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DIPLOMATS 2023-2024 A Partnership Project with the U.S Consulate General of Thessaloniki

Department of International and European Studies

University of Macedonia

January 2024

Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success. - Henry Ford

A pioneer project organised by Dr. Revecca Pedi at the Department of International and European Studies of the University of Macedonia

TABLE OF CONTENTS 01 Our Initiative: Theory and Action

Α detailed presentation of the main axes of the project, as well as the process followed to create the final deliverable

02 Tech, Edu and NRG Cooperation

A strategy for cooperation in domains such as Technology, Education and Energy

03 China

How can we confront the Chinese Challenge in Greece and the region

04 Regional Stability: Proposals for Action

Achieving stability in the broader area of South-East Europe through cooperation

05 Climate Crisis sounds the alarm

As the clock is ticking, it is thigh time to cooperate and battle the significant consequences of Climate Change.

06 Security and Defence

Better Together in Security and Defence

Our

Initiative: From Theory to Action During this project fourth-year students studying International Relations and European Studies delve into the practical aspects of their field. More precisely, the initiative’s objective is to acquaint students with contemporary diplomatic practices, enhance their critical and analytical abilities, foster teamwork, and improve their public communication skills. The collaboration with the US Consulate General serves as the springboard for this project, providing students with insights into current issues in U.S. Foreign Policy and deepening their understanding of US policies and the diplomatic Service.

Anticipated outcomes of the project include the improvement of our students' proficiency in crucial domains like decision-making, situational analysis, creative thinking, public speaking, preparing briefings, developing interpersonal skills, and building effective teams. Simultaneously, the project aims to equip them to become knowledgeable professionals and engaged citizens. Additionally, students will interact with actual practitioners, enabling them to concentrate on the genuine priorities of the US Foreign Policy

Our Initiative: The Procedure

The responsibility assigned to students involves providing advice to U.S. diplomats in Greece regarding US priorities within the region, at the international stage, and concerning bilateral relations with Greece, including addressing specific issues. Economic Officer Isaac Hansen-Joseph briefed the students on various priorities. To facilitate their tasks, students were organized into five working groups, each comprising three or four individuals.

Each priority topic was assigned to a group. What we expected from the groups was to do high-quality research for their topics, commit to the project, excel in group work and work on innovative ideas. We did a halfway assessment of their progress where we discussed in class their achievements and difficulties.

At the end Students receive feedback from their supervisor and their fellow students. Finally, the groups present their ideas to US diplomats in Greece. Dr. Revecca Pedi initiated and oversees this pioneer project, which is integrated into the curriculum of the "Modern Diplomacy: Economy and Business" course.

Tech, Edu and NRG Cooperation AUTHORS Yiannis Stafylidis Michael Aparamanis Maria Nikiforidi

In the context of an unstable economic and political environment, the notion of cooperation in sectors like energy, education and technology is momentous for the evolution of the relations between the two states in order to achieve economic objectives via dynamic investments

Edu, Tech and NRG Cooperation

2.1 Technology A cooperation in the fields of technology and science between Greece and the USA would be extremely beneficial for both parties’ growth and influence in the region. In order to strengthen investment relations and strategic cooperation we propose the creation of a Hellenic American technological and scientific research center, which will enhance the competitive edge of both countries in the region, tighten diplomatic ties through mutual investment and knowledgesharing. Greece has demonstrated continuous improvement in the qualitative composition of investments with greater diversification, especially in knowledgebased activities with high-added value, such as software and IT services, which can transform significantly the countries productive model. Specifically, the number of FDI increased by 48,2% in 2022 compared to 2021, exceeding 7.9 billion euros. Numerous international companies have established their presence in Greece, like Pfizer, Deloitte and Chubb, through subsidiaries in Thessaloniki, which was chosen given that the city is home to around 150.000 students, more than 60 startups and is currently developing significant infrastructure projects. Moreover, Greece is considered as a stable and trusted partner, and has introduced various tax incentives for R&D activities. The proposed “Macedonian center for Technological and Scientific Research Cooperation” (MCTSR) will be a Hellenic Republic-owned research facility situated in Thessaloniki. The project will be established in close cooperation with the government of the USA, following the memorandum of understanding between the two countries, signed on September 28, 2020. The objective of this facility is promoting innovation and advancing the capabilities of both countries in emerging technologies, through joint research projects, exchange of experts and equipment, scientific conferences and seminars. Participants include both countries’ scientific and technological agencies and organizations, research centres, universities, USA and Greek entities, startups and individuals. Thus Greece has the potential to become a regional hub for innovation and technology and the USA gains a foothold on an emerging market, in a strategic location that connects Eastern Mediterranean to the Balkans.

