JOURNALIST: We have Minister Gerapetritis with us. We may begin by stating that brain drain is a matter of concern for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and that you have initiated some actions concerning the matter. Have they yielded any results?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Our task is to reposition Greece in the world. In this context, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is striving, particularly through economic diplomacy and extroversion, to implement actions that bear tangible results. Among these is the Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad 2024-2027. We have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Public Employment Service (DYPA) to provide incentives in order to attract young people who have moved abroad. Together with the Ministry of Labour, we are also coordinating a number of actions, so that we can create conditions for the return of highly qualified young people who left during the crisis.
JOURNALIST: Do you see any results?
G. GERAPETRITIS: We are seeing very specific and tangible results. We have already carried out four events abroad. The last one was in Stuttgart three days ago, which was attended by approximately 5,000 people. It is important for us to make very specific commitments. At the “Career Days” held abroad, mainly under the responsibility of the Ministry of Labour, there are employers who travel abroad and actually facilitate the return of young people. I want to tell you that their response is overwhelmingly positive. They have strong emotional ties to Greece and would like to return under certain conditions. According to statistics approximately two-thirds of the people who left due to the crisis have returned to Greece.
JOURNALIST: You are absolutely right. Indeed they return but so as to reunite with their families, because they love their country. Any discussion on the return of the people who have left implies a change in the production model. I wonder what role your Ministry can play in this direction and what actions it is undertaking.
G. GERAPETRITIS: I try to understand the emotional state of young people who left their homeland with a heavy heart, so that I can understand what would bring them back to the country. During my academic career, I have been in contact with young people for many decades, I can tell you that, apart from any financial considerations, i.e. suitable living conditions, decent working conditions, decent wages, there are important factors beyond just economic criteria, such as, for example, meritocracy. Young people demand meritocracy, predictability and stability in their lives. I believe we are making significant progress in both levels. Greece tries to establish a framework, so those who wish to return can feel secure. They want to be sure that they can organize their personal and family life and that the conditions that would enable them to settle down back home are fulfilled. We have provided tangible and specific incentives, such as a 50% tax reduction for the first seven years for those who have left Greece for more than five years, and other specific incentives. Nevertheless, what I consider of utmost importance is to instill in young people this new positive perception of Greece. Greece can look to the future, with stability and optimism.
JOURNALIST: Let's move on to a distinguished Greek living abroad, Angelos Chaniotis. You would like to raise an issue with the Minister.
A. CHANIOTIS: Thank you. I am speaking not only in my academic capacity but also as the chairman of the board of directors of the non-profit organization “Komvos - Networks of Global Hellenism”, which is precisely trying to harness the enormous potential of the Greek Diaspora. And before I ask my question to the Minister, I would like to emphasize how important recent initiatives are, like the “Career Days” events, which are truly a very important innovation that I hope will bring results. The question I would like to raise is the following. Would it be equally important for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to also formulate a strategy for the coming years? In an intervention made by “Komvos”, we had assumed that a very important aspect would be to map out the Greek human resources abroad not in a general and vague way, but as a targeted register of Greek skilled professionals, for instance. An online register of Greeks Abroad, especially of the younger generations.
And I say this because, although I have been living abroad for 39 years, working in academic positions, so far, no Greek consulate in the three countries I have lived and worked in – in quite important positions – no Greek consulate has ever asked me what I do or who I am. I am not registered. They may have my address for events, but there is no systematic registration. And the reason I ask this is because there is an interest on the part of associations of Greek skilled professionals to help with such an effort. Not individually, but by working together on such an important initiative. Without a register, it will be very difficult to attain our aims.
G. GERAPETRITIS: Professor, I don’t know how to thank you for giving me the opportunity to comment on an issue of high importance for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and for me personally, namely, Greece’s skilled professionals’ capital around the world. This does not merely concern our country's soft power. It concerns the country’s very survival. The human capital abroad – Greeks that not only possess the Greek nationality, but are also Greek in their heart and soul can serve as a vital force for the renewal of Hellenism.
