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The aim of the trip was to strengthen bilateral relations between Germany and Greece and to promote political and economic exchange. The delegation took part in a series of official meetings with Greek politicians and representatives of the ruling Nea Dimokratia party to discuss key issues of international cooperation and European integration.
On the evening of the day of arrival, October 3, the delegation was received at the residence of the German ambassador in Athens on the occasion of the ceremonial reception for the Day of German Unity. The celebration of German reunification provided an important opportunity to celebrate the long-standing friendly relations between Germany and Greece and to emphasize the importance of European unity.
The second day of the trip was characterized by an intensive exchange with leading representatives of Nea Dimokratia. At a meeting at the Nea Demokratia headquarters, Steffen Bilger and Prof. Dr. Wechsler spoke with Fillipos Fortomas, MP and Nea Demokratia's Secretary for Greeks abroad, and Tasos Chatzivasileiou, MP and Nea Demokratia's Secretary for International Relations. The topics of these talks were the challenges of the Greek diaspora in Germany, Greece's role in international politics and cooperation within the framework of the European Union. Following the talks with political representatives, the delegation visited the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where an intensive exchange took place with Maira Myrogianni, the Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy. In particular, the role of the Greek communities in Germany and how they can positively influence bilateral relations was discussed. Both sides emphasized the need to further strengthen the ties between the two countries and to develop new initiatives to promote the Greek diaspora.
On October 5, the delegation traveled to Marathon, where they explored the historical significance of the region. Marathon is considered a symbol of the struggle for freedom and of European heritage. The day began with a visit to the Road Marathon Museum. The museum is dedicated to the history of the legendary marathon road and its significance in ancient Greece and modern times. The delegation had the opportunity to view exhibits illustrating the origin of the marathon and its development into a worldwide sporting event. The history of the Battle of Marathon, which inspired the race, was presented in detail and the links to European history were reflected upon. Steffen Bilger emphasized the importance of strengthening the cultural ties between Germany and Greece, not only politically but also historically.
Moreover, the delegation visited the memorial to the victims of the fire disaster that claimed the lives of over 100 people in 2018. The delegation laid flowers. This was a moving moment that underlined the importance of solidarity and support in times of natural disasters. The group then took part in a symbolic tree planting event to help rebuild the forests destroyed by the fires. This action had both an ecological and a symbolic character to demonstrate the hope for renewal and rebirth of nature after the destruction. The delegation worked with local authorities and volunteers to plant trees and contribute to the restoration of the region's natural heritage.
The delegation then continued to the fire watch tower, which is an important part of the region's forest fire prevention efforts. There, the delegation received a presentation on the monitoring methods and the measures being taken to prevent future disasters such as the fire disaster of 2018. The visitors had the opportunity to appreciate the work of the firefighters and volunteers who play a crucial role in protecting the forests and the local population.
On the final day of the trip, Steffen Bilger drew a positive conclusion: “This trip has shown us how deeply rooted relations between Germany and Greece are, not only on a political level, but also culturally and historically. The discussions we had here were of great importance for the future of our bilateral cooperation.” Prof. Dr. Wechsler also emphasized the importance of the dialogue: “The exchange between our two countries is more important than ever in order to find common answers to global challenges in a rapidly changing world.”
The delegation trip to Greece not only strengthened the political dialog between the two countries, but also deepened cultural ties.
