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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The new Innovation Center of Epirus was recently inaugurated in Ioannina by the Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Sofia Zacharaki, and was also visited in the afternoon by the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The Epirus Innovation Center is housed in the Kato Marmara Municipal Primary School of Ioannina and is part of the nationwide network of 13 Innovation Centers, which are being established in every Regional Directorate of Education in the country and are scientifically and pedagogically supported by the Computer Technology Institute and Press (CTI) “Diophantus.” The operation of the Innovation Centers is being implemented within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan – Greece 2.0, funded by the European Union (NextGenerationEU).

Innovation Centres constitute a knowledge ecosystem that integrates and links the school community, the local community, research institutions, universities and local businesses, while connecting with similar educational ecosystems in Europe and elsewhere in the world. Innovation Centres are purpose-built, high-quality environments for STEM learning, green growth and innovation promotion in general. Each lab can be designed to support multiple topics and curriculum modules to meet the unique educational needs of each community.

They aim to have both a virtual format to support remote schools and districts, and a physical presence at a specific site to be visited by stakeholders. At the same time, one Innovation Lab will be developed in the premises of the implementing institution for the needs of designing the educational material and the training of the teachers who will staff the Innovation Centres.

In detail, the scope of the project includes the following five (5) main pillars:

• Educational Programmes: For all educational programmes, detailed scenarios and educational material is being developed, covering the teaching of each subject, while at the same time manuals are being compiled for students and teachers.
• Supply and installation of technological/network equipment (hardware/software) to enable the implementation of these specific educational programmes.
• Architectural design of Innovation Centres’ premises: The supply and installation of office-hall equipment and other interior design works is being carried out to serve the single identity among all ICs, with a pleasant and playful environment that attracts visitors. The exterior premises of each IC can also be used for the implementation of educational scenarios!
• Training of teachers and, in general, of the personnel that will staff Innovation Centres, so that they acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to carry out the task of disseminating knowledge to both the teachers who will visit the ICs and their students.
• Services: Production of educational modules, piloting & technical support services, project coordination and management.

(Source: https://www.cti.gr/en/homepage/)

During the inauguration, students, teachers, and education officials had the opportunity to actively interact and experiment with modern technological applications as part of experiential and collaborative activities that highlight the Center’s pedagogical orientation.

In her speech, the Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Sofia Zacharaki, emphasized that the Epirus Innovation Center is a true hub of learning, collaboration and coordination, serving the school of tomorrow. “Today we are here in Ioannina, at the second Innovation Center we are inaugurating outside Athens, as part of the Ministry of Education’s cooperation with CTI ‘Diophantus’ and with funding from the Recovery Fund. This is an important opportunity for all children, wherever they are and wherever they attend school, to have equal access to meaningful learning experiences. At this Center, students will come into contact with technology and science through applications of augmented reality, robotics and modern technological tools, while at the same time becoming familiar with important elements from different scientific and professional fields. Their teachers – technologists, physicists, chemists and others – will have the opportunity to prepare them through educational scenarios and, upon returning to school, to put into practice what they have worked on here. I am particularly pleased that the institution of Innovation Centers is being strengthened, and I warmly thank the Municipality for providing the space, the Regional Directorate of Education and all the education officials who contribute to establishing this new institution. I reiterate the steady emphasis we place on broadening the range of opportunities and ensuring equal opportunities for all children, in every region of the country”, stressed the Minister.

(Source: minedu.gov.gr/)

Every Innovation Centre includes 5 units:

Extended Reality (XR) technologies, including Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). These technologies enhance education by creating immersive and interactive learning experiences. Equipped with VR/AR devices, computers, and specialized software, the XR space allows students to actively engage with digital environments, fostering creativity, collaboration, and exploration of advanced technologies. It also functions as a green screen room and can serve as a virtual collaboration studio, enabling live interaction between Innovation Centres in different regions.

In the Internet of Things learning space, students explore artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, and the Internet of Things through hands-on activities. They develop age-appropriate programming and operational skills, design software, analyze data, and practice algorithm-based decision-making. This integrated approach strengthens critical thinking and problem-solving skills for the digital age. The space also includes dedicated laptop and tablet workstations for tasks such as system design, video editing, and programming.

