances participation.”

(Source: www.amna.gr)

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Greece Strengthens Its Role in Transatlantic Energy Strategy

Greece’s Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, met last week with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior and Chair of the U.S. National Energy Dominance Council, Doug Burgum, and the U.S. Secretary of Energy and Vice Chair of the U.S. National Energy Dominance Council, Chris Wright, in the presence of the Ambassador of Greece to the United States, Mr. Antonis Alexandridis, and the U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Ms. Kimberly Guilfoyle.

At the center of the discussion between the Greek Minister and the American officials was the close bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, with emphasis on the recent energy agreements with the Chevron–Helleniq Energy consortium, as well as those signed at P-TEC and at the summit organized by the White House.

The Transatlantic Gas Security Summit held on Tuesday, February 24^th, in Washington, D.C., at the initiative of the White House National Energy Dominance Council, marked a significant development for Greece’s energy strategy.

Of the six energy agreements announced, five directly concern Greek interests and the Vertical Energy Corridor. These outcomes further consolidate Greece’s position as a liquefied natural gas (LNG) hub in Southeast Europe. Hosted by the Donald Trump Institute for Peace, the summit aimed to deepen transatlantic cooperation on LNG and accelerate critical infrastructure projects designed to enhance the region’s energy resilience.

New LNG Agreements Strengthen Greece’s Gateway Role

A key development was the signing of new long-term agreements for the sale of American LNG by Atlantic SEE LNG Trade, a company in which AKTOR Group holds a 60% stake and DEPA Commercial 40%. The agreements involve four countries participating in the Vertical Corridor and are expected to reinforce Greece’s role as a primary entry and distribution gateway for natural gas to Central and Eastern Europe.

Papastavrou’s High-Level Meetings in Washington

Following the talks, Minister Papastavrou emphasized that the meeting reaffirmed the strategic energy partnership between Greece and the U.S., noting that the Greek side “paved the way for the Vertical Corridor,” an initiative with geopolitical significance recognized by the countries attending the conference, which was organized under the auspices of the White House. Special emphasis was placed on Greece’s role as an entry point for U.S. natural gas to Europe, describing the country as a “reliable hub of energy security.”

Minister Papastavrou also mentioned that the next phase of Greece’s energy strategy includes developing the hydrocarbons sector and exploring the potential for natural gas production, aiming, as he stated, to strengthen the Greek economy and contribute to Europe’s energy sufficiency.

“Energy is power: the power of security, the power of growth, and the power of international influence,” the minister said, adding that Greece is advancing with national confidence in the new energy landscape emerging in Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Sources:

https://www.amna.gr/mobile/article/972973/Trimeris-Papastaurou-me-Mpergkam-kai-Rait-stin-Ouasingkton-gia-ti-stratigiki-embathunsi-tis-energeiakis-sunergasias-Elladas-IPA

https://www.amna.gr/mobile/article/972792/Energeiakes-sumfonies-me-ischuro-elliniko-apotupoma-sti-Diatlantiki-Sunodo-gia-to-LNG

https://www.facebook.com/papastavroustavros/posts/pfbid02pdyVJqeYwfUNNZCioGMQz9bZPACpCsu3o66oHZrY6ZcWjCmEqyRutuUVtYebs7Jkl?locale=el_GR

https://ypen.gov.gr/stavros-papastavrou-meta-ti-synantisi-me-doug-burgum-kai-chris-wright-i-energeia-einai-dynami-dynami-asfaleias-dynami-anaptyxis-kai-diethnous-epirrois/

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Mr. Prime Minister, I would like to begin by thanking you for organizing this very important summit and for placing India and the Global South at the heart of this global discussion on artificial intelligence. The framework you chose for this summit, under the theme “People, Planet, and Progress”, reflects the fact that artificial intelligence is not only a profound and immense technological transformation, but also a cultural one. The choices we make today will determine whether artificial intelligence expands opportunities or deepens inequalities.

Allow me to briefly share three thoughts. First, as many of you have pointed out, the benefits of artificial intelligence must be widely distributed. Every technological revolution in history has generated enormous wealth. However, history teaches us that the distribution of this wealth is never automatic. Artificial intelligence has the potential to lead to unprecedented scientific breakthroughs, to dramatically improve healthcare, to strengthen education, and to support climate resilience.

