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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Concession agreement for Kalamata International Airport

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

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

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

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

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

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/  )

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

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/  )

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

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/  )

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

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

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

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

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

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

Greece also outperforms the OECD average across four key indicators:

User-Driven: 0.77 vs. 0.71

Government as a Platform: 0.75 vs. 0.71

Proactiveness: 0.70 vs. 0.67

Open by Default: 0.63 vs. 0.59

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

European Commission’s Digital Decade 2026 Report

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

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

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

The “Pharos” AI Factory

The Hellenic Microchip Competence Centre

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

Digital health

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

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

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

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

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DAEDALUS Supercomputer Enters Final Implementation Phase

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum

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

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

Great Sea Interconnector (GSI)

GREGY Interconnector

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

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

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

The “3+1” energy cooperation framework

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

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

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

The East Mediterranean Energy Center (EMEC)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Commission further emphasizes that:

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

Strong Growth Despite an Uncertain International Environment

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

Fiscal Surpluses and Strong Fiscal Performance

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

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

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

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

Continued Debt Reduction at the Fastest Pace in Europe

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

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

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

Recognition of Reforms and the Digital Transformation

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

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

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

Above the EU Average in the Implementation of European Programs

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

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

OECD: Greek Economic Growth Remains Resilient

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

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

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

The post Positive signals for the Greek economy from both the European Commission and the OECD appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Source: https://mintour.gov.gr/  )

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read also: DAEDALUS Supercomputer Enters Final Implementation Phase

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Honorable Mr. President of the French Republic, Ministers, friends, today, Athens welcomes a long-standing European ally and partner, but also a true friend of our country and, if I may say so, a personal friend of mine.

At a moment, in fact, that I would describe as pivotal, as it marks a historic choice made by our two countries in 2021. Namely, the decision by Greece and France to join forces, transforming a long-standing shared journey into a strong strategic alliance.

This essentially represents the development of a multifaceted relationship -a substantive relationship- rooted in the historical ties between our two nations, in our shared principles and values, and in the mutual interests of our peoples. These elements have been forged through our participation in both the North Atlantic Alliance and the European Union, as well as, of course, through bilateral cooperation. And the results, indeed, in the defense sector are more than evident.

I am particularly pleased, dear Emmanuel, that we had the opportunity this morning to visit the frigate “Kimon,” which has just returned after spending 40 days off the coast of Cyprus.

Two more Belh@rra-class frigates of the same type, the “Nearchos” and the “Formionas,” will be delivered in the coming months. The fourth, the “Themistoklis,” will be delivered in 2028, while the capabilities of our Air Force have been substantially upgraded with the delivery and operational deployment of 24 Rafale fighters; we saw two of them, after all, flying over Piraeus today.

But, of course, also through a multifaceted alliance. For instance, I would like to mention the agreement we signed today to upgrade the MICA missiles. All of these measures strengthen our deterrent capability, while also safeguarding both our national and European borders.

At the same time, it is no coincidence that, during the recent crisis in the region, France rushed to bolster the island’s defenses. I have very vivid memories, dear Emmanuel, of our joint visit to Cyprus, together with President Christodoulides, because in this way we demonstrated that European solidarity is built on actions and not just words.

After all, I would like to emphasize that this Greek-French alliance preceded all of the recent major geopolitical realignments.

I would say, therefore, that it proved to be provident and timely in the areas of security and stability. And in its own way, it has been a forerunner of the broader need for strategic autonomy across our entire continent, something that we -at least the two of us- have been discussing for several years now at the European Council.

Through joint programs and co-productions, with operational interoperability: the frigates acquired by the Greek Navy and those acquired by the French Navy are practically identical, but one Navy learns from the other in the process of their ongoing modernization.

And of course, the flagship of these agreements is the mutual assistance commitments. I would like to thank Emmanuel once again because, in such clear terms, he reiterated yesterday that if ever-God forbid- Greece needs France’s support, France will be there.

That is why today we are taking another important step forward. The declaration on the strengthened comprehensive strategic partnership between Greece and France, which we had the opportunity to sign a short while ago, reflects the breadth of our cooperation.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the ministries, but above all the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for their work on the agreements we signed today.

And of course, the updated roadmap of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides clear guidance on our diplomatic alignment.

