Greece has recorded the largest reduction in public debt among the EU’s 27 member states following the pandemic crisis, according to aggregated Eurostat data announced yesterday, confirming the steady downward trend of recent years.

“Greece is recording the fastest debt reduction in history,” emphasized Minister of National Economy Kyriakos Pierrakakis in a post on X. As Kyriakos Pierrakakis highlights, the rapid reduction of debt is a deliberate government choice, aimed at ensuring it is not passed on to the next generation.

Public debt-to-GDP ratio (Source: Eurostat, AMECO)

Due to extraordinary fiscal spending and the recession caused by Covid-19, Greek debt had risen in the first quarter of 2021 to 212.9% of GDP—more than double the European average, which at that time stood at 91.5%. However, by the end of 2025, the debt-to-GDP ratio had declined to 146.1%. This decrease—amounting to nearly 67 percentage points within four years—was achieved despite the pressures on the economy from the dual energy and supply crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In practice, Greece’s debt-to-GDP ratio has returned to its most favorable levels since the summer of 2010, that is, since the launch of the first adjustment program. This outcome is attributed to prudent fiscal policy with the creation of primary surpluses, the early repayment of loans from the first bailout program and expensive IMF loans, as well as strong growth rates that boost GDP. During the same period, the European average improved by only 9.8 percentage points. As a result, the gap between Greece and the EU narrowed to 64.4 percentage points, compared to 121.4 points recorded at the beginning of 2021. The only country with comparable performance is Cyprus, which between 2021 and 2025 improved its debt-to-GDP ratio by 62.5 percentage points. On the other hand, eight member states saw their debt increase, while major economies such as Germany and France reduced their debt-to-GDP ratios by just 5.3 and 1.5 percentage points respectively, despite their traditionally lower borrowing costs.

It is noted that the structure of Greek debt remains favorable, as a large portion consists of support loans from previous programs, as also highlighted by the analysis of ELSTAT. The government’s economic team continues to target a further reduction of the debt, aiming for 140% of GDP by 2027 and 120% by 2030.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr, Cover photo: Shutterstock)

Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, and for Implementation and Simplification, https://x.com/VDombrovskis/status/2047262424554705205/photo/1

Daniel Kral - Oxford Economics, https://x.com/DanielKral1/status/2046961944570069296/photo/1

Daniel Kral - Oxford Economics, https://x.com/DanielKral1/status/2046961944570069296/photo/1

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The Archive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs constitutes the institutional memory of Greece’s foreign policy. Through its ongoing classification and digitization, it is being transformed into a modern and effective tool for conducting diplomacy. On Monday, April 20, the digitization project of the Diplomatic and Historical Archive was officially presented at an event held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Addressing the event, Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis, emphasized that “the digitization of more than 31 million pages of valuable archival material marks a particularly significant step toward transparency. Historical accountability must be grounded in evidence, and that evidence must be objective. Everyone is entitled to their own subjective judgment; historians, researchers, scholars, politicians. On the other hand, the objective records that constitute our history are those upon which any evaluation and any form of accountability must be built”.

He further emphasized that the digitization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ archive also “serves as a foundation for shaping future policy. Historical memory is what truly forms the conditions for a successful future. No one has ever built successfully without building upon the past, not only on its great moments, but primarily on its failures. Because evaluating each failure is the path to avoiding it in the future. For this reason, the digitization of the archival material of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs essentially represents the path through which we will ensure even greater and more significant moments in the history of Greek diplomacy.

The project was implemented within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0,” funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU, in cooperation with the Information Society S.A., with a consortium comprising OTE and QUALITY AND RELIABILITY S.A. as contractor. The project was completed over 8 months, with contributions from more than 150 employees from both the contractor and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Within this framework, tens of millions of pages of archival material were digitized and microfilmed. Furthermore, tens of thousands of previously unclassified archival folders were organized and a new digital platform was developed to allow licensed researchers to access and study the digitized archival material (including the use of Artificial Intelligence tools).

Benefits of the project

Through digitization, the archival material of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is integrated into a comprehensive digital infrastructure ensuring secure preservation, efficient searchability, and controlled accessibility, in accordance with the applicable regulatory framework.

In particular, the project delivers the following:

1. Expanded archival availability: A substantial volume of previously unclassified or unstructured material has been organized and incorporated into a unified system, making the archive more complete, coherent, and clearly defined.
2. Sustainable preservation: The material is now stored in digital form within a secure environment that ensures data integrity, enhanced protection, and long-term preservation.
3. Enhanced safeguarding: All digitized material has also been microfilmed, providing an additional analog backup layer.
4. Immediate access through AI tools: Advanced mechanisms for information retrieval have been developed, enabling fast and efficient access under strict management rules and modern standards of security and confidentiality.
5. Improved usability: The archive is now significantly more accessible and functional for researchers, citizens, and policymakers, supporting foreign policy through quicker access to reliable data and well-documented references.

