Greece 2021

Greece - 2021 -

GREECE & SERBIA

CLOSE HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL TIES H.E. YORGOS DIACOFOTAKIS

STYLIANOS ZAKOF

VASSILIS SKRONIAS

Ambassador of Greece to Serbia

President of the HBA’s Managing Board

Minister Counselor, Embassy of Greece in Belgrade

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I KARIA-A BLUE ZONE

The island of Ikaria is one of the five Blue Zones with one of the longest lifespans in the world. Around 30% live well into their 90s, which is on average 10 years longer than those in the rest of Europe and America. People in Ikaria lead a simple village life, vastly different to the corporate stress of city life. They take a siesta during the middle of the day and get together to socialize over homegrown glasses of wine regularly.

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OLIVES

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A THENS NATIONAL LIBRARY

Located in an emblematic building that is part of the trilogy of neo-classical styled buildings on Panepistimiou Avenue in the center of Athens, the National Library contains a collection of historical documents and one of the most exquisite reading rooms in the country.

Greece is the third largest producer of olives. Speaking of olive trees, Greece produces 2.2 million metric tons of olives each year. The only countries to beat Greece are Spain and Italy! According to True Voyagers, a travel blog, Greece has more varieties of olives than any other country in the world!

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DELPHI-A WORLD CENTRE

One of the most astonishing beaches definitely worth-visiting while cruising in Greece is of course, the famous “Shipwreck beach”, known in Greek as “Navagio”, located in the beautiful island of Zakynthos. The Shipwreck Cove or the Smugglers Cove is probably the most famous beach in Greece and it can only be accessed by boat.

Delphi in legend previously called Pytho (Πυθώ), in ancient times was a sacred precinct that served as the seat of Pythia, the major oracle who was consulted about important decisions throughout the ancient classical world. The oracle was international in character and also fostered sentiments of Greek nationality. The ancient Greeks considered the centre of the world to be in Delphi, marked by the stone monument known as the omphalos (navel).

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THE FIRST IN

Photo: Lefteris Papaulakis / Shutterstock

ZAKYNTHOS’ SHIPWRECK BEACH

Greece has some firsts in the fields of science and arts. The first philosopher is considered to be Thales of Miletus (c.

624 – 425 B.C.). He is credited as giving the first explanation for the origin of the world that was not mythological. The first historian is considered to be writer Herodotus (c. 484 – 425 B.C.). He is the author of the first great book of history on the Greco-Persian Wars.

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THE EVIL EYE

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The evil eye is a common superstition. You will find jewelry and other ornaments in the shape of a big blue eye everywhere. Wearing blue eye charms or blue beads can ward away the “evil eye”. The same applies to the blue-painted housetops in Cycladic architecture. They painted the roofs and the shutters in the blue color to keep away the evil.

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INTERVIEW

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CLOSE HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL TIES H.E. YORGOS DIACOFOTAKIS Ambassador of Greece to Serbia

Greek-Serbian relations are excellent. Greek investors have many reasons to invest in Serbia. Greece considers Serbia to be a factor of strategic importance for the stability and security in the wider region Greek-Serbian relations are excellent. They are founded on close historical and cultural ties of friendship and solidarity.

The Joint Declaration on the Strategic Partnership between Greece and Serbia was signed in Athens during the state visit of President Vucic (December 2019). Its gradual implementation is a significant tool to further expand and deepen our multilevel cooperation. The Declaration enhances cooperation in a wide range of sectors, including security, civil protection, connectivity, renewable energy sources and support for Serbia’s bid to join the European Union.

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THE HELP BY THE SERBIAN FIRE-FIGHTERS DURING THE DEVASTATING WILDFIRES WAS EXTREMELY VALUABLE

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n addition to the Joint Declaration on the Strategic Partnership which sets the framework for upgrading and deepening our bilateral cooperation, Greece and Serbia remain also committed to expand their cooperation through multilateral schemes. I would like to take this opportunity to extend, once more, our sincere grati-

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tude and appreciation to Serbia for its assistance and support to Greece during the devastating wildfires Two years after signing of the Declaration on the Strategic Partnership between our countries, what changed in our, already excellent, cooperation and in which areas we may see the expansion?

Even though, the Covid-19 pandemic and the urgent need to deal with its socio-economic implications have delayed its full implementation, we look forward to stepping up the pace.

What is the situation today in Greece, when we are speaking of Covid-19?

Greece responded swiftly to the pandemic and took strict measures to con-

tain the spread of the virus. During the summer of 2020 we introduced health protocols which were updated and enhanced during the summer of 2021 in order to ensure that our visitors enjoy a safe stay in Greece.

However, given that the epidemiological situation worldwide remains uncertain, the government has set up a road map with a dual goal: protection of public health and progressive return to normalcy. Today, apart from the public health measures in force, our most powerful weapon against Covid-19 is the vaccination programme. It is encouraging that since mid-August there has been an increasing trend in new vaccination appointments. However, building a wall of immunity requires further targeted action.

In order to urge as many fellow citizens as possible to get vaccinated, the government has adopted initiatives such as the “Freedom Pass”, a digital debit card for tourism and culture granted to all young people aged 18-25 who have been vaccinated, “the vaccination at home programme” for those who are unable to visit the vaccination centres, and “the pilot vaccination programme” carried out outside churches by mobile units of the Health Ministry.

Last but not least, during the visit of the Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Tatjana Matic to Athens in March this year, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed for the mutual recognition of vaccine certificates. Since then, the movement of people between the two countries has been extremely facilitated.

mit which took place on 17 September in Athens. The participating Mediterranean and Southern EU countries agreed that urgent and ambitious global action is necessary in order to tackle the climate crisis. To this end, they adopted the “Athens Declaration on climate change and the environment in the Mediterranean” focusing on climate change, biodiversity, forest management, marine environment, and civil protection, prevention and preparedness.

How much did the Greek economy suffer in 2021, because of the coronavirus’ impact on the tourism industry?

All countries were affected by the pandemic and Greece wasn’t an exception. My country’s heavy dependence on tourism made the economy particularly vulnerable to the pandemic.

Earlier this year you met with Minister Stefanovic, then in June with Minister Vulin. How would you describe the cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Serbia and Serbian institutions?

Talks with members of the Serbian Government and other high-ranking officials are always held in a cordial atmosphere which reflects our long-standing relationship. Such meetings cover a wide range of topics. We review our bilateral cooperation, exchange ideas, share good practices and propose initiatives. Our conversations can only be described as open and sincere.

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First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to extend, once more, our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Serbia for its assistance and support to Greece during the devastating wildfires. The help by the Serbian fire-fight-

WE STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT NEXT YEAR THE GREEK ECONOMY WILL BOOM AND THE GDP WILL BE MUCH HIGHER THAN THIS YEAR

Tourism has a significant contribution to the Greek economy, reaching 21% of the GDP on an annual basis.

Due to the restrictive measures in the movement of people, tourist businesses recorded heavy losses, as the number of tourists in 2020 decreased by 78% compared to 2019.

However, the Greek economy, although strongly shaken, endured. According to the data of Hellenic Statistical Authority, 2020 closed with a 8% contraction only. This year, things are much better. According to the data of the Bank of Greece, tourist arrivals increased by 851.8% in June 2021, compared to June 2020. We expect that by the end of this year we will have an increase of the GDP by 5.5%, maybe even more.

The restrictions that the pandemic imposed on our daily life made the Greek Government to seek alternatives in order to keep the economy running.

Thus, the digitization of the public administration was accelerated and a significant number of businesses demonstrated a strong ability to adapt by introducing the practice of tele-working and selling through internet (e-commerce). According to data by the Ministry of Finance last year, there was an increase in electronic transactions by € 3 billion compared to 2019.

We strongly believe that next year, when the effects of the pandemic will decrease, the Greek economy will boom and the GDP will be much higher than this year.

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Greece had experienced its worst heat wave since 1987 and terrible wildfire. You fought a great battle. What is the situation today and whether the topic of climate change should be a priority in relation to the topics such are the Covid-19 or migrant crisis?

ers was extremely valuable.

These events are solid evidence and an alarming sign that the climate crisis is no longer a distant threat but a bitter reality. In this respect, Greece’s response has been prompt and resolute.

At a national level, the Greek government established the Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Ministry in order to address the challenges of climate crisis and implement programmes to strengthen the Civil Protection Mechanism.

At an international level, Greece is leading efforts to raise awareness and engage partners to make the region more resilient to the effects of climate change. This is the reason why Greece included this crucial topic to the agenda of the EUMED9 Sum-

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What are the potentials for quality improvement in all fields of cooperation not only bilaterally, but also multilaterally?

In addition to the Joint Declaration on the Strategic Partnership which sets the framework for upgrading and deepening our bilateral cooperation, Greece and Serbia remain also committed to expand their cooperation through multilateral schemes.

Let me remind you that last April the first trilateral meeting between Serbia, Greece and Cyprus was held, here, in Belgrade. Our Foreign Ministers discussed the prospects for developing multilateral cooperation, promoting

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THE SERBIAN ECONOMY PRESENTS NEW PROSPECTS FOR FOREIGN INVESTORS AND THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

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think Serbia's role is in the Western Balkans region?

synergies and establishing joint activities in a number of fields, such as energy security through energy diversification, as well as transport connectivity.

Moreover, as of July this year, Greece has taken over the Chairmanship-in-office of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP). This is a unique opportunity to work with Serbia and the rest of our SEE partners to promote specialized regional cooperation in priority areas.

Greece considers Serbia to be a factor of strategic importance for the stability and security in the wider region.

In this light, Greece has always been a staunch supporter of Serbia’s integration to the EU. We strongly believe that this is Serbia’s natural place and we are ready to provide any technical and practical assistance to its accession efforts if needed.

Serbia has the potential to serve as a model for the region on its path towards the EU. We welcome Serbia’s decision to abide by the New Enlargement Methodology and its determination to accelerate the necessary reforms.

Greece supports Serbia on its EU accession path. How important do you

What reforms does Serbia need to implement to improve the business

environment?

Serbia is a leading investment place with competitive operating costs and highly qualified labor. The Serbian government has passed significant reforms to a number of laws, such as on labour, construction, inspections and privatization that have helped improve the business environment.

