Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis participated in the inaugural meeting of the Europe-Gulf Forum, co-organized by the Atlantic Council and Antenna Group, held on May 15-17 at Costa Navarino, Greece.

During his remarks, the Prime Minister emphasized the strategic importance of building a stronger and more structured partnership between Europe and the Gulf states. He described Greece as a natural bridge between Europe and the Gulf, underlining that the current geopolitical landscape requires Europe to broaden its outlook beyond traditional priorities and deepen engagement with the wider Mediterranean, the Gulf, and Africa.

The Prime Minister also underscored the Gulf countries’ growing importance to Europe’s energy security and diversification efforts, while highlighting significant opportunities for enhanced cooperation in such areas as defense, technology, logistics, infrastructure and investment. Particular emphasis was placed on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which he described as a key emerging trade route linking India, the Gulf, and Europe.

Chevron Corporation has filed a formal request to acquire a 70% stake in offshore exploration “Block 10”, located in the southern Ionian Sea, marking a significant expansion of the company's activities in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The move is another indication of growing international interest in Greece’s hydrocarbon exploration potential and follows the increasing presence of major global energy companies in the country’s energy sector. Chevron and Helleniq Energy have already signed lease agreements with the Greek state for four new offshore blocks south of Crete and the Peloponnese.

Greece’s Ministry of Environment and Energy highlighted the importance of Chevron’s renewed participation, with Minister Stavros Papastavrou describing it as a key milestone for the development of the country’s oil and gas sector.

“Greece is steadily strengthening its position on the energy map of the Eastern Mediterranean,” the minister said.
 

The Greek Government and AI voice technology company ElevenLabs signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at expanding the use of artificial intelligence across public services, tourism, and cultural preservation.

The agreement, signed in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou, and Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni, will explore the integration of advanced voice-enabled technologies into the Gov.gr platform, allowing citizens to access public services through natural voice interactions.

The partnership will also support the enhancement of the VisitGreece platform, offering multilingual information and digital guidance for visitors, while a pilot project will help preserve Greece’s linguistic heritage through the digital recording and safeguarding of local dialects and idioms.

Speaking at the Panathēnea 2026 festival, PM Mitsotakis highlighted Greece’s ambition to become a leader in the responsible use of artificial intelligence, building on the country’s successful digital transformation. He emphasized the role of AI in improving public services, healthcare, civil protection, education, and innovation, while also stressing the importance of ethical safeguards and smart regulation.

The Prime Minister underscored Greece’s broader strategy to develop sovereign AI infrastructure, including the “Daedalus” supercomputer and the national AI Factory “Pharos,” while fostering a dynamic startup ecosystem and attracting investment in emerging technologies. The partnership with ElevenLabs reflects Greece’s commitment to leveraging AI as a tool for economic growth, public service modernization, and cultural innovation.
 

The Greek government has proposed a constitutional amendment declaring that artificial intelligence must serve the freedom of the individual and the prosperity of society.

The proposal reflects growing concerns about AI’s potential to undermine democratic governance if left unchecked. By enshrining AI ethics in the nation’s foundational law, Greece aims to ensure technological progress aligns with civic values and human rights.



 

In May, the Ambassador of Greece to the U.S., Antonis Alexandridis, held separate meetings on Capitol Hill with:

• Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation.
• Congressman Bill Keating (D-MA), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe and member of the House Armed Services Committee.
• Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (D-NH), member of the House Committee on Armed Services and member of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus.
• Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI), member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and member of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus.

The discussions focused on bilateral Greece-US cooperation, transatlantic relations, as well as current developments in Easter Mediterranean and broader region.

On Monday, May 18, Ambassador Antonis Alexandridis met with Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah B. Rogers.

The discussion focused on cultural cooperation between Greece and the U.S., with particular emphasis on combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property. The official repatriation of 26 antiquities of Greek origin, seized by U.S. authorities upon their entry into the United States due to insufficient legal documentation, further highlights the strong cultural partnership between Greece and the United States, as well as the shared commitment of both countries to protecting cultural heritage.

The two interlocutors further explored the possibility of joint initiatives in the run-up to the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

During the meeting, the importance both countries attach to the protection of Christian populations in the Middle East was also highlighted.

Ambassador of Greece to the United States, Alexandros Alexandridis, paid his first official visit to Boston, underscoring the importance of the region’s vibrant Greek-American community and leading academic institutions.

During his visit, the Ambassador met with Metropolitan Methodios and members of the Greek diaspora, and toured key educational, cultural, and research institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Hellenic American Academy in Lowell, the Maliotis Cultural Center of Hellenic College Holy Cross, The Fletcher School at Tufts University, and MIT. The visit highlighted the strong ties connecting Greece with the Greek-American community and the broader academic and cultural landscape of New England.

 

The Embassy of Greece participated in the annual EU Open House on May 9, welcoming hundreds of visitors for a day dedicated to Greek hospitality, culture, music, and cuisine.

Organized by the European Union Delegation and the embassies of EU Member States in Washington, D.C., the event commemorates Europe Day and the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration of 1950, a milestone in the creation of today's European Union. This year's celebration also marked 250 years of shared history, ideas, and achievements between Europe and the United States.

Throughout the day, visitors had the opportunity to experience Greece's rich cultural heritage while learning more about the enduring ties between Greece, the United States, and the European Union.

Commemorating the 90th anniversary of the death of Eleftherios Venizelos, Ambassador Antonis Alexandridis and the President of the Venizelos Foundation USA Nikos Kastrinakis paid tribute by laying a wreath at the statue of the great statesman and reformer, who left an indelible mark on the history of modern Greece.

The statue, located in front of the historic Embassy of Greece building on Massachusetts Ave. in Washington, DC, is the work of renowned Greek sculptor Yannis Pappas and was donated by the Hellenic Parliament in 2009.

 

The Greek Government has approved the five-year action plan “Greece On Screen” (2026–2030), a landmark €750 million initiative, designed to strengthen the country’s audiovisual and creative industries.

Implemented by the Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center – Creative Greece (E.K.K.O.ME.D.), the plan establishes a comprehensive national strategy supporting film, television, animation, video games, music festivals, innovation, education, and international outreach.

The program aims to create a stable and competitive environment for creators and businesses, attract international productions and investment, generate high-quality jobs, and enhance Greece’s global cultural presence. A key component of the initiative is the establishment of a new School of Film Technicians and Audiovisual Creation, addressing the growing demand for specialized talent in the sector.

 

The Athens Epidaurus Festival is Greece’s leading cultural organization and one of the oldest continuously running festivals in Europe. Spanning 70 years, the Festival has welcomed some of the greatest music, dance, and theatre artists of the international and local scene, in collaboration with the most prestigious Greek and international organizations, attracting large audiences from around the world. This iconic festival transforms ancient theaters into stages for world-class performances, including classical music, theater, and dance.

Up until 2005, the Festival was held exclusively at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. In the summer of 2006, five brand-new theatre stages were launched at the Peiraios 260 industrial venue, which has since emerged as an important springboard for contemporary art. Artistic productions and site-specific performances are also presented at other venues in Attica and various locations as part of the Festival.

The historic Odeon of Herodes Atticus, at the foot of the Acropolis, hosts the “Farewell Celebrations” before temporary closure for maintenance. During June 3-30, visitors from around the world will have the opportunity to experience unique evenings filled with music, and theatrical performances, where Greek tradition meets contemporary artistic expression.

The program has been designed to offer an unforgettable experience at one of the world’s most emblematic theaters, set against the enchanting backdrop of the illuminated Acropolis.

Check out the full program for all venues here.