An article by Panagiotis Roilos, President of the European Cultural Center of Delphi

Today, in one of the most dynamic transitional phases of the Anthropocene era, Delphi must assume a leading role in global culture and the philosophical and culturally mediated exploration of the major issues of our time. This role has been assumed by the European Cultural Center of Delphi (ECCD) ever since its foundation in 1977, but much more intensely and systematically in the last three years. To a great extent, ECCD constitutes the continuation not only of the vision of the Delphic festivals, which were established by Angelos Sikelianos in 1927, but also of the most dynamic and progressive aspects of his Delphic ideal as a whole—an ideal that the Center has expanded and adapted to the needs and priorities of our times. I am convinced that by prioritizing the exploration, from different perspectives and through diverse cultural initiatives, of the rapid developments that humanity is experiencing today in the areas of culture, thought, politics, and science, the Delphi Center will be able to become, in fact, it has already become, a dynamic hub of contemporary world culture and philosophical thought.

As soon as I assumed the presidency of the European Cultural Center of Delphi in August 2022, succeeding Hélène Arhweiler, I set as my priority to strengthen and further develop the role of the Center as a truly international epicenter, hub for the circulation and the production of culture (and in “culture” I include also philosophical thought)—culture understood as a means of bringing different traditions together and not as an instrument of any form of hegemony, as a major resource for the promotion of individual and collective self-knowledge, in accordance also with the ancient Delphic principles/maxims and the vision of Angelos Sikelianos.

In addition to the Delphi Academy, which has established itself as an academic institution of considerable global visibility and is fully funded by the Region of Central Greece thanks to the generosity and unstinting support of the Governor Fanis Spanos, four major initiatives have been developed and will be further advanced in the coming years with a view to expanding the Center’s international caliber and impact. First, the creation of the International cultural network/Forum of Delphi. This concerns cultural exchanges between various countries and the advancement of issues of cultural politics and intercultural collaboration and dialogue, especially in light of ongoing social and (geo)political developments all over the world. In this context, a cooperation agreement has already been signed between the Center and a major research center in Slovenia, which involves also the establishment of a research scholarship for the study of Mediterranean history, politics, and culture, in memory of Ioannis Kapodistrias (The Ioannis Kapodistrias Fellowship).

Second, the institution of theDelphi Dialogues. Every year, internationally acclaimed thinkers and scholars of significant impact explore a number of issues related to AI, the era of the post-human and democracy, biopolitics, bioethics, the ecological crisis, the refugee crisis, etc. The first three Delphi Dialogues have been watched online by over one million people from all over the world—an unprecedented success, not only for Greece! The Delphi Dialogues are fully supported by Eurolife. This donation has also ensured the organization of additional cultural events at the Center, including the major Picasso exhibition two years ago. Third, the creation of an artist/author residency.

I would also like to announce the establishment of a new international institution, the Delphic Oracle Project: The Future of Humanity, which will be officially launched in 2027, the year that will mark the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the ECCD and the 100th anniversary of the first Delphic festivals. Scientists from different fields (e.g. AI, astrophysics, biotechnology, medicine, etc.), but also scholars in the social sciences and the humanities will meet in Delphi to announce and analyze discoveries and developments in their respective fields and how these will affect humanity, the human species and its societies, and the planet Earth as a whole. I have already begun to put together an international committee of pioneers, internationally renowned and influential scientists in these fields, who will coordinate the work of the Delphic Oracle Project: The Future of Humanity.  The Fourth Delphic Dialogues, which will take place on July 3-5, 2026, will function as a forerunner of this new international institution. At the same time, Ι have initiated the establishment of another ambitious project/network of international scope. This is the Delphi League (Delphi Amphictyony): The International Society of the Friends of the European Cultural Center of Delphi, which will be chaired by Ambassador Anastasios Kriekoukis. Finally, a major international conference (“Ioannis Kapodistrias: A European Politician”) will take place in early December 2026 to celebrate the end of 2026, the year that marks the 250th anniversary of Kapodistrias’ birth.

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Panagiotis Roilos is the George Seferis Professor of Modern Greek Studies and Professor of comparative literature at Harvard University, where he is also a member of the Standing Committee on Medieval Studies and the Steering Committee on Byzantine Studies as well as faculty associate of the Minda de Ginzburg Center for European Studies, and of the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs (WCFIA). At WCFIA he has established the research Seminar Series on Cultural Politics. He is the President of the European Cultural Center of Delphi. He is also the founder and director of the Delphi Academy of European Studies and of the international cultural forum The Delphi Dialogues. He is the (co)author and (co)editor of twelve books, including  Towards a Ritual Poetics (co-author; 2003); Amphoteroglossia: A Poetics of the Twelfth-Century Medieval Greek Novel (2005); C. P. Cavafy: The Economics of Metonymy (2009); Imagination and Logos: Essays on C. P. Cavafy (editor; 2010);  Lamenting Greece: The Early German Philhellenism (15^th-17^th centuries) (2026); Neomedieval Metacapitalism (forthcoming).