Strengthening the Archive as a Tool of Diplomacy

The digitization of the Diplomatic and Historical Archive significantly enhances the use of documented historical knowledge as a structured instrument for international communication and diplomacy. Through controlled access and reliable retrieval systems, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strengthens its ability to support the consistent presentation of Greek positions and to facilitate a deeper understanding of key historical and political decisions.

In this way, the Archive evolves into a hub of documentation, outreach, and transparency—contributing to democratic accountability and reinforcing the credibility of Greece’s international presence.

A European Benchmark in Diplomatic Archive Digitization

This project establishes Greece as a leading country in modern archival management at the European level. For the first time, such an extensive and historically valuable body of material has been systematically organized, documented, and made operational through a unified digital infrastructure with high standards of security and institutional oversight.

Rather than merely aligning with international practices, this initiative sets a new benchmark for preserving diplomatic heritage and leveraging it effectively in support of national priorities within the global environment.

Diplomatic and Historical Archives

The Service of Diplomatic and Historical Archives (YDIA) of the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is responsible, according to article 142 of the Statute of the Ministry (Law 4781/2021), for organizing, preserving, safe-keeping, utilizing and promoting the archives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for issuing studies, for the declassification of diplomatic archives and the encouragement of research. It is responsible for all records containing information (archives) that the Central Service of the Ministry (Directorates, Services, Offices) and the Greek authorities abroad (Embassies, Consulates, Permanent Delegations, Liaison Offices) receive, create or send, in all formats (ex. documents, audiovisual items, electronic records etc.). YDIA is also responsible for the Audiovisual Archives, the Library and the museum collection of the Ministry.

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The Secretary General for Communication and Information, Dimitris Kirmikiroglou, participated as Greece’s National Focal Point at the 4^th Annual Meeting of National Focal Point Representatives of the OSCE Programme on the Safety of Journalists and Media Freedom, held in Bern, Switzerland on 15–16 April 2026 (cover photo: https://media.gov.gr). Greece has been participating in the OSCE Programme on the Safety of Journalists since August 2022 and has been recognized as a “Spotlight Case” country for the implementation of best practices.

Within the framework of the meeting, which was hosted at the Bernerhof building with the participation of representatives from 25 OSCE member states, the Secretary General for Communication and Information presented Greece’s progress in implementing “Decision No. 3/18” on the Safety of Journalists, adopted by the Ministers of OSCE participating States. In particular, he referred to:

• Law 5253/2025, which incorporates the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) and establishes the framework for the Hellenic Media Council,
• the National Strategy for Media Literacy,
• the funding of the SLAPP Observatory (strategic lawsuits against public participation) of POESY, and
• the institutional guarantees of editorial independence.

The Representatives of the OSCE National Focal Points for the Safety of Journalists in Bern (Source: https://media.gov.gr)

As Mr. Kirmikiroglou emphasized, “the press is under attack globally—from violence, powerful economic interests, and illiberal regimes that invest in controlled algorithms rather than critical voices. The responses must be collective and decisive. Greece is fully committed to reforms that will strengthen the media and safeguard press freedom as an indispensable prerequisite for a healthy democracy.”

The reforms implemented by the Greek government for the press—as one of the fundamental pillars of the rule of law and democracy—attracted significant international interest during the discussions, highlighting Greece as a reference country for reforms in the field of media.

At the same time, the General Secretariat for Communication and Information, investing in the younger generation, is developing partnerships with universities, establishing Regional Media Hubs to foster local information ecosystems, and implementing the “Cultivating Critical Readers” program in schools across the country.

A central element of Mr. Kirmikiroglou’s presentation was the National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists, as incorporated in Article 40 of Law 5253/2025. This constitutes the country’s first comprehensive strategic framework, with a three-year horizon, for the protection of media professionals. The Plan is structured around eight Strategic Pillars, with specific objectives and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and draws on best practices from countries with established experience in protecting journalists. The roadmap for implementing the Action Plan foresees the launch of the consultation process in May 2026, including a series of regional workshops across the country, with completion scheduled for September 2026.

A central role in the Plan is played by the International Training Center for the Safety of Journalists and Media Professionals (ICSJ) at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, which serves as an official partner of the OSCE for the 2025–2026 period. In March 2026, the ICSJ organized in Thessaloniki the 3^rd Annual International Conference “Bearing Witness: Trauma and Resilience in Modern Journalism,” as well as the 3^rd Training School “Journalists’ Safety” at the Multinational Peace Support Operations Training Center in Kilkis.

Speaking at the 3rd Annual International Conference “Bearing Witness: Trauma and Resilience in Modern Journalism,” Mr. Kirmikiroglou had explained that the main pillars of the National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists will include: physical safety and cooperation with the police and the justice system, following the models of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom; digital safety, including the establishment of a Digital Protection Center and the implementation of Article 4 of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) to prohibit the use of spyware against journalists; tackling abusive lawsuits; training and capacity-building; media literacy and public awareness; research, data collection, and continuous monitoring; international engagement; and specific provisions for women journalists, freelancers, and exiled journalists.

