Niovi Christopoulou on recent US elections and role of the Greek diaspora

·

By Ilias Karagiannis

At a time when politics is seeking new voices, Niovi Christopoulou brings a sense of renewal and hope. Dynamic, internationally experienced, and deeply passionate about Greece, the recent New Democracy candidate in the European elections seems to embody the need for more vibrant and outward-looking political representation.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Christopoulou’s words and actions reflect dreams that go beyond personal success, aiming for a more outward-facing and stronger Greece.

Based in New York City, she envisions a Greece that unites, inspires, and mobilises the diaspora globally. With a background in law, Christopoulou currently works as a consultant for major companies in digital technology and innovation, focusing particularly on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and global payment systems (fintech).

The Greek Herald spoke with her about the recent US elections, the election of Donald Trump as the new President of the United States, the anticipated impact of the new leadership on America and the world, as well as her thoughts on the Greek diaspora, the Greek government’s strategic plan, and her vision for expatriates.

“We were surprised that Donald Trump won both the Electoral College and the popular vote so quickly,” Christopoulou noted.

“This provided a clear outcome and avoided a period of uncertainty, which could have led to legal challenges.”

America is already preparing for the changes that the new administration will bring.

“The United States is a vast country with significant variations between states and regions. It’s very difficult to generalise. Living in New York, I’ve observed a calm reaction here. The focus is now on the individuals the new president will appoint to key positions. We’ve already seen developments affecting Greece, such as Mike Pompeo not being included in the new administration,” she said.

H.E. Archbishop Elpidophoros representing His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at The 4th Archon National Conference in Athens, Greece at the Welcome Reception hosted by The Greek Foreign Ministry, by Giorgos Kotsiras.
© PHOTO: GOA/Dimitrios Panagos

“Everyone is preparing for changes, for example, the possibility of stricter enforcement of non-compete clauses, which I recently read about in a legal article. Such issues illustrate how the US is preparing for the distinctive approach of the new president, which will differ significantly from what we’ve seen before.”

On US-EU relations, Christopoulou stated: “The European Union is a crucial strategic partner for the United States, and I don’t believe the election of a new president will change this, especially given today’s fluid and dangerous geopolitical landscape. However, the new president has already announced plans to impose high tariffs on European products. This is a complex issue, particularly for industries like car manufacturing, where Germany dominates and produces many models within US borders. It remains to be seen whether these declarations will stay rhetorical or lead to hostile trade measures against EU products.”

Support from the diaspora

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis recently stated that Greece’s relations with the US were excellent during Trump’s first term and would remain so in his second term.

“I agree with the Prime Minister that Greek American relations have been positive during both the Trump and Biden administrations. The Greek government has cultivated good relations with both parties, demonstrating preparation focused on national interests,” Christopoulou said.

Having lived in the US for nearly 24 years, Christopoulou speaks highly of the Greek American community.

“Greek Americans born here are US citizens, but they hold great love for Greece. They contribute through charitable or private efforts, and the diaspora has a strong presence and representation in the US political system, acting as a positive influence,” she said.

In the recent European elections, Christopoulou received approximately 31,000 votes with New Democracy—a remarkable achievement that seems to signal a promising future.

“I am deeply grateful for this support and want to give back, both politically and as an expatriate. I believe this reciprocity will continue. One tangible example is my participation in the consultation process for the strategic plan concerning expatriates. I’ve submitted comments, available on the Foreign Ministry’s website, with specific and actionable proposals,” she explained.

“I believe the Diaspora across all continents is Greece’s strength. It’s vital to connect not just with Greece, but also with each other. I encourage expatriates in Australia to connect with those in America, Africa, and Asia. We have so much to offer. My presence here and my participation in the European elections are just the beginning.”

Strategic Plan for the Diaspora

When asked about the most pressing issues for the Greek diaspora, Christopoulou highlighted two key areas.

“The first concerns connecting expatriates with Greece in everyday matters. It’s crucial to facilitate issues such as passport issuance, inheritance rights, or tax matters related to Greece. Significant progress has been made in this area, especially through digital platforms that have expedited many processes. However, more support is needed, particularly in acquiring Greek citizenship. Many expatriates struggle to obtain Greek passports due to missing documentation from their ancestors,” she said.

“The second issue is Greek education. This isn’t just about teaching the language, but fostering a comprehensive Greek education and consciousness. This should include history, philosophy, and geography, creating a modern and practical connection between expatriates and Greece.

“It’s also essential to protect and promote the Greek language, especially using new technologies and AI. Languages with unique alphabets, like Greek, face challenges in this technological environment.

“Greek education shouldn’t be treated as a basic tutorial issue. It’s not enough for expatriate children to learn the basics of the language. We must provide opportunities for them to advance their Greek skills as much as they wish. This will enable them to understand Greece’s needs and maintain a practical connection to their homeland.

“The most urgent issue is branding Greek education for both expatriates and the wider world. This is something other countries, like France, have successfully achieved. French education and culture have become exportable products, marketed as unique and valuable globally—not just to the French. This is my vision for Greek education.”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Meet the Greek Australian doctor fighting to save Indigenous children’s lives

Professor John Carapetis, renowned paediatrician and infectious disease expert, hopes to close the health gap for Indigenous children.

44th National Cretan Federation Convention to be held in Sydney

The 44th National Cretan Federation Convention will be hosted by the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW from in 2026.

Day three of the Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers inspires deep reflection

The third day of the 1st Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers unfolded at the Megaron Athens Concert Hall on Wednesday, July 9.

FECCA’s Peter Doukas OAM condemns violence against Jewish community in Australia

Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) condemns in unequivocal terms violence against the Jewish community.

Cyprus’ Andreas Grigoriou to visit Australia to mark 51st anniversary of Turkish invasion

Andreas Grigoriou will visit Australia this July to participate in events marking the 51st anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

You May Also Like

Tahlia Kokkinis exits Australian Open Juniors campaign after impressive run

Tahlia Kokkinis' impressive Australian Open Juniors campaign came to an end after she was defeated by world No.7 Sonobe Wakana.

Professor Polymeris Voglis to give online seminar on political prisoners in 20th century Greece

Political prisoners is a phenomenon that is not limited to the years 1946-1949 but runs through modern Greek history from the 1920s to 1974.

Documentary festival, ‘Beyond Borders,’ attracts attention in Castellorizo

The 5th “Beyond Borders” International Documentary Festival kicked off on August 23 on the Greek island of Castellorizo.