The Serbian economy presents new prospects for foreign investors and there is always room for improvement, specifically in fields like the digitalization of the economy, transparency in public procurements and the modernization of infrastructure (roads, railways, waste management etc). In addition to that, strengthening the institutional and regulatory environment is important in order to boost confidence and predictability for economic operators. 

CONNECTIONS What kind of connection to Belgrade and Serbia do you feel and which Serbian customs do you particularly like?

— My connection to Belgrade and Serbia runs deep. I enjoy how the city buzzes with energy and I always appreciate a refreshing excursion to the wonderful Serbian countryside.

Since this is my second term in Belgrade - I have served as Deputy Head of Mission before (2000-2004) - I consider myself extremely fortunate to have returned as Ambassa-

dor to this country and its heartwarming people. Regarding Serbian customs, there are several that I cherish, but for the sake of brevity, if I had to name one, that would definitely be the Slava tradition of celebrating each family’s Saint. We do not have this tradition in my country. Instead, we celebrate name days. For example, one like me who is called Yorgos celebrates on St. George’s day. In brief, in Serbia I feel at home.

INTERVIEW

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GREECE IS ONE OF THE LARGEST INVESTORS IN SERBIA STYLIANOS ZAKOF

President of the HBA’s Managing Board

The overall relations between the two countries today show a high degree of diplomatic, economic and diverse cultural cooperation

reece and Serbia are two countries whose peoples respect and love each other incredibly much. Diplomatic relations between these countries have lasted for 140 years, and the Hellenic Business Association (HBA) in Serbia has been working intensively on bringing the Greek and Serbian markets closer and boosting economic relations between the two countries. We talked with the President of the HBA's Managing Board, Stylianos Zakof, about the economic cooperation between Serbia and Greece.

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This year marks the 18th anniversary of the inception of the Hellenic Business Association. How would you rate the overall Greek-Serbian

THE TOTAL GREEK DIRECT INVESTMENTS ARE ESTIMATED AT APPROXIMATELY 1.5 BILLION EUROS

relations today?

We can confidently say that the overall relations between the two countries today, show a high degree of diplomatic, economic and diverse cultural cooperation and at the same time, reflect a historical heritage. Namely, diplomatic relations between Serbia and Greece were established more than 140 years ago, while the concept of Greek-Serbian friendship was formed during the 19th century. In the times ahead, this relationship deepened with strong humanitarian support shown by our two

nations and a stable partnership at the state level, as evidenced by regular visits of the top state officials. Greece is one of the first and largest investors in Serbia, and during the past period, it has positioned itself as a strategic partner, present in almost all segments of the economy. The Hellenic Business Association was founded soon after the arrival of the first Greek investors in Serbia, and in that sense represents an image of the Greek investment presence in Serbia, namely, its diversity, perseverance but also success in facing numerous challenges and economic circumstances, both in Serbia and Greece.

peting with some of the best Serbian and foreign companies in almost all sectors. They are especially active in the hotel sector, industry, construction, oil trade, tourism, telecommunications, food and beverage retail, banking, etc. The total Greek direct investments are estimated at approximately 1.5 billion euros, while direct and indirect investments made in the last 20 years exceed 2.5 billion euros. This indicates that Greek companies will be here in the long run. There are many prospects for new investments and opportunities for further developing

How desirable is Serbia as an investment destination for Greek investors, and what are Serbia’s advantages?

THERE ARE MANY PROSPECTS FOR NEW INVESTMENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER DEVELOPING OUR ECONOMIC COOPERATION

Thanks to the economic reforms that were implemented in the previous period, Serbia has positioned itself as one of the most important investment destinations in Central and Eastern Europe. There are a number of important investment incentives here, including free trade agreements, which allow duty-free export to markets, a highly skilled workforce, competitive operating costs, free zones and the like.

An increasing number of international companies doing business here validates the fact that Serbia has taken many steps towards creating a stable environment for the country's economic development in recent years, which also proves that investors have recognized Serbia’s positive economic and investment climate.

In which sectors Greek companies are the most active and how can we improve the existing cooperation?

Greek companies in Serbia are com-

our economic cooperation. Areas in which we can further boost our bilateral economic cooperation and which can also reflect the future presence of Greek investments in Serbia are tourism, energy, recycling, wastewater treatment, information and communication technologies, food and beverage trade, fruit trade, construction, etc.

After 18 years of being a bridge that connects Greece and Serbia in business, which of the HBA’s results are you the proudest of?

The Hellenic Business Association was founded quite spontaneously, follow-

ing the initiative of several Greek business people who in 2003, decided to establish a platform for the connection and cooperation between the members of the Greek business community. This idea was put into practice and today it functions smoothly. Thanks to the strong support of its members, the HBA promotes not only economic but also social and cultural ties between Serbia and Greece. During past years, the Association has affirmed itself as a key stakeholder in connecting the Greek and Serbian economies, which is why today it represents the interests of its members before the decision-making factors in both countries.

In addition, the Association launches concrete initiatives that result in concrete benefits for our members. I am proud of the constant development of the HBA , which adapts its activities and priorities to the needs of its members and the market in the given economic circumstances.

What is your forecast in terms of overcoming the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic on the Greek economy but also Greek companies in Serbia?

The pandemic significantly has affected the economic activity and the social and political reality of all countries, including Greece. It emerged at a time when our country was on its way out of a long-lasting crisis, and when it was able to create sufficient financial space to support companies affected by the pandemic. At the same time, the public sector has demonstrated its efficiency thanks to accelerated digitalization, but also thanks to adequate management of the health crisis. A significant number of companies have managed to adapt to the circumstances by using

Photo: Freedomz / Shutterstock

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Greece’s direct and indirect investments made in Serbia in the last 20 years exceed 2.5 billion euros.

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INVESTMENTS

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digital tools and adapting their products and services to the needs of the market. On the other hand, the Greek's economy strong dependence on the service sector, tourism and hospitality , has caused great challenges. Recovery forecasts are primarily based on a shift in focus from the aforementioned sectors to industries that are more resilient to turbulent changes in the economy, such as manufacturing. Furthermore, strengthening international competitiveness and increasing exports would positively affect the country's overall export performance, which has not yet reached its full potential. Green growth and the transition to the circular economy, continued digitalisation of public administration, as well as incentive policies, would significantly contribute to this recovery too.

If we draw a parallel with Greek companies in Serbia, we can conclude that the situation does not differ much from that in Greece. The service sector, hospitality and tourism were the first to be hit, while the manufacturing sector and the inelastic demand products sector suffered slight losses. Like all other companies in Serbia, it is important to adapt to the changes and needs of the altered market, with appropriate incentive policies and cooperation between the public and private sectors at all levels in place. At the same time, I would like to mention that the Prime Minister of Greece pointed out at the 85th International Fair in Thessaloniki that Greek GDP recorded a 16.2% growth in the second quarter, which is also the highest growth in Europe. Due to such good results, and especially thanks to tourism, Greece is again on a stable development path and the previously projected growth of the Greek economy for 2021 has been revised from 3.6% to 5.9%. Thanks to such forecasts,we can expect the new Greek investors in Serbia.

What can people in Serbia learn from the Greeks and vice versa?

Due to the constant increase in the number of Serbian tourists who visit Greece every year, I have the impres-

GREECE IS AGAIN ON A STABLE DEVELOPMENT PATH sion that Serbs have learnt from Greeks how to include elements of Greek Mediterranean cuisine in their diet. Specifically, I mean olive oil, feta cheese, ouzo, etc., as evidenced by the increase in sales of these products. On the other hand, due to the growing number of Serbian coaches and players in all team sports in Greece, Greeks are trying to emulate their know-how and skills that make them globally successful.

After living in Serbia for 20 years, what do you like the most here and what is it that makes you feel connected to Belgrade?

After all these years, I no longer feel like

a foreigner in Serbia, because I have spent almost half of my life here. Furthermore, my children grew up in Belgrade and experience it as their hometown, which I am very proud of. What sets Serbia apart from other countries are its people, namely , their sincere kindness and hospitality. In my case, these characteristics are even more pronounced, because I am Greek, and it is a well-known fact that our peoples consider each other as brothers. Additionally, Serbia has an impressive history, culture and natural attractions.

Belgrade is a city that accepts and welcomes people from all over the world, has a multitude of parks, two beautiful rivers, rich cultural life and attractions.

I have always liked the way Belgraders like to pamper their guests by bringing out the best food and drinks and visiting places that they will surely like , just to show the beauty of Belgrade in a hope that the guests will visit the city again. And, I must admit, I completely understand them. 

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THERE IS ENOUGH ROOM TO IMPROVE OUR RELATIONS

VASSILIS SKRONIAS

Minister Counselor (Economic & Comm. Affairs), Head of the Economic & Comm. Affairs Office, Embassy of Greece in Belgrade

One of our objectives is to complete the Piraeus-Thessaloniki-Skopje-BelgradeBudapest railway to accelerate the trade and transport of these four countries ur economic cooperation includes, among others, official visits, conclusion of bilateral economic agreements or MoUs, joint economic forums and conferences, participation in international exhibitions etc. Regarding Greek investments, the main areas are food industry, banking, fuel distribution, construction materials, mining, supply chains, telecommunications and I.T, real estate, hotel or health services etc.

on the Serbian market, employing over 25,000 people.

During the last years, we observe a “shy Greek comeback” into the Serbian market. Two recent examples are: the merger of Eurobank with Direct Bank or the acquiring of the 10,24% equity stake of the B.S.E. by the Athens Stock Exchange. Despite the actual pandemic crisis, our bilateral trade on goods and services, during the last years, surpassed the 900 million eu-

Could you tell us more about the economic cooperation between Greece and Serbia?

IMPORTANT ENERGY PROJECTS ARE UNDERWAY OR BEING CONSIDERED, INCLUDING THE TRANS ADRIATIC PIPELINE-TAP

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Just after the war in the former Yugoslavia, Greeks rushed in order to sustain the Serbian economy; they have been amongst the most important active economic players. But later, when Greece faced a historic debt crisis, its debtors, the so called “Troika”, decided the closure of most of the Greek banks abroad; Eurobank was the one to remain in Serbia. The withdrawal of all other banks reduced the level of Greek investments. Nowadays, there are approximately 250 Greek firms operating

ros; the only total volume on trade of goods in 2020 increased by 5,55%!