While traveling abroad, I always meet Greeks who are excelling. These are people with very high qualifications. I was recently in Boston. The presence of skilled Greek professionals there is impressive. I keep in touch with my former students, who are among the most talented professionals in every country. I would like to tell you – and I say this with a heavy heart – that Greece educates the youth. It provides them not only with academic knowledge, but also instills them emotional, spiritual and moral principles. Unfortunately, many young people have had to leave the country. It is the state's obligation to provide incentives for them to return. And indeed, as Professor Chaniotis rightly suggests, compiling a register of all highly qualified and skilled professionals around the world, is a huge task. It has already been initiated in the United States. We have already begun registering the electoral rolls with the help of digital technology. I think we will have a full register within the next two years. We do not necessarily strive to bring all these people back – although we would be very happy if a significant number returned. Our aim is to help them maintain ties with Greece.
Concluding, I would like to highlight the importance of targeted actions aimed at our talented professionals. For example, I consider the initiative undertaken to recognize the medical specialization training received in the U.S. to be extremely important, so that these doctors can enjoy favorable conditions upon their return, something that was not the case in the past. I believe that with such measures we will be able to recover some of our lost talent. Because until recently their specialization was not recognized, making it impossible for them to return, since the experience they had acquired in the United States was not even recognized back in Greece. This way, we hope to see some talented professionals return in order to strengthen our National Health System.
JOURNALIST: We have heard Mr. Chaniotis from Princeton. Mr. Gerapetritis has replied. Let’s hear now from specialized people here. Ms. Eskiadi, your question to the Minister.
JOURNALIST: Good afternoon. I would like to ask you: Why should I stay in Greece, a country that spends a large part of its budget on military equipment because of Türkiye’s threats? What do you have to say about that?
G. GERAPETRITIS: This question touches on many more aspects than just brain drain. Those who know me, also know that I never evade questions. First of all, I want to tell you that it is possible for young people to pursue a successful career in Greece today. They can do so because now they have the chance to find a well-paid job. I am not saying that everything is perfect. I wish it were, but it is not. What I am saying is that we are on the right track. We are constantly creating new jobs. These are jobs requiring high qualification and talent. 500.000 new jobs have been created. We are champions in reducing unemployment, reducing public debt and increasing foreign direct investments. Therefore, at this moment, one can confidently assume that – putting potential asymmetric threats aside – Greece is in a state of normality, predictability, and, I would even say, optimism.
Regarding defense spending. Unfortunately, Greece does not have a defense industry in contrast with other countries, including in our neighborhood, which have autonomous defense industries. Great effort is being made to rebuild our defense industry. Nevertheless, Greece continues to spend a lot on defense. I want to stress that this is necessary. And it is necessary because, apart from the dangers in our neighborhood – I would like to remind you that we have two armed conflicts in our wider neighborhood, which, despite the fact that one has been raging for 3.5 and the other for 1.5 years, have not affected the economic dimension of the Greek state – we all resort to strengthening our defense. The aim is to build a wider framework, a security architecture based not only on international, but also on domestic infrastructure and capabilities. Under these circumstances, it is therefore necessary to enhance our capabilities. Unfortunately, through purchasing, rather than relying on our own production. In any case, it is necessary.
Regarding Türkiye, the facts are known. Greece is on a path of significant growth. It finds itself at the core of the European Union, at the core of the United Nations, at the heart of all decision-making fora. We are not defined by third parties. We do not forget. We are aware of the historical burdens. We are trying to build a neighborhood of peace and prosperity. We have made progress.
Let me give you a simple example. Two or three years ago, our islands were flooded with irregular migrants from the other side of the Aegean Sea. Today, thanks to the Greek government's fast-track visa policy, we have more than 100,000 visitors from Türkiye on at least 12 of our islands, boosting local economy. At the same time, they also create conditions for a better understanding between the two peoples.
Our goal is to make Greece strong on its own terms. A country that participates in the most important decision-making fora, shows a self-sustaining economic growth and constitutes a pillar of stability in the neighborhood. Understandably, we are preparing for every scenario. We remain in a strong position. We are vigilant. Our goal is peace and prosperity. Therefore, we urge you to stay here.
