Published: 04.05.2025
Almost everyone reached the meeting point at Munich Airport at 8:45 AM on time, and by the time of departure, the group was complete. The departure was in the rain, while the arrival in Athens was under sunshine at 28°C, what could be better to start a journey! From the airport, we took the metro to the hotel and then went directly to the meeting point https://maps.app.goo.gl/wnJaxAyRTcpuYEh29?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy with Christos, a journalist and political scientist, who gave us insight into the current political and social conditions in Greece over a vast array of fantastic mezze. The focus was particularly on the situation of refugees in the camps, the ship disaster in June 2023 in which 708 people lost their lives and only about 100 were rescued, the role played by the Greek coast guard, and the shared responsibility in the deaths of these individuals. https://maps.app.goo.gl/wnJaxAyRTcpuYEh29?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
How Greece carries out push backs at the border with Turkey and push ons at sea, moving vessels out of Greek waters. How recognized refugees have only 30 days to find housing before they must leave the camps and end up on the streets. How the BAMF and IMO in correspondence with recognized refugees from Greece urge them to return to Greece, promising housing and work under the Helios program, but nothing of the kind is implemented. How the Greek government has increased the capacities of all camps overnight, without actually creating more accommodation options. The camps are 100% funded by the EU. How people in Greece are suffering under exorbitant electricity prices and unaffordable rents. How just a month ago, they paralyzed the country in a general strike to protest against high living costs.
The people in Greece are battered by political, financial, and humanitarian crises, yet they continue to rise and fight for a better future.
And although the information we received was unfortunately not pleasant, it was a beautiful evening with wonderful food and a post-dinner walk up to a viewpoint overlooking the Acropolis - Ευχαριστώ.