Edu, Tech and NRG Cooperation

2.2 Education After years of cooperation in education and undoubtedly the embrace of common values academically, Greek and US universities have announced the new steps for their educational relationship (including the share common subjects for some postgraduate degrees and a center of excellence for environmental studies and public health) Given these circumstances and the draft law that the Greek government is processing about the establishment of private nonprofitable universities, the foundation of a Hellenic-American University would be the capstone of the long-lasting procedure of the unification of the two academic worlds. This venture includes the merge of the US and Greek educational system, exploiting the practical experience of the former, especially in the fields of science and technology, and the theoretical expertise (e.g. maritime affairs) and the opportunities of the land (excavations, archaeological monuments of architecture) of the latter. In this new alternative of education, which will consist of two campuses (one in Greece and one in the USA) and will be cofinanced by Greek and US public service with the contribution of all the private universities that wish to be part of this innovation, the elite of the professors of both countries will be able to cooperate on research on every aspect of interest and new, more efficient teaching methods.

Moreover, not only will it immensely benefit the Greek economy, but also it will provide scholars with both practical and theoretical expertise in every field of the labor market, that will enrich the workforce of the USA. Greece could be the representative of the American academic life in the Balkan region since the core values and principles of the two educational systems are very similar. This University could bring two cultures together and reinforce the “people to people” bond through education.

Edu, Tech and NRG Cooperation

2.3 Energy Co-op In recent years and in the light of an unstable economic and energy environment, Greece has emerged as an energy hub in the wider Balkan region, due to its geographical location and political and economic stability. With the aim of further expanding our relations between our countries, three axes are presented that focus on energy cooperation.

LNG: By taking advantage of the upcoming gas pipelines to Bulgaria and North Macedonia and from there to the Balkans, it is necessary to strengthen cooperation in the import of LNG gas from Alexandroupolis in order to channel a larger volume of gas to the national network and thus to these countries. Proper cooperation between the U.S. and the domestic gas network operators and the expansion of the re-gasification tanks will be able to increase the Greek reserve and in turn this can be channelled and make the Balkan countries independent of eastern energy resources. Thus, as the profit from imported US gas increases, Greece will emerge as an even more powerful energy hub. Sea2Sea Initiative: As partners, it is necessary to jointly exploit the European Sea2Sea initiative, which provides for the railway interconnection of the ports of Greece with those of Bulgaria and Romania in order to transport LNG gas at lower cost to these countries. Proper cooperation with the national railway company (O.S.E) and private companies, will lead to an improvement of the infrastructure to support the transport of gas and hydrogen, thus creating a safer and more profitable way of transporting energy resources via Greece.

Green Energy: It is proposed to further leverage the tax and bureaucratic relief of the National Climate and Energy Plan by US companies wishing to invest in Green Energy, growing their market share and increasing the share of renewable energy (today 49.2%) in the Greek energy market.

China AUTHORS Aris Aigyptiadis Xristos Michidis Ilias Saridakis Sofia Kalesi

In a continuously evolving and interconnected geopolitical world stage, Greek-US relations have taken significant steps forward, through mutual agreements and close cooperation. A cardinal factor that concerns both partners is the expanding influence of the PRC, especially in Greece. In this dynamic international environment, Greek-US relations and cooperation must remain strong, notably in the areas of trade and investment, culture, diaspora, and information.