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The Directorate-General for Development and Humanitarian Aid (HELLENIC AID) is the official national body of the Greek government responsible for international development cooperation and humanitarian assistance.

As a Directorate-General of the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is the national authority and the co-ordinating mechanism for planning and shaping the development co-operation strategy. It is responsible for promoting, managing and implementing the national development co-operation policy.

This past year, Hellenic Aid undertook a series of important actions, especially in the sectors of health and combatting poverty, within the framework of the country’s co-operation with international networks and organisations.

Development and Humanitarian Actions in the Health Sector

In 2025, within the framework of global efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, one thematic priority of Greece’s international development cooperation was the comprehensive coverage of the health-related needs of its partner countries (in alignment with SDG 3 – “Good Health and Well-being”). This was pursued through multilateral contributions to organizations of the United Nations system, the provision of humanitarian assistance in kind, and the bilateral implementation of development initiatives.

With regard to multilateral contributions in the health sector, in 2025 Greece’s contributions (totaling EUR 1,250,000) to the World Health Organization (WHO) through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hellenic Aid), included, indicatively:

(a) improvement of maternal and neonatal health in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

(b) response to the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

(c) addressing obstetric fistula in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa,

(d) strengthening WHO actions for Libya,

(e) a financial contribution for Syria, within the framework of the 9th Brussels Conference on Syria, Brussels, March 2025, and

(f) strengthening WHO actions in support of Palestinians.

In addition, Greece contributed to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for the programme: “Provision of reproductive and maternal health interventions for refugees and vulnerable populations in Moldova affected by the war in Ukraine.”

With regard to humanitarian assistance in kind, in 2025 two airlift operations were carried out for the transport of medical and pharmaceutical supplies to the Gaza Strip using aircraft of the Hellenic Air Force. Furthermore, at the expense of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, two consignments of humanitarian aid (pharmaceutical material and healthcare supplies) were transported by sea and land. These were collected by the Ministry of Health in cooperation with the Panhellenic Association of Pharmaceutical Companies (PEF) and the organization “HumanPlus,” to support hospitals assisted by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch.

With regard to Greek bilateral development initiatives related to the health sector:

(a) The implementation (for the academic year 2025–2026) of a programme for the training of doctors of Albanian nationality in Greece has begun, based on a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the University of Ioannina, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs covering the accommodation costs of eight trainee doctors.

(b) Continuation of the implementation of the programme “Fetal Medicine Programme 2022–2025,” which includes the establishment of Fetal Medicine/ Prenatal Screening Units and related training, in cooperation with the London-based Fetal Medicine Foundation, in five countries (Ethiopia, Albania, Armenia, North Macedonia, and Moldova) and Kosovo*.

(c) Support for an initiative of the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Association of Midwives of North Macedonia, enabling the participation of midwives from North Macedonia in the English-language lifelong learning programme “Advanced Clinical Skills in Labour and Childbirth” at the Centre for Lifelong Learning (KEDIVIM) of the University of Western Macedonia.

Development and Humanitarian Actions to Combat Hunger and Poverty

Within the framework of global efforts to combat hunger and poverty, and taking into account its status as a member of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, in 2025 Greece contributed a total amount of EUR 1,300,000 through multilateral channels, as follows:

• To the World Food Programme (WFP), for its actions in Afghanistan, in the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the Caribbean, and in Cuba, as well as in support of the “Grain from Ukraine” initiative.

• To UNICEF, within the framework of the 9th Conference on Syria, as well as in support of a School Breakfast Programme in Grenada.

• To the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), for the strengthening of the agri-food sector and food security in Armenia.

•  To the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), in the context of addressing humanitarian needs in Syria and Haiti, as well as to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF) managed by OCHA.

•  To the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), inter alia, for actions in Lebanon.

In addition to the above, on 9 August 2025, Greece participated with two aircraft of the Hellenic Air Force in operations involving the airdrop of 8.5 tons of humanitarian assistance (food and water) for the population of the Gaza Strip.

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The ending year marked an exceptionally successful chapter for Greece within UNESCO, reflecting the country’s prominent role, credibility, and sustained engagement across key areas of the Organization’s mandate, including culture, cultural heritage protection, and global ocean science.

A milestone of particular symbolic and cultural significance was achieved when UNESCO officially recognized the international importance of the Greek language and its impact on other civilizations even in present times. At the initiative of the Greek government, the 221st Session of UNESCO’s Executive Board approved, in March 2025, the establishment of 9 February as World Greek Language Day. The decision was officially ratified last November by the Organization’s General Conference in Samarkand.

In May 2025, Greece was elected to the Subsidiary Committee of the Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property (1970), during the 8th Meeting of the States Parties held in Paris. This election constituted a recognition of Greece’s steadfast commitment to the protection of cultural heritage and its efforts toward the effective implementation of the Convention.

On 2 July 2025, Greece achieved a historic electoral result by being elected to the Executive Council of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), receiving 92 votes out of 110 valid ballots. This outcome—one of the strongest recorded in both absolute and percentage terms—underscored the confidence of UNESCO Member States in Greece’s active contribution to maritime affairs, ocean governance, and international scientific cooperation.