JOURNALIST: Türkiye aspires to place itself at the heart of Europe's rearmament. Have we managed to protect our interests in the framework of the SAFE Regulation and ReArm Europe, given that Türkiye has also acquired a company in Italy? And how might its intentions affect “casus belli”?
G. GERAPETRITIS: First of all, let's put things in perspective. Türkiye is not becoming a full member of the European defense industry. It is joining a specific program, funded by the European Union. It is a program of a specific time-frame and budget, in which third countries will also participate. And, of course, EU candidate countries, such as Türkiye. So, we are talking about 150 billion euros over four years. The rest of the money will remain within the internal European defense industry. This is the first dimension.
I move now to the second dimension. I would like to remind you that this is not a new discussion. Since the early 1950s, Greece and Türkiye have been under the same defense umbrella, namely NATO. Therefore, it has been already more than 75 years that we have accepted that we will coexist in the framework of the Euro-Atlantic doctrine.
Thirdly and most importantly, I would like to address the core of your question.
We – and myself personally – constantly strive to ensure that our national interests are safeguarded to the greatest extent possible. The SAFE Regulation is a tool. It is a European Union legislation concerning the procedure governing defense spending, i.e. the way in which contracts with third states are to be concluded. Due to its nature and content, this regulation does not bestow upon countries the right of veto. Because I often hear in public discourse, “Why don't you exercise your veto power? Why don't you block it?” Because, quite simply, there is no such provision. This is a case where the decision is taken by majority vote. Since we understand that the critical majority of EU member states wants the arms market to be open for various reasons, economic and geopolitical, what we must do is to raise our national security issues as emphatically as possible.
So, what did we do? While, I repeat, this technical regulation on the inclusion of third countries in the European armaments regulation is being voted by majority, we have managed to introduce a second, binding, level. This means that every time a third country, whether it is the United States, the United Kingdom or Türkiye, wishes to join this European Union armament program, a bilateral agreement between the European Union and the third country is required. In this bilateral agreement, all member states have the right of veto, thus presupposing unanimity. And indeed, we managed to pass an explicit provision, according to which agreements with third countries must also take national security issues into account.
Although we had no right to block the regulation, thanks to our persistent diplomacy and the significant diplomatic capital we enjoy among our European partners we managed to ensure that any future agreement with a country outside the European Union also depends on Greece. Such a provision could have been left out, but was included thanks to Greece. And I would like to remind you that there are others who agreed to this project. All EU member states, including Cyprus.
JOURNALIST: Regarding the High-level Cooperation Council. First of all, please tell us when it will take place, since you said it would be held within the summer. Will you take advantage of Türkiye's current aspirations to achieve something more on a bilateral level?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Would an unstable country be attractive for young people to come back? I would like to state this clearly and have it on record in the minutes of today’s excellent event. Greece is a stable, strong country. It has a thriving economy, strong defense capabilities, and above all, a significant diplomatic footprint. Greece has ensured in recent years that it does not have any open fronts. In fact, we do not have open disputes with any country. We may be discussing historical burdens of the past with Türkiye or other countries. I know that we acted in time making sure that Greece does not have an open front with any country today, which is the most asymmetrical period since World War II. Greece has managed to be a strategic partner of Israel, while maintaining a very close relationship with the Arab states. We are currently able to maintain relations with all major powers, during a time of tectonic geopolitical changes. This is our most important asset currently and we should convince young people that they can envision a prosperous future here.
JOURNALIST: I would also like to ask about the Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai, since you will be traveling to Egypt. We should talk about it. What is going on with this case? There are many myths and truths here. Let us clear it up.
G. GERAPETRITIS: Let me say this. Greece has been pursuing an agreement to resolve a matter that dates back decades, if not centuries. It concerns the legal status of the Monastery and its property. Essentially, to settle long-standing issues. We were aware of a legal dispute over these matters. A discussion was underway and we had almost finalized a draft agreement between the Monastery and the local government. In the midst of these negotiations and before their conclusion, a court decision was issued, which has gone viral in Greece and everyone is commenting on it without having actually read it. It is a technically complex appellate court ruling. Essentially, it states that the monks have a perpetual right to reside at the Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai. It safeguards its religious and Greek Orthodox character. It does not refer to the ownership status of the Monastery. Additionally, it determines that the non-religious premises, mostly areas for commercial use are owned by the Egyptian state.