China

3.1 Trade and Investment As a strategical response to the Belt and Road Initiative, adopted by the Chinese government in 2013, Greece, together with the USA, are both to benefit by a further tightening of their bilateral economic cooperation. Greece is an important ally in the region and is ready to cooperate with the USA on the much-needed FDI.

The Road and Belt Initiative (RBI) Thus, we propose a strong economic and financial partnership with the US. The US International Development Finance Corporation, American companies, and stakeholders can be involved in key investment projects in the area of infrastructure, which still holds unused potential. Infrastructure is still a growth market in the region and ceding the lead to China is, in the long term, to prove economically disadvantageous to the West. Investing in the development of flagship projects will boost trade flows for dairy products and olive oil and make use of natural resources such as wind and solar, for which Greece is overqualified. Those will enhance the energy supply and communications in the area. The USA can gain knowledge, new resources, and access to an important trade route that leads to the key Piraeus hub. Greece on its side has always supported and cooperated with the USA. Those enhanced economic relations under a new strong tie with our Western allies will be the bridging role back to the West, minimizing the PRC’s political influence in the area.

Shipbuilding Industry The shipbuilding and repairing industry in Greece is significant, having strong advantages and long experience. It consists of three main shipyards: Neorion Syros, Elefsis, and Skaramaga Shipyards. Taking into consideration that the two formers have already been acquired by ONEX, a company of GreekAmerican interests, the only remaining significant shipyard, Skaramaga, mustaccording to anti-trust law provisions – be acquired by another competitive scheme. In this process, it would be advisable to facilitate US-backed initiatives, in order to ensure the exclusion of the Chinese intervention in the sector.

Real Estate The favorable golden visa policy of the Greek Government has attracted so far significant investments in real estate. It has been estimated that the program has attracted approximately 7,800 investors, pouring into Greece roughly 2.6 billion euros. Chinese visa buyers make up more than 70% of those investors. This trend is expected to increase, taking into consideration the liberal and safe environment of Greece and its ideal Mediterranean climate. Investors should also keep in mind the state of the Greek economy as an emerging market and its dominant position in the annual ranking of rich-world economies in 2023, in which Greece reached the top of the charts for the second consecutive year. This proves the special nature of the Greek Market, especially the Real Estate market, as a medium risk – high reward one. Potentially Greece could become the Florida of Europe for the US pensioners.

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China

3.2 Mass Media/Information Over the last 3 years, the PRC has shown great interest in subtly exercising soft power vis-a-vis Greece through the field of mass media, after having been denied its prominent role as an investor in key parts of our country’s infrastructure. Both Athens and Washington would find interest in deterring Beijing from pulling Greece closer into its sphere of influence through its investments in the media. China could potentially spread misinformation, manipulating Greece’s public opinion, threatening democratic values, and ushering forth instability in the region. In 2016, China’s state news agency, Xinhua, signed a cooperation agreement with Greece’s Athens Macedonian News Agency, and once again in 2019, with President Xi’s visit to Athens, the state channel ERT signed an agreement with China’s National Radio and Television Administration. Moreover, a prominent Greek newspaper, “Kathimerini”, signed an agreement with Xinhua in 2017, and, ever since, it has tried to quell criticisms aimed at Beijing, particularly during the pandemic, while occasionally praising China’s policies, such as the BRI. The aforementioned outlets have also portrayed China as an emerging superpower and a potential ally against Turkey, one who holds a seat at the UN Security Council and is willing to help.

Our proposition for the US is to heavily emphasize on Greece’s media sector, encouraging American media colossi to invest in or buy as many Greek information outlets as possible, so as to counterbalance Chinese endeavors. At the same time, the US should create, jointly with the Greek government, a modern Center Against Misinformation, through which citizens would be able to fact-check media ambiguities and inform themselves on matters of propaganda.

