Addressing the Special Permanent Committee on Greeks Abroad today, on the subject of 'Digital tools and Diaspora Greeks', Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Kotsiras focused on the development of digital tools for improving the daily lives of Greeks abroad and promoting Greece's international image.
Mr. Kotsiras stressed that the upgrading of Greece's public administration using digital technology concerns our fellow citizens abroad, thanking the Ministry of Digital Governance and, personally, the Minister of Digital Governance, Dimitris Papastergiou, for their excellent cooperation.
More specifically, Mr. Kotsiras stressed that significant efforts are being made to exploit digital tools in four sectors: first, serving the Greeks of the Diaspora; second, networking and two-way communication with the homeland; third, promoting Greek language and culture; and fourth, enhancing the country's image abroad in cooperation with the Diaspora.
The Deputy Minister referred to the digital tools that have been developed specifically for Greeks abroad, such as the special module for Greeks abroad on the gov.gr platform, the virtual assistant that has been integrated into the websites of embassies and consulates, and the digital request management service, which is already in pilot operation, facilitating the remote provision of consular services. Moreover, he stressed, the digitalisation of the passport issuance process is under way and will be completed soon, in cooperation with the Ministries of Citizen Protection and Digital Governance, so that the necessary documentation can be sent by the consular authorities to the Hellenic Police electronically, which will significantly reduce the time it takes to obtain a passport. At the same time, consular missions will be bolstered with 100 additional administrative personnel so that the digital transition can be completed smoothly.
Regarding networking and communication, Mr. Kotsiras referred to the development of a mobile phone app for better communication with Greeks abroad and the creation of a website dedicated to Diaspora Hellenism, with information on its history and modern presence.
In order to enhance Greece’s international image, digital diplomacy is being emphasized and the social media presence of embassies and consulates is being upgraded, as are the information websites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is an effort of 'national importance' that highlights our country’s increased 'diplomatic capital', which 'we will safeguard for the present and future of our homeland,' Mr. Kotsiras concluded.
February 27, 2025