Strengthening Bonds: Greek government’s Strategic Vision for the Greek Diaspora

Over the past five years, the Greek government has prioritised deepening its relationship with the Greek Diaspora, a commitment underscored by Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Giorgos Kotsiras in a recent article for Kathimerini.

Mr. Kotsiras highlights key reforms, including the lifting of restrictions on voting rights for Greeks abroad and the introduction of postal voting in European elections, as well as the digitisation of state functions. These initiatives, he notes, reflect the government’s dedication to enhancing the everyday lives of expatriates and reinforcing their connection with Greece.

In pursuit of these goals, Mr. Kotsiras and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. George Gerapetritis have unveiled a comprehensive Strategic Plan for Hellenism Abroad, covering the period 2024-2027. This plan aims to fortify the global Greek community and foster a meaningful, reciprocal relationship between Greece and its diaspora.

The plan’s development involved extensive consultation, incorporating feedback from proposals submitted through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website and meetings with expatriate organisations. The final strategic plan will be subject to public electronic consultation on opengov.gr, ensuring broader citizen engagement and further refinement.

Among its strategic objectives, the plan focuses on supporting and expanding networks and structures linked to the homeland, promoting the Greek language, history, and culture, engaging the younger generation of the diaspora, maintaining ties with Orthodox ecclesiastical institutions, and leveraging the expatriate community to enhance Greece’s international image.

Source: ANA-MPA / orthodoxtimes.com