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.

Bearing Witness: Trauma and Resilience in Modern Journalism. A moment captured at the close of the 3rd Annual International Conference on Journalist Safety. Two days of meaningful dialogue, shared expertise, and a collective commitment to a safer and more trauma-informed media landscape. The International Training Center for the Safety of Journalists and Media Professionals (ICSJ), under the scientific responsibility of the Peace Journalism Laboratory of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, remains committed to advancing this work through specialized training, research, and support for journalists in war zones and crisis environments.

(Source: https://www.facebook.com/icsj.net/)

Read also:

Greece Strengthens Global Efforts to Protect Journalists and End Impunity

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The drilling agreement for Block 2 in the Northwestern Ionian Sea was signed on April 15, in the presence of the Minister of Environment and Energy, Mr. Stavros Papastavrou, between Energean (as operator of the ExxonMobil – Energean – HELLENiQ Energy consortium) and Stena Drilling.

The event was attended by the CEOs of Energean, Mr. Mathios Rigas; Stena Drilling, Mr. Erik Ronsberg; and HelleniQ Energy, Mr. Andreas Shiamishis, as well as the Ambassadors of the United States, Ms. Kimberly Guilfoyle, and Sweden, Mr. Håkan Emsgård.

During the event, held at the Ministry of Environment and Energy, Mr. Papastavrou stated:

“This is a historic moment for our country, as we implement the national strategy of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to strengthen energy security and accelerate the development of the hydrocarbons sector. It brings to fruition decades of planning, studies, and expectations.

It is historic because, as of today, we begin the countdown, measured in months and days, toward mid-February 2027. In approximately 300 days, Greece will carry out its first offshore exploratory drilling in nearly half a century, at the ‘Asopos-1’ target in the Northwestern Ionian. The name ‘Asopos-1’ carries strong symbolism, linking our country’s modern energy efforts with its rich mythological heritage.

This moment is also historic because, should the strong indications of natural gas at the Asopos-1 site be confirmed and prove commercially viable, it could drive a significant leap in economic growth and geopolitical strength for Greece. The country would become more energy-resilient, with substantially increased public revenues—at least 40% of profits will accrue to the state—alongside more and higher-quality jobs, enhanced technical expertise, and new investments in infrastructure. Fully aligned with the highest environmental standards and supported by cutting-edge technology, all activities will be carried out with the utmost respect for ecosystems and local communities.”

The U.S. Ambassador to Greece Ms. Kimberly Guilfoyle stated:

“The collaboration between ExxonMobil, Energean, HelleniQ Energy, and Stena is a powerful example of what our partnership can achieve. It brings together American innovation, Greek expertise, and Swedish technology, demonstrating that when the United States and its closest allies work together, we deliver real results.

Today’s agreement reflects our shared commitment to strengthening energy security and diversifying supply sources, both now and in the future. It also underscores our confidence in Greece’s economic trajectory, its transparent regulatory framework, and the strong ties between American and Greek businesses.

This drilling agreement highlights the opportunities the region has to offer and reinforces Greece’s role as a reliable energy partner and a pillar of stability. Today’s signing does not mark the end of a process; it marks the beginning of a new chapter, defined by closer cooperation, greater ambition, and tangible results.”

HelleniQ Energy CEO, Mr. Shiamishis, emphasized:

“Today is a significant day because it represents, in essence, one step in a marathon journey. This is not something achieved through occasional announcements or statements. It is a process that requires considerable time to come to fruition. I believe that, at the very least, the current Minister has demonstrated in practice that he understands the framework within which we operate.

Naturally, the discovery of hydrocarbons, whether natural gas or oil, carries substantial importance in itself, and even more so when combined with additional potential opportunities for exploration and the discovery of new reserves. These efforts are undertaken in collaboration with partners who are among the world’s leading companies. ExxonMobil and Chevron are organizations that can bring significant added value to Greece, regardless of whether discoveries are ultimately made. The value they contribute is undeniable.

The issue of energy security, highlighted earlier by both the Minister and the U.S. Ambassador to Greece, is one we continually face. Whether we like it or not, it will inevitably return to the forefront.”

The Ambassador of Sweden to Greece, Mr. Håkan Emsgård, noted:

“Our presence here today is closely linked to Greece’s success over the past decade. The country has achieved stable economic growth that exceeds that of most European countries. This success is equally evident in the energy sector, where Greece has freed itself from past energy dependencies. Greece is now a net exporter of electricity. This is an impressive achievement. The country is developing into an energy hub in the Eastern Mediterranean. The project we are discussing today constitutes a significant indication of this course. This is only the beginning—the beginning of something that has enormous prospects for all of us.”

Source: Ministry of Environment and Energy

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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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