At the International Symposium titled “Greece’s Role in European Science Diplomacy: Building Connections, Shaping the Future,” co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Secretariat for Research and Innovation (GSRI) of the Ministry of Development, the European Commission, and the European Alliance for Science Diplomacy.
In his remarks, Mr. Kalafatis emphasized that Science and Technology Diplomacy constitutes a cross-cutting, national strategic choice, with the relevant ministries functioning as a unified mechanism for outreach. “Greece no longer merely observes developments; it helps shape them. It has transformed from a country of promise into a mature, institutionally robust, and highly dynamic hub of cutting-edge technology and innovation in Southeast Europe,” he noted.
The key themes and strategic announcements of the speech
Asserting Greece’s role as a Mediterranean hub: Following the recent adoption of the European Recommendation on Science Diplomacy (May 29, 2026), the Deputy Minister sent a clear message, stating that Greece, by leveraging its strategic partnership with France, can vigorously stake its claim to be at the forefront and serve as the headquarters of the soon-to-be-established “Center for Mediterranean Scientific Diplomacy.”
Institutional Pioneering: The country has already taken action, establishing on April 30, 2026, the specialized Sectoral Scientific Council (TES) for Synergies with the Greek Scientific Diaspora and Technological Diplomacy within the framework of ESETEK, under the leadership of the distinguished Dr. George Kotrotsios.
Major investments and AI infrastructure: The government is bolstering national research centers with a historic investment exceeding 300 million euros. At the same time, with flagship infrastructure such as the national supercomputer “Daedalus” and the “PHAROS” Artificial Intelligence facility (based at Demokritos and involving a partnership between Athena, CERTH, and FORTH), Greece is becoming a regional AI hub for all of Southeast Europe.
Pan-European leadership: Through the “Horizon Europe” program and the PRIMA Mediterranean partnership, Greek scientists are taking the lead, placing Greece in 4th place pan-Europeanly.
“For us, research and innovation are not theoretical exercises. They have a profound developmental and social purpose,” emphasized Mr. Kalafatis, outlining the three-pronged approach of government policy: the major national initiative of Brain Gain, linking knowledge with production to strengthen the real economy, and improving citizens’ daily lives in the areas of health, the environment, and safety.
In closing, the Deputy Minister of Development issued a call to young researchers, describing them as the country’s best ambassadors, and noted that today’s Symposium serves as the roadmap for the next major milestone: the European Conference on Science Diplomacy, which Greece will host in 2027, the year the country will assume the Presidency of the European Union.