A modern perspective on public sector employment was the focus of the event co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Transparency Authority on Monday, 13 October 2025, under the theme: “Fostering a Safe and Creative Work Environment in the Public Sector: Best Practices for Conflict Resolution in Greece and Europe”. The event highlighted the substantive leadership role of the National Transparency Authority and the innovative initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in preventing and addressing workplace violence and harassment. It should be noted that Greece was the first European country to ratify ILO Convention No. 190 on the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work, through Law 4808/2021.
In her opening remarks, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou, emphasized that shaping a modern and inclusive work environment, where every employee feels they have a voice, a role, and a creative space to fully develop their potential, is a key priority for the Ministry. Representing the Minister of the Interior, Theodoros Livanios, the Secretary General of Public Administration of the Ministry of the Interior, Ioannis Foustanakis, referred, among other things, to the 2023 Ministerial Decision, which strengthens the institutional framework of Law 4808/2021 in the public sector and ensures confidentiality in the submission of harassment complaints. Alexandra Rogakou, Governor of the National Transparency Authority, stressed that tackling workplace violence and harassment (mobbing) is a complex issue that requires challenging entrenched mindsets and false behavior "standards", and referred to the institution of the Integrity Advisor.
On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Secretary General Ambassador Teresa-Paraskevi Angelatou outlined the Ministry’s initiatives to prevent and combat such phenomena, including the issuance of relevant Guidelines, the establishment of a new confidential reporting mechanism, and the upcoming organization of training seminars on modern leadership. The Director General for Personnel and Administrative Organization, Ambassador Apostolos Baltas, provided an analysis of the practical implementation of the reporting mechanism and the challenges faced. The Head of the MFA Unit for Equality, Natalia Panourgia, presented the role of her department and confirmed that flagship preventive actions, such as the designation of February as “Workplace Violence and Harassment Awareness Month,” have become an established part of the Ministry’s annual activities.
On behalf of the National Transparency Authority, the Director General of Integrity and Accountability, Maria Konstantinidou, presented the Integrity Advisor as a confidential point of contact for all employees in public sector entities. The Head of the Department for Insurance, Social Solidarity and Labor Relations, Nikolitsa Rapti, focused on the Authority’s role as a reporting body for incidents of violence and harassment in the public sector.
Drawing on best practices from Europe, particular emphasis was placed on the presentation by the Mediator of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Loïc Lallemand-Zeller, who highlighted the importance of informal procedures for resolving workplace disputes and the trust these mechanisms must inspire among all staff. UK Ambassador to Greece Matthew Lodge spoke about the challenges in this area and the initiatives undertaken by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, such as the “Speak Up 2025” program for public sector employees. Finally, the European Investment Bank’s (EIB) human resource support policies were presented by Marianna Nathanael, Head of the EIB Office in Athens.
The event was honored by the presence of representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, Secretaries-General of Ministries, Presidents of Independent Authorities, Academics, and members of the public administration. The discussion was moderated by diplomatic correspondent Alexandra Fotaki. The event took place at the “G. Kranidiotis” Amphitheatre of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Read the greeting by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou, here.
October 13, 2025