Greek companies have been or are still involved in different projects, related to infrastructures-highways or airports-, food supplying chains, sectors of health, network-distribution

of fuel-oil, mining, construction materials, aluminium profile, cement or sugar industries, R.E.S., hospitality business, banking, trade etc.

Is there more room to improve the economic relations, and which economic sectors have the biggest potential for expansion of cooperation?

The Serbian economy has been on a constant growth during the last 9-10 years and thus there is enough room to improve our economic relations.

Several promising sectors offer bilateral business opportunities in transport & infrastructure, energy, technology, innovation & financial technology or fintech, waste management or the food industry.

One of our objectives is to complete the Piraeus-Thessaloniki-Skopje-Belgrade-Budapest railway to accelerate the trade and transport of these four countries.

Through the above-mentioned promised sectors, Greece could improve its position as an economic and trade partner of Serbia. Moreover, a few other neighbors, “competitors” and new comers during the last 5-10

years, have been implementing consequent access market and direct foreign investments successful strategies.

Regarding the attraction of investments from Serbia to Greece, the prospects mainly concern real estate and tourism.

How would you rate economic environment in Serbia and what are the advantages of our country for investors to come and invest in Serbia?

What role does Greece and its economy play in the region and Serbia?

After a difficult decade, due to the economic-debt-crisis and then to the pandemic, Greece is back to playing its role as a Balkan power. Being a non-neglected maritime, diplomatic, military and institutionally robust country in the region, Greece is developing its economic and geostrategic influence. As an old member of NATO and the European Union, constantly active in Balkans- i.e. the 2018 Prespes name

AFTER A DIFFICULT DECADE, DUE TO THE ECONOMIC-DEBT-CRISIS AND THEN TO THE PANDEMIC, GREECE IS BACK TO PLAYING ITS ROLE AS A BALKAN POWER

Can we say with certainty that the Greek economy is firmly on the path to recovery after the crisis in 2020, especially touristic sector?

Obviously! Greece’s economy recession in 2020 reached -8,2%. On the contrary, it expanded by +6,7% during the first semester of 2021 and following the international previsions for 2021, i.e. of the European Commission or Moody’s Analytics (M.A.), it will grow by +4,3% or even +8,2% respectively; for the year 2022 Greek GNP may expand by +5,1% (M.A.).

Related to tourism, Greece should see the highest recovery among all Mediterranean destinations compared to 2020. While 2020 figures showed a decline of 97%, the revenue from tourism in 2021 will recover much more than 50% of the 2019 level, which was the initial target. In July 2021, the hospitality business sector turnover increased by 230,3% in comparison with the previous year.

Could you tell us something about your ongoing projects and upcoming plans?

Following the volatile pandemic situation, Greece plans to participate in some sectoral exhibitions in Serbia, like the International Tourism Fair in Belgrade. Official visits, as well as business forums or missions, are planned for the next year, with the involvement of the Economic & Commercial Affairs Office of our Embassy. At the same time, we consider our participation in events promoting Greek products (wines, dairy products etc.)

In addition to that, we are still preparing various market researches and studies, i.e. on the Construction Materials, Waste Management, Foodstuffs etc. 

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deal etc-, in combination with its economic trends getting back to growth, confirm this evolution. Athens has explored specific plans for cooperation across a range of areas, from energy connections between states, with the northern Greek port of Alexandroupolis playing a leading role, to safe travel corridors for cargos or tourists traveling to Greece etc.

For instance, Greece, is engaged to a number of cross-border road and railway regional projects in the coming years. These mainly include the development of corridor X, road and rail, from Thessaloniki through Skopje, Belgrade, Zagreb and Budapest; the Pan-European corridor IX from Alexandroupolis through Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, the Black Sea and Russia or the Adriatic-Ionian corridor through the Western Balkans to the Bar port in Montenegro. Other important regional energy projects are also underway or being considered, including the

Trans Adriatic Pipeline-TAP, a part of the Southern Gas Corridor, the gas interconnector pipeline between Greece and Bulgaria-IGB, and a planned LNG floating terminal in Alexandroupolis.

These energy projects are critical for the wider central and south-eastern European region in terms of diversifying energy sources and routes.

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The steady Serbian economic growth over the past years, has been proving its progress in the overall business environment. The economic reforms and economic fundamentals or trends like GNP, inflation, budget deficit, public debt, unemployment etc, offer a positive economic country profile. Following some relevant international indexes for the year 2020, like the World Bank “Ease of Doing Business” or the Innovation Index, Serbia is ranked, respectively, on the 44th and 53rd positions worldwide. It’s satisfactory credit rating assessed by the major credit rating agencies, varying between Ba2 and BB+.

Situated in SEE, Serbia has a favorable geographical position. The Danube, crossing Serbia, connects ten European countries. Also, both road and rail traffic from Northern, Western and Central Europe pass through Serbia on their way to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia. Additionally, the combination of Serbian skillful engineers or technicians of low labor cost with the ICT or other sectors, constitute an international comparative advantage of the country related to the attraction of foreign direct investments -F.D.I. Nevertheless, as a former planned or socialist economy country, there are still many problems needed to be solved. A lot of it’s economic sectors have to be reformed. An effective enforcement of the new legal framework in energy, environment, banking system, free market rules (ie tenders-intellectual property-equal treatment), bureaucracy, nationalizations of state-owned enterprises, anti-corruption measures, jurisdictional system or rule of law etc, is still needed

as well in order to join the EU.

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200 YEARS AFTER THE GREEK REVOLUTION “Respecting our history, honouring our people, investing in our future”

Photos: "Greece2021" Committee

“GREECE 2021” COMMITTEE

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The President of the "Greece 2021" Committee, Mrs. Gianna AngelopoulosDaskalaki, visits the Salamis Museum of Folklore Arts and Culture, where a collection of objects and costumes from the 1821 Revolution era are exhibited.

Through the Committee’s project “Action 21”, the Museum, along with another 307 museums, provides free entrance every 21st of the month throughout 2021

021 is the year that marks the 200th anniversary from the beginning of the Greek Revolution for Independence, the Revolution that led to the formation of modern Greece. The Greek revolutionaries fought a successful war for independence against the Ottoman Empire and managed to establish the first modern Greek state.

The 1821 Greek War for Independence generated a strong support movement in Europe and the United States. Many Philhellenes from various countries participated in military operations, contributed financially, or produced works of literature and art promoting the struggle of the Greeks internationally. This year’s milestone anniversary presents an opportunity to celebrate the bicentennial of the modern Greek State, to reflect on 200 years of history, to showcase contemporary Greece, and to outline the future.

Ambassador-at-large Gianna Ange-

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lopoulos-Daskalaki was appointed as President of the “Greece 2021” Committee established by the Prime Minister of Greece, Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis, with the mandate to coordinate and provide a framework for the projects and events organized in Greece and around the world for the celebration of the bicentennial of the 1821 Greek Revolution. One of the fundamental deci-

2021 IS THE YEAR THAT MARKS THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE GREEK REVOLUTION FOR INDEPENDENCE THAT LED TO THE FORMATION OF MODERN GREECE

sions made upon the Committee’s establishment, was to use no state funding. All the Committee’s work is being funded through sponsorships and through its Numismatic Programme.

The second fundamental decision was to ask all Greeks around the world and all friends of Greece to submit proposals for projects and events on the Committee’s online platform and thus co-create the year-long, worldwide celebration of this bicentennial.

This initiative was met with enthusiasm and resulted in over 1.800 submissions of proposals, over 330 of which came from abroad. They included proposals for events in Greece and in countries like the USA, Australia, Germany, South Africa but also India, Vietnam, Armenia, Chile, Brazil, and, of course, Serbia. The Committee worked closely with universities, entities of local government around Greece, schools, museums and other cultural institutions, foreign Embassies

The "Greece 2021" Committee's Numismatic Programme is one of the main sources of funding for the Committee’s work. It is a unique collection of 14 coins of supreme quality and exceptional style, issued in a very limited number. The coins’ dies have been destroyed after minting, thus further enhancing their unique collectible value. The collection presents a journey through Greece’s modern history and is an investment with added value over time, a timeless gift to cherish and

”GREECE 2021” COMMITTEE COORDINATES AND PROVIDES A FRAMEWORK FOR THE PROJECTS AND EVENTS ORGANIZED IN GREECE AND AROUND THE WORLD

pass on from generation to generation.

As the President of the “Greece 2021” Committee, Ambassador-at-large Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, has said “this landmark bicentennial anniversary of the Revolution is our opportunity and our goal to reintroduce Greece to us Greeks and the rest of the world.

To show what Greece truly is: a modern state, democratic and contemporary, a country that imposes no discriminations or exclusions, an integral part of the Europe that we always illuminated and by which we were illuminated in return”. Her words perfectly capture the rationale and the mandate of the Committee and the essence of this bicentennial, which are to respect our history, honour our people and their achievements, build upon- and invest in the potential of Greece, and outline the future.  Visit the Committee’s website at www.greece2021.gr/en/ All events can be found at the interactive online calendar at www.greece2021.gr/en/ map-of-actions-and-events The Numismatic Programme is available at https://shop.greece2021.gr/en/

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The 14 coins of the “Greece 2021” Committee’s Numismatic Programme depicting the first two coins of the Greek State; the Greek State's expansions and the personalities associated with each Greek region; and the evolution of the Greek flag.

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in Greece, Greek Missions abroad, Diaspora organisations and many other entities and individuals, in order to grant its auspices and its support to materialize as many of those proposals as possible, with a strong focus on projects that invest in Greece’s potential and leave a legacy for the future.

Many of those projects use this bicentennial as an opportunity to reintroduce contemporary Greece to the world, building upon the dynamics of Greeks in Greece and abroad. At the same time, they discuss the country’s past, present, and future in terms of education, technology, science, economy, and culture. Special mention should be made of the International Forum "Greece in 2040", one of the Committee’s own initiatives. Within the context of the Forum, the Committee invited the Greek society, the country's scientific force, and renowned personalities to assess the trends and challenges Greece will face in the next 20 years. They will attempt to outline the country’s path towards the future and document it in detail in a "White Paper," which will be a helpful tool accessible to all.

The "Greece 2021" Committee's primary objectives have been not only to honour the bicentennial of the Greek Revolution, but also to respond to the needs and expectations of Greek society, as shaped by the current circumstances. Fully aware of the challenges imposed by the worldwide battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee assisted the Greek State’s effort to strengthen the National Health System, by donating 18 intensive care beds, and by funding the research of the Hematology Clinic of "Papanikolaou" Hospital in Thessaloniki for the development of an innovative anti-coronavirus drug.

