Konstantinos Kaiopoulos was elected director of Tariff & Trade Affairs at the World Customs Organisation (WCO), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday.
Kaiopoulos was elected during the 137th Session of the WCO, which was held digitally on December 12, 2020.
The Greek candidacy was actively promoted by the Greek Embassy in direct cooperation with the General Secretariat for International Economic Relations and Extroversion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This is the first time a Greek has been elected to high ranking position in the World Customs Organization (WCO), in the context of which important decisions are made that affect the tariff regime and in general the conditions of import of goods in world trade.
Kaiopoulos, who has served as advisor for customs matters to the secretary general for Public Revenue in Greece, will assume office on 1 January 2021.
Greece on Tuesday said it will take delivery of 18 French-made Rafale fighter jets next year, as part of a major 11.5-billion-euro ($14.5-billion) drive to modernize its armed forces amid tension with neighbour Turkey.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the agreements would be finalized with the French government and defense contractor Dassault Aviation in the coming days, announcing the news in parliament ahead of a vote on the 2021 budget.
Annual spending on defense is being hiked by more than a third in 2021 to 5.4 billion euros ($6.5 billion) despite a deep recession triggered by the pandemic this year.
A Rafale fighter jet flies over the factory of French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation in Merignac near Bordeaux, France, in this March 4, 2015 file photo. (Reuters)
Greece and fellow NATO member Turkey remain at odds over boundaries and undersea natural gas rights in the eastern Mediterranean, a dispute that intensified this year and raised concerns among western allies of a potential military confrontation.
Details of Greece’s military overhaul were announced after the summer: A five-year program that will include weapons upgrades for all three branches of the armed forces and the hiring of an additional 15,000 personnel.
The program includes plans to purchase new frigates, anti-submarine warfare helicopters and drones, as well as an upgrade of Greece’s entire fleet of F-16 jets by 2027 in partnership with U.S. defense firm Lockheed Martin.
Greece has forged closer military ties with traditional allies France and the United States and expanded collaboration with Israel, Egypt, and other countries in the region.
Military spending was cut back during a major financial crisis that started over a decade ago but Greece is again facing acute financial problems due to the pandemic.
Lawmakers approved the budget later Tuesday by 158-148 votes.
It’s a nervous week for students in South Australia, NSW and Queensland as recent graduates receive their final ATAR marks and ranking for the year.
Despite a shaky year, five students managed to top the state in the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) 2020, being labelled the ‘perfect five’.
Among the five were two Greeks, Paras Stefanopoulos and Martina Theodorakakos, who each achieved A+ results in at least five subjects including the research project for their SACE.
Paras and Martina, along with Giovanni Elias, Oliver Kleinig and Shreyans Sinhal, achieved Australian Tertiary Admission Rank scores above 99.9.
Oliver Kleinig, Shreyans Sinhal, Martina Theodorakakos, Paras Stefanopoulos and Giovanni Elias. Picture: Tricia Watkinson/Adelaide Now
“These five remarkable students achieved the pinnacle of academic achievement,” SACE Board chief executive Martin Westwell said to Adelaide Now.
The class of 20290 had “stared down the challenge of COVID-19”, he said.
“They learnt so much – not just about the subjects in the SACE but (about) themselves, who they are, what they’re capable of and how they can adapt to change,” he said.
Paras Stefanopoulos, St Michaels College
“And how they can be changemakers themselves.”
Paras, 18, from St Michael’s College, does computer programming as a hobby – which dovetailed with his strong science subject mix and research project into what extent artificial intelligence will influence the future.
“The answer to that is complex, there’s no right or wrong” he said.
“We have a long way to go but once the ball starts rolling it’ll grow rapidly.”
He has applied to study advanced computer science at Adelaide.
Martina, 18, from Walford Anglican School for Girls, has applied to study law and advanced economics at Adelaide or Sydney. At stressful times, she remained focused by not thinking about the ATAR, rather “thinking about what’s next in life”.
