«Ὡς χαρίεν ἔστ’ ἄνθρωπος, ἂν ἄνθρωπος ᾖ» - How beautiful—mature—a person is when they are truly humane

94 archaeological sites, monuments, and museums - 12 regions - 190 events – 95 productions featuring music, theatre, visual arts/performance (1 July to 31 August 2026)

The Ministry of Culture’s initiative “All of Greece, One Culture” returns for a seventh consecutive year in the summer of 2026 to present its richest and most diverse programme to date. An inextricable part of Greece’s cultural map and a vibrant meeting point where cultural heritage and modern creativity intersect, the initiative has been substantially enhanced this year, with the number of productions increasing, more than 900 artists featured in the programme, and greater participation from local communities. For two months, from the 1st of July to the 31st of August 2026, emblematic archaeological sites, monuments, and museums across Greece will come to life through original works of the performing arts, offering audiences a unique cultural experience. The Ministry of Culture provides free admission to all events in the “All of Greece, One Culture” 2026 programme.

Launched in 2020 during the pandemic, the Ministry of Culture’s “All of Greece, One Culture” programme has become one of Greece’s leading cultural institutions. Every July and August, it presents high-quality events at archaeological sites, monuments, and museums, creatively connecting contemporary art with cultural heritage. The programme also supports cultural professionals and local communities, attracting enthusiastic audiences from Greece and abroad. The initiative has its own website (www.allofgreeceoneculture.gr ), which is compatible with all mobile devices. Through the platform, users can be informed about the full programme of events and about each production separately, as well as make the necessary bookings for all the events. At the same time, this website offers an interactive map showing all performances by region, and in the “Sites & History” section, one can find presentations of all the archaeological sites that have hosted the events from 2020 to the present day.

All of Greece, One Culture 2026 - Locations & history: 94 archaeological sites, monuments, and museums - 12 regions. With the unique privilege of presenting its events at archaeological sites, monuments, and museums across Greece, the programme has been enhanced this year with 19 new venues, further expanding the initiative’s map. Through the inclusion of new archaeological sites, monuments, and museums, the programme strengthens its presence across the country, bringing to light locations of special historical and cultural significance as venues for modern artistic creativity and cultural dialogue.

The programme’s seventh run centers on a thematic focus inspired by the famous line from Menander’s play O Dyskolos (The Difficult), “How beautiful—mature—a person is when they are truly humane.” Creators and artistic groups have been invited to measure themselves against the enduring question of humanity and the need to return to humanity as a measure of artistic creativity in modern times, and to create original works of performing arts, as well as hybrid forms of artistic expression in dialogue with the specific thematic field. At a time when humanism and meta-humanism, live spectacles, and the digital condition coexist and confront one another, the return to humanity as a measure of artistic creativity is a necessary gesture. The context of “All of Greece, One Culture,” grounded in a dialogue between modern culture and the cultural repository of emblematic archaeological sites, is the ideal framework for creating works that explore the broad scope of wonder opened by Menander’s quote.

The programme includes 95 new productions featuring music (23), theatre (34), performances/events for young audiences (13), dance (14), visual arts/performance (8), and music theatre (3). The productions will be showcased in two performances each at 94 archaeological sites, monuments, and museums across 12 regions of Greece, excluding Attica, highlighting each place’s uniqueness and enhancing cultural decentralization. A total of 190 events will be held at various venues, including ancient theatres, Roman Odeons, Byzantine monuments, museums, castles, mosques, mansions, and sacred monasteries.

The events featured in 2026’s programme were selected by a special evaluation committee of the Ministry of Culture, following an open call issued via the Ministry’s online portal: drasis.culture.gr. In line with the initiative’s philosophy, these events are directed towards innovative and hybrid forms born of the dialectical pairing of multiple art forms in each event. The productions were developed from original proposals submitted by artistic groups. The evaluation committee, in collaboration with the pertinent authorities of the Ministry of Culture, selected the archaeological sites to showcase the productions across 12 regions of Greece.