Additionally, with a sense of responsibility, the "Greece 2021" Committee’s Executive Board decided to participate in the effort to restore the fire-stricken areas of Greece through the Numismatic Programme. All proceeds generated by the Programme, as of August 23rd until the end of the Programme, will be allocated exclusively to the financing of measures aimed at healing the wounds left in Greece by the devastating August 2021 fires.

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INCREASING OF OUR FOOTPRINT IN SERBIA AND IN WESTERN BALKANS We remain strongly oriented in the metal recycling sector, whereas our business interest extends to include other special waste streams, like WEEE (Waste of Electronic and Electric Equipment) and ELVs (End of Life Vehicles)

IOSIF VANGELATOS General Manager of Inos Balkan

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e spoke with Mr. Iosif Vangelatos, General Manager of Inos Balkan about development of principles of circular economy, contribution of business sector to it, and about contribution od Inos Balkan to recycling industry in Serbia.

It seems that circular economic principles are dictating future business models. How business sector can contribute to the development of the local recycling industry?

— Indeed the circular economy principals are a key element for our efforts to

tackle the complex challenges of climate change, pollution and the conservation of the biodiversity of the planet. Circular economy business model is replacing the traditional linear business model, by emphasizing on the principals of reuse, repair, and recycling. Products

TRADITION

Inos Balkan, established back in 1951 has a long lasting tradition in recycling of secondary raw materials, serving the local and the international industry

must have an extended life cycle and their design should facilitate reuse and recycling. Valuable resources, as well as energy can be recovered at the end of the life cycle of a product. Local recycling business should play and is playing a vital role. Legal framework and financial tools are established and green entrepreneurship is leading the way.

Inos Balkan is among the five biggest companies engaged in the local recycling industry. Could you tell us more about company`s portfolio of recycling activities?

— Inos Balkan, established back in 1951 has a long lasting tradition in recycling of secondary raw materials, serving the local and the international industry. Today and as member of one of the big-

How would you rate situation in Serbia when we are speaking about alignment with the EU’s principal directives on waste management and implementation?

— The European Council granted Serbia the status of candidate country in 2012. This was a certain milestone on the country's path to a better future, with political, social and economic stability. I do not like the term “negotiation chapter“, which is widely used when referring to the thirty five different steps that the country should make in order to achieve integration to the EU family. I prefer to describe it as preparation. Private and public sector, citizens of Serbia, the country in total, must be ready to live, compete

and excel within a different political, economic and social environment.

Though recognized as priority by the Serbian government, there is only a slight progress in terms of chapter 27.

Under new leadership the ministry of Environmental Protection is gaining momentum when it comes to strategy formation and strategy deployment,

RESPONSIBILITY

Our response to the Covid-19 pandemic was in two directions. We tried to protect all our human resources as well as to secure business continuity and is rapidly making up for the delays of previous years. The very issue of implementing regulations and implementation control, as well as the simplification of the licensing processes remains a major challenge.

How is your organization dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic? What are your predictions for the next period?

— Our response to the Covid-19 pandemic was in two directions. We tried to protect all our human resources, as well as to secure business continuity. We managed since the very beginning of the pandemic and for all our office employees to work from home and on the same time we adopted all protective measures that the WHO and the Serbian government had proposed. Finally yet importantly, we provided our employees with a financial incentive in order to increase the percentage of employees who are getting the vaccine. On the other hand, we worked closely with all our partners (suppliers, customers and service providers) and we have achieved not only to secure the flow of raw materials towards our customers but also to increase it. Covid-19 pandemic is a certain challenge for people and companies. But it seems, as the economies arround the globe are revibing, that we have a chance to come out stronger. 

CORPORATE

gest industrial groups in southeast Europe, we are in position to increase our footprint in Serbia and in Western Balkans region. We remain strongly oriented in the metal recycling sector, whereas our business interest extends to include other special waste streams, like WEEE (Waste of Electronic and Electric Equipment) and ELVs (End of Life Vehicles).

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INTERVIEW

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GREECE IS AN IMPORTANT ECONOMIC PARTNER OF SERBIA FANINA KOVAČEVIĆ - POPAZ

Executive Officer of the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia

Greek companies have been present in almost all business sectors for more than two decades

most all business sectors in the country for more than two decades. They are especially active in the hotel sector, industry, construction, oil trade, tourism, telecommunications, food and beverage retail, banking, etc. Furthermore, Greece strongly supports Serbia on its path to EU membership. Every year, almost a million Serbian tourists visit Greece, while Belgrade is especially popular with Greeks. Cooperation between our countries in the field of science and education, as well as in culture, is also important. We should also add to that the great humanitarian support that countries provide to each other. In addition, Serbs and Greeks are bound by a strong friendship that they have built in direct contact throughout their common history.

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GREECE STRONGLY SUPPORTS SERBIA ON ITS PATH TO EU MEMBERSHIP

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hroughout history, Serbs and Greeks have had a strong friendship, which is reflected in the good economic relations between the two countries. We talked with Fanina Kovačević Popaz, the Executive Officer of the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia, about the Greek investments in Serbia, as well as the work of the Hellenic Business Association here.

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How important is the cooperation between our two countries in each segment?

Traditionally excellent relations between the two countries at all levels have contributed to the arrival of a large number of Greek companies in Serbia. Greece is an important economic partner of Serbia, and Greek companies have been operating in al-

What were the challenges this year in terms of organizing offline and online events and member gatherings?

The challenges we faced after the outbreak of the pandemic were primarily related to the change in the focus of our work, from the organization of traditional events to the heightened exchange of information, as well as the transition to the online mode of activity. Nevertheless, in a very short time, we have adapted to the new circum-

stances and responded to the needs of our members. We held webinars on current tax, customs, accounting and legal aspects of the business during the pandemic, we informed members about the course of the pandemic, its impact on regular business, as well as the border crossing regime between Serbia and Greece.

How important is a stable business environment for Greek investors who have been operating here for decades?

A predictable and stable business environment is a precondition for investments, it allows creating of realistic plans and their practical implementation, both for Greek and other companies operating in the Serbian market. In recent years, the Government of Serbia has made significant steps towards creating a stable platform for the country’s economic development and a stimulating investment environment. Serbia is a crossroads of the Balkans, and the free trade agreements that are signed with various countries, allow investors access to numerous markets, both within and outside the EU. Besides that, Serbia’s tax regulation and flexible legal framework are both favorable for businesses. Further connecting the region through the initiative to form a single regional market in the Western Balkans will bring additional benefits and stability.

What are the biggest similarities between the Greeks and Serbs?

IN A VERY SHORT TIME, WE HAVE ADAPTED TO THE NEW CIRCUMSTANCES AND RESPONDED TO THE NEEDS OF OUR MEMBER What economic challenges have Greek companies in Serbia been facing due to the global crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and what will the recovery from this crisis look like?

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global recession. There are many challenges that the business world has faced in the previous period - higher costs due to reduced business revenues, lower demand for goods and services, but also hampered supply chains. The services sector, especially hospitality and tourism, are facing the biggest challenges when it comes to Greek companies operating in Serbia.

The Government's measures to support businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, proved to be very useful, and most of our members used this type of assistance. On the other hand, uncertainty is the big-

gest challenge for many sectors. The introduction of new work formats, an accelerated digitalization and coordinated cooperation between the private and state sectors would significantly contribute to further recovery.

Which organizations and institutions does the HBA cooperate with the most in Serbia and which projects are planned for the next period?

We are very glad that we have been cooperating with almost all similar associations and chambers for many years, with which we have organized numerous joint events and launched initiatives. This year, in cooperation with four other associations, we published a new edition of Member2Member, which aims to support business in Serbia during the Covid-19 pandemic, but also to promote products and services of member companies in the wider business community in the country. In May, we had an online working meeting with members of five bilateral chambers with the representatives of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Serbia and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, titled "Macroeconomic trends in the economy of the Republic of Serbia in the context of COVID-19". Furthermore, the fourth International Networking Cocktail was recently held, which traditionally brought together a large number of members of 11 bilateral chambers, who participated in the organization of this event. In the coming period, we plan to continue our online activities aimed at further networking between our members. The first such event is the 6th Greek Family Weekend on the Kopaonik Mountain - a three-day trip to meet and develop connections between members and their families. 

MEMBER2MEMBER

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This year, in cooperation with four other associations, we published a new edition of Member2Member, which aims to support business in Serbia during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Photo: Indypendenz / Shutterstock

The similarities and ties between Serbs and Greeks have been shaped throughout history, due to geographical proximity, and similarities in culture and history. Byzantine heritage, music, and

gastronomy are elements of our common cultural tradition. There are many similarities in the mentality too, and one of them is definitely hospitality.

Both nations have a deep-rooted tradition where guests have special treatment, while cordiality and good mood are the main characteristics of the host. Both Serbs and Greeks are keen to preserve their tradition and resolutely pass it on to new generations.

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CORPORATE

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HERTZ: TOP QUALITY SERVICES COMBINED IN A WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS Our absolute value is respect for the client. We offer rental of different models of vehicles for a period of few hours to several years, satisfying clients’ needs and fulfilling their wishes ity of services we offer and to expand our portfolio from year to year.

DIMITRIOS ANTONIOU General Manager of HERTZ Autotechnica Serbia d.o.o.

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What kind of vehicles do you have on offer and where are your branches located?

— The Head Office is located in Novi Beograd, at 31, Omladinskih Brigada Street.

Our two Airport desks are placed in the two international Airports of the country, Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade and Constantine the Great Airport in Niš. Nevertheless, in terms of availability of Services, our presence is all over the country in a 24/7 basis.

LEADING PLACES

e spoke with Dimitrios Antoniou, General Manager of HERTZ, Autotechnica Serbia, about the company’s operations in Serbia, which began in 2010, about the vehicles they rent out and plans for regarding operational activities and development for this year's edition of InFocus Greece.

We have managed in a quite short period to be placed in the leading places still we nonetheless continually strive to raise the quality of services we offer and to expand our portfolio from year to year

Hertz came to Serbia in 2010. How would you rate the company’s operations here?

— Hertz is, indeed, for more than 10 years present in Serbia, having launched our operations according to the highest standards as part of Autohellas Group.