In parallel with its electoral achievements, Greece concluded its successful term as a member of the World Heritage Committee (2021–2025), a period marked by an active presence and substantive interventions. A major breakthrough was the unanimous inscription of the Minoan Palatial  Centres on the World Heritage List during the 47th session of the Committee in Paris, confirming the outstanding universal value of Minoan heritage.

The year concluded with Greece’s election to the Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict for the term 2025–2029, at the elections held during the 11th Meeting of the Parties to the Second Protocol (1999) to the 1954 Hague Convention, on 2 December 2025 in Paris. This Committee is of great geopolitical importance and universal cultural significance, as it constitutes a key international forum where the protection of cultural heritage is addressed in the context of the most critical armed conflicts of our time, including situations that dominate the contemporary international security agenda and news. Greece ranked first in the vote, receiving 79 of the 85 valid votes cast by the States Parties to the Convention.

The above achievements of 2025 demonstrate that Greece has consistently shown leadership, expertise, and unwavering dedication to promoting the principles and objectives of UNESCO. Its long-standing engagement and multifaceted contribution to safeguarding both tangible and

intangible cultural heritage reflect Greece’s firm conviction that cultural identity and memory must be preserved even under the most challenging circumstances.

The electoral successes reflected also the broad recognition by UNESCO Member States of Greece’s consistent role, substantive contribution and credibility within the Organization, as well as its unwavering commitment to UNESCO’s principles, values, and   objectives, underscoring thus its enduring commitment to advancing culture, science, and heritage as pillars of international cooperation and peace. At the same time, a decisive and indispensable enabling factor in the successful outcome of these efforts was the central and leading role played by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which, through sustained, well-targeted, and high-level diplomatic engagement, careful strategic planning, and a fully coordinated approach, actively shaped consensus to support Greece’s candidacies across the relevant governing bodies.

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The 2nd Greek Youth Diaspora Symposium took place in Athens on November 25–28, 2025, bringing together young members of the Greek Diaspora aged 18–25, from 31 countries and 5 continents, who participated as speakers.

The Symposium was established in 2024 by the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aiming to enhance the engagement of young people of Greek descent with contemporary Greek society. The Symposium aims to showcase opportunities for collaboration and networking between young people of the Diaspora and their peers in Greece, through the lens of contemporary challenges and emerging global prospects. This year, the Greek Youth Diaspora Ambassadors, young participants from the first Symposium, presented their initiatives promoting Hellenism and were awarded for their achievements.

The opening of the proceedings was addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis, followed by a speech of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs responsible for Greeks Abroad, Ioannis Loverdos, and the Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maira Myrogianni.

Among the participants in the Symposium were, inter alia, the Minister of Education and Religious Affairs, Sofia Zacharaki; the Deputy Minister of Development responsible for Research and Innovation, Stavros Kalafatis; the Deputy Minister of Digital Governance, Christos Dermetzopoulos; the Secretary General for Communication and Information, Dimitrios Kirmikiroglou; and the Chairman of the Hellenic Parliament’s Committee on Greeks Abroad, Filippos Fortomas. The proceedings were also attended by heads of diplomatic missions in Athens and a representative of the Patriarchate of Alexandria.

On this occasion, Greek News Agenda spoke to one of the participants in the Symposium, namely Victoria Paneras, who talked about her overall impressions from participating in the Symposium, also discussing the ties that she and the Greek community in her country maintains with the homeland, and the ways in which Greece’s cultural image is represented there, as well as whether she would pursue a professional career in Greece either in the short term or in the long term.

Victoria Paneras is a 23-year-old, South Australian, second generation, Greek Cypriot who is a youth leader and emerging educator. She is currently studying a degree in Primary Education, majoring in science. She is the President of the Flinders University Hellenic Association and has previously been Co-president of the Adelaide University Greek Club. She is also part of the founding committee of the Greek Youth of South Australia, with a current role as Marketing Officer. Victoria is also, heavily involved in the Senior dance group of the Greek Lyceum of South Australia. Her philosophy is to actively promote and participate in Greek culture, community engagement and youth empowerment within South Australia and beyond. With experience in teaching, event organisation, and social media management, she is passionate about creating inclusive, culturally rich spaces for young people in the diaspora.

What are your overall impressions from participating in the 2nd Greek Youth Diaspora Symposium?

Participating in the second Greek Youth Diaspora Symposium was both inspiring and empowering. This experience provided a rare opportunity for young people of the diaspora to gather in one space to describe their experiences and reflect on the future of Hellenism beyond Greece’s borders. I was impressed by the diverse perspectives, particularly how many participants from different countries expressed a shared sense of identity but also raised unique local challenges. For me, what stood out was the emphasis on collaboration and creation on a global scale rather than just passive participation. There was a genuine effort to listen to youth voices and to involve us in the decision making, education and strategy and to involve our feedback. For me personally, this experience strengthened my confidence that the Greek diaspora is not just maintaining culture, but actively reimagining it on a global level.