In the Robotics learning space, students engage with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on activities using robotic technologies. With tools such as robotic arms, social robots, Arduino and Raspberry Pi boards, sensors, and STEM kits, they explore programming, design, and real-world applications. This dynamic environment fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and prepares students for today’s technological era.

The Fabrication learning space blends digital and hands-on creation, following the model of MIT’s FabLab network. Equipped with 3D printers, laser and vinyl cutters, and a 3D scanner, it enables students to transform digital designs into physical objects. Alongside digital tools, traditional hand and electric tools support practical skill development. In this versatile environment, students enhance their creativity while building programming, design, and crafting skills.

The Innovation Centre includes a dedicated meeting and presentation area that also functions as a welcoming reception space. Equipped with interactive whiteboards, advanced audio systems, and teleconferencing tools, it supports high-quality presentations, events, and student project showcases. Designed for flexibility and active participation, the space fosters interaction while adapting to evolving needs.

 (Source: https://ic.cti.gr/en/about/laboratories.html)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Source: www.primeminister.gr)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Source: www.primeminister.gr)

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

Serifos, a small island in the western Cyclades, has a long history tied to its iron and copper mines, which brought prosperity from ancient times. After the end of the Greek Revolution in 1830, mining resumed on a large scale, focusing on surface iron deposits and boosting the local economy — albeit under harsh and unsafe conditions. During this period, the island’s population increased by approximately 2,000 people, as workers arrived from other Aegean islands (Paros, Karpathos, Amorgos, etc.) as well as from other regions of Greece (e.g., the Peloponnese) to work in the mines. In August 1916, miners went on strike to improve dangerous working conditions, demand fair wages, and establish the eight-hour workday. Following violent clashes, the mining company was forced to implement improvements. This strike became a landmark moment in the Greek labor movement. Mining eventually declined as resources were depleted, and today, no mining operations remain on the island (Cover photo: The loading bridge at Megalo Livadi, Source: serifos.gr/en). Serifos is now renowned for its beautiful beaches and for having one of the most picturesque Chora (capital town) in the Aegean.

Megalo Livadi is a village that developped around a sheltered bay in the southwest of the island in 1880, during the peak of Serifos’s mining activity. The village featured workers’ homes, a police station, a chemical laboratory, grocery stores, cafes, taverns, and a primary school (operating between 1900 and 1914). In 1890, the offices of the Serifos Spilialeza company, which exploited the island’s mines, were relocated here. They were housed in a neoclassical administrative building known as “Dioikitirio” designed in the style of the famous German architect Ernst Ziller. The building's ruins still stand at the edge of the beach and are currently undergoing restoration (at the right side of the photo above, Source: serifos.gr/en). Nearby stands the Miners’ Memorial, which honors those who lost their lives during the 1916 labor strike. Remnants of the mining era - including galleries, loading bridges, wagons, rail tracks, and building ruins - can still be seen on the bay’s left side.

Historic mining carts near Megalo Livadi loading bridge (upper, Photo: Or. Karamanlis), The Almyros Bathhouse, built in 1898, stands on the rocky coastline of the bay of Mega Livadi, and remains well-preserved despite constant exposure to sea winds and waves. The baths were used by the workers for therapeutic purposes (lower left, Photo: D. Mavrokordatou), Remains of mining equipment at Koutalas loading area (lower right, Photo: V.Pougkakioti) (Source: www.wmf.org/monuments/serifos-historic-mining-landscape)

Serifos’ historic mining landscape in the island’s southwest has been added to the World Monuments Fund’s (WMF) 2024 Watch List for endangered cultural heritage. The inclusion highlights the site’s vulnerability due to tourism development plans. “The island’s historic mining relics, including loading stairs in Megalo Livadi and Koutalas, face deterioration without protective measures”. “Serifos has an invaluable industrial heritage requiring protection to prevent its loss,” the WMF emphasized. Local archaeologist Ourania Vizyinou explained that the local community initiated this nomination after years of concern for the site’s preservation and that it was backed by the National Technical University of Athens and the University of the Aegean. Professor Ioannis Spilanis of the Aegean University said, “We trust this listing will drive collaboration between the Culture Ministry and local stakeholders to preserve the site and its history” (Source: ekathimerini.com)

The Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades, in collaboration with the Cultural Association of Megalo Livadi Serifos and Assistant Professor Orestis Karamanlis (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens), is organizing a multimedia exhibition in summer 2025 titled "In the Years of Modern Mining Activity: Megalo Livadi, Serifos 1880–1960". The exhibition aims to highlight the unique identity and modern history of the area through its mining activity, as well as its intangible cultural heritage. It features AI-restored historical photos, rare press material, and archival content from the municipality, the miners' association, and local residents. The project seeks to uncover the often-overlooked recent past of Serifos – particularly of Megalo Livadi - while engaging both residents and visitors with this heritage.  It also encourages awareness of the area's dinstict identity and promotes collaboration toward a better-managed and more sustainable future for Serifos (Source: cyclades.culture.gov.gr, exhibition25.megalivadi.org/)

The exhibition is hosted at the Archaeological Museum of Serifos, housed in the former Municipal Hostel "Perseus," a building designed by architect Philippos Vokos between 1962 and 1963. It is a typical example of modernist architecture, reflecting the distinctive typology of the Xenia hotels—a network of publicly owned accommodations built in Greece during the 1950s and 1960s as part of a government initiative to develop the country’s tourism infrastructure. (Source: cyclades.culture.gov.gr)

Workers at the mines of Serifos, late 1880s (Photo: National Historical Museum of Athens, Source: exhibition25.megalivadi.org/).

Megalo Livadi in the late 1880s. Visible are the two ore loading ramps, one at the right and one at the left end of the bay. The elongated neoclassical building on the right is the Dioikitirio, the residence of the German mining contractor Emile Grohmann (Photo: National Historical Museum of Athens, Source: exhibition25.megalivadi.org/).

The exhibition about the island’s Modern Mining Activity enters into dialogue with Bob McCabe’s photographic exhibition “The Magic of Serifos”, which will also remain open to visitors this summer (photos above)

Serifos is an island with a glorious history, and a distinct character character of its own. Visitors are struck by the serenity of the landscape, as all the senses become attuned to its natural beauty. Composed of iron and granite, Serifos is the rockiest island in the Cyclades. Although arid, it boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Aegean Sea. The island’s villages are built in the traditional Cycladic style: whitewashed houses with brightly colored window frames that harmonize beautifully with the surrounding landscape.

In Homer's Odyssey, it is said that the island of Cyclops Polyphemus was Serifos, and that his residence was the “Cave of Cyclops”, located beneath the “Throne of Cyclops” near the settlement of Megalo Livadi (phohto left, Source: e-serifos.com).  According to the myth, Perseus arrived on the shores of Serifos with his mother, Danae, locked in a chest. To punish Polydectes, King of Serifos, Perseus killed the Gorgon Medusa - a mythical creature with living snakes for hair - and showed her severed head to Polydectes, who was instantly turned to stone. Perseus then lay down to rest. However, the frogs of Serifos, with their relentless singing, would not let him sleep. Annoyed, he asked Zeus to silence them. This story gave rise to the ancient expression "Serifian frog", which was used pejoratively to mock someone who lacked rhetorical skill. The archaic silver stater of Serifos (c. 580 BC), was based on a pun referencing the “Serifian frog” (photo right)

Chora is among the most beautiful villages in the Cyclades. Small whitewashed houses cover the rocky hillside overlooking the cove and Livadi, the island’s port. The village consists of two neighbourhoods - Pano Chora (Upper Chora, also known as Castro, meaning Castle) and Kato Chora (Lower Chora) - connected by a series of stairways. The entire layout of the town exudes harmony and elegant simplicity. The castle was constructed by the Venetians in the 15^th century on the ruins of an ancient settlement. Upon reaching the top, where picturesque chapels stand, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views of the vast blue sky and the equally blue sea below. At the Piatsa, the marble-paved square in the heart of Ano Chora, stands the beautiful neoclassical Town Hall, built in 1907. (Source: visitgreece.gr)  

The White Tower (Aspros Pyrgos), a circular marble structure of the Late Classical to Hellenistic period, is a significant monument, dated between the 4^th and the 3^rd centuries BC. Built from large white marble blocks, it originally stood about 12 meters high and included a ground floor and two upper levels arranged in a circular layout. Today, only a portion of the structure survives, with a maximum remaining height of nearly 5 meters. Its architectural features, along with the panoramic view from its location, suggest it was used as an observatory. In the late 19^th century, a small cemetery and a church dedicated to Agios Charalambos were established nearby, incorporating marble stones from the ancient tower into their construction. (Source: serifos.gr/en)