However, the question that arises is simple: who benefits beyond the major technology companies and their shareholders? In our countries, governments must ensure that workers are reskilled, that small businesses have access to artificial intelligence tools, that public services are upgraded. Farmers, nurses, teachers, and small entrepreneurs must feel the benefits of this technology in a tangible way. Concerns about the displacement of a significant portion of the workforce are legitimate and must be addressed as soon as possible.

In Greece, we are moving in this direction, as digitalization has made public services much more accessible. The integration of artificial intelligence into education will help reduce the learning gap, while progress in telemedicine, predictive analytics, and personalized preventive care is making healthcare far more proactive—shifting it from treatment in hospitals to prevention at home and improving the quality of life for all citizens.

As countries, we must avoid a world where access to computers, data, and talent is concentrated in only a few geographic regions. Artificial intelligence cannot be a story of digital concentration. It must be a story of digital inclusion.

My second point is that the state itself must improve. Technology is evolving at an exceptionally rapid pace, but far too often our public institutions operate with outdated systems and rules. If we want artificial intelligence to serve society, governments must significantly upgrade their own “software.” Public procurement frameworks designed for the industrial era are not suited to the age of artificial intelligence, and must become faster, more outcome-oriented, and more open to start-ups and innovative businesses. Public administrations must invest in their own capabilities, in digital talent, in data infrastructure, and in AI literacy across all ministries.

This is not simply about implementing a few pilot projects. We must move from the stage of experimentation to large-scale deployment, as you have done with great success in India, Mr. Prime Minister. The countries that will succeed in artificial intelligence will not simply be those that build powerful models, but those that build capable states.

To that end, we must choose our regulatory priorities wisely. For Greece—and for me personally—the protection of minors from digital addiction and the risks of the internet is a matter of intergenerational solidarity and a top priority for my government. I am pleased to see that many other countries are moving in this direction. Greece will very soon announce its own decision regarding banning minors’ and adolescents’ access to social media.

However, this is aligned with our democratic responsibility to ensure, as the Prime Minister of Croatia mentioned, that technology strengthens the public sphere and does not overwhelm us with misinformation and hatred. I am in favor of an extensive dialogue with the major technology companies, but we must be aware that if this dialogue does not produce tangible results, the only solution will be regulation.

Finally, with regard to the geopolitical impact of artificial intelligence, we should lean toward adaptation. Artificial intelligence is not only about code and computation, but it is also a component of national power, and interdependencies are embedded throughout the entire AI ecosystem, from semiconductors to cloud infrastructure, from datasets to research and collaboration. No country can achieve this alone. That is why trusted partnerships matter.

In Greece, we have built partnerships with all major cloud service providers, while at the same time developing our own capabilities through AI factories and initiatives supported by the European Union, led by national champions, and attracting investment from around the world.

And balance is essential. A world in which technology is being instrumentalized to pressure trusted partners, or in which excessive regulation becomes a tool to suppress innovation, is a world in which collective innovation declines. If we fragment the artificial intelligence ecosystem into rigid segments, we reduce the benefits for everyone. If we capitalize on interdependence responsibly, we expand opportunities for all.

Ladies and gentlemen, if we ensure that the dividends of artificial intelligence are shared, if we modernize the state to keep pace with technology, and if we build trusted partnerships that extend innovation rather than fragment it, then artificial intelligence can truly serve people, drive progress, and protect our planet.

And as I listened to the Prime Minister of India, I thought that it is the combination of artificial intelligence and ancestral intelligence, whether found in ancient Sanskrit texts or in the writings of Greek philosophers, that will ultimately lead us to a fairer future, with prosperity. This is the message that Greece wants to send to the world, and I hope it resonates. Thank you.

(Source: www.primeminister.gr)

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ meeting with the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.

During the meeting, the two leaders conducted a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and confirmed the excellent level of cooperation, two years after Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ official visit to India and two and a half years after Mr. Modi’s reciprocal visit to Athens, which marked the upgrade of Greece-India relations to a strategic partnership.

They also expressed their mutual desire to capitalize on this momentum to further deepen relations, particularly in the areas of defense, shipping, shipbuilding and repair, and infrastructure.

The Prime Minister reiterated that Greece can serve as India’s gateway to Europe, due to its geographical location and infrastructure, while restating Greece’s willingness to participate in the IMEC Economic Corridor.