This year’s TV spot for the “All of Greece, One Culture” programme draws inspiration from human nature. Filming took place at the National Archaeological Museum and features two students from the GNO Professional Dance School, Georgia Dimou and Georgios Tsiggos. The video was created using 3D animation techniques. Among the museum’s precious exhibits, human figures depicted on ancient statues come to the fore. In the spot, as the statues crack, the human figures within them come to life, move, experience emotions, and create. The campaign’s main concept highlights the connection from ancient times to the present, with humanity serving as the common thread linking all cultures and the driving force of creation throughout the centuries.

Events On Demand: The “All of Greece, One Culture” 2026 platform also offers audiences 30 selected filmed productions from 2024 and 2025, available on demand and free of charge

Booking for events is open through the programme’s official website:

www.allofgreeceoneculture.gr

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

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

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

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

The Commission further emphasizes that:

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

Strong Growth Despite an Uncertain International Environment

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

Fiscal Surpluses and Strong Fiscal Performance

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

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

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

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

Continued Debt Reduction at the Fastest Pace in Europe

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

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

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

Recognition of Reforms and the Digital Transformation

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

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

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

Above the EU Average in the Implementation of European Programs

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

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

OECD: Greek Economic Growth Remains Resilient

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

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

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

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The Athens Epidaurus Festival is Greece’s leading cultural organisation and one of the oldest continuously running festivals in Europe. Spanning 71 years, the Festival has welcomed some of the greatest music, dance, and theatre artists of the international and local scene, in collaboration with the most prestigious Greek and international organisations, attracting large audiences from around the world.

Athens Epidaurus Festival 2026 (Official Trailer)

Beginning on May 29 and running for 92 days, with 104 productions and more than 2,500 artists and collaborators from 26 countries, this year’s edition marks the beginning of the three-year tenure of the new Artistic Director, Michail Marmarinos. It also coincides with the landmark 20^th  anniversary of Peiraios 260 as a central artistic hub of the institution.

Michail Marmarinos, speaking at the presentation of the artistic program of the Athens Epidaurus Festival for 2026 in his capacity as Artistic Director, described the Festival as a dynamic space for encounter and exchange of ideas, connecting Greek audiences with the latest currents of contemporary artistic creation on the international stage. He focused on the concept of “Vertical Time” — the time of personal experience that excavates emotion — and described the darkness of the theater hall as therapeutic, since it functions as a passage toward a new, unknown self that reveals itself to us after the performance. Within this context, the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus reconnects this year with the sanctuary of the Asklepieion of Epidaurus, recalling the “healing” nature of Art.

In addition to the nine major productions that will be presented at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, innovative initiatives are also being introduced this year, such as Narrative Archaeology at the archaeological site of the Asklepieion of Epidaurus and the new thematic series 1-1-1 at the Ancient Stadium — where music plays the leading role in the interpretation of ancient drama. Particular emphasis is placed this year on dance, which takes center stage as an open field of encounter between bodies, memory, and collective experience.

The new visual identity for 2026 was presented by the founders of the creative studio Polkadot Design, Klairi Georgelli and Nearchos Daskas. As they explained, the Festival’s visual language emerged through a handcrafted and almost ritualistic process, in which a simple gesture is transformed into trace and image.

Up until 2005, the Festival had been held exclusively at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. In the summer of 2006, five brand-new theatre stages were launched at the Peiraios 260 industrial venue which has since emerged as an important springboard for contemporary art. Artistic productions and site-specific performances are also presented at other venues in Attica and various locations as part of the Festival.

