Greece
Greece This month - March/April 2015
3rd Hellenic Forum:
This month
“GREFORM: Our Vision for Greece” (LSE, 14.3.2015)
In this issue:
• Greek Economy:Yannis Stournaras at LSE • 3rd Hellenic Forum • Athens Energy Forum 2015 • The repatriation of the Parthenon Sculptures • A “scent” of Greece in the British cultural scene • Interview: Leon of Athens • Easter in Greece
Yannis Stournaras at LSE: Greek Economy:
’’Current developments, challenges and prospects” Exiting the single currency is not an option for Greece, the Governor of the Bank
creditors of Greece, Mr Stournaras argued that the Greek government has a unique opportunity to implement ‘bold’ economic reforms in fields such as pensions, social security and labour market and forge, therefore, a durable recovery, ‘’an opportunity that should not be missed’.
of Greece and former Greek Finance Minister Mr. Yannis Stournaras told an audience at the Hellenic Observatory of the London School of Economics (LSE), on March 25, expressing his thoughts on ‘’the current developments, challenges and prospects of the Greek economy’’. He also added that he is more optimistic that Mr Tsipra’s government is serious ‘’Grexit would deliver no benefit, but a about reform than he was a month ago. lot of pain,” Mr. Stournaras said. Quitting ‘’The last meetings and the high level the eurozone would probably lead to even meeting last week has given us hope that deeper austerity than Greece already has the government is serious (about) imimplemented, he said, while the adoption plementing the structural reforms," Mr of an alternative currency would risk fuel- Stournaras said.The key challenge for ing runaway inflation. As far as the latest Greece is to deliver a convincing list of developments on reaching a deal with the reforms it has promised to its euro zone 1
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The focus of this year’s annual forum of The Hellenic society of LSE was the conception of a vision on Greece’s economic and socio-political path in the next two decades , which was held on March 14 at LSE Old Theatre premises, under the title: partners in return for a new deal on aid. ‘Greform: Our vision for Greece’. The debate was moderated by the Greek During his speech, he laid out a list of TV journalist, Mr Konstantinos Bogdanimprovements in Greece's economic sitos, while the inauguration speech was uation over the past year and said that, given by the Greek Ambassador in Lonprovided it could cut a deal with its credi- don, Mr Konstantinos Bikas. Mr Bikas tors, growth would continue to improve in introduced the main points of the debate 2016. and focused on the eurozone crisis and the European periphery, commonly referred The central bank chief said that he doesn’t as ‘P.I.G.S’. think Greece will need another bailout provided it agrees to reforms with its The Greek Ambassador argued that a creditors and secures access to the cash “Greecovery” is still a plausible notion. As that’s already on the table. While, he add- he expressed: “Greece is negotiating with ed that the European Central Bank's latest institutions, which will come to a positive increase in emergency funding for Greek European agreement having a further posbanks showed that their situation going itive impact on the citizens of Greece, the forward was stable. citizens of the Eurozone and the citizens of A far as Greek-German latest dispute is concerned, Mr. Stournaras stated that the latest meeting between the two leaders in Berlin has shown that relations between the two sides in the negotiations have improved.
the European Union”.