Serifos is renowned for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the Aegean, with over 70 scattered along its intricate, lacy coastline. The island is dotted with numerous small and larger bays, accessible on foot, by road, or by boat—inviting visitors to explore and discover their own slice of paradise. Most of the island’s beaches remain unorganized and naturally preserved, retaining their timeless, untouched beauty. (Source: serifos.gr/en/paralies/)

Livadakia is located just below the settlement of the same name, next to the port on the south side of the island. It is home to the only organized campsite on Serifos. The golden sandy beach is shaded by numerous tamarisk trees, providing a pleasant spot for visitors to relax. (Source: serifos.gr/en)

Psili Ammos is considered the most famous beach on the island and was named the best beach in Europe by The Sunday Times in 2003. Its turquoise waters and fine golden sand create a dreamy setting. The shallow waters make it ideal for carefree family moments, while plenty of tamarisk trees provide ample shade during the summer months. (Source: serifos.gr/en/)

Ganema is one of the largest and most picturesque beaches on Serifos, located on the south side of the island. Known for its crystal-clear waters, dark sand, and abundant tamarisk trees lining the shore, it is considered one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. At sunset, the sun dipping into the sea creates one of the most breathtaking moments of the day. (Source: serifos.gr/en)

The beach of Agios Sostis is located on the east side of the island and takes its name from the chapel of the same name, situated on the nearby cape. It is arguably the most picturesque beach on Serifos—a small bay of exceptional natural beauty, shaded by a few tamarisk trees. (Source: serifos.gr/en)

Read also:

Cycladic architecture, stunningly blending with the endless blue of the Aegean sea

I.A.

The post Serifos: The Intangible Cultural Heritage of Its Mining Activity appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

The hunting fresco, which adorns the frieze on the façade of the royal tomb of Philip II at Aigai, is the most significant and largest known painting of the classical world to have been revealed to date.

The recently completed interdisciplinary ReVis project, led by archeologist Hariclia Brecoulaki, constitutes the first comprehensive and scientifically documented study of this fresco from Aigai. It employed pioneering, non-invasive diagnostic and imaging techniques based on digital technology. The monumental fresco, which nearly entirely covered the long frieze of the so-called Macedonian tomb — 5.56 meters long and 1.16 meters high — consists of six open-air hunting scenes.

New data regarding the ancient pigments, painting style, and iconography of this emblematic fresco, and more broadly, on the monumental Greek painting of the 4th century BCE, emerged through this innovative study, a collaboration between the National Hellenic Research Foundation, the National Centre For Scientific Research "Demokritos" and the Hemathia Ephorate of Antiquities.

The ultimate goal of the research project was to gain a more accurate understanding of the fresco’s technique and iconography, as well as to propose a new digital restoration at its original scale, based on archaeometric data, combining AI tools (Christos Simatos, visual artist) and contemporary artistic creation (Emmanouil Bitsakis, painter).

Ancient Greek painting is a little-known facet of Greek art: few people realize that life in antiquity was full of paintings, from public buildings to private homes, made with delicate materials that haven’t survived — mostly painted on wood, hence their absence from museum collections.

The great painters of the 4th century BCE, the golden age of Greek painting, were highly sought-after, producing sophisticated works with advanced techniques that laid the foundation for painting in subsequent centuries.

Dr Hariclia Brecoulaki, who has devoted her career to studying ancient Greek painting and color, is a senior researcher at the Institute of Historical Research of the National Hellenic Research Foundation, and the scientific lead for the digital restoration of the fresco. In her interview with Lifo, she stated:

"The striking composition of the royal hunt, created by a gifted 4th-century BCE painter on the façade of the imposing royal tomb before it was covered by the earthen mound, is internationally renowned and represents the most significant and largest-scale painting of the classical world discovered to date.

"Comprising six hunting scenes in an open landscape with perspectival elements, the composition includes three mounted and seven on-foot hunters wearing distinct clothing and accessories, and nine dogs attacking and injuring various types of game, primarily a boar and a lion. The setting blends natural and man-made elements, such as a rectangular column topped with statuettes. Despite the action, all animals are shown mortally wounded, with the hunters in full control — symbolizing dominance.

