Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Kotsiras has reiterated the Greek government’s commitment to fostering closer ties with the Hellenic diaspora, describing it as essential for the benefit of Greece and the global Hellenic community.
“We are implementing a modern policy for the Greek diaspora, aiming to strengthen bonds for the benefit of our country and the entire Hellenism,” Kotsiras said in a recent interview with Naftemporiki.
The Deputy Minister highlighted initiatives focused on engaging young members of the diaspora, including informing them about incentives for repatriation and professional opportunities available in Greece today. To this end, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will host a ‘Career Day’ in Düsseldorf, Germany, on December 14 in collaboration with the Public Employment Service.
A strategic vision for the Greek Diaspora
Kotsiras underlined the priority placed on the diaspora during the last five years under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, citing key reforms such as lifting restrictions on diaspora voting, introducing postal voting, and digitising government services.
“These reforms demonstrate our genuine interest in strengthening the Greek presence worldwide,” he said.
The Deputy Minister also discussed the recently unveiled Strategic Plan for the Greek Diaspora, developed in collaboration with Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis.
This comprehensive four-year plan, presented to the Prime Minister and the Parliament’s Special Permanent Committee on the Diaspora, outlines over 100 operational actions aimed at evolving traditional policies and introducing innovative approaches to diaspora engagement.
“For the first time, we have a cohesive, long-term plan for the diaspora, shaped through consultations and tailored to meet their evolving needs. We leverage innovative technological tools and pursue synergies to ensure effective implementation,” Kotsiras explained.
Empowering collaboration and knowledge exchange
Addressing the challenge of attracting diaspora professionals and scientists back to Greece, Kotsiras stressed the importance of networking and partnerships.
“Our plan includes actions to deepen business ties with the diaspora and enhance collaboration between Greece’s research, innovation, and education ecosystems and those abroad. During my recent visit to the U.S., I engaged with leading Greek scientists and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in these areas,” he said.
Kotsiras also stressed the government’s efforts to build a Greece defined by stability, growth, outward focus, and meritocracy.
“This new reality is the strongest incentive for successful Greeks abroad to return and contribute to shaping the Greece of the future,” he said.
Promoting Greek language and culture
The promotion of the Greek language and culture remains a cornerstone of the Strategic Plan for the Greek Diaspora, Kotsiras stated.
Key initiatives include expanding the Greek language learning platform staellinika.com, organising educational programs in Greece for diaspora youth, celebrating International Greek Language Day, and supporting Greek Studies departments abroad.
“These departments are valuable hubs for cultivating and showcasing Greek education internationally,” Kotsiras said while focusing on the importance of ongoing, two-way communication with influential diaspora members who serve as opinion leaders.
“We place particular importance on building relationships with distinguished young diaspora members, as they represent the future ambassadors of Hellenism worldwide,” he said, citing the recently held 1st Diaspora Youth Conference in Athens as an example.
Expanding voting rights for the diaspora
Regarding postal voting, Kotsiras described its introduction in the European Parliament elections as a “major first step” toward equal political participation for Greeks abroad.
“This deeply democratic reform must be completed with its extension to national elections. We hope that opposition parties will rise to the occasion to achieve the necessary consensus. This is not merely a political issue but a national one,” he concluded.