How would you describe the ties that you - and the Greek community in the city/country where you live - maintain with the homeland?

Personally, my connection to Greece is deeply rooted through family, language, cultural practice and my Greek Orthodox faith. Despite living in South Australia, Australia, Greek traditions shape my identity and values. I regularly engage with Greek language, participate in Greek dance and often visit Greece. Within my local community, these ties are expressed through participation in organised initiatives such as Greek Youth of South Australia, Adelaide University Greek Club & Flinders University Hellenic Association, participation and volunteering at festivals and educational programs. In our city, the Greek community is vibrant and strongly interconnected – many of us attend Greek events, dance groups and youth led events. Digital communication has also allowed us to maintain close ties with other Greek organisations in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Canberra, where we often meet via ZOOM to plan and organise meet ups or events.

Would you consider pursuing a professional career in Greece, either in the short term or in the long term?

I speak for many youth representatives from the symposium in regard to pursuing a life in Greece. Many of us, including myself, are open to the idea of undertaking a professional career in Greece in areas related to education, culture, or international collaboration. In the short term, I would be interested in exchange programs, internships or collaborative projects that allow me to contribute while gaining experience. In the long term, it would depend on structural factors such as economic opportunity, career development pathways and the ability to build a sustainable life. While Greece offers an appealing cultural and lifestyle environment, the job market can be challenging for young professionals with specialised degrees. However, if meaningful opportunities existed, especially those involved in diaspora engagement, education and youth empowerment, I would strongly consider working in Greece either temporarily or permanently.

In your view, to what extent, and in what ways, is Greece’s cultural image represented or promoted within your community?

Greece’s cultural image is actively promoted within my community and its often through a traditional lens. Festivals, language schools, educational programmes, dancing groups and religious celebrations play a central role in showcasing our heritage and attract both Greek and non-Greek audiences. That said, there is a growing interest in expanding beyond just traditional representations. There is a large youth-led organisation presence in our country, where we are now experimenting with contemporary Greece through film, art, music & cuisine just to name a few. This presents Greece as a modern and innovative nation. This shows us that maintaining cultural identity is not simply about preservation, but also adaptation. Promoting Greece as a living culture, rather than a nostalgic one resonates with younger generations and builds a more forward-looking community identity.

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On December 11, in a historic decision for Greece, the members of the Eurogroup elected Kyriakos Pierrakakis as the new President of this informal group of 20 eurozone finance ministers for the next 2.5 years.

This is the first time that a Greek official has held this position since 2004, when the first permanent President in the history of this institution was elected.

He succeeds Jean-Claude Juncker (2005-2013), Jeroen Dijsselbloem (2013-2018), Mário Centeno (2018-2020), and Paschal Donohoe (2020-2025).

Kyriakos Pierrakakis, who was elected unanimously after his only rival, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Budget, Vincent Van Peteghem, withdrew his candidacy, will also take over as president of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM).

As stated by the European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Valdis Dombrovskis, the Greek official’s success is an important symbolic moment for Greece and the euro area, and demonstrates that the country has made a remarkable turnaround, becoming one of euro area’s best performing economies with a budget surplus.

ESM Managing Director Pierre Gramegna echoed this sentiment, stating that this appointment recognises how far Greece has recovered from the financial crisis of the last decade, with the ESM proud to have been a partner in that journey.

In his congratulatory message, France’s Finance Minister Roland Lescure noted that a little over 10 years ago, the Eurogroup had devised and implemented measures to rescue Greece, which at the time was in a very difficult economic and financial situation.

Referring to the election of the Greek Finance Minister, President of the European Council, António Costa, said that Greece has come a long way in the past 10 years.

Upon his election, Kyriakos Pierrakakis stated that the old distinctions between the North and the South, the East and the West, seem to have subsided, while assuring that “in the years ahead, as President of the Eurogroup, my aim will be to keep the Eurogroup a body of unity and shared purpose, focusing on our common currency, our common economic interests and the European project, grounded in the core values of the Union”.

Sources: AMNA, France 24, Council of the European Union

Image source: Ministry of Economy and Finance

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Journalists are essential to democratic societies. They hold power to account, expose corruption and abuse, inform citizens during crises, and help safeguard other human rights. Yet around the world they face threats, harassment, arbitrary detention, and murder—often without justice. When crimes against journalists go unpunished, public trust erodes and democracy itself is weakened.

In response to this global challenge, the United Nations, under the leadership of Greece, adopted the landmark General Assembly resolution “The Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity”, for the first time, in 2013. The resolution established international commitments to protect journalists and ensure accountability for crimes committed against them, proclaiming 2 November as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.

Since the adoption of the resolution, Greece has played an active diplomatic and normative role in promoting UN attention to the safety of journalists and the fight against impunity. Beyond supporting the original 2013 resolution (UNGA Resolution A/RES/68/163), Greece has tabled and championed subsequent biennial resolutions at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, ensuring that the issue remains high on the international agenda.