Martina worked at a bakery and found time for family and friends.
“I wasn’t cooped up in my room,” she said.
She did her research project on the organ transplant system because her “biggest supporter”, her dad, John, had needed a kidney transplant but endured a wait of more than two years.
“I want to make changes in a lot of areas where females aren’t well represented,” she said.
“I’m quite a confident person but I do find a lot of girls shy away and leave it to the boys when they should be up there.”
The Greek yoghurt market in Europe is set to grow by USD 1.33 billion, progressing at a CAGR of almost 8% during the forecast period.
According to a report released by Technavio, the sales of Greek yoghurt are set to continue on the positive growth experienced in 2019. The market is driven by the nutritional benefits of Greek yogurt. However, the presence of stringent government regulations is recognised as a potential challenger of its growth.
The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, the latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment.
Greek Yogurt Market in Europe: Product Landscape
Based on the product, the market witnessed significant growth in the plain and low-fat Greek yogurt segment in 2019. The segment is driven by the introduction of different flavours of plain Greek yogurt by vendors.
Greek Yogurt Market in Europe: Geography Landscape
In 2019, 31% of the market’s growth originated from the Rest of Europe segment that excludes France, Germany, and the UK. The segment is driven by the increased consumption of Greek yogurt in Greece, the Netherlands, and Denmark.
Greece, the Netherlands, and Denmark are the key markets for Greek yogurt in the Rest of Europe. However, the report concludes that the market growth in this region will be slower than the growth of the market in France, Germany, and the UK.
Danone SA operates its business through segments such as Specialized Nutrition, Essential Dairy and Plant-Based Products, and Waters. The company offers fresh dairy products as well as plant-based products and beverages.
Dodoni SA Agricultural Dairy Industry of Epirus
Dodoni SA Agricultural Dairy Industry of Epirus operates its business through the Unified product segment. Key products offered by the company include Authentic Greek yogurt and DODONI Epirotiko Strained.
Emmi Group
Emmi Group operates its business through segments such as Switzerland, Americas, Europe, and Global Trade. The company offers Emmi Swiss Premium Greek Style Yogurt. The product is offered in various flavors such as natural, strawberry, peaches, blueberry, and others.
President of the ‘Greece 2021’ Committee, Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, addressed Greek Australians this evening during The Hellenic Initiative Australia’s second Digital Conversation Series.
The digital talk, which was moderated by Greek Australian journalist, John Mangos, covered a range of topics including the role of Greek Australians in next year’s bicentennial celebrations for Greece’s independence from the Ottomans.
Mrs Angelopoulos-Daskalaki began the talk by speaking proudly of the Greek Australian diaspora and reminiscing over her time in Australia during the Olympic Games in 2000.
“I remember running with the Olympic flame in Australia and I saw the Greek and Australian flags and I was very proud. Australia felt like a home away from home,” Mrs Angelopoulos-Daskalaki said.
President of the ‘Greece 2021’ Committee, Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, addressed Greek Australians this evening during The Hellenic Initiative Australia’s second Digital Conversation Series. Photo: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
The Ambassador-at-large of the Hellenic Republic went on to say that the ‘Greece 2021’ Committee has received over 1800 event proposals from around the world with 36 from Greek Australians.
“I have about three pages here of proposals from the Greek diaspora in Australia. Events which have been proposed include an exhibition of Greek Australian artists, a Greek Writers Festival, a book launch, and even a photo exhibition,” she says.
“The Greek diaspora in Australia keep the Greek history alive and this is what we want for our 2021 celebrations… You will also be the ones who will put out the message that we are proud Greeks and pass on the torch around the world.”
Mrs Angelopoulos-Daskalaki said however, that the Committee is relying on private donations, sponsorships and selling merchandise, such as the 2021 commemorative coin, to make these proposals possible.