China

3.3 Soft Power: Culture and Diaspora

The peculiarity of the Greek-US relationship lies in the dedication our countries have to the promotion of Democracy and human rights. That dedication is more of a deep cultural connection that, now more than ever, needs to be secured. PRC’s emerging rise of power and its ambition to expand its authoritarian governmental system to other countries threatens Democracy and human rights and Greece can be a useful partner for the US in restraining that threat. Therefore, we suggest, in association with the US Embassy in Greece and the AmericanHellenic Institute, the formation of the Greek-American Center for Democracy and Human Rights. That Center will promote Democracy and human rights and will help our people understand how much both countries pay attention to this subject leading to an equivalent enhancement of their soft power to each other. The Center will hold conferences with academics, influential people, writers, and scientists about democracy and human rights and the need for securing them. It will also organize campaigns and advertisements for the same reason. Finally, it can hold side events that reinforce our people ties by promoting our common values and by conveying the positive aspects of American culture.

The Greek diaspora, (approximately 3 million Greeks live in the US), can also play an important role in the US soft power in Greece as it will balance the PRC’s project of bonding with Greece on the basis of the two civilizations’ antiquity. Thus, we suggest, in association with our Embassies in Athens and Washington, the formation of an official profile on social media where the Greeks of the diaspora can share their experiences of the US and the American culture and lifestyle, and vice versa.

Regional Strategic Imperatives for Stability:

Proposals for Action AUTHORS Savvas-Arsenios Theodoridis Dimitrios Vagopoulos Pavlina Bafas

The tensions in the region of the Balkans and Eastern Mediterranean are threatening the stability of the whole area. The urgent need for democratization in Western Balkans and the cohesiveness of the NATO alliance, are now more important than ever, as new challenges arise. Meanwhile, Greece’s progressive independence from the Russian gas brings the energy sector in the spotlight.

Regional Strategic Imperatives for Stability: Proposals for Action

4.1 The Balkans In the spirit of democratization, states like Albania are soliciting immediate action. Considering the Beleri case, which indicates the malicious entanglement of justice and political power, Greece holds a key role as a pillar of lobbying for internal democratization measures. Greece, as an EU and NATO member, can promote the principles and values that regulate them, while simultaneously opening a dialogue that could lead to future accession of the above-mentioned state in the EU. USA and Greece, through public diplomacy, can improve Albania’s abilities to meet democratic benchmarks (required for accession). More specifically, we suggest the establishment of a “Summer camp for democracy and human rights”, that would take place 5 days in Thessaloniki and 5 days in Tirana, welcoming all students from the Balkan region. Campaigns and extracurricular training programs that promote community participation in elections, decision-making processes, gender equality and civic participation, will be our tools for understanding democratic manners and the importance of the rights of the individuals.

In Kosovo’s case, imposed solutions will not lead to lasting stability in the region. It’s recommended to address tensions through trilateral relations that rely on the prospect of signing an agreement on normalization that could be implemented on the ground as the primary incentive. Greece could act as a mediator and a NATO Ambassador between Belgrade and Pristina, with the support of USA, providing the necessary terms for policy-making and negotiations with a forum, beneficial for all the sides while cultivating the idea of them as future NATO members.

Regional Strategic Imperatives for Stability: Proposals for Action

4.2 The Eastern Mediterranean

The cohesiveness of the NATO alliance is now more important than ever as new challenges arise. The war on Ukraine reaffirmed that NATO is still a central dynamic in the world security architecture. Big tensions created between Greece and Turkey, two NATO allies, pose a serious threat that, in the event of a crisis, could challenge the entire alliance. History has shown us that tensions on a big scale can as easily and rapidly return despite the latest good climate that has been created. This danger may escalate to an unpredicted climax and also may be posed suddenly. The USA should take advantage of the present good climate and push for the resolution of the most important issues that create those tensions.

The issue of Cyprus: long-term stability in the East Mediterranean is directly linked to a just and compatible international law solution. The drafting and signing of an agreement based on a federal bicommunal model requires the political will of all parties involved, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey. For that to be achieved, strong political will is required. This political will is generated by a constant reminder in bilateral and multilateral relations of the advantages of political and economic (gas reserves) that a solution would offer. But also by posing meaningful sanctions (in army equipment, economic funds, etc.) when one-sided initiatives that create tensions are taken and when international law is trampled.

