REPORT
Greece has been presented on multiple occasions over the last years by the international and the domestic press as a successful example of economic recovery. This narrative that is usually based on macroeconomic indicators used by the government contradicts the reality that the vast majority of Greek citizens experiences, shaped by exploding living costs, lack of affordable housing and a lack of trust in institutions according to all latest polls. The political context that has taken shape after the national elections of 2023 in which the opposition is practically inactive due to internal crises is unprecedented in the modern political history of the country.
On this background, the Heinrich Böll Stiftung Co-President, Jan Philipp Albrecht visited Greece last week, ten years after his last visit as an MEP back in 2014 during the time of the Greek Presidency of the EU. Through a series of meeting in Athens and in Thessaloniki with politicians and civil society organisations, it was made clear how much a green transition remains needed in Greece in a series of fields, ranging from the role of cities when it comes to urban resilience to citizen participation in energy production and from defending the public character of the Commons to exploring new models of developing all sorts of professional ventures.
Thinking green measures hand in hand with their positive social impact has been a thread that connected all exchanges in both cities. The socio-ecological transformation, a core value for the Heinrich Böll Stiftung, is a necessary yet demanding task that needs to take place in an inclusive way, making sure that no one is left behind. This is indeed something we need to keep on the top of our priority lists.
Jan’s series of meetings ended with a discussion with the Thessaloniki former mayor, Yannis Boutaris on a wide range of issues related to memory and the city of Thessaloniki. Before boarding the inbound flight, Jan also visited the Thessaloniki International Fair, where Germany is the Guest of Honour and where the Thessaloniki Office of the Heinrich Böll Stiftung holds a stand (Pavilion 13, stand B12).
The Heinrich Böll Stiftung and our office in particular will continue to stimulate alternative ways to see and do things beyond dominant narratives. Next stop in Soufli, in Thrace, where we will be exploring how sustainable techniques making use of a regions unique resources can revive shrinking rural areas. Stay tuned for more and see you on October 23rd in Athens for our big conference on the state of democracy in Greece. More information to follow over the coming days.