We have managed in a quite short period of three or four years -and maintained for the following ones- to be placed in the leading places both in Short and in Long term Rentals. Still, representing a global brand and probably the world’s No.1 brand in this industry we nonetheless continually strive to raise the qual-

Our fleet consists of all kinds of vehicles, meeting clients needs and satisfying their wishes. From mini and economy or small light commercial vehicles, to large spacious sedans and SUVs – manual or automatic – depending on the use or lifestyle. We also offer luxury fleet and we have strongly invested in Green technology with hybrid and full electrics.

What do your services and programs cover?

— We have a very wide range of services, offering rentals of different models

of vehicles for a period of few hours to several years. More specifically, we offer short-term rentals for either leisure or business purposes, and long-term rentals widely known as Operating Leasing or Fleet Management. Seeing through customers needs for more flexibility and less commitment we have launched our Service Flex Drive by Hertz, a product that combines both long- and short-term rentals without commitments, allowing the customer the freedom to build the terms exactly as per their wishes. Additionally, we provide Chauffeur Service to the utter enjoyment of our clients meeting their business or luxury needs.

Considering that you have already achieved great success, what are your plans for your business?

— Following a Covid-19 pandemic year -still not ended- and experiencing a wide crisis in the Vehicles production globally, it would be wise to be very careful when talking about plans. Nevertheless, it is not the first time that we have faced challenges with success. This is the heritage that we have from Autohellas. We need to take care of the car first and foremost; to look after it during its whole life circle in the company. But most importantly the absolute value is respect for the client. Clients trust the very person they directly interact with. That is exactly where we offer our services by taking care of the customer needs in a “tailor made” way.

Having these as pillars of behavior, we are looking forward to achieving all our strategic goals and targets, succeeding growth and profit but at the end of the day to continue doing what we are delighted to do in Hertz: offer Rental Services which overcome our clients’ expectations. 

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CORPORATE

25 YEARS OF SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS Nurturing good relations with customers is the key to our success and continuity for more than two decades

GEORGIOS KALAITZAKIS Owner and founder of Minoan Binding Laminating

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PLANS

After the completion of the new business facility, the MBL Company will operate in two locations and have business and exhibition space spanning over 2,000 square metres at its disposal

If a company wants to survive in the market, it has to follow trends and innovate its offer. What novelties in your services and product range do you offer?

— We try to follow the trends and introduce novelties in our offer of machines and by following various trade fairs. Our machines have applications in many industries - from fashion and food to heavy industry. This is exactly what we are proud of when it comes to innovating our offer - we have boldly entered the hi-tech and heavy industry.

You started building a new facility. How far along are you in construction and what will this facility look like?

— Over time, as we expanded the range of machines and our capacity, we started to need a bigger exhibition space. That is why we have invested in the construction of a new facility, which is currently in its final phase. The final works are in progress, so we expect to move in soon.

After the completion of the new business facility, the MBL Company will operate in two locations and have business and exhibition space spanning over 2,000 square metres at its disposal.

The large warehouse and exhibition space will facilitate our business a lot, because we will be able to respond to market demand at any time when it comes to top-notch laser engraving and cutting machines. 

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The coronavirus pandemic has been going on for a long time now. How is your company doing in these new circumstances?

— For more than a year, the coronavirus has been a number one topic in the world. It seems to me that we are

You have been operating in Serbia for almost 25 years. What are you especially proud of when it comes to your company?

— We have been in business for more than two decades and we have regular customers who always come back to us.

In addition to constantly investing in the company's business, nurturing a professional relationship with our customers

is the key to our success and the company’s continuity for over two decades.

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eorgios Kalaitzakis is the owner and founder of Minoan Binding Laminating, a company that marks 25 years of successful operations in Serbia next year.

After completing his studies in Belgrade, Mr Kalaitzakis decided to stay in Serbia where he founded a company that has been providing services related to sales and servicing of high-quality laser machines for cutting and engraving various materials for over two decades under its widely recognized brand MBL. He is a longtime member of the Hellenic Business Association and an excellent example of Greek perseverance, which is no coincidence, given his Cretan roots. Mr Kalaitzakis successfully helms a company that is a leader in the market of graphic equipment in Serbia and the region.

In his interview for the InFocus Greece edition, he talks about the company’s operations, challenges and plans for the upcoming period.

all used to it now and accepted it as an everyday occurrence. This is exactly the situation with us when it comes to our business. We operate normally and we try to better every day. Every crisis, even the one caused by the coronavirus, caused everything to stop at one point. However, we did not allow it to completely disturb us. We quickly adapted to the new situation, accepted it as a challenge and realized that we must use the new circumstances for further growth and improvement.

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Greece invests mostly in banking, energy, real estate, hospitality industry, cement production, and many other segments

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ilateral relations between the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Greece are very developed and meaningful, accompanied by an intensive and continuous political dialogue. Relations were improved and raised to a higher level in 2019, when the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between the two countries was signed in Athens. Greece is one of the largest investors in Serbia, and the economic branches in

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which Greek companies operate include banking, energy, real estate, ho-

tel management, cement production, and quite a few others.

IN 2020, SERBIA EXPORTED GOODS WORTH 180.2 MILLION EUROS TO GREECE, WHICH IS 2.8% LESS THAN IN 2019

EXPORT FROM SERBIA TO GREECE According to the data collated by State Bureau of Statistics, in 2020, Serbia exported goods worth 180.2 million euros to Greece, which is 2.8 percent less than in 2019. In the first seven months of this year, the value of exported goods increased by 20.5 percent and totaled 135.4 million euros. In 2020, Greece ranked 26th on the list of

Photo: Alfie Sta / Pexels

COOPERATION

GREECE IS ONE OF THE LARGEST INVESTORS IN SERBIA

countries that Serbia exports mostly to, with a share of 1.1 percent in total exports, while in the first seven months of 2021, it ranked 25th with unchaged share in total Serbian exports.

GREEK EXPORTS TO SERBIA In 2020, imports from Greece amounted to 299.5 million euros, which is 3.4% higher relative to 2019.

According to the data collated by the State Bureau of Statistics, in the first seven months of the current year, imports from Greece amounted to 222.6 million euros, which is also 24.3 percent more compared to the same period last year. In terms of the countries the Republic of Serbia imports the most from, Greece ranks 22nd, with a share of 1.3 percent in total imports, while in 2021, it ranks 21st with a share of 1.4 percent in total Serbian imports.

GREEK INVESTMENTS IN SERBIA Beginning in 2014, the National Bank of Serbia (NBS), in accordance with IMF guidelines and as part of accession to the European Union, changed the methodology for calculating foreign direct investments and in line with the new methodology, net foreign direct investments are calculated as the difference between net assets (inflows and outflows from residents 'investments abroad) and net

liabilities (inflows and outflows from residents' investments in Serbia) and include investments in money, goods, debt-to-equity conversion, intercompany loans and reinvested earnings.

Since the calculation methodologies for the period up to the end of 2009 and from the beginning of 2010 differ, only data for the period from 2010 are available. The NBS is work-

IN 2020, IMPORTS FROM GREECE AMOUNTED TO 299.5 MILLION EUROS, WHICH IS 3.4% HIGHER RELATIVE TO 2019 ing on the calculation of data for the period until 2010 retroactively, in line with the new methodology, and as soon as these data are available, they will be included in economic cooperation overviews. According to the available data from the NBS for the period from 2010 to March 2021, in the total amount, Greek residents in the Republic of Serbia made 166.8 million euro worth of investments. Large outflows, which have the biggest ef-

fect the final amount, were recorded in 2012 and 2017.

THE LARGEST INVESTMENTS OF GREEK COMPANIES IN SERBIA The largest investments of Greek companies in Serbia have been made in the financial sector, construction industry, energy industry, tourism and catering, retail, metal-processing and automotive industry and machinery and equipment. The biggest Greekinvestors in Serbia include Eurobank, Titan Cement, Hellenic Petroleum, Grand Casino, Greek Hotels, Veropoulos, Lampsa Hellenic Hotels, Alumil Milonas, InHotel, Autostop Interiors, KLEEMANN Lifts Serbia and ISOMAT. These data were obtained from the records of the Development Agency of Serbia (RAS), which are compiled according to the country of origin of the investing company, based on RAS research on foreign direct investments (FDI) by companies and reports of the companies themselves on the amount of investment. Due to the lack of legal regulations regarding companies reporting on the amount of investment, the data can only be taken as indicative values. In this regard, and for the reasons stated, RAS records do not include investments of all companies, as well as all investments by individual companies. 

OVERVIEW OF EXPORTS AND IMPORTS FROM 2012 TO JULY 2021 Greece – External trade

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Import (in mill. EUR)

Trade balance (in mill. EUR) Source: RAS

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Export (in mill. EUR)

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EDUCATION

“STUDY IN GREECE” Recognizing that the role of education must be reconceptualised to respond to contemporary issues in an interconnected world, the Greek state has decided to boost the internationalization of Greek Higher Education eing the official project for the internationalization and extroversion of Greek Universities, Study in Greece constitutes an important expression of Greece’s commitment to catalyze the development of forward-looking Higher Education.

The action operates under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs – supported by the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy – the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs - supported by the General Secretariat of Higher Education - and the Ministry of Tourism.

The SiG portal is the official Gateway to the Greek Academic World as it serves as a “one stop point” for the provision of information concerning study opportunities and everyday life in Greece. Furthermore, SiG action facilitates the networking between Greek and international academics and researchers through the organization of various events such as Study Abroad Programs, Summer/ Winter Schools, workshops, conferences, etc. SiG also aspires to become the point of reference for the Greeks of the diaspora.

It should be pointed out that 19 public universities around Greece offer about 140 international Master’s programs -taught in foreign languages (mainly English)-, a number that continuously increases. These programs

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provide international students with the opportunity to choose between a broad range of disciplines – from theoretical fields such as archaeology and classics to scientific fields such as medicine, biology, physics and ecology as well as technology disciplines like IT, computer science, engineering and telecommunications, among others.

THE SIG PORTAL IS THE OFFICIAL GATEWAY TO THE GREEK ACADEMIC WORLD AS IT SERVES AS A “ONE STOP POINT” FOR THE PROVISION OF INFORMATION In addition, following the creation of a modern and innovative legislative framework at the end of 2019, Undergraduate programs for international students are already available, while more are under design and will be available soon.