During the debate that followed, different professional perspectives were expressed by distinguished speakers (such as Mr George Cambanis, CEO and Global Shipping & Ports Leader, Deloitte Greece, Dr Panicos Demetriades, Professor of Financial Economics, Leicester University and Former Governor, Central Bank of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Drandakis, Founder & CEO, Taxibeat, Dr Miranda Xafa, CEO E.F. Consulting Ltd and Former Board Member, IMF), where the participants 2
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expressed their views and thoughts, resulting in a number of unique suggestions, ranging from sustainability in development and financial solidity to competitiveness along with growth. Technical proposals were very much appreciated and also anticipated by the audience, towards a better understanding of the origins of their presence. Stimulating recommendations were given by academics, with solutions such as the employment of industrial policies and a strong implementation of the justice and law system which could deliver the desirable change. The resolution of the debate is to be considered as a key feature of a set of policies that would lead to a radical change for Greece. A positive turn to the discussions of the day was given by the panel under the title “Success Stories”. Three speakers were selected to provide optimistic aspects on their areas of expertise. The battle against the failed market of taxi drivers in Greece was expressed by the C.E.O of Taxibeat, a famous Athenian application for ordering taxis, while the successful business perspective was given by the founder of Heart Cyprus and Social Airways. Finally, one of the most inspiring talks of the forum was given by the creator of edosafakelaki.org, the first non-governmental site in collection of corruption data, a practice and area neglected from the relative agencies. Consequently, it is worth noting that the 3rd Hellenic Forum has successfully fulfilled its purpose of delivering an in depth understanding of the potential ways of bringing prosperity to Greece, towards recovery and sustainable growth.
Athens Energy Forum 2015:
Greece as an energy gate for Europe A two-day conference was held at the hotel ‘Grande Bretagne’ of Athens (1112.3.2015) , organized by the international newspaper New York Times, the Greek newspaper “Kathimerini”, Greek TV channel Skai, the companies SGT S.A, DEI, 3
Protergia, Elpedison and DEPA as well as by experts and executive members of the energy industry, current and former governmental officials, diplomats, journalists and members of the academia.
Greece This month - March/April 2015
The main speaker of the conference was the Minister of Productive Reconstruction, Environment and Energy, Mr. Panagiotis Lafazanis, who highlighted the goal of the government to exploit energy from the sun, wind and water sources and lignite through the use of antifouling technologies. He ended his speech by presenting the Greek vision of converting Greece into a transit hub and into ‘an energy supplier gate for Europe’.
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in SE Europe and Eastern Mediterranean.
The Repatriation of the Parthenon Sculptures: Α continuing debate
New prospects have emerged in relation to Greece’s claim for the repatriation of the Parthenon Sculptures, part of its collection held by the British Museum. It appears that Greece is now in a position to take further, legal, action for the first time to bring the case before the international court, following the recent refusal of the British museum and therefore of the British government, to agree to have as mediator between the two countries the World Heritage Centre of the United Nations, UNESCO. On March 26th, the British Museum declined Unesco’s proposal, arguing over its right of ownership, either in During the conference, the debate focused law or as a practical reality, and concluded on the environmental and safety paramthat ‘the mediation would not carry this eters of the energy strategy, starting from debate substantially forward’. Ukraine, as the only supplier of gas to Greece, as the next likely European gas supplier (following the recent findings in the Greek undersea area), highlighting the geostrategic position of our country and its relations towards Russia, Iran and Europe. An important reference was made regarding the benefits of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) for Greece, the creation of jobs, the increase such as in investors’ confidence, the desertification of the different origins of gas and finally the effective integration of Greece in the geopolitical European map. The second day of the conference focused on the Challenges to regional security, energy and their impact
However, as reported by the British newspaper Independent (issued on Friday’s front page, March 27), the British Museum offered to lend the marbles to the Acropolis Museum, as a sign of mutual collaboration between the two countries. 4
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The issue of the return of the Parthenon marbles was brought to the fore again last October, when the human rights lawyer, Amal Clooney, paid a three-day visit to Athens in order to hold discussions with Greek officials over the reunification of the sculptures and give her expert advice on how Greece is best to pursue its case from a legal standpoint. Although negotiations between Britain and Greece on the matter have been extended over a couple of decades, Mrs. Clooney was optimistic that ‘an amicable solution could be reached between the two parties, given the longstanding friendship between Greece and the UK’. It still remains to be seen how and when the debate over the repatriation of the marbles will be finally resolved.
Greece This month - March/April 2015
Greeks” is a short introduction to Greek
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iconoclasm, their humour, musicality, politics, violence and unswerving drama.”
drama and is composed by three main productions of the Greek tragedy, as well as various relevant events and performances, from May until November 2015. Oresteia, by Aeschylus with Lia Williams, kicks off the Greek Festival season and Ben Whishaw is making his debut, performing Dionysos in Euripides’ Bakkhai.
