Articles & Opinion Pieces
CLIMATE
Nuclear Energy: Opportunities and Challenges for Greece
Parapolitika.gr - Nov 4th, 2024
by Georgios Laskaris
As Greece explores the opportunities of integrating nuclear energy into its national strategy, following recent moves by global tech giants toward clean energy, energy expert Georgios Laskaris analyzes the potential of this shift for the country’s future. As the world faces an urgent need for sustainable and secure energy solutions, Greece’s approach highlights the critical role nuclear energy can play in decarbonizing industries, supporting renewables, and positioning the nation as an energy hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.
DIASPORA
G.S. of Ministry of Interior Ath. Balerbas: “Greece leads the way in matters of democratic process”
Deon Policy Institute - September 2024
by Georgios Laskaris and Afroditi Xydi
A few months after the first implementation of postal voting in Greece for the European Elections in June 2024, Georgios Laskaris and Afroditi Xydi had the unique opportunity to discuss with the people who made this pioneering effort a reality: Athanasios Balerba, Secretary General of the Ministry of the Interior, and Konstantina Karakosta, Assistant Professor at the University of Patras. They talked about the first implementation of postal voting, the role this initiative played for the diaspora, the proposal from the Deon Policy Institute for identification through ID/passport, and the future plans for postal voting.
OPINION
Democracy in dark times: Hopeful lessons from Greece’s 50-year Odyssey
Politico.eu - July 31st, 2024
by Afroditi Xydi and Georgios Laskaris
As Greece celebrates the 50th anniversary of its restoration of Democracy, following the collapse of a seven-year military junta in July 1974, Deon co-founders Afroditi Xydi and Georgios Laskaris reflect on the importance of this milestone not only for Greece, but as a hopeful lesson for the rest of the world. As the world grapples with two major wars and an unprecedented crisis across its democratic institutions Greece’s half-century journey underscores the resilience and adaptability required to maintain democracy, reboot an economy, and reforge geopolitical alliances.
HEALTH & HUMAN RIGHTS
A Reform that Can Happen Tomorrow
Kathimerini - July 13, 2024
by Thodoris Georgakopoulos
Greece should reduce VAT on period products from 24% to at least 13%, a simple and low-cost reform with significant benefits. Period products are essential for women, yet Greece taxes them at the highest rate, unlike many European countries that have significantly lowered their VAT on these items. Reducing VAT on period products would provide financial relief to women, especially those from poorer families, without a substantial fiscal impact. This straightforward policy change would promote gender equity and economic fairness.
CLIMATE
Small Modular Reactors and the Case of Greece
Vima - August 13th, 2024
by Georgios Laskaris
The Greek Prime Minister's comments have sparked a debate on the potential inclusion of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Greece's energy strategy. SMRs, with their modular design and advanced safety features, could provide clean baseload power to support Greece's renewable energy efforts and decarbonize key sectors like maritime transport. With international collaboration, Greece could transition to nuclear energy, enhancing its energy security and positioning itself as a leader in the region's energy transition.
CLIMATE
Fighting Fires with New Technologies
Capital Link Sustainability Forum Journal - May 28, 2024
by Afroditi Xydi
Climate change has been increasing the frequency, spread, and impact of wildfires, a trend acutely felt in Greece, particularly highlighted by last year's record-breaking fire that destroyed 58% of the Dadia National Park. With a drier winter and limited snow cover this year, early predictions indicate a challenging summer ahead. Deon urges Greece to adopt new technologies that aid in prevention, detection, containment, and management of wildfires more effectively. These technologies include AI, satellite data, and various sensors, aiming to target high-risk areas, expedite detection, and provide firefighters with crucial real-time data to combat fires efficiently. These tools are not only cost-effective but also enhance preparedness, reduce the flammable material in forests, and ensure targeted firefighting efforts, crucial for a Mediterranean country at the forefront of battling climate change effects.
CLIMATE
Sustainable Development and Nuclear Energy
Capital Link Sustainability Forum Journal - May 28, 2024
by Georgios Laskaris
The European Commission's Green Deal targets a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050, necessitating the use of all green zero-emission technologies, including nuclear energy. While traditional large nuclear plants are impractical for Greece due to high costs and long completion times, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and microreactors present viable alternatives. These newer reactors offer advantages such as zero carbon emissions, lower capital costs, reliable baseload power, and decentralized energy production. Greece's energy transition can benefit from these technologies, requiring public support and political consensus for successful implementation.