Through consensus-building and collaboration with partners across regions, Greece has helped secure broad co-sponsorship and adoption of these resolutions. Its public statements at UN forums have consistently emphasized the importance of accountability, the rule of law, and the protection of journalists in both physical and digital spaces, including attention to gender-based threats faced by women journalists.

Greece also co-chairs, together with France and Lithuania, the Group of Friends on the Protection of Journalists, a cross-regional initiative aimed at advancing practical solutions and political momentum. During Greece’s May 2025 Presidency of the UN Security Council, journalist safety was highlighted within discussions on the Protection of Civilians, underscoring the link between freedom of the press and broader human-rights and security concerns.

More recently, Greece has taken a leading role in advancing protection for journalists reporting on climate change and environmental issues. Led by Greece alongside a core group including Austria, Argentina, Costa Rica, France, and Tunisia, the most recent resolution (18.11.2025) focuses on the heightened risks faced by journalists covering environmental destruction and climate policy.

The resolution unequivocally condemns all online and offline attacks, reprisals, and violence against journalists and media workers reporting on these issues and calls for impartial, speedy, thorough, and independent investigations to ensure accountability. It recognizes that environmental journalists play a crucial role in informing the public and holding governments and corporations accountable, yet are increasingly targeted through violence, arbitrary detention, legal harassment, and intimidation.

Beyond journalists’ safety, Greece has also contributed to discussions on freedom of expression online. It has engaged with the work of the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, supporting findings that highlight the risks posed by inadequate content moderation, engagement-driven business models, and overreliance on automated systems by major social media platforms. These issues disproportionately affect journalists and vulnerable voices, particularly in times of crisis and polarization.

Since 2012, the United Nations has adopted multiple resolutions across the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council, the Security Council, and UNESCO addressing journalist safety and impunity. Together, they form a global framework for action. The challenge now is implementation—turning agreed principles into protection, justice, and prevention.

As Greece continues to play a bridging, solutions-oriented role at the United Nations, the effectiveness of these efforts will ultimately be measured not by resolutions alone, but by whether journalists can do their work safely, freely, and without fear. Journalist safety is not an abstract UN issue. It is a public issue—one that shapes how societies understand truth, accountability, and democracy itself.

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Greece, Bulgaria and Romania's agreement on the Aegean-Black Sea Vertical Corridor, a strategic rail and road axis that will connect the three countries via Alexandroupolis, was signed in Brussels.

The agreement was signed by the EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the Alternate Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Konstantinos Kyranakis, the Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Grozdan Karadzov, and the Romanian Deputy Minister of Transport, Ionut Cristian Savoiu, marking the strengthening of cross-border cooperation and the launch of a project of high geopolitical and economic importance for the region.

"The Memorandum aims to transform the geographical location into a substantial strategic advantage and to harmonise planning, timetables and financing," EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas said, underlining in his speech the crucial role of the Aegean-Black Sea Vertical Corridor in the European transport network. As Tzitzikostas said, a central role in this new framework is played by the Thessaloniki-Alexandroupolis-Bucharest axis, which "will constitute one of the most important strategic arteries in Europe", with critical importance for both connectivity and military mobility of the EU and NATO.

The Commissioner explained that with the active participation of the European Commission, CINEA and the European Investment Bank, a complete joint plan for projects, axes and financing is expected to be in place by the end of 2026. He also stressed that this new cooperation lays the foundations for the most strategic transport axis in South-Eastern Europe, "a first line of defence for the security, economy and resilience of the European Union".

Konstantinos Kyranakis: Strengthening the crucial North–South axis

The Alternate Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Konstantinos Kyranakis, in his speech referred to the importance of the project, which, as he said, “is a strategic commitment and not a mere formality, as it strengthens a crucial North–South axis, important for trade, strategic security, freight flows and the cohesion of the EU internal market”.

As Mr. Kyranakis emphasized, “the corridor will reconnect historic centres and ports in Athens, Thessaloniki, Sofia, Ruse, Constanta and Bucharest, reviving a route that for centuries shaped trade and strategic movements from the Aegean to the Balkans and Central Europe, and it will do so under modern European standards”.

He also referred to the project’s significance for military mobility, stressing that the agreement accelerates projects that “will make the corridor reliable, fast, safe and sustainable. At the same time, it sends a political message in favour of extending the Trans-European Transport Network to Moldova and Ukraine, strengthening the EU’s geopolitical resilience”.

Mr. Kyranakis also mentioned the completion of the Greek sections, stating that “with national resources and European funding, including Cohesion Funds and the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), we are promoting projects worth more than 1.3 billion euros up to 2030 for the completion of the Greek sections of the BBA (Baltic–Black Sea–Aegean) Corridor, with a total value of 2.6 billion euros. In addition, funding of 700 million euros is required for complementary infrastructure”.

For their part, the Bulgarian Minister of Transport, Grozdan Karadzhov, and his Romanian counterpart referred to their cooperation with the Commissioner for Transport and the Greek minister on a project that, as they said, relies on the collaboration of member states for investments in infrastructure and military mobility. They emphasized the importance of coordination, interoperability, digitization and efficient border crossing for a more connected and secure Europe.