(Source: https://aefestival.gr/ )

ODEON OF HERODES ATTICUS

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus – known as the “Herodeon” – is located on the southern slopes of the Acropolis, on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street. Entry to the Odeon is from the pedestrianised Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, a walkway linking Athens’ main archaeological sites (Source: Athens Epidaurus Festival, © Thomas Daskalakis)

Stamatis Kraounakis, Lysistrata, A hilarious opera (12-13.6.2026) (left), Stathis Livathinos, Hecuba, Euripides (25-26.6.2026)(right)

In the shade of Plato’s Republic

As has already been announced, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus will open to the public for one month and will then close for several years so that essential restoration work can proceed, allowing the Roman theater to enter a new era. The venue will mainly host musical events and major tribute performances. Michail Marmarinos emphasized the importance of these tributes, noting that “through this, the festival expresses gratitude to individuals who shaped its course and what we are today as artists.”

PEIRAIOS 260

The Athens Festival venue at 260 Peiraios Street is a former industrial space  located at the Tavros district of Athens, and shares a city block with the Athens School of Fine Art (Source: Athens Epidaurus Festival)

This year, the venue is celebrating its 20th anniversary, with a diverse program and various innovations aimed at keeping visitors at the venue until very late at night. As part of its anniversary celebrations, the festival is paying tribute to George Loukos, the artistic director who first established this venue, transforming a former industrial complex into the principal home of the Athens Epidaurus Festival and opening it to international artists and pioneering avant-garde works. Dance will take center stage this year, with a number of international productions making their Greek premiere. This year sees the debut of Gen 260, a platform designed to showcase and amplify the voices of young performing artists. In addition to dance, this year’s festival will spotlight contemporary music through the C-Music Now series and Greek theatre through new dramaturgical works alongside modern reimaginings of classical texts.

Teaċ Daṁsa – Michael Keegan-Dolan, MÁM (10-11.6.2026) (left), Tribute to Georges Aperghis, Quatuor Diotima, Works by Aperghis, Tzortzis, Ligeti (28.6.2026)

Gemma Hansson Carbone, The Gospel of Cassandra, by Dimitris Dimitriadis (4-5.7.2026)

Pireos 260 will once again keep the party going late into the night with its popular live events in the Garden and the Square, newly renamed AFTERS. This year, the festival is also introducing screenings of recorded stage productions, presented in the atmosphere of an open-air summer cinema as part of a new series, Starry Sky – Starry Nights.

ANCIENT THEATER OF EPIDAURUS

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is located within the archaeological site of the Sanctuary of Asklepios, in the Argolis prefecture of the Peloponnese. It is a half-hour drive from Nafplio and approximately two hours from Athens (Source: Athens Epidaurus Festival)

Alan Lucien Øyen, Antigone, Inspired by the work of Sophocles (7-8.8.2026)

At the Epidaurus Festival 9 different interpretations by Greek and international creators will be presented, based on both well-known and lesser-performed texts. The Festival opens on June 20 with the revival of Medea by Luigi Cherubini, the highly anticipated co-production with the Greek National Opera. This will be followed by The Persians by Aeschylus, directed by Christos Theodoridis (July 2 & 3), and The Bacchae directed by Deyan Donkov Gardev, featuring The Tiger Lillies live on stage (July 17 & 18). Next come Alcestis by Euripides, directed by Dimitris Karantzas, and Peace by Aristophanes, directed by Nikos Karathanos (July 24 & 25). The next production at the ancient theatre is The Trojan Women, directed by Eleni Efthymiou (July 31 and August 1), followed by Antigone by the Norwegian director and choreographer Alan Lucien Øyen, a choreographic approach inspired by and giving rhythm to tragic poetry. The Epidaurus Festival concludes with Lysistrata by the National Theatre of Northern Greece, directed by Asterios Peltikis (August 21 & 22), and Ion, directed by Thomas Moschopoulos.

LITTLE THEATER OF ANCIENT EPIDAURUS

The Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus is located in the Argolis prefecture of the Peloponnese. It is a half-hour drive from Nafplio and approximately two hours from Athens (Source: Athens Epidaurus Festival, © Thomas Daskalakis)

Marta Górnicka, Mothers – A Song for Wartime (4.7.2026)

In recent years, Little Theatre of Epidaurus has no longer been intended solely for musical events, as it was in the past. This year, dance is also being incorporated into the program.