EDUCATION
Yes, they came to Greece to conduct research
Kathimerini - April 23, 2024
by Apostolos Lakasas
7 scientists living abroad received a 2.5 million euro grant each to conduct a research in Greece through the European Research Area (ERA) Chair program. In fact, Greece was by far the largest recipient of grants, 21% of the total funding issued by the European Commission. The journalist Apostolos Lakasas, asked Deon Policy Institute co-founders Georgios Laskaris and Afroditi Xydi to share their perspective about the impact such a program can have on the Greek research ecoystem.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Economic Openness requires International Talent
Kathimerini - April 17, 2024
by Petros Perselis
Following a challenging economic period, Greece has shown remarkable resilience, achieving significant growth rates of 8.4% in 2021 and 5.9% in 2022. Recognizing the need for skilled labor, Deon Policy Institute partnered with Endeavor Greece to recommend the introduction of a "Talent Visa." The Ministry of Migration and Asylum recently announced that it is planning to introduce this visa which targets recent graduates from top global universities, offering a one-year stay to explore opportunities without immediate employment commitments, aiming to integrate them into the Greek economy. However, in order for this visa to be successful, it needs to be paired with a well-coordinated marketing campaign.
EDUCATION
Haiyan Gao in “K”: In 4 years we brought an American University to China
Kathimerini - March 22, 2024
by Apostolos Lakasas
At a time when Greece is exploring partnerships between public universities and leading foreign universities, Deon Policy Institute co-founders Afroditi Xydi and Georgios Laskaris, sat down with Haiyan Gao, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at Duke Kunshan University, a partnership between Duke University, Wuhan University and the city of Kunshan, in China to learn about her experience. A shortened version of the interview was published in Kathimerini, on March 22nd, 2024 by Apostolos Lakasas.
DIASPORA
Voting by Mail for Greek Diaspora: From Draft Law to Implementation
To Vima - January 16, 2024
by Georgios Laskaris
Parliament is voting on a bill that will finally allow Greek citizens abroad to vote from their place of residence without a physical presence at polling stations in Greece. This initiative has the potential to completely the relationship between the Diaspora with the Greek state. A major emphasis must be placed so that all expatriate Greeks are informed and encouraged to exercise their basic democratic right.
GREECE
Greece Has Its Eye on an Upgrade
Wall Street Journal - July 30, 2023
by Afroditi Xydi & Georgios Laskaris
After almost a decade of crisis, Greece now has the opportunity to redefine itself. With a strong parliamentary majority, and a track record of reform, the re-elected Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis should focus on deep institutional reform, by prioritizing revamping education, supporting entrepreneurship, fostering high-potential economic sectors, and addressing demographic challenges.
DIASPORA
Expat Voting Rights: an opportunity to elevate the Hellenic Diaspora
Kathimerini - July 24, 2023
by Afroditi Xydi & Georgios Laskaris
In July 2023, the Greek Parliament voted to remove restrictions for nationals trying to vote from abroad. This presents an opportunity to further institutionally strengthen the Greek diaspora by identifying the expats, increasing staff in consulates, streamlining services offered, and launching targeted awareness campaigns.
DIASPORA
10 Days of Celebrating the Hellenic Diaspora in New York City
To Vima - December 19, 2023
by Afroditi Xydi
In December every year, Greek Diaspora organizations come together to celebrate Hellenism. This year was marked with a change. During the crisis the diaspora came together to support Greece. Now, as Greece is entering an era of growth the role of the diaspora is more important than ever. They can support in shaping the institutional foundations that will help propel the country into the 21st century.
DIASPORA
10 recommendations to increase expat voter registration
Kathimerini - January 22, 2023
by Georgios Laskaris & Afroditi Xydi
By the end of January 2023, only 4,000 Greek expats had registered to vote for the elections, when the Ministry of Interior had originally expected 100,000 sign-ups. We make 10 low or no-cost recommendations that can simplify processes, maximize reach and increase awareness.
EDUCATION
Visiting Professors as a repatriating mechanism for Greek postdocs
Kathimerini - February 10, 2023
by Nikos Tsopoulidis & Georgios Laskaris
Early-career Greek scientists often spend years as postdoctoral researchers in universities abroad while looking for full-time professor positions. Instead, we recommend that they spend time as Visiting Professors, where they can continue conducting the research.