Berlin: Founding of Centre for Modern Greece

The  Freie University in Berlin, Germany founded the Centre for Modern Greece on Friday June 6, which aims to the strengthening and dissemination of Greek studies, as well as the cultural exchange between Greece and Germany. The Centre for Modern Greece was an initiative of the University’s Chair of Modern Greek Studies and it was created through a grant by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.

Keynote speaker at the opening ceremony was the President of the European Court, Vassilios Skouris, a graduate of the Freie University, who analyzed the history of Greek-German scientific relations.

Referring to the role of the Center, Skouris expressed his belief that it will largely contribute to the improvement of  Greek-German relations. He stressed that over the last 200 years, Germany has played a crucial role in the scientific training of many Greeks, also stating that the Germans were always interested in Greek studies.

However, he expressed his concern about the problems in the two countries relations due to the economic crisis while he pointed out that Europe must take more measures to deal with the integration of its citizens.

The Center aims to the organization of conferences and debates, concerning both scientific researches and issues of everyday life in Greece and Europe, to the creation of a record of the cultural exchanges between Greece and Germany from the 18th century until today and to the publication of works by Greek writers and scientists, through the publishing company “Romiosini.”