Regional Strategic Imperatives for Stability: Proposals for Action

4.3 US-Hellenic Energy Institute Focused on finding sustainable energy solutions for Greece, based on the contribution of US academic Institutions, including the Pennsylvania State University and the University of California-Berkeley, and investments from US corporations, specializing in sustainable energy sources and willing to invest in Greece and expand their activities in the Greek and by extension the Eastern Mediterranean Market. Joint research concerning sustainable energy, based on the Greek geological structure, focusing on wind-powered electricity and hydroelectric projects is a beneficial aspect of this Institute. This strategic emphasis will make the US more competitive against Russian influence in the region, expand US influence to states such as Cyprus, and stabilize tensions in the region, by intensifying the US presence.

Commercial diplomacy will position the Institute as a practical solution to regional energy challenges. It involves targeted informational campaigns for Greek energy companies, deepening cooperation between US and Greek officials, and branding bilateral collaboration in international energy expos. Additionally, initiatives like promoting academic exchanges and a digital platform managed by Greek IT students aim to disseminate information on energy and business support measures, fostering collaboration with the US and enhancing the Institute’s impact.

Utilizing the Institute’s capabilities, such as developing U.S. electric interconnectors that will sustain the growth of renewable energy in Greece, will allow the U.S. to delve deeper into the country's energy sector. The production of energy surplus will enable Greece to become an energy hub for the Eastern Mediterranean, justifying U.S. investments in the Region that will capitalize on the growing need for non-Russian energy.

Climate Crisis Sounds the Alarm

AUTHORS Ioanna Vitsara Efstratia Karampatzaki Konstantina Kouziorti Ilias Mparouxis The time has come for states to take action and tackle the climate crisis. The current challenges have shown that international cooperation is the key, even when critical sectors of industry, such as tourism and shipping, are part of the discussion.

Climate Crisis Sounds the Alarm

5.1 Green Shipping Bilateral relations between the USA and Greece in the shipping industry are the strongest they have been in decades. Greece exports to the United States, specifically in the field of shipping reach up to 22.59$M, when accordingly US exports to Greece amount to 10.01$M. However, according to the IMO, almost 3% of the world’s CO2 emissions are due to maritime operations, while the main goal is to reach net-zero GHG emissions for 2030 by 30%.

In this framework, we propose: A cooperation between the US and Greek Maritime Academy: Joint research programmes for new sustainable technologies regarding green shipping through common investments and allowing the exchange of expertise, human and technological resources, including academics. To boost this effort, both Academies could cooperate with NavGreen, a greek initiative that focuses exclusively to sustainable shipping, with the active participation of the majority of Greek universities.

Green Ports: Εnabling ships to utilize onshore electricity during docking. Further actions should be taken in order to foster public-private partnerships between U.S. and Greek companies for joint investments in the infrastructure field and to implement training programs to improve port personnel skills in both nations, emphasizing on the adoption of sustainable practices and in the open movement of the specialized staff.

The expected outcomes are to decrease the environmental impact of maritime operations by reducing carbon emissions and minimizing air and water pollution. The US and Greece will meet their commitments to face the climate crisis, while new investments will enhance economic growth in both states.

Climate Crisis Sounds the Alarm

5.2 Civil Protection The worsening frequency, intensity and impact of various types of natural disasters such as floods and fires are due to the climate crisis. Greece and the USA but also other regional countries such as Canada and Italy are usually affected by intense fires and floods due to high temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns, occurrences that are interlinked with the climate crisis, resulting in the destruction of air quality, large areas of land and, above all, an increase in mortality. 2021 saw the second highest number of floods in the last 30 years and in 2023 more than 7.000 deaths from floods and wildfires were recorded.