At the same time, we are investing in the future through joint initiatives in education, while strengthening our cooperation within the intergovernmental organization Mercator Ocean International, a key body for marine knowledge and observation, in strategic sectors such as nuclear energy and technology for peaceful purposes. Moreover, I recently had the opportunity to attend a very interesting conference in Paris organized by President Macron on this very issue.

And of course, just a short while ago, the Ministers of Finance inaugurated the Technology and Support Centre of Euronext Athens, as the Athens Stock Exchange is now known. We are putting European integration into practice in the financial transactions sector as well.

And we will soon have the opportunity to speak at the very important Greece-France Economic Forum, which is taking place as we speak.

What do all these things signify? It signifies our desire -Greece and France, France and Greece- to walk together on the path of 21st-century Europe, ensuring conditions of prosperity and security for the present, while also opening up a horizon of hope for future generations.

In fact, it was precisely this vision that we discussed yesterday during our conversation at the Roman Agora. A center of public life in antiquity that continues to this day to foster fruitful dialogue and reflection, particularly the pursuit of truth in the age of fake news, dialogue in an age of slogans, and accountability in an era of anonymous digital propaganda.

Dear Emmanuel, when the fundamental principles of the postwar order are put to the test, the response of democracies must be united, level-headed, and resolute.

Consequently, Europe itself -on whose soil, unfortunately, war has returned over the past four years, is called upon to strengthen its autonomy at all levels, because only in this way can it “navigate” with confidence through the turbulent waters of an uncertain world.

And I would like to thank the French President for his truly steadfast efforts to place the issue of Europe’s strategic autonomy, in all its aspects, at the forefront of discussions at the European Council.

I believe that our collective defense will also strengthen our common alliance, NATO, with European member states now obliged to assume greater responsibility for defending our common interests and our common borders, realizing that developments in the North, the East, and also the South, here, in the southeastern Mediterranean, directly affect the security of all of Europe. That is why a far-sighted, genuinely European policy is required.

However, we know well that we cannot achieve strategic autonomy without a competitive Europe. And without competition, there can be no growth or prosperity.

That is why the agenda for boosting competitiveness in areas such as reducing the bureaucratic burden, and affordable energy will be at the center of our discussions in the coming months, with the flagship, of course, being the negotiations on the new Multiannual Financial Framework, which we hope will be completed by the end of 2026.

We did, of course, have the opportunity to discuss developments in the Middle East. Greece, like France, is a reliable partner and a force for stability. We have both played our part discreetly in the ceasefire and in the dialogue between Israel and Lebanon, a very important development that must be strengthened.

We both share the same concern for the protection of all religious communities, especially the Christians in the region, who are not merely a minority but an integral part of its historical identity.

We share the same commitment to safeguarding freedom of navigation, in accordance with International Law and the Convention on the Law of the Sea. And as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, we have raised this issue as one of the utmost importance. This is an issue that Europe as a whole must embrace, and we are, of course, moving in the same direction in view of Greece’s European Presidency in the second half of 2027.

We are ready to help shape all those policies that promote a strong, democratic Europe with a meaningful role in geopolitical developments -a Europe that knows and is able to defend its values as well as its member states.

A Europe of its citizens, ultimately a “child” of both Greek and French culture, a “child” of ancient Athenian democracy, but at the same time a “child” of the European Enlightenment.

Dear Emmanuel, I will conclude by reminding you that as we plan for the future, we are also honoring the past. And right now, Delacroix’s painting “Greece on the Ruins of Missolonghi” is on display at the Xenokrateion Archaeological Museum in Missolonghi.

This work was loaned by the Museum of Fine Arts of Bordeaux, and I would say it is a moving testament to the bonds between our peoples even before the independent Greek State was established, the birth of which, let us not forget, was warmly supported by the French people.

It is no coincidence that France was our guest of honor at this event commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Exodus of Missolonghi. This is a recognition -both symbolic and substantive- of a relationship that remains strong to this day.

We should, therefore, be proud to serve and carry on this historic tradition of peace and cooperation. And I believe that is exactly what we did today.

Once again, welcome to Athens, Emmanuel.

Source: https://www.primeminister.gr/

The post Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ Statements following his meeting with the President of France Emmanuel Macron and the signing of agreements between Greece and France, at Maximos Mansion appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

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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