The signing of the Agreement was also attended by the Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, Marek Mora, who spoke about the project’s financing and the excellent coordination among the member states, while highlighting the importance of the corridor’s implementation for military mobility on the EU’s eastern flank.

 Source: ANA-MPA

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Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yiannis Loverdos traveled to Limassol, Cyprus (November 10-11, 2025), to participate in the 6th trilateral meeting between Greece – Cyprus – Egypt on Diaspora issues, within the framework of the "NOSTOS" program, representing the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Cypriot delegation was led by the Director General of the Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ms. Konstantinidou, while the Egyptian delegation was led by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Egyptian Expatriates, Ambassador Mr. Habashi.

During the proceedings, the neighbourly spirit of this trilateral cooperation was confirmed and views were exchanged on further promoting synergies in the fields of culture and education, with an emphasis on the implementation of joint initiatives for the new generations of expatriates.

More specifically, the Deputy Minister stressed the importance of science diplomacy and the role it can play in strengthening ties between the expatriate communities of the three countries. Mr. Loverdos thanked the host country for the impeccable organization of the event noting that emphasis should be placed not only on the glorious past of the three countries, but also on the present and the future, making the most of the many remarkable members of the Diasporas of Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt.

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On November 12, 2025, the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, co-chaired the 3rd Intergovernmental Summit of the two countries.

The 3rd Intergovernmental Summit was attended by the Ministers and Deputy Ministers of the two countries who are in charge of Foreign Affairs, Education, Health, Transportation, Environment, Justice and crime prevention, Civil Protection, Housing Policy, Digital Policy and Technology, and Coordination of Government Policies.

In an environment of geopolitical turmoil, uncertainty, and instability, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President Nikos Christodoulides reaffirmed the crucial role of Intergovernmental Summits in further strengthening the cooperation between Greece and Cyprus and contributing to stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The framework for bilateral cooperation is broad and multi-tiered, encompassing areas such as institutions, defense, the economy, energy, and education. It is constantly expanding in response to contemporary challenges, with results that have a practical impact on the daily lives of citizens and their interaction with the state.

The proceedings of this year's Summit focused, first and foremost, on the latest developments in the Cyprus issue. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the joint effort to restart talks with the aim of achieving a solution for the reunification of the island on the basis of the agreed framework of the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions. They expressed their expectation that Turkey would contribute substantially to the resumption and continuation of the talks within the agreed framework, in order to advance European-Turkish relations in line with the conclusions of the European Council.

The two leaders also expressed their support for the efforts of the UN Secretary-General in the context of the Good Offices Mission entrusted to him by the UN Security Council, ahead of the upcoming informal expanded meeting to be convened by him. They also stressed the crucial importance of the EU playing an active role through its Special Envoy in the context of the existing UN process.

The 3rd Summit focused particularly on cooperation aiming to further improve day-to-day life and improve the life quality of citizens in both countries.

In this context, it was decided to take joint action in the field of the environment to address the serious issue of water scarcity, to manage and utilize reclaimed water, and to transfer expertise on large-scale desalination.

At the same time, the two countries will cooperate to ensure the protection and durability of critical water infrastructure, such as dams, and to promote responsible water use.

In the field of education, it was agreed to exchange expertise and best practices in critical areas such as linking education to the labor market, by strengthening the role of vocational education in both countries. It was decided to promote a common strategy on inclusive education to ensure the right of all children to high-quality, equal, and inclusive education, as well as to support children with disabilities in particular by providing them with skills that will help them become independent, integrate into society, participate equally in social life, and find employment. In addition, it was agreed to enhance cooperation between Greece and Cyprus on the prevention and combating of school violence and bullying, with the aim of creating safe, inclusive, and supportive school environments.

In the field of health, cooperation was agreed on Preventive Screening Test Programs. It was also agreed to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation between the National Public Health Organization of Greece and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Cyprus for the training of health professionals in combating antimicrobial resistance and enhancing health system resilience.

In the crucial area of the operation of hospitals, especially emergency departments (EDs), it was decided to boost cooperation to improve the operation of hospitals, and particularly EDs, which is directly linked to the quality, safety, and effectiveness of the quality of healthcare provided. In this context, the electronic tracking and patient satisfaction questionnaire implemented in Greece, and the fast-track clinics operating in the Accident and Emergency Departments of public hospitals in Cyprus, are key reforms and it was agreed that best practices in this field would be exchanged between the two countries.

In the field of transport, it was decided to take coordinated action to improve road safety. This is an issue that concerns both Greece and Cyprus and comes under the EU Road Safety Policy Framework 2021-2030, which aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, approaching the long-term goal of "Vision Zero" by 2050.

In the field of justice and crime prevention, it was decided to exchange expertise in the important area of judicial reform and speeding up the justice system with the aim of strengthening citizens' confidence in the institution of justice and the rule of law. The establishment of a modern and reliable mechanism for out-of-court dispute resolution serves the broader strategic objective of strengthening the rule of law and the more effective functioning of the justice system.