The documentary series of BBC4 aims to reveal the Ancient Greek achievements. This new season, entitled “The Age of Heroes: Ancient Greece Uncovered”, explores
The season will conclude with Kate Fleetwood’s performance as Medea in Euripides’s homonym play.
the stunning artistic creations and the philosophical tradition of these glorious times.
BBC4: The Age of Heroes, Ancient Greece Uncovered
A large percentage of the Parthenon sculptures (more than half of the remaining decoration of the Parthenon), commonly referred to as ‘Elgin marbles’ were violently removed from the Parthenon temple and transferred to England between 1802-1812, by Lord Elgin, who served as the British Ambassador during the Ottoman Empire at a time when Greece was under occupation. The sculptures were subsequently purchased by the British Museum, where they have remained ever since, with the only exception being that of a recent loan of the Parthenon marble sculpture of the river Ilissos to the Hermitage museum in St Petersburg. The sculpture marbles are considered to be an exceptional piece of classical art and a symbol of Western civilisation and, as the director of antiquities at the Greek Ministry of Culture, Dr Elena Korka, has commented, the marbles form ‘an integral part of a unique symbolic monument for the whole world’.
A ‘scent’ of Greece in the British cultural scene: Antigone. Almeida Greeks and the Age of Heroes
After Juliette Binoche’s ‘Antigone’, Kristin Scott Thomas’s ‘Electra’, and Helen McCrory’s ‘Medea’, London continues its tribute to Greek art and history. The Almeida Theatre announced its new season “Almeida Greeks”, while BBC4 is set to explore the legacy of Ancient Greece’s culture and philosophy throughout its documentary series “The Age of Heroes”. The above great initiative “Almeida 5
Almeida Artistic Director, Rupert Goold,
BBC4 exclusively broadcasts Juliette was proud to announce this new project: Binoche’s performance in “Antigone”, for “At the Almeida we strive to create theatre those who didn’t have the chance to attend that asks questions of its audiences, of who one of the top drama productions London they are and the world they live in, work has ever hosted, at Barbican theatre. that is alive and resonant. When we came to the writers of Ancient Greece we want- A recent discovery of the new poems of ed to be true to their plays - staging them Sappho leads Margaret Mountford on in full complexity, presenting their formal a journey around Greece while Natalie 6
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‘Leon of Athens’ Exclusive:
Haynes enters British Museum’s exhibition “The Body Beautiful in Ancient Greece”, The next best thing in Indie Pop which opens for the public this Spring, Rock stage? to examine “how our current obsession with the body beautiful goes back thousands of years to an era of stunning artistic The rising pop –rock idol and the main vocalist and song writer of the wellachievement.” known indie pop rock band ‘Leon of Athens’ with many sold-out live performances in various venues around Greece and the UK, Timoleon Veremis met the team of ‘Greece this Month’, where we had the chance to talk about the history and the next steps of the band. Enjoy our exclusive interview!
Last, but not least, the three-part documentary series “The Treasures of Ancient Greece”, where Alastair Sooke travels around Greece to explore the artistic achievements from ancient to modern times.
Greece This month - March/April 2015
-What is your inspiration in your music? The inspiration for each song is different. I can give you some examples: In ‘Pilot’ I was inspired by the beautiful scenery in the island of Corfu where I go every year and it’s about immigration, solitude, friendship and the passing of time which leaves its traces flashing in the look of people’s eyes. ’Slow Down’ is about my hometown Athens and how I experienced the moral deterioration of the city I grew up in, the corrupt politicians and the rise of the far-right. ’Sirens’ is a musical sketch, minimal and instant, the attempt to draw the ideal female form. ’Apartment’ is about isolation and jealousy. ’Baby Asteroid’ is an ecstatic venue taking place in the edge of the universe at the end of time.
months we moved back to Athens where I lived for the most part of my life. Although very different, both cities have influenced my music. Different images, cultures, experiences, sociopolitical conditions have all played a dominant role in the development of my musical perception.