“Because of the ten year crisis in Greece, we don’t want state funding. We have a new category of sponsorships where small, medium and large companies in Greece are able to adopt proposals and invest money into them,” she explains.
Regardless of this unique funding method, the question was still raised to Mrs Angelopoulos-Daskalaki about how the events will even go ahead if the coronavirus pandemic is still raging next year.
“We are good organisers. We understand the importance of Plan A, B and C,” she replied. “We have alternative scenarios for each and every event… if something doesn’t happen in March, it can happen in June.”
“In the end, it’s not just one big opening ceremony. The whole year is important. It’s a time to think, reflect, dance and perform.”
Maria Kaitatzis from the Fronditha Care facility in Lower Templestowe has been recognised for her work in the aged care sector as a recipient of ‘The OSCARS Recognition of Excellence’ program.
Maria was recognised by the OSCAR Care Group for her excellence and passion in creating nutritious, delicious and beautiful culturally-sensitive meals for her mostly Greek residents at the Fronditha Care facility.
Maria grew up in Greece’s second biggest city, Thessaloniki. Her passion for Mediterranean cuisine was sparked from an early age, helping her mother and grandmother in the kitchen and seeing their love when talking about ingredients and cooking.
Maria Kaitatzis works at the Fronditha Care facility in Lower Templestowe.
Six years later, Maria & her husband, Ioannis, brought their children, Andreas and Dimitra, to Australia. Soon after, Maria began working as Assistant Chef at Fronditha Care Clayton and was then promoted to Head Chef at Fronditha Care Templestowe.
For four years, Maria has relished the chance to cook for her much-loved residents and often personalises their meals to their liking.
“I love creating special meals and give pleasure through my food to our residents. It’s like cooking for my family,” Maria tells the OSCAR Care Group.
Maria goes on to praise her team at the Fronditha Care facility, saying they work well together.
“My colleagues have my trust and respect, in turn I guide them towards quality meals and presentation,” Maria says.
“Together we cooperate and as a result, we work very effectively and in a very friendly environment.”
During a church service at St Spyridon’s church in Clayton, Melbourne last Friday, the outgoing Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Dimitrios Michalopoulos, was awarded The Gold Cross of St. Andrew and an honorary diploma for his devotion to the church and Greek ideals.
The Cross, given to Mr Michalopoulos by His Grace Bishop Emilianos, on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, is the highest award of recognition given by the Archdiocese to people who have offered lifelong service.
“The Archdiocese of Australia reserved a great honour for me. The award is in recognition of my three years of service in Melbourne and the efforts I made to promote the needs of the Greek community. However, I do not see this award as an epilogue, but as a starting point for new initiatives and as a responsibility to meet the great honour bestowed on me,” Mr Michalopoulos tells The Greek Herald.
“In the life of a Greek diplomat the contact with Hellenism around the globe is not limited by time or locale, it is one of constant challenge to which we are called to respond to. The recognition I received from the Archdiocese strengthens and encourages me in my next steps. My heartfelt thanks to the Archbishop of Australia.”
Asked about the experiences he will take with him, Mr Michalopoulos says that the time he served in Victoria, will remain engraved in his memory due to the dynamic spirit of Hellenism in Melbourne and its impact to the wider Greek Australian community.
“I met successful people, who excelled, each in their own fields and who never forgot the place where their ancestors were born. I would like the relations between the Greek diaspora and Greece to remain strong, in a spirit of mutual respect and national solidarity.
“On a more personal level, Melbourne is a very beautiful city, with the right infrastructure, a high level of higher education and a thriving economy. In other words, it is Athens as it should be. I hope, then, that these memories will soon become a reality in the homeland,” Mr Michalopoulos concluded as he is getting ready to embark on another journey in his career.
The Greek Herald would like to thank him for his service.
An old tobacco factory in Athens is about to become a cultural centre to mark the 200th anniversary of Greece’s liberation from the Ottoman Empire.