All these initiatives and study options, reflecting a spirit of modernization, signal the transition of the Greek academic world to a new era of innovation and openness.

There are several reasons why to

Study and Live in Greece. The quality of Greek universities is very high and they are continuously ranked among the best in Europe. According to the prestigious Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2022, 10 Greek universities are included in the list of top 1000 universities internationally. Greek Universities invest in innovation and offer various programs related to the contemporary technological environment. Academic life in Greece is very rich and a wide variety of academic and cultural events take place every year. Moreover, housing in Greece is affordable, and the robust Greek healthcare system ensures that all people receive high quality care. Last but not least, studying in Greece offers high quality standard of living and fantastic opportunities in free time: exploring the Greek mainland and the islands, enjoying cultural excursions to ancient sites and monuments all over the country with 260 sunny days per year, living cultural traditions preserved for centuries, tasting the exceptional Greek food and initiating into the authentic Mediterranean diet. Studying in Greece can be a life-changing experience!  Source: https://studyingreece.edu.gr/ Read also “Study in Greece Master’s of the Week”: https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/ interviews/innovative-greece-2

ENGLISH TAUGHT UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

efit from well-coordinated and wisely embedded "local elements".

The AUTH School of Medicine - one of the most prestigious medical institutions in Greece - was founded in 1942 and is the largest School of AUTH. It accounts more than 30.000 graduates, some of them with a great impact on science and humanity. Its human resources are of high quality, with faculty members who dedicated years to postgraduate education and professional training abroad, and who continuously produce a high-level scientific and clinical workload.

More information: https://aristotlemedical.edu.gr/

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More information: https://baag.uoa.gr/ Source: https://studyingreece.edu.gr/

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MEDICAL DEGREE BY THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE OF ARISTOTLE UNIVERSITY OF THESSALONIKI Study Medicine in the country where the field originated in the first place, in the land of Hippocrates and Aristotle!

The School of Medicine of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) is one of the largest universities in the country and is hosting the most prominent School of Medicine which offers a 6-year Medical Degree in English. This program is the result of collaboration between Greek and international research centres, and as such, it offers innovative learning experiences in medicine. Combining scientific thought and medical practice, the program’s philosophy places core emphasis on human resources, and focuses on the liberation of students’ creativity by transforming the School into a structure where students’ and teachers’ intelligence and talents are expressed.

It is ideal for international students who want to study Medicine in the place of its origin, as the echo of Ancient Greek pioneers of the field will inspire and guide the young ones who envision a bright career. As demonstrated in this case, a specialised professional program that builds on global experiences and collaborations and targets international students can ben-

BA PROGRAM IN ARCHAEOLOGY, HISTORY AND LITERATURE OF ANCIENT GREECE A 4-year BA program taught in English, devoted to the study of Greek Antiquity, providing foreign students the chance to delve into the world of classical wisdom, in its birthplace!

The program is offered by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (based in its School of Philosophy), in collaboration with the International Hellenic University. It includes courses in Greek archaeology, ancient Greek history and literature, as well as a number of classes in Modern Greek, offered free of charge to all students during the first year of their studies.

Aimed at cultivating international citizens, it offers students from all over the world a unique opportunity to study the culture of ancient Greece while acquiring first-hand knowledge of some of Greece’s most important archaeological monuments and sites.

Importantly, it builds on the university's academic excellence in Greek Antiquity, complemented by broader learning opportunities through exposure to Greece's most important historical sites, artefacts, and resources.

Such an approach not only enriches the curriculum but also helps to create a holistic and balanced learning experience.

With an academic tradition of more than 180 years, the two collaborating Institutions guarantee a high quality undergraduate program, based on experiential learning and offering both the systematic disciplinary knowledge and critical and creative thinking skills. The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows students to think both critically and imaginatively, write well-structured essays, as well as interpret complex sets of ideas and data. 

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PORTRAIT

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SHE HOLDS THE TITLE: LA DIVINA Maria Callas was one of the most accomplished of musicians, and not only among singers. Everything she did had purpose and precision. The respect she earned among instrumental musicians and conductors for her ability to bring a musical score to life has no parallel

he is mostly called La Divina and she has been awarded as the greatest opera singer in the world.

Maria Callas was born in 1923 in New York to Greek parents. In 1937, her family moved to Athens and she attended music courses in the Conservatory of Athens. Soon, her teachers appreciated her warm and heavy voice.

After some performances in the Greek National Opera, she moved to Italy and started to perform in La Scala di Milan. Her career reached its peak in the 1950s and then it decreased, either from a vocal decline or because she wanted to focus on her personal life, which was marked by an unlucky marriage, a devastating affair to Greek ship owner Aristotle Onassis and loneliness.

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IS MARIA CALLAS THE BEST OPERA SINGER EVER? She was certainly one of the greats.

There was also more than one Callas.

There was fat Callas who was one of the supreme coloratura sopranos of all time including heart stoppingly huge notes above high C, who could sing Wagner and turn around and sing Bellini within days. She was certainly one of the two or three greatest interpreters of music ever. To many ears she did not possess the most beauti-

ful voices around, and after she lost 80 pounds this became more and more the case. On the other hand, after she lost weight she became a much more

MARIA CALLAS HAD EVERYTHING: LOOKS, TEMPERAMENT, PLUS A CHARISMA, AND A GIRLISH, SHY QUALITY THAT CAME THROUGH THE TIGRESS vivid actress... certainly one of the most supreme actresses to ever be on stage. There were four roles she totally owned.... more so than anyone else: Tosca, Norma, Armida and Medea.

Maria Callas probably brought more to opera than any other singer ever did.

Her dedication alone to perfection and hard work is a signature to her commitment to the art.

THE CALLAS SOUND Callas's voice was and remains controversial; it bothered and disturbed as many as it thrilled and inspired. Walter Legge stated that Callas possessed that most essential ingredient for a great singer: an instantly recognizable voice. Callas's voice has been difficult to place in the modern vocal classification or Fach system, especially since in her prime, her repertoire contained the heaviest dramatic soprano roles as well as roles usually undertaken by the highest, lightest and most agile coloratura sopranos. Was she blessed with the most beautiful set of pipes?

Even she herself will tell you "no".

But as anyone who knows the first thing about opera will tell you, there is much more to opera than a beautiful voice. And Callas had everything else, looks, temperament, plus a charisma, and a girlish, shy quality that came through the tigress. She exuded a sadness and loneliness as well.

Maria Callas was unique. There will never be another like La Divina. She holds the title. 

ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITIES OF HBA IN THE LAST YEAR clauses. The Congress Rental Company was in charge of the technical realization of the webinar, which was held in a virtual environment from a fully equipped studio for online events.

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General Assembly of the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia

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ONLINE SPEED BUSINESS MEETING In October 2020, a tetrateral Online Speed Business Meeting was organized by the Slovenian Business Club (SBC), the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia (HBA), the Dutch-Serbian Business Association (HSPA) and the BNI Serbia Company. The event was attended by more than 50 companies, members of the organizers, to facilitate a direct meeting and improve cooperation between the four business organizations.

The online panel discussion called "Gender Perspective from the Employer's Perspective", organized by the Ana and Vlade Divac Foundation, the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia, the Belgian-Serbian Business Association and the Croatian Business Club was held in October 2020. The panel’s goal was to discuss employers’ gender perspectives and how to reach a balance between work and private life.

The panel took place under the auspices of the Improving Gender Equality in Serbia project.

5TH GREEK FAMILY WEEKEND ON THE KOPAONIK MOUNTAIN The traditional event called the Greek Family Weekend on the Kopaonik, organized by the Junior Hotel and the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia, took place from October 16 to 18, 2020. This unique three-day trip, which aim was for the members of the Greek community and their families to meet and establish a closer contact, accompanied by relaxation, entertainment, family sports and live Greek music, was held for the fifth consecutive year and was attended by representatives of the HBA’s member companies and friends.

BUSINESS AND LEGAL ENVIRONMENT DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC In cooperation with its member companies, Rokas International Law Firm and Congress Rental, the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia held a webinar entitled "Business and legal environment during COVID-19 pandemic". Representatives of the law firm Rokas - Vuk Stanković, Aleksandar Mladenović and Mirjana Mladenović – spoke to member companies about the legal environment, covering topics like rights and obligations of employers and employees during the pandemic, the impact of Covid-19 on financial operations concerning the NBS moratorium (on payment of loans) and the impact of Covid-19 on project completion times and force majeure

THE GENDER PERSPECTIVE FROM THE EMPLOYER'S POINT OF VIEW PANEL DISCUSSION

THE CUTTING OF VASILOPITA EVENT HELD ONLINE On March 23, 2021, the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia held the 18th traditional cutting of Vasilopita event, which was organized in an online format for the first time. This event is a continuation of online activities, following the Association’s initiative to adapt the cutting of Vasilopita tradition to the current working conditions. In his introductory address, the President of the HBA, Mr Stylianos Zakof, said that the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia was always available to its members for all kinds of help and support, especially today when “it is very important that representatives of the Greek business community selflessly support each other”. In the continuation of the event, there was the traditional award ceremony with recognitions given to companies that have been members of the HBA for 10 years. This year’s awards went to Chipita and Kleeman. Move One Relocations has been nominated for this year's "lucky member" that will receive the Vasilopita gold coin in an alternative way – via a raffle.

MEETING WITH THE GREEK DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER As part of the official visit of the Greek Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, to Belgrade and his participation in the joint meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Cyprus, Serbia and Greece, the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia’s Steering Board and HBA members met with the Deputy Foreign Minister, Kostas Fragogiannis and Secretary-General for International Economic Relations and Cooperation, Yannis Smyrlis. The meeting was held on April 5 at the Greek Embassy in Belgrade. One of the most important topics of con-

versation was about the challenges that Greek companies had been facing in Serbia, as well as the possibility of intervention by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs in solving them.

During the meetings, the latest developments in the Western Balkans were also discussed, as was the participation of Greek companies in the implementation of the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans in Serbia.

NEW PUBLICATION "MEMBER TO MEMBER" With the view of supporting businesses in Serbia during the Covid-19 pandemic and promoting products and services of member companies in the wider business community in the country, the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia, Slovenian Business Club, Swiss-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Croatian Business Club and Belgian-Serbian Business Association, joined forces and launched a joint publication. This year's edition contains special offers and discounts for 60 companies, classified in thirty-five sectors, which can be used by all members of the aforementioned chambers and associations from May 2021 to November 2021.