SYSTEMA

A major cultural policy announcement of the Festival is SYSTEMA – For the Greek Performing Arts, an important partnership between the Athens Epidaurus Festival, the National Theatre of Greece, and the Kalamata International Dance Festival, aimed at dynamically promoting Greek artistic creation abroad. In a joint statement, the Artistic Directors of the three institutions presented this initiative as a gesture of collaborative ethos.

VISUAL ARTS

VISUAL INSTALLATION Objects of Common Interest. The original light installation by the award-winning design studio Objects of Common Interest returns to Peiraios 260 this year, having by now become an integral part of the site’s visual identity. Founded by architects and designers Elena Petaloti and Leonidas Trampoukis – who work between Athens and New York – the studio focuses on the creation of sculptural objects and immersive environments that foreground the relationship between materiality and space.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Source: www.primeminister.gr)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Source: www.primeminister.gr)

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted an official event on Monday, February 9, at the National Library of Greece, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, on the occasion of World Greek Language Day. The President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas, addressed the event. The Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, was the keynote speaker. A discussion subsequently took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis, and Professor of Linguistics Georgios Babiniotis. The event was complemented by the orchestra and choir of the Alimos Music School.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted, among others:

“I will briefly attempt to share with you some thoughts on the significance of today’s occasion.

Almost seventy years have passed since the international community listened to and understood Xenophon Zolotas as he addressed it in English, using exclusively Greek terms—English words of Greek origin.

Today, the universality of the Greek language is formally recognized as it acquires its own distinct and honorary day within the pantheon of UNESCO-recognized languages. This development may serve as a starting point for progress in the Greek language’s long journey through time.

We are speaking of a language that is, in essence, omnipresent in philosophy, theatre, literature, the sciences, and, of course, politics.

It is a linguistic system for the production of concepts and the depiction of reality that has shaped human thought from the earliest written testimonies of the Mycenaean era to the present day, always placing at its core the pursuit of truth through dialogue.

It is also the first language to recognize the human being as a citizen, measure as a necessity, virtue as moral integrity, and freedom together with beauty as intrinsic values. These are distinctly Greek elements, attested by the many monuments and the hundreds of thousands of inscriptions.

At the same time, these are ideas which, passed down from generation to generation, lent their unique substance to the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, and later inspired momentous political events such as the French and American Revolutions and, of course, following the War of Independence, the Greek Revolution of 1821.

Greek thus became our “bridge” to the world, ultimately placing modern Greece at the heart of the West and at the heart of Europe.

It is an intangible source of progress, as well as a source of international prestige, which already affords our country a distinct role and voice in a world that is being transformed and changing at an unprecedented pace.

For everything, there is a Greek word. It is a particularly interesting challenge to trace the Greek equivalents of words in the established dominant languages.

The Greek language not only survives but continues to be enriched and transmitted, despite the fact that for centuries there was no unified state to protect it. The unity of the Greek language does not lie in uniformity, but in its continuity through diversity.

It is a cultural capital of more than 3,000 years that continues to nourish the intellectual world. It is also a language ready to travel into the vast universe of algorithms and artificial intelligence, and to claim there, too, its own role in relation to the future and the most widely used linguistic codes.

It is of great importance that we have created the first Greek language model, “PHAROS,” one of the first seven artificial intelligence factories in Europe, so that the data of global knowledge can now be stored also in Greek, as a source for drawing conclusions.

Supporting the Greek language is a national priority. We currently maintain 81 academic chairs, programs in 33 countries.

It is particularly significant that today Greek is recognized by UNESCO as a global constant and an important cultural value.”

The full text of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ speech is available here.

The video of the event is available here:

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In the rugged, mountainous landscape of Amorgos, one of Greece’s easternmost Cycladic islands, a remarkable movement is unfolding. Born from necessity and a deep love for the sea, Amorgorama is a fisher-led initiative that has become a global exemplar for marine conservation and sustainable fishing. This innovative partnership, uniting local fishers, conservationists, scientists, and government bodies, aims to protect the marine environment while safeguarding the livelihoods of the island community.