On the one hand, we now have a positive development, namely a court ruling that affirms the perpetual presence of the Monastery. On the other hand, property issues have arisen. Unfortunately, many rushed to comment on the decision. In the morning, I heard talk of the monks being evicted; at noon, of confiscation; and in the evening, of the deterioration of Greek-Egyptian relations. I would like to stress that in such sensitive matters, with significant geopolitical implications and risks, we should be extremely prudent, especially when we are referring to Greece’s bilateral relationship with a country like Egypt, which is crucial for our geopolitical interests. So, anyone who speaks lightly about these issues should think twice.
Indeed, on Wednesday, as Head of a Greek delegation, I will travel to Cairo. I will meet with the Egyptian Foreign Minister, with whom I have an excellent relationship. In recent days, I have been talking more with him than with my children. I believe, as you all saw, that the initial position of the Egyptian Presidency, from President Sisi and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the very day the issue arose, was very clear. The Egyptian side remains committed to its ties of friendship and brotherhood with Greece. That is what we will try to consolidate. To reach an agreement that resolves the outstanding issues following the court decision. It’s a difficult diplomatic discussion. However, I maintain cautious optimism that we will succeed to safeguard both the property rights and the religious character of a Monastery that is a centuries-old symbol for the Greek Orthodox world and our religious tradition.
JOURNALIST: Of course, Minister, I would like to ask you the following question, as a researcher in the field of journalism. It regards the safety of journalists. Can international organizations, beyond addressing journalists’ safety, do something about the bloodshed in Gaza? And what does Greece plan to do, especially while presiding over the UN Security Council?
G. GERAPETRITIS: There are two aspects: the protection of journalists, especially in conflict zones, and the situation in Gaza and what Greece is doing about it. Regarding journalists’ protection, I feel proud and I say this with humility, that after ten years, since Security Council Resolution 2222 was adopted in 2015 on the protection of journalists, we now have an explicit reference to the protection of journalists in war zones.
Unfortunately, we have two negative records. First, a record number of armed conflicts. Among 195 UN member countries, there are 130 armed conflicts. It is a shocking figure that should concern us deeply. Second, a record number of civilian and journalist deaths. The fact that journalists risk their lives for their profession is not just a professional or moral issue. It is also a matter of information itself, which is under attack today. This entire misinformation ecosystem, where advanced technology is often used in the wrong way, should be countered by the physical presence of journalists. To me, journalism today is not just a profession related to information. It is a precondition for democracy. Truly, without free journalism, without the free flow of information to citizens, there can be no true democracy. Democracy is built on truthful information. Therefore, I am genuinely proud that Greece, in the Security Council, mobilized 80 countries. I had the honor of delivering the joint stakeout on behalf of those 80 countries at the UN headquarters in New York, where we explicitly emphasized the need to protect journalists in armed conflict zones.
Regarding Gaza. It is one of the greatest open wounds in the world. And we had the courage, despite our strategic partnership with Israel, to state that what is happening is unacceptable. We were among the first to say that there should be uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid. Greece took initiatives to open more crossing points, increase humanitarian aid and maintain support for the Palestinian Authority, which is under attack from all sides. Strengthening the Palestinian Authority, which is our interlocutor in Palestine, is critical. And, with great difficulty and personal involvement, including from my own cabinet, we now have, without advertising it, wounded children from Gaza being treated in Greek hospitals. And we are constantly trying to bring more.
Is it enough? The answer is no. It is a moral and humanitarian issue. Hostilities must stop immediately. On the other hand, Greece is always at the forefront of these efforts. We held the Presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of May. On May 22, I chaired a session on the protection of civilians, especially in Gaza, and on May 28, we specifically discussed humanitarian issues.
I believe this is a duty of humanity. And the least any of us can do is to help however we can.
JOURNALIST: Thank you, Minister.
June 2, 2025