DIALOGUE BETWEEN BUSINESSES AND STATE - ΟNLINE WORKING MEETING OF FIVE BILATERAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS WITH THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF SERBIA In May 20212, an online working meeting was held with member companies of five bilateral business associations in Serbia - the Swiss-Serbian Chamber of Commerce (SSCC), the

Hellenic Business Association, the Croatian Business Club (CBC), the Slovenian Business Club (SBC) and the Belgian -Serbian Business Associations – with the representatives of the Republic of Serbia’s Ministry of Finance of and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS).

At the meeting titled "Macroeconomic trends in the economy of the Republic of Serbia in the context of COVID-19", the participants were addressed by Ognjen Popović, Acting Assistant Minister of Finance in the Government of the Republic of Serbia, and Mihailo Vesović, Director of the Strategic Analysis, Services and Internationalization Sector at the CCIS who presented the current and expected trends in the domestic economy.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE HELLENIC BUSINESS ASSOCIATION OF SERBIA In June 2021, the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia held its annual General Assembly at the Hyatt Regency Belgrade. This event represents the Association’s first live event after the outbreak of the pandemic which received a warm welcome from the members. At the assembly meeting, member companies approved the 2020 financial report and the report compiled by the Board of Directors covering the period from July 2020 to May 2021. In the continuation of the evening, a cocktail reception was held which provided the opportunity to further boost business and social ties through networking.

SUMMER MEETING OF MEMBERS In June 2021, the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia hosted a dinner for

its members, in the pleasant atmosphere of the Mezestoran Dvorište restaurant. The members gathered before the summer holidays and enjoyed themselves in the informal atmosphere which also provided them with an excellent networking opportunity.

INTERNATIONAL NETWORKING COCKTAIL HELD On September 16, 2021, the 4th International Networking Cocktail was held, a unique event that brings together members of bilateral business associations in Serbia.

This year's International Networking Cocktail was attended by representatives of member companies of 11 bilateral business associations, namely the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia, the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, the Italian-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, the Slovenian Business Club, the Croatian Business Club, the Swiss Business Club, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, the Japanese Business Alliance in Serbia, the Dutch-Serbian Business Association, the Canadian-Serbian Business Association and the Belgian-Serbian Business Association.

Representatives of bilateral business associations welcomed more than 300 guests in the beautiful ambience of the Metropol Palace Hotel, and the goal was to introduce as many member companies as possible to potential future partners and associates.

This joint action of the chambers is just one of the events that aim to boost the Serbian economy through networking and connecting domestic and foreign companies. 

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Summer meeting of members

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The cutting of Vasilopita event held online

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CULTURE

CINEMA OF GREECE Cinema first appeared in Greece in 1896 but the first actual cine-theatre was opened in 1907 he cinema of Greece has a long and rich history.

Though hampered at times by war or political instability, the Greek film industry dominates the domestic market and has experienced international success.

Characteristics of Greek cinema include a dynamic plot, strong character development and erotic themes.

Two Greek films, Missing (1982) and Eternity and a Day (1998), have won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Five Greek films have received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

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HISTORY Cinema first appeared in Greece in 1896 but the first actual cine-theatre was opened in 1907. In 1914 the Asty Films Company was founded and the production of long films begun. Golfo

(Γκόλφω), a well known traditional love story, is the first Greek long movie, although there were several minor productions such as newscasts before this. In 1931, Orestis Laskos directed Daphnis and Chloe (Δάφνις και Χλόη), contained the first nude scene in the history of European cinema; it was also the first Greek movie which was played abroad. In 1944 Katina Paxinou was honoured with the Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for For Whom the Bell Tolls.

FAMOUS NAMES The 1950s and early 1960s are considered by many as the Golden age of Greek cinema. Directors and actors of this era were recognized as important historical figures in Greece and some gained international acclaim: Mihalis Kakogiannis, Alekos Sakellarios, Melina Mercouri, Nikos Tsiforos, Iakovos Kambanelis, Katina Paxinou, Nikos Koundouros, Ellie Lambeti, Irene Papas, etc. More than sixty films per year were made, with the majority having film noir elements.

THE 1950S AND EARLY 1960S ARE CONSIDERED

BY MANY AS THE GOLDEN AGE OF GREEK CINEMA

NOTABLE FILMS There were many notable movies, such as The Counterfeit Coin (Η κάλπικη λίρα, 1955, directed by Giorgos Tzavellas), Bitter Bread (Πικρό Ψωμί, 1951, directed by Grigoris Grigoriou), The Ogre of Athens (O Drakos, 1956, directed by Nikos Koundouros), Stella

(1955, directed by Cacoyannis and written by Kampanellis). Cacoyannis also directed Zorba the Greek with Anthony Quinn which received Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Film nominations. Finos Film also contributed to this period with movies such as Λατέρνα, Φτώχεια και Φιλότιμο, The Auntie from Chicago (Η Θεία από το Σικάγο), Maiden's Cheek (Το ξύλο βγήκε από τον Παράδεισο), and many more. During the 1970s and 1980s Theo Angelopoulos directed a series of notable and appreciated movies. His film Eternity and a Day won the Palme d'Or and the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury at the 1998 Cannes Film Festival.

There were also internationally renowned filmmakers in the Greek

IN 1944 KATINA PAXINOU WAS HONOURED WITH THE BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS ACADEMY AWARD FOR FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS diaspora such as the Greek-American Elia Kazan.

GREEK WEIRD WAVE In the 1990s, younger Greek filmmakers began experimenting with iconographic motifs. In spite of, or

because of, funding issues created by the financial crisis in the late 2000s, unique Greek films such as Yorgos Lanthimos's Dogtooth (2009), Panos H. Koutras' Strella (2009) and Athina Rachel Tsangari's Attenberg (2010) received international acclaim, constituting what has been called the "Greek Weird Wave", which involves movies with haunting cinematography, alienated protagonists and absurdist dialogue. Other films mentioned as part of this "wave" include Panos H. Koutras's Strella (2009) and Yannis Economides's Knifer (2010).

In 2013, Miss Violence, directed by Alexandros Avranas won Silver Lion for best director at the 70th Venice International Film Festival. 

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It is impossible to discuss Greek cinema without bringing up the legend himself Theo Angelopoulos. While it is difficult to discuss only one of his works, it’s also easy to go straight to The Travelling Players as his magnum opus. An epic that weaves through time, space, consciousness, and reality, The Travelling Players is an ambitious exploration of history and culture in an extremely unconventional way. As aesthetically gorgeous as it is philosophically rich, The Travelling Players is a strong candidate for Greece’s finest film through and through.

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THE TRAVELLING PLAYERS

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The Customs and Traditions of a Typical Greek Wedding reek weddings are festive events with many traditions stemming from both the Greek Orthodox church and from ancient cultural superstitions.

Although traditions vary from one village to another, as well as from different regions and islands, there are a few aspects of a typical Greek wedding that are universal across the country. Many of these customs are steeped in ancient traditions that influence every last detail of the nuptials, from the engagement rings to the wedding ceremony and afterward.

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WILL YOU MARRY…MY FAMILY? If you have ever seen the film “My Big, Fat, Greek Wedding” you have a pretty good idea about how a Greek engagement goes. Traditionally, when Greek couples become engaged, they

do so in front of their entire family. Afterwards, there is a huge party and the families celebrate. Now don’t be confused when you see Greek couples wearing their wedding rings on their left hands as engagement rings and move those same rings to their right hands once married. This placement stems from the belief that the

ON THE DAY OF THE WEDDING, THE GROOM IS SHAVED BY HIS BEST MAN, OR “KOUMBARO” AS A SIGN OF TRUST BETWEEN THE TWO MEN

right hand is the hand that God blesses, the hand to which Christ ascended, and the direction to which those who inherit the earth will go.

SETTING THE DATE FOR A GREEK WEDDING There are several traditional times of year when you should not — or simply cannot — hold a wedding ceremony. Traditionally, the “forbidden” dates to get married revolve around religious holidays. For example, a couple wanting a summer wedding must account for the first two weeks in August that are completely devoted to celebrating the Virgin Mary. Also, Greeks do not get married during the forty days preceding Christmas, nor the entire period of Lent, the forty day period leading up to Easter. Some other holy days where weddings should not

Photo: Matej Kastelic / Shutterstock

TRADITION

MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING

MAKING THE MARITAL BED BEFORE A GREEK WEDDING The ritual is straightforward and doesn’t change much throughout the country, but has fallen out of fashion in many larger cities. It begins with the bride’s mother and grandmother covering the bed with flower petals, coins, and koufeta (Jordan almonds) to ensure love, prosperity, and fertility.

In some cases, a baby is rolled across the bed to guarantee fertility, and superstitions say that the gender of the couple’s first child is determined by the gender of the baby that is rolled across the bed.

READY, SET, SHAVE On the day of the wedding, the groom is shaved by his best man, or “koumbaro” as a sign of trust between the two men. Other traditions are that the groom’s friends help him get dressed by placing his jacket on him or buttoning his shirt, all symbolic gestures in playing a role to help him get ready for the big day. Sometimes they even place a piece of iron in the groom’s pocket to help ward off evil spirits — part of the ancient superstitions that continue even until today in Greece.

bolizing that the friends won’t be single for much longer and will soon be getting married themselves.

SUPERSTITIONS AND GOOD LUCK Greeks are always prepared to ward off the evil eye, which is believed to be a hex placed on you by someone else’s envy or jealousy. So how does the bride ward off the evil eye on this most important of all days? Simple.

She wears blue, or a charm of the eye, somewhere. Also, if someone compliments the bride’s dress, they must spit “ftoo” three times to ward off any negative forces that might be at work. In fact, it isn’t at all uncommon to hear a

TRADITIONS CONTINUE AFTER THE CEREMONY As a part of tradition, when the new bride first arrives at her in-laws’ home, she participates in a ritual known as the “sweetening of the bride”. This ritual varies from village to village and from different regions of Greece as well. Some brides will dip her fingers in honey then makes the sign of the cross in hopes of a good relationship with her mother-in-law. Other rituals consist of brides smashing a pomegranate at the doorway into the home, scattering the pomegranate’s seeds, symbolizing prosperity and fertility.  Source: www.greekreporter.com

GREEK WEDDING DOLLAR DANCE Once the wedding reception is in full swing, a traditional Greek wedding dollar dance will probably ensue. One of the many customs, this is a playful dance between the newlywed couple that is rewarded by guests tossing dollar bills onto the dance floor or pinning them onto the couple’s attire. It’s totally optional for guests and isn’t a substitute for wedding gifts, but rather a fun, symbolic way to congratulate the couple on their new marriage.