The Crisis that Sparked a Movement

For generations, the fishers of Amorgos relied entirely on the Aegean Sea for their sustenance and way of life. However, like many coastal communities worldwide, they began to face a grim reality: marine pollution and overfishing were devastating ocean ecosystems. Michalis Krosman, President of the Professional Fishing Association of Amorgos, recalled, "We thought the sea was a source that will never end. There will be fish forever." But by 2010, fishers observed dwindling catches and decreasing incomes. Their nets often brought back more plastic than fish, and the northern beaches, inaccessible by land, accumulated tons of plastic rubbish every spring after winter storms. This plastic debris posed a threat to the ecosystem and fish reproduction.

The dire situation forced many fishers to take on second jobs, or even surrender their licenses and dismantle their traditional Greek fishing boats, known as Kaïkia, in exchange for compensation under a 2014 EU overfishing regulation. Faced with an uncertain future, the approximately 40 members of the Professional Fishing Association of Amorgos, known as “Η Χοζοβιώτισσα,” decided to take matters into their own hands.

The Birth of a Collective Vision: Amorgorama

The movement began taking shape as early as 2013 when the fishing association ventured beyond Amorgos to attend the 2nd European Low-Impact Fishermen (LIFE) conference in Spain. It was there that Michalis Krosman and his colleagues realized they were not alone in their struggles, and that solutions existed. This realization sparked a vision for a different future for Amorgos's seas.

In 2019, the association co-founded Amorgorama with German artist and scientist Florian Reiche. The initiative gained early momentum through a successful crowdfunding campaign and key partnerships within Greece and beyond, including the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF) and the Blue Marine Foundation (BMF).  The name itself, "Amorgorama," embodies this hope: Orama means vision in Greek, signifying the fishers' vision for "clean seas full of fish".

The Four Pillars of Amorgorama’s Strategy

After extensive discussions and a hard-won consensus, the fishers of Amorgos developed a four-pillar master plan aimed at revitalizing their marine environment and ensuring sustainable livelihoods. This bold approach, unique in Greek fishing history, demonstrates their commitment to long-term sustainability.

1. Seasonal Fishing Prohibition: A critical decision was to pause fishing activities for all boats—local, professional, and amateur—during April and May. These months are crucial for the reproduction of commercially important fish species. This self-imposed economic blow, suspending fishing in the middle of the breeding season, highlights the fishers' dedication to the natural environment.

2. Coastal Clean-up Actions: During these two months of fishing prohibition, the fishers repurpose their vessels to address the pressing issue of marine pollution. They use their boats and local knowledge to clean inaccessible northern beaches, which accumulate tonnes of plastic rubbish. From 2021 to 2022 alone, 38 waste collection actions were carried out, with fishers collecting over 1,200 large bags of trash and sending more than 15 tonnes of plastic for recycling. Approximately 60-65% of the recovered plastic is recycled, along with 3 tonnes of nets and ropes.

3. Transition to Environmentally Friendly Fishing Gear: Amorgorama promotes and facilitates the adoption of more sustainable fishing practices. This includes replacing traditional gear with more environmentally friendly options, such as nets with larger mesh and hooks. The goal is to avoid capturing small, young fish, allowing them to grow and reproduce. Recyclable nets have also been introduced.

4. Creation of Fisheries Restricted Areas (FRAs): Perhaps the most critical and challenging pillar involved the establishment of no-take FRAs, meaning specific zones where fishing is permanently prohibited to enhance fish reproduction and biodiversity. These areas are designed to provide undisturbed havens for fish reproduction, which has been shown in other regions to dramatically increase fish populations. Initially, the plan was to permanently halt fishing for five consecutive years in three of the island's most important fishing grounds: Nikouria, Katapola bay, and the area between the islets of Gramvoussa and Kalotaritissa. These zones will serve as sanctuaries for fish to reproduce and recover, acting as "banks" for fish stocks. The fishers themselves developed a management plan to reverse overfishing, understanding that they "had to sacrifice; they had to change, because otherwise they had to quit".