Cooperation was agreed to create a united front against economic crime in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region. The need for effective monitoring of flows, utilization of information, and combating crime at its source is emerging as a common priority for Greece and Cyprus.

It was also agreed to strengthen cooperation between Greece and Cyprus on justice and internal security issues, which is a prerequisite for ensuring the rule of law and effectively combating cross-border crime, using EU tools such as the Schengen Information System (SIS) and EU information exchange mechanisms. In this context, it was decided to set up a joint cooperation team between the police authorities of the two countries, focusing on organized crime and the effective exchange and processing of information. The joint course of Greece and Cyprus in the field of justice and security contributes substantially to the strengthening of European security and justice policy.

In addition, Greece and Cyprus agreed to cooperate on the major issue of housing policy, with common technical standards, pilot projects in areas of tension, and coordinated action at EU level to promote social and affordable housing, which is a fundamental right of citizens and an obligation of the State. In this context, it was decided to exchange good practices and know-how, based on the flagship programs "My Home" and "My Home 2".

In the key area of natural disaster risk assessment, cooperation was agreed through the use of new digital natural disaster risk assessment tools that enable the early identification, forecasting, and mapping of risks from phenomena such as fires, floods, earthquakes, or extreme weather events. It was agreed to transfer expertise and best practices, drawing on the experience and methodology developed in Greece for the design of the national Fire Risk Map, and also of the National Database, through which, for the first time, a unified digital information and action center is being created, where all relevant entities are connected to a common digital environment, exchanging critical data in real time, using artificial intelligence with prognostic models that predict fires, floods, or earthquakes, providing timely warnings for preventive interventions.

In addition, there were discussions on the establishment of the Cyprus Regional Aerial Firefighting Station, an EU regional aerial firefighting hub to be based in Cyprus, and bilateral cooperation was agreed upon for the exchange of expertise in the management of aerial firefighting operations, fleet management, operational planning, and international cooperation within the framework of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and rescEU.

Emphasis was also placed on the importance of the new Pact for the Mediterranean adopted by the European Commission in October 2025, as the basic framework to strengthen cooperation between the EU and the countries of the Southern Neighbourhood. Greece and Cyprus agreed to work closely together to implement it, especially ahead of Cyprus' Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026, during which the implementation of the Pact will begin and the Action Plan will be presented, and also ahead of the Greek Presidency in the second half of 2027, with the aim of continuing and deepening the relevant initiatives. In this context, joint actions and projects of common interest will be promoted, building on and expanding existing cooperation with the Southern Neighbourhood.

With a view to protecting citizens, new actions were decided upon to jointly address and raise awareness on the issue of domestic violence and violence against minors, to support and empower victims, and to actively promote equality in all areas of day-to-day life. These issues are a strategic priority for both countries within a comprehensive framework of policy interventions and actions. Cooperation was agreed upon for the implementation of relevant policies, utilizing technology and private sector cooperation.

Furthermore, it was decided to cooperate in the field of Digital Policy and Technology. This topic is particularly important in view of the Cyprus Presidency of the EU in 2026 and the Greek Presidency in 2027, as it provides an opportunity to formulate common European positions on issues such as Artificial Intelligence and the implementation of the AI Act, the protection of minors, and digital well-being.

It was decided to intensify cooperation between Greece and Cyprus in the areas of digital public policy, innovation, and cybersecurity, which strengthens the role of the two countries as digital hubs in the Eastern Mediterranean, while promoting joint participation in European high-tech initiatives.

It was also agreed to cooperate on promoting digital tools, such as Kids Wallet, as standards for the protection of minors across the EU, with the aim of addressing common challenges, considering the need to adopt digital services to ensure cybersecurity and protect citizens from the risks of the Information Age.

It was agreed that Cyprus would participate in EU’s AI Gigafactories initiative, along with Greece, as a reference point for Digital Europe in the Mediterranean; it was also agreed to deepen cooperation between the two countries on issues of cybersecurity and public service interoperability, with the aim of creating a unified Mediterranean ecosystem of digital governance.

Cooperation in the field of space technology and projects was also agreed upon, with two memoranda of cooperation to be signed shortly by the relevant ministries.

In the field of lawmaking, joint initiatives were discussed for the implementation of the principles of good lawmaking, the use of digital lawmaking tools, and the promotion of modern methodologies for impact analysis and codification of law. This cooperation contributes to the creation of a stable and transparent regulatory environment capable of supporting effective lawmaking.

In addition, issues that will be addressed by the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026 were discussed.

Greece and Cyprus agreed, ahead of the Cyprus Presidency and also the Greek Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2027, to consult and communicate on a number of issues of concern within the EU.

In view of Cyprus' preparations to fully join the Schengen area in 2026, Greece will represent Cyprus in the issuance of Schengen visas in 19 third countries. In this context, the Foreign Ministers of the two countries signed a Joint Declaration.

The two countries discussed the issue of EU enlargement and expressed their shared belief that enlargement, always based on the applicable intergovernmental procedures and agreed conditionality, is an investment in the security and stability of Europe.

