I. Diplomatic relations
There is Embassy level representation in Athens and Madrid.
ΙΙ. Framework of Treaties
- Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation (1972)
- Air Cooperation agreement (1975)
- Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation of Income or Capital (2000).
III. Political relations
Bilateral relations between Greece and Spain, both countries of the Mediterranean, are defined by their close cooperation within the framework of the EU and NATO.
Spain currently holds the EU Presidency in the first semester of 2010; its priorities include addressing the current economic crisis, focusing on the new Social Agenda (2011-2015), the fight against poverty and social exclusion, gender equality, climate change, EU enlargement, the Union’s Neighbourhood Policy with regard to the Mediterranean, the Union for the Mediterranean, and the expansion of the EU’s presence abroad.
Athens and Madrid maintain a reinforced cooperation on the major problem of illegal migration that both have been facing. The two countries’ need to effectively tackle illegal migration flows in the Mediterranean basin has resulted in their close cooperation, both on the level of the European Union and on the bilateral level.
The excellent level of Greek-Spanish relations was confirmed by the visits of Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis to Madrid (13.07.2009) and the Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Zapatero to Athens (on 25.11.2009 and on 10.07.2008). On 6 October 2009, Spain’s Queen Sofia visited Thessaloniki to attend the inauguration of the Miro exhibition in the Teloglion Foundation of Art.
V. Cultural relations
Cultural relations between Greece and Spain are regulated by the Cultural Agreement that was signed in Madrid in 1966, and are implemented by means of triennial executive programmes, which provide for scientific, educational, cultural cooperation and exchanges, teaching of both languages, and also cooperation on archives and libraries, the media, sports and youth matters. There is great interest in Spain with regard to modern Greek and modern Greek literature. A core of modern Greek philologists have undertaken satisfactory activities towards the dissemination of the Greek language and literature.
VΙ. Greek community
Some 1,500-2,000 Greeks live in Spain. There are Greek communities in Madrid and Barcelona. The community has also organized a Greek-language course for children of Greeks abroad and adults, held at premises offered by the Orthodox church. The Greek community of Barcelona also offers a Greek-language course to children of Greeks abroad.
Last modified: February 2010