Key Partnerships and Government Endorsement

Amorgorama's success is deeply rooted in strong collaborative partnerships. From its inception, the initiative received practical support from the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF), which provided funding, capacity, networking, and visibility. Soon after, the Blue Marine Foundation (BMF) joined forces, further bolstering the project.

A crucial scientific partner has been the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA). Following guidelines from the Greek Ministry of Rural Development & Food, the AUA conducted a vital fisheries study for Amorgos to identify and demarcate fundamental habitats and ideal sites for the Fisheries Restricted Areas. This study also proposed alternative management and protection measures for sustainable coastal fisheries. The study was privately funded Cyclades Reservation Fund and Blue Marine Foundation, underscoring the importance of these collaborative efforts.

The initiative's community-led nature and scientific backing gained significant attention, leading to formal recognition from the Greek government. In September 2022, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between Amorgorama and the Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food. This was a pivotal moment, signaling official support for Amorgorama's goals.

 In April 2024, at the Our Ocean Conference in Athens, the Minister of Rural Development and Food publicly announced the Greek government's approval for the proposed new FRAs around Amorgos. This commitment was also reiterated at the same conference by the Greek Prime Minister, who pledged to expand Greece's marine protected area network and ban bottom trawling in all MPAs by 2030, and to establish the FRAs around Amorgos that the fishers requested.  The study's approval is a significant step, as the establishment of these FRAs is expected to contribute to Greece's commitment to establishing more Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and FRAs by 2030 (known as the "30-30" target).

Following the positive recommendation from the Fisheries Council of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food in December 2024, a draft Presidential Decree (PD) for the institutionalization of the FRAs around Amorgos was submitted to the Council of State (ΣτΕ) in February 2025 for consultation.

The issuance of the Presidential Decree will make the Amorgorama one of a kind initiative in the world, and it’s no coincidence that the attention of both the Greek and global fishing communities is focused on Amorgos. “If it succeeds here, it will succeed elsewhere too,” emphasizes Mr. Krosman in an interview with Gastronomos magazine. “That’s why we say that during this five-year period, state support is needed. Without compensation, no fisherman will be able to survive.”

Furthermore, at the 3rd UN Oceans Conference in Nice in June 2025, the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, highlighted Amorgorama as a model initiative, emphasizing Greece's commitment to expanding its marine protected area network from 20% to 30% and banning bottom trawling in all MPAs by 2030. The Prime Minister specifically cited Amorgorama as an example of "local fishing communities…establishing specific no-fishing zones around the island as safe havens for marine life".

A Global Model and Future Outlook

It has obvious that Amorgorama’s bold actions and collaborative spirit have garnered international acclaim and its success might prove crucial for the future The initiative has also fostered peer-to-peer learning; Michalis Krosman connected with the president of the Gökova Fishers Association in Rome, whose successful marine protection efforts in Gökova Bay had originally inspired Amorgos fishers. They now meet annually to exchange insights.

While government support is critical, particularly regarding compensation for fishers during the no-fishing periods, the Amorgorama partners are committed to ensuring the long-term success of the Fishing Restricted Areas (FRAs), including matters of funding, scientific monitoring, and enforcement. The effective control and supervision of these restricted areas is a prerequisite for the success of the entire endeavor.

Today, Amorgorama stands as a beacon of inspiration and optimism not only for Amorgos but for other fishing and small communities across the Aegean Sea and beyond. What began as a desperate struggle by a handful of fishers has transformed into a globally recognized model for how local communities can lead the charge in protecting our oceans and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

I.L., with information from Amorgorama; Cyclades Preservation Fund; Revive our Ocean; Gastronomos; Κυκλαδική΄΄΄; Innovationinpolitics.eu

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