Thus, the hunt may serve as a metaphor for the battlefield, a display of power by the Macedonian kings, still resonating from their major victory at Chaeronea, in which Alexander played a crucial role. Many studies have focused on the frieze, proposing theories about the hunt’s meaning, its setting, the symbolism of multiple prey, the social roles of the hunters, and whether the figures correspond to historical Macedonian court members.

However, due to poor preservation and limited access, it remains difficult for viewers to appreciate its artistic value or decipher its iconography clearly. The belief that Greek painters practiced "tetrachromy" (painting using only four pigments: white, black, yellow, and red) influenced artistic and scholarly interpretations of Greek painting since the Renaissance.

In my research at the National Hellenic Research Foundation, I began in 2013 — with colleagues Andreas Karydas, Christos Simatos, and Giovanni Verri — a pilot diagnostic study of the hunting fresco from Philip’s tomb at Aigai. At that time, the Ephor of Antiquities in Imathia, Angeliki Kotaridi, supported us by granting permission and installing scaffolding on the tomb’s façade, enabling us to take sample color readings, photograph the scene, and apply imaging techniques that revealed colors and shapes invisible to the naked eye.

This initial study made it clear that the ancient painter used a wider range of pigments than previously believed, applied over large surfaces, and that the technique was extraordinarily complex for its time. Further analysis of color composition and painting technique was warranted. Additionally, through visible-induced luminescence and fluorescence photography, previously unseen drawing details emerged.

Ten years later, in March 2023, with funding from the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (HFRI), we organized — with a team of colleagues — the continuation and completion of the 2013 project as ReVis, an interdisciplinary endeavor combining archaeological expertise, archaeometric research, AI tools, and artistic interpretations.

The goal remains a better understanding of the fresco’s technique and imagery and a new digital restoration at life-size, based on the latest scientific findings — enabling a more accurate reconstruction of the original polychromy and offering modern audiences a clearer view of this unique masterpiece.

Today, the polychromy of ancient sculpture and architecture is more widely recognized thanks to various exhibitions and studies both in Greece (e.g., the Acropolis Museum, the Αcropolis Restoration Service-YSMA) and abroad (e.g., "Gods in Color"). However, monumental painting remains largely unseen. We felt this ambitious effort was worth undertaking.

We aimed to create a more faithful recreation of the original composition — to "revive" this masterpiece so it can be better studied by experts and appreciated by the general public."

According to the Portal for the Greek Language, regarding the historical figures possibly depicted:

It’s difficult to determine whether the hunting scene in the Vergina fresco is a historical event — even loosely interpreted — or a symbolic, fictional composition. In either case, some of the mounted hunters are likely historical figures. Yet, identifying them and determining the exact date of the fresco — and of the tomb — remains challenging. If the tomb was built in the 340s–330s BCE, the bearded rider may be Philip II (d. 336 BCE) and the youthful, wreath-wearing rider Alexander the Great. If, instead, the tomb dates to the late 4th century BCE, the deceased could be Philip III Arrhidaeus, Alexander’s half-brother (d. 316 BCE). In any case, the fresco places us within the royal Macedonian milieu before the end of the 4th century BCE.

On April 5, 2025, an international conference titled "The Aigai Hunt Frieze Revealed: An Interdisciplinary Investigation and Digital Reconstruction" presented the outcomes of the ReVis project. From April 9 to 12, a life-size digital print of the fresco’s restoration was exhibited, along with original artworks by Emmanouil Bitsakis, used in the reconstruction, at 16 Fokionos Negri Street.

ReVis was funded by the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (HFRI) under the "2nd Call for HFRI Research Projects to Support Faculty Members and Researchers" (Project No. 4366). Scientific supervisor is Dr. Haricleia Brecoulaci, Senior Researcher at the Institute of Historical Research of the National Hellenic Reasearch Foundation. The project is implemented in collaboration with the National Centre For Scientific Research "Demokritos," led by Dr. Andreas Karydas, and the Hemathia Ephorate of Antiquities, with Dr. Anastasia Georgiadou as on-site scientific lead.

ReVis also benefited from access to the advanced facilities of the European IPERION-HS/MOLAB consortium.