Greece and Cyprus underlined their commitment to contribute as strong pillars of security to stability in the region and that they remain unwaveringly committed to promoting peaceful cooperation and good neighborly relations, with respect for international law and the law of the sea.

The next steps were examined with regard to deepening existing trilateral cooperation frameworks in the Eastern Mediterranean, such as through the recent meeting of the "3+1" (Greece, Cyprus, Israel + USA) to promote critical economic and energy interconnection projects.

Ways for Greece and Cyprus to cooperate in the implementation of development cooperation programs and the provision of humanitarian aid to third countries were also discussed, with joint actions by Hellenic Aid and CyprusAid in countries of priority for both countries.

Finally, it was agreed that the next Intergovernmental Meeting will take place in Cyprus in 2026, with an agenda to be determined jointly.

Source (in Greek): primeminister.gr

The post Results of the 3rd Greece-Cyprus Intergovernmental Summit appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

During the last years, Greek economy has been marked by a remarkable growth in the field of renewable energy. According to a recent report by environmental think-tank Green Tank, Greece reached a new clean energy milestone last year, with the production of clean energy (renewables and large hydro) being the highest of the decade. This achievement underlines Greece's ongoing commitment to renewable energy, carbon neutrality by 2050, and its efforts to become a green energy hub for Southeast Europe.

Under the recently revised National Energy and Climate Plan, Greece aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 58% over the next five years, by 80% by the end of the next decade, and to achieve total carbon neutrality - as well as complete energy independence - by 2050. The revised national plan for 2025-2050 calls for the share of renewable energy sources in electricity generation - currently around 57% - to rise to 75% by 2030 and 95.6% by 2035.

The development of new renewable energy projects, new technologies, new electricity interconnections and energy-saving measures will require combined investments of 436 billion euros by 2050, according to the National Energy and Climate Plan. This will contribute 6 billion euros a year to gross added value and increase GDP by 2.5% by 2050.

Thanks to dynamic investment in renewables, the country has gone from being an energy importer in 2019 to a stable exporter in 2024, which is very important for the country's energy self-sufficiency.

The renewable energy field is certainly one of the most important examples of investment in new fixed productive capital on Greek territory, while these investments have already produced tangible results in the electricity generation mix. Estimates of the value of these investments over the last five years reach around 9.5 billion euros in renewable energy plant construction projects, complementary projects and infrastructure and network projects.

More specifically, according to the data provided by the Greek Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO or ADMIE) S.A., a total of 25.2 TWh of electricity was generated on the interconnected grid from renewable energies - excluding large hydro - reaching a production level more than twice that of 2019 (12.2 TWh), suggesting an average annual growth rate of 15.6%. This rapid increase in renewable energy capacity, combined with the adoption of the policy of total decarbonization by 2028 - despite its adjustment due to the energy crisis and the war in Ukraine - has led to a radical shift in the electricity generation mix.

According to a study by the Greek think-tank diaNEOsis, the largest share (55.3%) of electricity demand in the interconnected system in 2024 was covered by renewable energy sources (including hydropower), which was achieved for the first time in 2023 (51.4%), with the share of coverage rising continuously and rapidly. On the contrary, in addition to - and despite - the drastic reduction in the use of lignite, it seems that in 2024 Greece also managed to annihilate net electricity imports, making the country a net exporter, a first since 2000.

Addressing the 3rd Inter-Parliamentary Forum of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) PA South East Europe Delegations, held in Kastoria on March 27-30, the new Deputy Minister of Energy (Hellenic Ministry of Environment and Energy), Nikos Tsafos, pointed out that the installation of around 13 GW of solar and wind power alone has contributed to the increase in renewable energy sources in the electricity mix.

With regard to the share of renewable energy in the energy mix, Greece is making steady progress, having exceeded the European average by 2023. Greece has increased the share of renewable energy in the energy mix by 61% between 2014 and 2023, ranking 7th out of 36 European countries in terms of the evolution of the share of renewable energy in the energy mix for the reference period.

According to diaNEOsis, total net production exceeded demand by 307 MWh, corresponding to 0.6% of demand. This picture is not very different if we include the unconnected islands, which are mainly electrified by oil- and gas-fired power plants, the relative contribution of renewables being much smaller. In particular, according to “Green Tank” data for the whole of 2024, renewables record a slightly lower relative contribution to meeting demand across the entire power system, but retain an absolute majority, with a share of 50.8%.

The rapid rate of increase in the installed capacity of renewables and the achievement of record levels of their share in electricity generation are undoubtedly having a very positive impact on the detachment of the Greek economy from both coal combustion and the associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as well as from foreign energy imports. However, this development also brings with it a number of new technical challenges, which need to be met effectively and promptly to avoid creating obstacles to the increased penetration of renewable energy sources.

Based on the original article which appeared on GrèceHebdo (Intro photo by Micah Giszack on Unsplash)

Read also via Greek News Agenda: Greece Unveils Revised National Energy and Climate Plan: Aiming for Carbon Neutrality by 2050; Greece’s Offshore Wind Energy program draws strong investment interest; Greece’s renewable energy landscape

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