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Photo: Tim Turner / Shutterstock

A TRADITIONAL GREEK WEDDING CEREMONY FOLLOWS THE CEREMONIES AND RITUALS OF THE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

THE CEREMONY OF A TRADITIONAL GREEK WEDDING A traditional Greek wedding ceremony follows the ceremonies and rituals of the Greek Orthodox Church.

There are two golden crowns, or “stefana,” connected by a single strand of ribbon, which symbolizes the union of two people becoming one in marriage. At the heart of the ceremony, the koumbaros place the wedding crowns over the bride’s and groom’s heads after passing them over the couple’s heads three times to symbolize unity as well as the holy trinity.

After sipping wine from the same cup, the bride and groom are led around the altar table three times by the koumbaros as a Greek prayer is recited by the priest. Afterwards, in some more traditional villages, the priest offers the newly wed couple honey-dipped almonds. However, in modern times it is much more common to end a ceremony with guests throwing both rice and koufeta as the newlyweds leave the church.

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GETTING THE BRIDE READY The bride also has the help of her friends in getting ready. Her maid of honor, or “koumbara” is by her side throughout the entire ceremony. A tradition that is much cherished is the writing of the names of all of the brides’ single friends on the bottom of her wedding shoes. By the end of the evening, they will all get worn off, sym-

chorus of ‘ftoo, ftoo, ftoo!” as the bride glides down the isle.

Photo: Pedro Gutierrez / Shutterstock

be performed are August 29th, which marks the beheading of Saint John the Baptist, and September 14th, which is the celebration of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

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TOURISM

GREEK ISLANDS - A UNIQUE PHENOMENON Greek sovereign land includes 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, of which only 170 islands are inhabited. This is a truly unique phenomenon for the European continent

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he Greek Archipelago takes up 7,500 km of the country’s total 16,000 km coastline, offering a highly diversified landscape: beaches stretching over many kilometers, sheltered bays and coves, sandy beaches with sand-dunes, pebble beaches, coastal caves with steep rocks and dark colored sand typical of volcanic soil and coastal wetlands. There are six island groups to keep in mind: The Ionian Islands,

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The Cyclades, The Sporades, The Dodecanese, The Saronic Islands, The North Aegean Islands and the islands of Crete and Evia, the two largest Greek Islands. Each of these groups is distinct in character and architectural style.

IONIAN ISLANDS Zakynthos, Corfu, Ithaca, Kythera, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Paxi (or Paxos) Scattered off the western coastline of central Greece and to the

south of Peloponnese, gentle, fertile, mountainous and beautiful the Ionian Islands are an island group comprising large and small islands, facing Sicily in the Ionian Sea. Wetter off-season than the Aegean islands, and a shorter summer season – hence the greenery!

These are the islands to go to if you don’t like the wind. The calm water and sensational swimming attract the yachters. Some sandy beaches, mostly clear, pebbly coves and lime-

itories of most of Greece’s best preserved island traditions and deserve their iconic status. Mykonos and Santorini are the King and Queen of these islands. Photogenic, hip and picturesque. Late and early season are great here as the weather is calmer and there is enough life until late in the season for things to be open.

Mykonos is the internationally cosmopolitan island while Tinos, which is the opposite of it, is the religious pilgrimage island of the Virgin Mary.

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CYCLADES Mykonos, Tinos, Sifnos, Syros, Serifos, Paros, Antiparos, Santorini, Kea, Andros, Koufonisia, Milos, Naxos, Amorgos (Ios, Folegandros and others) The most famous island group

in the Aegean Sea comprises some of the most beautiful islands in the world! Gorgeous sandy beaches, architecture in white and blue, traditional lifestyle, folk music, warm, hospitable people and barren landscapes with isolated chapels turn a trip to the Cyclades into a lifetime experience.

These are the classic Greek islands of countless posters, films and postcards: White-washed villages, sugar-cube houses, blue domed churches, these islands are often the repos-

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stone cliffs and grottoes. Italianate villages with tiled roofs and pastel coloured houses framed with cypresses, olive groves and pine trees.

The best known Ionian islands are Corfu, Zakynthos and Kefallonia.

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Photo: john Ioannidis / Pixabay Photo: Dimitris Vetsikas / Pixabay Photo: Jon Hoefer / Pixabay

Skiathos

Santorini

Photo: Dimitris Vetsikas / Pixabay

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Corfu

Skopelos

SPORADES Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnissos & Skyros They are close to Volos and Pelion peninsula. Islands here are calm, green, with white houses with tiled roofs and wooden balconies. The major Sporades islands are Skiathos and Skopelos. Skiathos is very cosmopolitan. In addition, there are also several minor, uninhabited islands. The Sporades group increased in popularity because of the Mamma Mia movie. It was filmed in Skiathos, Skopelos and certain areas of Pelion.

Emerald waters and a salty sea breeze keep you company on the most carefree of yachting holidays. You’ll swim on the crest of silvery waves with dolphins as playmates, explore unspoilt beaches, discover a brand new passion for fishing, find the perfect spot in a calm, windless harbour and succumb to the ruby sunset, cocktail at hand. In Skopelos, you can kick back and relax, enjoy nature, and recharge. Alonissos is even more relaxing than Skopelos because fewer people go.

DODECANESE Agathonisi, Astypalaia, Chalki, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kastellorizo, Kos, Lipsi, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Rhodes, Symi, Tilos The island complex in south-eastern Aegean is the sunniest corner in Greece. Twelve large islands and numerous smaller ones with crystal clear waters, sandy or pebbly beaches, important archaeological finds, medieval monuments and unique traditional settlements are waiting to be discovered.

Closer to Turkey than Greece, these islands have a long and rich history, with traces from classical Greek times through Byzantium, the Crusaders, Venetians and Ottomans. These islands lie outside the main path of the “meltemi” wind, but still enjoy some stiff breezes. While some of the Dodecanese are popular and busy, others are quiet even in summer, and are ideal destinations if you want to relax. The most famous Dodecanese islands are Rhodes, Kos and Patmos. All in all, get ready for some fantastic landscapes, medieval castles, interesting monasteries and beautiful, quaint villages.

SARONIC/ARGOSARONIC Hydra, Spetses, Poros, Aegina, Porto Heli, Kilada, Salamina, Agistri The Peloponnese’s east shoreline and the islands dotting the Argolic & Saronic Gulf waters are popular tourist destinations in close proximity to Athens. Of all the Greek island groups, the Saronic islands are the closest to Athens. In fact, you can even reach them on a day trip from Piraeus. Although they are so close to each other, the Saronic islands are quite diverse. If you have very limited time in Greece, but definitely want to go to one or two Greek islands, the Saronic islands are a great option Spetses – is known as the Hamptons of Athens – easy to get to, greener and gentler than Hydra, it has always been a popular island for summer houses – relaxed but with a rather elegant social life. These islands can offer their visitors memorable experiences that include views of beautiful land & seascapes, impressive archaeological sites, museums, stately homes, picturesque villages and wonderful beaches.

Photo: Greens and Blues / Shutterstock

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Evia Island

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Zakynthos

Photo: Dimitris Mourousiadis / Pexels

EVIA ISLAND Evia (or Euboea) is the second-largest island of Greece after Crete. Its name means “the land where oxen live well” and it is mentioned several times in different contexts in the works and legends of Ancient Greeks. It is also the one island you can drive to from Athens, via the seaside town of Halkida!

Evia, just like Crete, is rich in archeological sites and history through the ages. It is extremely naturally beautiful, with forests, rivers, wetlands, and beaches that boast emerald, crystal clear waters.

Evia is famous for its hot springs in Edipsos, its Venetian fortresses, and castles in towns like Oktonia, Karystos, and Marmari, great fish and seaside experiences in Eretria, beer microbreweries to sample exquisite local beers in Orologio, and a lot more. Evia is a gem to be discovered, and just like Crete, you will be better off if you keep everything else off the menu in order to experience it to the fullest. 

Agios Efstratios

Photo: Chavdar Lungov / Pexels

CRETE ISLAND Crete is the biggest island in Greece and the most populated one. Large enough to feel like inland, Crete is a holiday destination on its own. There are innumerable unique things to enjoy in Crete, from two surreally beautiful pinksand beaches to medieval cities, to palm forests, to mountaintops that remain snow-capped for a big part of the year.

Crete is famous for its ancient Minoan palaces of Knossos and Phaistos, but those are only the beginning of its millennia-old history which you can enjoy in various sites and museums. It is also famous for its delicious local cuisine revolving around olive oil, special herbs, special local cheeses, and grilled seafood and meat. It is also known for its astounding natural beauty and the richness of its folklore and traditions, from local dances you can see performed everywhere to entire days-long festivals and events.

Crete is a time-capsule, an environmental conservation hub, civilization and heritage live museum, and a culinary symphony you must experience yourself in order to fathom.

Thassos

Photo: Alexandru Manole / Pixabay

NORTH AEGEAN ISLANDS Lesbos, Chios, Psara, Oinousses, Ikaria, Fournoi, Lemnos, Agios Efstratios, Samos, Samothraki, Thassos Situated very close to Asia Minor, the coast of Turkey, the North Aegean Islands have a charm of their own. Most were powerful naval hubs in previous centuries and very prominent in the 1821 War of Independence. Several are mentioned in Homer and other ancient writers’ works or are the setting for several Ancient Greek myths. There is astounding beauty to be discovered in each one, from crystal clear waters to beautiful beaches, green rolling hills and valleys, and traditional villages preserved through time.

If you are a snorkeling fan, Oinousses is for you, a popular destination due to its rich sea life and relaxed, laid back atmosphere. Ikaria is the island where Daedalus and Icarus were before Icarus took his deadly flight too close to the sun and fell in Ikaria’s waters. Lemnos is the island of the god of fire, Hephaestus. Visit its volcanic areas and highly praised lakes for their natural beauty, and stay for the fresh fish and fun, vibrant village life.

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