The Lenorman Street Tobacco Factory, designed by civic architects Pavlos Athanasakis and Antonis Ligdopoulos between 1927 and 1930, was declared a historic monument by the Greek Ministry of Culture in 1989.
Half of the building, which comprises a city block, is currently home to the library of the Hellenic Parliament.
But converting the rest of the premises into a cultural centre will cost €1 million ($1.2 million) in renovations, which are being funded by Neon, a Greek art foundation established in 2013 by collector Dimitris Daskalopoulos.
With renovations set to be complete in 2021, the centre will open next year with an exhibition, Portals, featuring international artists including Michael Rakowitz, Glenn Ligon and Danh Vo.
“I was thinking, how do you make this historical event relevant 200 years after it happened, without making it a nationalist celebration because this is always a danger when a nation celebrates their past,” Director of Neon, Elina Kountouri, tells The Art Newspaper.
Constantine A. Tassoulas, the President of the Hellenic Parliament, added that the renovation is also “inspired by the Greece of today.”
“This artistic event… is organised by a partnership between the private and public sector, and it is addressed to a public that will freely shape its own interpretation,” Tassoulas said in a statement.
At the exhibition’s conclusion, Neon will return the venue back to the state for use as a permanent cultural center.
In a letter sent to the Greek Community of Melbourne on December 9, Greece’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Kostas Vlasis, expressed the Greek Government’s assurances they will do everything possible for the continuation of the Greek Studies Program at La Trobe University in Melbourne.
“The continuation of the Greek Studies Program is a top priority, because it has for us, the Hellenism of Victoria and also the Greek community in Australia, a substantial and special emotional value,” Mr Vlasis writes in his letter.
The Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister then congratulated the Community’s “huge and crucial effort,” which led to the “agreement in principle” with the university to maintain the program.
“The submission of proposals to the University with the aim of finding a solution immediately, the collection of the necessary resources for the financial support of the Program, the collection of signatures, the sending of protest letters to each involved body, the submission of relevant questions at State and Federal level, were a determining factor in resolving the impasse,” the letter continues.
On the grounds of Lalor North Primary School in Melbourne, students have been immersing themselves in the Greek language and culture for 43 years.
It has operated as a three classroom structure until 2019, however, the Victorian Government has since announced that there will be no extra funding allocated to the Bilingual Program to enable this specific structure.
This news has raised concerns for the future of the program.
The parents of the Greek Bilingual Program at Lalor North Primary School have written to Victoria’s Education Minister, James Merlino, calling the move “unacceptable.”
The parents of the Greek Bilingual Program at Lalor North Primary School have written to Victoria’s Education Minister, James Merlino.
“We are extremely disappointed with this decision and we find it unacceptable. We are now seeking your intervention…” the letter reads.
“So far, the School leadership (Principal and Deputy Principal) have been unsympathetic towards our proposal to the point that they have been implementing a well-planned and refined campaign by being non-consultative, stalling the process, intimidating teaching staff, not providing resources and alienating themselves from the School community.”
The letter goes on to say that if the program operates in the current structure, based on two classrooms, “it will be to its detriment and it may not survive beyond 2021.”
“It will be very hard to attract new students to a program which has a two classroom structure and is under resourced. It will not be an attractive proposition,” the letter states as one reason, adding that “parents of existing students are seriously considering taking their children to other schools since the Bilingual program is not adequately supported and it is under resourced.”
Following this letter between the parents of the Greek Bilingual Program, the Greek Community of Melbourne’s Education Convenor and Vice President, Theo Markos, says he will also voice the Community’s concerns with Minister Merlino.
“The Greek Community of Melbourne shares your concerns and disappointment with the decision of the Education Department not to support the 3 classroom model that existed at Lalor North primary until 2019 with exemplary success,” Theo Markos says in a statement to parents.
“I will be writing to the Minister in hope of facilitating a meeting with parent representatives.”
The Greek Herald has reached out to the school for comment.