I.L., with information from the Greek Ministry of Culture, Lifo, Ta Nea and Portal for the Greek Language.

Read more from Greek News Agenda:

• The Archaeological Site and Polycentric Museum of Aigai
• Archaeologist and ‘Archaeostoryteller’ Ted Papakostas on discovering the ‘entirety’ of Ancient Greece
• Meet “Demokritos” the biggest Research Centre of Greece

The post From Pigments to Pixels: The digital reconstuction of the Aigai Hunt Frieze, classical world’s most significant painting appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

The first smart building dedicated to Artificial Intelligence and Telecommunications is under construction at the campus of National Research Center for Natural Sciences "Demokritos” in Athens. Newspaper “I Kathimerini” spoke to Dr. George Nounesis, Director & Chairman of “Demokritos” and reports on this very exciting new project:

As Dr. Nounessis explains to Kathimerini, this smart building is being built according to highest standards in terms of energy efficiency and green identity, and will be able to produce itself data on its operation. The building will be used for Demokritos’ experiments both in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Telecommunications, while it will house the high-security data center of Demokritos, which will also serve as a data center the wider public sector in Greece.

Construction on the first smart building for Artificial Intelligence (AI) commenced last December and is scheduled for completion by November 2025. The building, spanning 3,500 square meters, will accommodate AI applications and "Beyond 5G" networks. As Dr. Nounessis points out to Kathimerini, Demokritos has been investing for decades in Artificial Intelligence, through the work produced in the relative Institutes, and now finds itself at the center of developments in this field.

Not far from the under-construction AI building, one can find the Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications of Demokritos (IIT), where approximately 200 scientists are presently working in Artificial Intelligence and another 100 in Telecommunications. According to the Institute's director and member of the recently established High-Level Advisory Committee for Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Vangelis Karkaletsis, the current facilities cannot accommodate growing demands. The new building is anticipated to provide a much-needed extra work space to Demokritos researchers.

What is more, Demokritos, in collaboration with the National Centre for Social Research (EKKE) and under the auspices of the Special Secretariat of Foresight, produced the first strategic Foresight study in Greece on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence. This pioneering study maps the future of artificial intelligence in Greece until 2030 and formulates four scenarios, of which it favors the positive one of techno-social acceleration, due to the strengthening of investments in data centers and the broader technological modernization of the country.

AI & Telecommunications experiments and a state-of-the-art data center

Dr Karkaletsis outlined some of the “smart” features of the new AI building: "Security-related sensors, such as image recognition for entry, will be deployed throughout, enabling us to know exactly who is inside the building at any given time. Additionally, sensors will monitor lighting, temperature, and air quality. He elaborates on how this building, featuring modern laboratory spaces and serving as a hub for research in technology and telecommunications, will become an invaluable resource for Democritus scientists. "The building will serve as a platform for our experiments in both Artificial Intelligence and Telecommunications. Essentially, the building itself will function as a tool for us—we'll gather data, analyze it, and develop applications based on our findings."

"The data center slated for completion within the same premises is expected to cover the overall needs of Demokritos in data production and processing - with takes place in all Institutes. Furthermore, it will facilitate the Center's initiatives and partnerships with other research entities in Greece and abroad. “This is a critical component that is currently lacking. Currently, there are decentralized, small-scale computing centers scattered across Demokritos’ Institutes. The plan is to integrate these into a centralized data center that will comply with the highest data security and maintenance standards,” Dr. Karkaletsis explains.

The first Greek experts in quantum technologies

Following the construction of the AI building, there are plans to establish four additional autonomous facilities on the 600-acre campus. Each of these spaces will be dedicated to housing nanotechnology, quantum computing, autonomous micromechanical and microelectronics microsystems, as well as accommodating the numerous startups currently dispersed throughout Demokritos. Dr. George Nounesis elaborates on the establishment of the Institute for Quantum Technologies, which will be marking a groundbreaking development for Greece.

"For the past two years, Demokritos, in partnership with Democritus University of Thrace, has been preparing the first cohort of Greek scientists who will become experts in quantum computing. Twenty-five new students are being enrolled in this program annually," he informs "K," and further states, "In a few years, quantum computers are anticipated to revolutionize everything we understand, from cryptography and security, to advancements in medicine, energy, banking, and defense. Quantum technology is intricately linked to the future of artificial intelligence because, as rapidly as A.I. progresses, it requires the computational infrastructure to reach its potential. A.I. cannot advance significantly on its own; progress must be made simultaneously across all related areas."

