I. Diplomatic relations

There is an Embassy in The Hague.

A Consular Office – set up following the Rotterdam General Consulate’s closure – also falls under the authority of the Embassy.

II. Framework of Treaties

- Agreement on Air Transport (1947)

- Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation of Aviation Enterprises (1951)

- Agreement on Road Transport (1973)

- Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between Greece and the Netherlands (1984)

III. Political relations

Relations between Greece and the Netherlands are determined by their membership in the European Union and NATO. In January 2003 the Hellenic Parliament established a parliamentary Greek-Dutch friendship group.

IV. Economic and Trade Relations

 The trade balance between the Netherlands and Greece  for 2004, amounted to 2680.9 million euros, showing a deficit for our country (-2021.7 million euros)  Greek imports increased enormously between 1996 and 2001, whilst Greek exports also grew substantially. Our imports continue to be six times our exports. An estimation shows that, annually, 600.000 Dutch tourists visit Greece. There is a marked presence of leading Dutch multi-nationals (Heineken, Shell, Philips ABN,AMRO Bank) in Greece, while Greek investment in the Netherlands is very limited. 

V. Cultural relations

Cultural relations between Greece and the Netherlands are regulated by the Cultural Agreement of 21.04.1953, which is implemented through Executive Programmes. In 1984 a Treaty was signed for the activation of the Scientific and Technological collaboration. The most recent Cultural Programme was signed in Athens on 5.04.2002, foreseeing cooperation in science, education, culture, health, mass media, and sports.

 The Netherlands Scientific Institute of Athens is active in archaeology, publications and cultural activities.

The Dutch side has put in a request for the establishment of a Dutch language chair in a Greek University. The Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Thessaloniki has taken a positive view of this prospect, and plans to offer elective courses in Dutch language, literature, and culture.

It should be noted, that Groningen University has a chair of Modern Greek and Byzantine studies, while the University of Amsterdam has a chair of Modern Greek, as part of its department of European Languages.

The Greek Embassy in the Hague organises cultural activities towards the strengthening of the cultural ties with the Netherlands. 

Our Embassy in The Hague is carrying out numerous cultural activities.

VI. The Greek Community

There are 12,500 Greeks in the Netherlands according to the Netherlands Statistical Service. They are organized in communities and associations. The most important and oldest Greek diaspora organization is the Union of Greeks in the Netherlands, which also owns the Church of St. Nicholas in Rotterdam.

VII. Embassy Details