“We are evolving the traditional policies of the Hellenic State regarding the Greek Diaspora, while simultaneously developing new, systematic approaches with modern means to ensure continuity”. This was the message delivered by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Kotsiras, in an interview today with the Oikonomikos Tachydromos (OT Forum) hybrid channel and journalists Alexandra Fotaki, Nikos Filippidis, and Dimitris Maniatis, during his participation in the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).
Mr. Kotsiras began by addressing the wide scope and diversity of the Greek Diaspora, emphasizing the need to keep the connection between Diaspora Greeks and the metropolitan center alive, as they are an "existential and integral element of Hellenism." This objective, as explained by the Deputy Minister, is served by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad 2024-2027, which is being created for the first time. It has undergone consultation and incorporates numerous actions aimed at meeting the needs of both the older and newer generations of the Diaspora.
Specifically, the Plan includes actions to strengthen elements that traditionally connect the Greek Diaspora with the motherland, such as the Greek language, Greek culture, and ties to Orthodoxy, as well as policies to attract the brain-drain generation and boost entrepreneurship and innovation within the Diaspora. The subject of Greek entrepreneurship abroad and the opportunities created by deepening cooperation with entrepreneurs, investors, and researchers from the Diaspora was, in fact, the focus of an event successfully held earlier today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' pavilion at the Thessaloniki International Fair. In this regard, Mr. Kotsiras emphasized the importance placed on leveraging technology and creating synergies with competent ministries and agencies, mentioning the recent collaboration with the Public Employment Service (DYPA) to inform Greeks abroad about incentives and professional opportunities available for their repatriation.
Referring to the issue of Greek language learning, the Deputy Minister highlighted the campaign run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote the Greek language, as well as the development of digital tools for learning Greek, such as the staellinika.com platform, which is available for free in five languages and is planned to expand with the use of artificial intelligence. These tools do not replace Greek schools abroad or the personal contact with a teacher, which is essential in the educational process, but they complement it, Mr. Kotsiras explained.
When asked about staffing issues at Greek embassies and consulates abroad and delays in citizen services, the Deputy Minister expressed his belief that "we will see a noticeable improvement in the near future" thanks to the digitization of consular services and the efforts being made to enhance the staffing of consular authorities in various locations. Mr. Kotsiras underscored that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is collaborating with the Ministry of Citizen Protection to digitize part of the passport issuance process, with a relevant legislative provision currently under consultation, a development expected to expedite the entire process.
The goal is for the efforts to strengthen the Greek Diaspora to "have a lasting impact." "Our country is improving, and this is the image we want to convey to our compatriots abroad," Mr. Kotsiras concluded.
September 7, 2024