The two leaders also discussed the EU-India trade agreement and the prospects it creates. The Prime Minister congratulated Mr. Modi on the agreement, which he described as a unique opportunity to strengthen EU-India economic and geopolitical ties during uncertain times internationally.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the opportunities now emerging in the Indian market for high-quality Greek agri-food products, such as olive oil and kiwifruit.

The latest developments in Ukraine were also discussed during the meeting.

Mr. Mitsotakis and Mr. Modi also exchanged views on the development of artificial intelligence. The Prime Minister stressed that Greece and India have much to contribute to this discussion.

(Source: www.primeminister.gr)

The post Speech by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the “AI Impact Summit”, at the Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition Centre, New Delhi, 19.2.2026 appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

In the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the lease agreements between the Hellenic Republic and the Chevron – HELLENiQ ENERGY consortium were signed yesterday, February 16^th,  at the Maximos Mansion, granting exclusive rights for the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons in maritime areas south of the Peloponnese and Crete.

The ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, the United States Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, the Vice President of Chevron Global New Ventures, Gavin Lewis, and the CEO of HELLENiQ ENERGY, Mr. Andreas Shiamishis.

In his statement, the Greek Prime Minister, addressing the U.S. Ambassador, said, among other things:

“A few months ago, at the P-TEC (Sixth Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation) meeting, which was particularly successful, as you recall, Madam Ambassador, we announced that we would proceed with the first exploratory drilling in Greece after more than 40 years. Today, we are taking another major step forward; indeed, I would say more of a leap.

The four blocks in which Chevron and HELLENiQ ENERGY will operate are covering a massive area. When you look at our exploration program, it currently covers approximately 48,000 square kilometers and, following this agreement, simply with its signing, this area will increase to 94,000 square kilometers. The area available for exploration will nearly double.

Greece fully understands the role hydrocarbons play in our energy system — and will continue to play for years to come. For this reason, we have heavily invested in natural gas pipelines, compression stations, LNG terminals, and gas-fired power generation units. This comes alongside other strategic initiatives. Of course, we continue to implement major investments in renewable energy sources, utilizing our significant solar and wind energy potential. In the past, we were an importer of electricity, but today we are a major exporter.

At the same time, the historic decision of the European Union to gradually phase out imports of Russian natural gas offers significant new opportunities for our country. Greece already has the infrastructure to help its neighbors gain access to natural gas supplies through new corridors. We believe in the Vertical Corridor as an alternative to Russian gas. As Europe eliminates supply from Russia, this corridor will gain greater geopolitical and economic importance.

We also want to produce our own gas. Europe needs it, and we want to supply it. Chevron’s entry into Greece constitutes further proof, Madam Ambassador, of the very strong strategic relationship between Greece and the United States, a relationship that grows stronger day by day.

The outcome of exploration is uncertain. We all understand this. We will not have a clear picture of what lies there until we make the effort. But we do believe in this mission.”

In her response, the U.S. Ambassador to Greece stated, among other things:

“Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, for your leadership and your commitment to ensuring that bilateral relations between the United States and Greece remain strong, vibrant, and, as you pointed out, strengthened every day.

Under the leadership of President Trump, we have made it a clear priority to support our strategic ally in this very important geopolitical region — and that ally is Greece, which has remained steadfast and consistently exceeded expectations.”

Mr. Papastavrou, for his part, stated, among other things:

“Today’s signing marks a strategic milestone, and we are optimistic that it has the potential to prove historic for Greece’s energy policy and energy security — and, by extension, for Europe’s energy security.

For the first time, we are exploring potential natural resources south of Crete, positioning Greece as a prospective natural gas producer for the benefit of our country, our citizens, and Europe.”

The Vice President of Chevron Global New Ventures stated, among other things:

“Mr. Prime Minister, it is an honor and a privilege to be here at this auspicious occasion. The addition of these four blocks through this agreement brings an exciting opportunity to our portfolio. This is an exciting milestone for exploration activities in Greece.”

Finally, the CEO of HELLENiQ ENERGY stated:

“This signing is a milestone for us, as a company and as a country. As the Prime Minister said, we are doubling the exploration area in Greece, which is very important for us.”

Source: www.amna.gr, primeminister.gr

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