Christos Staikouras highlighted the need to strengthen Greek-British relations amid geopolitical uncertainty, economic pressures and technological change at the Greek-British Symposium 2026 in Athens.
According to a statement, New Democracy MP and chair of the Greece-United Kingdom Parliamentary Friendship Group Christos Staikouras took part in the closing session of the Greek-British Symposium 2026, entitled “Redefining UK-Greece Relations”, which was held in Athens from 8 to 10 October.
In his remarks, he stressed that relations between the two countries are rooted in longstanding historical ties, mutual respect and shared interests, and have significant potential for further development.
Geopolitical tensions and energy security
Addressing international developments, Mr Staikouras referred to the war in Ukraine, the fragile situation in the Middle East and the effects of the war with Iran. He placed particular emphasis on the strategic importance of sea routes, from the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea to the Indo-Pacific.
As he noted, geopolitical developments have a direct impact on security, energy, migration and economic activity. At the same time, international competition is extending into trade, technology, critical raw materials and the infrastructure that will shape the economy of the future.
On energy and economic security, he stressed the importance of diversifying energy sources, securing oil and gas supplies, strengthening energy interconnections and building more resilient supply chains.
He also noted that armed conflicts fuel inflationary pressures and place a burden on households and businesses. Volatility in financial markets and rising government bond yields, he said, make it harder to balance support for growth and investment with the need to maintain fiscal stability.
Climate change and artificial intelligence
Mr Staikouras described climate change and artificial intelligence as two key forces driving the transformations facing modern societies.
On climate change, he stressed that adapting and building resilience to extreme weather events are now necessities.
On artificial intelligence, he noted that it can boost productivity, create new sectors of economic activity and improve people’s everyday lives. At the same time, however, it raises questions about employment, the fair distribution of the benefits of technological progress and the protection of democracy.
As he emphasised, its development cannot rely solely on voluntary self-regulation, but requires clear rules, transparency, accountability and safety.
The social impact of international crises
Linking international developments to people’s everyday lives, the MP noted that behind every geopolitical crisis, economic shock, technological upheaval and climate event are people worried about their jobs, the cost of living and their families’ future.
He referred to social inequalities, political polarisation and the pressure on public trust, stressing that today’s challenges require a comprehensive response.
“No country can address these challenges on its own” was the central message of his remarks, as he stressed the need for cooperation, resilience and political courage.
Bilateral relations and the Parthenon Sculptures
On relations between Greece and the United Kingdom, Mr Staikouras highlighted the potential for closer cooperation in the fields of the economy, defence, energy, education, research and innovation.
He placed particular emphasis on culture and education, describing them as longstanding pillars of bilateral relations.
In this context, he also raised the issue of the Parthenon Sculptures, noting that for Greece their reunification is about the restoration of the unity of a monument of global significance.
He also expressed his belief that there is scope for ambitious and mutually beneficial cultural cooperation, stressing that the conditions are right to intensify dialogue aimed at reuniting the Sculptures.
Concluding his remarks, Mr Staikouras said the challenge for the two countries was to turn dialogue into action and shared challenges into opportunities for cooperation. The future of Greek-British relations, he noted, would depend not only on their historical foundations, but also on the shared will to strengthen them further.