Looking back at the rich history of Demokritos Dr Karkaletsis points out: "In the 1970s, graduates from foreign universities who specialized in Artificial Intelligence began to arrive at Demokritos; established in 1961 as a Nuclear Research Center Demokritos in the 1961, Demokritos became then the 'cradle' of Artificial Intelligence in Greece. These graduades went on to work at Demokritos on image processing, neural networks (which later evolved into deep learning), and natural language processing.

"At that time, there was no other research organization in the country focusing on these areas". Even during the 1990s, when he himself was working on Artificial Intelligence at Demokritos, data and computing resources were limited, meaning that AI remained confined within laboratory settings.

"Things began to change in the 2000s when we gained access to more computing resources and data, but the real AI 'explosion' occurred in the 2010s," Dr. Karkaletsis highlights. "Through machine learning, i.e. providing the computer with extensive data and training it, A.I. began to transition from laboratory environments to society, as applications usable by humans were being developed."

The need for a regulatory framework on A.I. - Generative AI Greece 2030

These developments in A.I. culminated in the release of artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT in November 2022.  "We're witnessing the emergence of impressive technology, but without a clearly defined framework for its utilization. The quick pace of technological evolution makes the establishment of regulatory guidelines absolutely necessary," remarks Dr. Karkaletsis.

Recently, his team, in collaboration with the National Center for Social Research (EKKE), and with the support of the Special Secretariat of Foresight presented a study to the prime minister outlining various scenarios on the future of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Greece by 2030.  Titled "Generative AI Greece 2030," the study presents trends opportunities, challenges, uncertainties and possible options that will shape the future of the Gen AI ecosystem in Greece. Similar studies had already been conducted in other European countries, such as Germany and Finland, approximately a year and a half earlier.

The study provides a framework of proposed strategic initiatives and policy recommendations, drawing on the collective knowledge and foresight perceptions of a sample of Greek experts/specialists on the impact of the domestic Gen AI ecosystem, in the time frame of 2030.

"This initiative was long overdue in Greece. We examined global trends, the local context, and existing uncertainties, such as the availability of domestic data and computing resources. Based on these factors and vulnerabilities, we formulated scenarios and proposed the implementation of the most viable scenario by 2030," explains Dr. Karkaletsis.

The global geopolitical and geo-economic order is becoming increasingly uncertain, complex and unstable. Gen AI seems to amplify these systemic features, highlighting the need for an ‘exponential’ and future-oriented way of thinking. We cannot be sure what the future holds, nor can we avoid constant disruption in an era of perma-crisis. But it is up to us to harness this generalized uncertainty/complexity, set long-term goals, adapt institutions and mindsets, be adequately prepared and work towards the most favorable scenario – i.e., the ‘technosocial acceleration’ scenario – to enhance the country’s capacity for sustainable growth and resilient prosperity, based on dynamic diagnoses of the trends, uncertainties and opportunities emerging around us.

This research presents four scenarios of possible alternative future images of Gen AI in Greece by 2030. The first is called “techno-social acceleration”, where the world is described as adaptable and freed from technophobic entanglements, while the sustainability and value of the Gen AI ecosystem are at a high level accompanied by a fairly resilient liberal political system. In the second scenario, the “techno-dwarf”, the open economy and a set of favorable political intentions prevail, but the GEN AI ecosystem loses momentum and is not a priority due to excessive regulations and strict bureaucratic rules. The third scenario is described by the term ‘technosocial tarriness'. It represents a stunted or underdeveloped Gen AI ecosystem in a closed and technophobic world, alongside a significant lack of ethical and regulatory frameworks, public policies, and institutional interventions. The fourth scenario depicts a “techno-giant” with feeble, poor legs and represents a Gen AI ecosystem that reflects the global technological boom, but within a socio-cultural and political environment that is unable to turn speed into adaptation, to integrate modern techno-evolutions and to exploit the possibilities and opportunities they offer.

I.L.

The post National Research Center Demokritos: Report on the future of Generative AI in Greece | A new cutting-edge Data Center and AI Hub appeared first on Greek News Agenda.