To address the cross-border nature of these challenges, international cooperation is needed to improve promptitude, response and recovery strategies and to strengthen adaptation capacities. It is important for Greece and the US to strengthen their resilience to natural disasters and mitigate their impact by deepening their cooperation through the planning of training exercises for natural disaster response teams and joint practical activities between national forces. In this context of cooperation, it is particularly beneficial for both countries to share expertise, data, resources and experts in order to improve their alarm systems as well as to plan public awareness and education campaigns with the cooperation of nongovernmental organizations.

By leveraging their strengths and experiences and their common values, the US and Greece, through their strategic cooperation which improves the relationship of citizens who come into contact, can help to protect and reduce the vulnerability of civil communities and ecosystems.

Climate Crisis Sounds the Alarm

5.3 EcoTourism

Bilateral relations between Greece and the USA, regarding the field of ecotourism could be further evolved. Taking into account both the general trend of Americans to prefer ecotourism, expressed with the 11.2 million Americans, who planned environmentally friendly vacations for 2023 and the experience of Greek entities, their cooperation could lead to developing green facilities and to promote the ecotouristic state of mind worldwidely. As a result, systematic action could be evolved as:

Green Hotels and economically advantageous Transatlantic Eco-Touristic Journeys to American citizens: The Greek state could offer financial incentives to American companies operating within our territory in the tourism sector to attract investments and money to create green hotels. These incentives include the supply of human resources, tourism know-how and tax breaks. In exchange, economically advantageous eco-touristic accommodation will be offered to American citizens. Those Transatlantic Eco-Touristic Journeys will provide grouped travel excursions to Greek Green Islands and organized vacation by local tour guides, offering an even larger variety of eco-friendly destinations to the American tourists.

Massive tourism will be avoided, reviving rural communities and simultaneously upgrading the quality of eco-friendly vacations. States will meet their commitments and promote an eco-friendly image, while the economic relations of US-Greece will be deepened.

Security and Defence AUTHORS Olga Rodatou Theodora-Maria Kefaladeli Aggeliki Kourli

The Greece-USA alliance is crucial for regional security in the Balkans and the Mediterranean. In this context, cooperation includes military technologies, crisis management, and a defense strategy emphasizing artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Tackling disinformation in the Western Balkans is a key concern, necessitating efforts in media education and collaboration.

Security and Defence 6.1 US-Greek Bilateral Relations The bilateral military relations between Greece and the USA are a stable pillar of strengthening security in the wider region of the Balkans and the Mediterranean. Given the broad cooperation between the two countries, it is necessary to further deepen the relations between them. Through Greece's role in the Balkans, as part of NATO's eastern wing, it is able to take the lead in creating collaborative research and development programs in military technologies. In this way, Greece can demonstrate its commitment to regional cooperation, a stance that is fully aligned with American interests. Further, through joint military exercises and maintaining dialogue with the US on regional security issues, defense security cooperation could be enhanced. Moreover, a “Collaborative Defense industry Research Hub” can be created, in which research will be done by both countries regarding drones and how they can incorporate artificial intelligence. In terms of safety, the creation of an aviation pilot program that would be able to test innovative aviation technologies in key airports in both countries would be particularly helpful.

Lastly Greece can take advantage of its’ orthodox religion and try to strengthen the tie between the churches in the Balkans to gain more influence and present a more West-Friendly approach, specifically this can be promoted through a volunteer exchanging program, where with the funding of US and EU Greek orthodox as well as Western Balkan orthodox will perform volunteer work, in the spectrum of religious philanthropy, in different countries of the Balkans, enriching their bilateral relations. Lastly, a “Crisis Response and Humanitarian Assistance Unit” can be created, which will be specialized for joint crisis response and humanitarian assistance, capable of rapid redeployment during natural disasters or regional crises.

In addition, cooperative initiatives between the two countries in the Balkans could contribute to the further promotion of GreekAmerican relations. Greece is able to economically influence the Balkan countries through trade and investment. This could be achieved through commercial cooperation in the arms industry, with the supply of equipment and services from both the Greek side and the US side. In addition, American and Greek investments in the Balkans can play an important role, with the construction of new or the upgrading of older military bases, as well as the supply of the Balkan countries with military equipment and technology.