-You and the well-known Greek artist and director, Yorgos Lanthimos joined forces for the video of your song “Baby Asteroid”. How did that come about and are there any plans for future collaboration? I feel very honoured to have worked with Yorgos. He is a great director and I am looking forward to watching his new film ‘The Lobster’, which will be out sometime in 2015.
-Since summer approaches, do you have any live performances already planned either in the UK or in Greece? This summer we will be performing in the UK, Northern Europe and Greece.
-How did you decide to form “Leon of Athens”?
-What is your next professional step as ‘Leon of Athens’?
After working in music in Greece for years, I decided, in 2013, to move to London and form a new musical project. This is ‘Leon of Athens’.
We are releasing three tracks from my album ‘Global’. These are ‘Baby Asteroid’, ’Pilot’ and ‘Global’. Also, I am arranging my new songs for my new album which will be released spring 2016.
-How many are the members of the band? The basic formation is 5 members but it varies from smaller to bigger stages. The instruments we use are drums, bass, electric and acoustic guitar, trombone, ukulele, keys, samples and vocals. 7
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-You were born in London but you grew up in Athens. How has your background influenced your music? I was born in London and after a few 8
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Choose Beautiful Greece as your Easter destination! Greece is mainly famous for its 6000 islands and islets from which 227 are inhabited and attract most of the tourists during their summer holidays. In addition to these paradisiac destinations, Greek mainland offers plenty of options to restless travelers throughout the year. With the Easter break just around the corner, those who are in the mood for spring vacations could start looking for the ideal Easter destination all around Greece.
There is no doubt that Easter in Greece is spiritual and exciting, since the visitors can witness unique religious customs and participate in jubilant celebrations and festivities. For those who are keen to explore some coastal cities and inland towns of the Greek mainland, below are some proposed destinations according to “The 10 Most Beautiful Towns in Greece” shortlisted by Theculturetrip.com; Nafplio, located in the Peloponnese peninsula, is an idyllic town for romantic holidays. The architecture of the first capital of Greece has been deeply influenced by the Venetian period. Castle lovers have the chance to visit and admire the two spectacular castles of Palamidi and Acronafplia and gaze at the view. 9
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and it is due to this geomorphic uniqueness that is also called “The Little Switzerland”. Sport enthusiasts are also bound to adore the area of Karpenisi, since it offers numerous options for outdoor activities while the city of Metsovo, with its famous stone-made guesthouses,is an alternative destination for hikers. Another stunning castle can also be visited in Parga, a coastal town located in western Greece, which is distinguished for its picturesque small houses by the sea, while
Galaxidi’s waterfront taverns are famous for their traditional Mediterranean cuisine.
Apart from its coastal beauties, Greece is also famous for its mountain diversity. The town of Karpenisi, surrounded by rocky mountains, dense forests and breezy rivers, is an excellent destination for nature lovers
In Northern Greece, there are also two particularly interesting destinations for those who wish to experience a somehow more cosmopolitan atmosphere. In Veria, an old Jewish quarter and a Synagogue are to be found among the city’s numerous intriguing monuments, Byzantine churches and stone-paved squares, attesting to the existence of the city’s Jewish community in the past, while there are plenty of sites of archaeological interest for those willing to travel around. The city of Xanthi is by no doubt another beautiful cultural hub. Its Follow us : traditions, customs and architecture have all been greatly influenced by its air of cosmopolitanism, allowing visitors to have a proper taste of the city’s uniqueness.
Happy Easter!!! Καλό Πάσχα!!! Greek Embassy in UK A Pint of Greece @GreeceinUK
Finally, the Holy Week can become a onelife-time experience in the city of Kalampaka, and more specifically in one of the monasteries located in Meteora, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. 10