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Security and Defence 6.2 Joint Initiatives

The proposed US-Greece defense strategy integrates technological advancements in AI, cybersecurity, underwater surveillance, and military simulations to enhance joint preparedness, responsiveness, and strengthen defense collaboration against emerging threats.

Firstly, we propose the establishment of 1 an "AI-Driven Threat Analytics Center" in

Greece being the strongest military 2 strength in the Balkans stands as an ally of

Thessaloniki, a city that has evolved into a Tech Hub, which includes top universities, research centers, the largest student body in Southeast Europe, and an impressive startup ecosystem. The facility will assess intelligence data via machine learning techniques, allowing for prompt identification of emerging threats and improving prediction capabilities for proactive actions. Moreover, a “Next-Gen Cybersecurity Collaboration” is recommended, which will encompass joint research and development projects in quantum-resistant cryptography, decentralized threat intelligence sharing platforms, and autonomous cyber defense mechanisms. Such an approach assures resilience in the face of the notable increase in cyberattacks in the Balkans especially since the Russian invasion in Ukraine.

great importance for regional security. Therefore, the incorporation of "Virtual Reality (VR) technology" into joint military training simulations is another critical proposal, as it will enable a comprehensive training process aimed at enhancing decision-making, communication, and coordination among military personnel from both the USA and Greece. This concept intends to improve interoperability through the execution of realistic and advanced training scenarios that otherwise would be difficult and expensive to conduct. This technology can also be used for NATO drills in the Eastern Mediterranean. Lastly, the development of a "Cross-Domain Innovation Hub" will serve as a focal point for collaboration between defence industries, academia, and startups from both countries with the aim of stimulating ongoing innovation. The objective is to identify and apply cutting-edge technology while fostering a mindset of continuous innovation within the frame of US-Greek defense cooperation.

To economically support the proposed defense strategy between the USA and Greece, both countries can allocate funds for joint research and development projects and encourage private sector investments.

Security and Defence 6.3 Disinformation in the Western Balkans

Disinformation is the main hybrid threat that is conducted globally and threatens democratic values to many countries.The Western Balkans have been facing a particularly extended use of it in the area. It is mostly observed in the regions of Serbia Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia and poses a serious threat to their democracies, especially considering the absence of political stability and limited economy. In the spectrum of “attention economy” the low cost and fast impact that social platforms provide has increased disinformation that iscaused both by internal and external factors. For example Sputnik, a Russian media space of Central and Eastern Europe, has been accused for the increased disinformation in the area. The key to overcome disinformation however is to raise awareness and at the same time gain the trust of citizens. According to Barometer Statistics in 2017-2020 trust in government does not exceed 50% in the Balkan countries,Greece included.

The Western Balkans have been increasingly skeptical about the West practices and at the same time the ties, due to the Slavic/ Orthodox identity, to Russia, make it easier for Russia to interfere in their domestic affairs and shift the public opinion through disinformation. To overcome this increasingly dangerous situation that can seriously affect the influence and the affairs the West has with the Western Balkans it is necessary to establish proper media and a journalism education institution in those countries, since the countries cannot afford to fund such a project American and Greek specialists could take care of the personnel needed for them to function properly and create an advising research team, in order to provide drastic solutions to enriching the knowledge of citizens regarding the disinformation problem and how to refrain from it . At the same time we could create short advertisements that explain how disinformation can destruct political values by referring to examples, sometimes from the Balkan countries specifically, and explain to citizens how they can check if their resources are valid. Lastly a group of specialists could be formed to create an advisory committee, tracking down how disinformation is conducted and its development in the Balkan Countries,including Greece, and providing possible solutions. This act can be funded again from the collaboration of the US, Greece and the EU.

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DIPLOMATS 2023-2024 Presented at the Thessaloniki Tech Lab on 12th January 2024 Designed by: Ioannis Stafylidis