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591. Looking for seasonal workers: Greece’s search for migrant labor

Author:
Angeliki Dimitriadi
Publication Date:
07-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP)
Abstract:
The present report deals only with the recruitment/invitation of third-country nationals through bilateral agreements as a framework for addressing labor shortages. In other words, we focus only on the invitation of foreign workers, with an emphasis on skilled and low-skilled labor, rather than Blue Card holders. The report forms part of a larger project looking into legal labor migration. The first publication presented a snapshot of practices across select member states, while this paper zooms in on Greece to explore the practical issues that have arisen in the context of the attempt to recruit foreign workers. The emphasis on partnerships also reflects the Greek government’s current policy priority in addressing labor shortages, with more agreements expected in the next few months. Thus, it is a good time to pause and take in where things stand as regards implementation and future planning, and what issues require further attention. Through a discussion and analysis of current practices and issues, the report seeks to highlight two things: a pattern of responding to labor shortages by the Greek state, which tends to replicate previous practices without ‘daring’ to be more creative. the bureaucratic obstacles (which relate in particular to the process of inviting foreign workers works—metaklisi) that continue to hamper the implementation of these partnerships. Finally, the report incorporates a series of recommendations based also on consultation with different stakeholders[1] as well as with individuals who have been involved in the metaklisi process.
Topic:
Migration, Labor Issues, Partnerships, and Migrant Workers
Political Geography:
Europe and Greece

592. “Equality on paper”: refugee and migrant integration in Greece

Author:
Maria Eleni Pantazi Psatha
Publication Date:
12-2024
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP)
Abstract:
Greece’s integration efforts have been classified as “equality on paper”, highlighting significant gaps in the process of integration of refugees and migrants. Although the actions of the last five years have been crucial regarding labour market inclusion and access to education, persistent gaps, and fragmented implementation hinder the effectiveness of these initiatives. Focusing on the aforementioned vital pillars of integration- i.e., education and access to labour market- this paper will examine the state of the art, highlighting existing gaps and deficiencies, as well as good practices. Concretely, the objective of this paper is twofold: on the one hand, it assesses the current developments and practices, as well as the remaining obstacles; while on the other hand, it draws policy recommendations that will enable Greece to transform its integration policies from “equality on paper” to a more cohesive and effective approach.
Topic:
Migration, Refugees, Integration, and Equality
Political Geography:
Europe and Greece

593. Leveraging EU industrial policy to reshape Greece’s productive model

Author:
Aggelos Tsakanikas and Petros Dimas
Publication Date:
04-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP)
Abstract:
This policy brief explores the evolution and goals of industrial policy in the EU, aiming to identify the ways in which these recent developments can provide significant opportunities for Greece. In this context, we outline some of the key features of the fragmented landscape of Greek industrial strategies and suggest future directions through which the country can leverage the current momentum of industrial policy in the EU to pursue the restructuring of its productive base along the lines of sustainability, the twin (green and digital) transition, and European strategic autonomy. Since the Great Recession of 2008, the EU has openly supported coordinated and complementary policies in an effort to tackle structural deficiencies that render its productive systems vulnerable. The pandemic crisis, the Ukrainian war, and the general call for action against climate change have highlighted the need for the further reconfiguration of industrial development across the world along the lines of inclusion, sustainability, and resilience. The EU New Industrial Strategy and its update in the aftermath of the pandemic provide blends of horizontal and vertical actions that target resilience in the Single Market, EU strategic autonomy, and the acceleration of the green and digital (twin) transitions. In response to the energy crisis, the EU Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age has been promoted to ensure that sustainable competitiveness goals are on track with the recent geopolitical developments. Greece has already aligned its strategic planning to the EU’s industrial policy objectives through a dedicated National Industrial Strategy and other strategic documents that target innovation, the green transition and sustainable development, and digitalization across key industrial ecosystems and value chains. Key initiatives, such as industrial alliances and Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs), major reforms through dedicated Acts, and an unprecedented wealth of financing and regulatory instruments outline significant opportunities of transformative potential Greece’s productive model. The country must meet the challenges of implementing its ambitious action plans, while simultaneously monitoring, evaluating, and updating its strategic orientation against the backdrop of a volatile global market environment. Different strategies should be integrated into a unified system of policies that creates a clear connection between, and path dependence for, different objectives, diverse market reforms and policy interventions.
Topic:
Industrial Policy, European Union, Sustainability, Strategic Autonomy, Green Transition, and Digital Transition
Political Geography:
Europe and Greece

594. The Greek Economy a Decade Later – Constantinos Michalopoulos

Author:
Constantine Michalopoulos
Publication Date:
05-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP)
Abstract:
The Greek economy has made a remarkable comeback from a decade ago, to the point that the Economist rated it to have performed the best in the OECD in 2023. This paper reviews Greek economic performance over the last ten years and identifies a number of major challenges that remain, despite the progress made. The last part presents an action plan for the next decade in four priority areas: the labor market, social services, migration and savings-investment. In these areas, reforms are urgently needed, if Greece is to achieve sustainable and equitable growth. The analysis concludes that, because of the continued debt burden, successful reforms will require the Greek government to maintain a delicate and difficult balance between fiscal sustainability and taking the necessary measures to support green and inclusive growth.
Topic:
Reform, Economy, Fiscal Policy, Labor Market, and Economic Crisis
Political Geography:
Europe and Greece

595. European Migration Policy: Recent Developments and the Way Forward

Author:
Evgenia Vella
Publication Date:
06-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP)
Abstract:
In light of the challenges posed by demographic shifts, skill shortages and rapid technological advances, European policymakers should prioritize targeted immigration policies. High-skilled immigrants contribute directly to innovation and economic growth, while low-skilled immigrants play essential roles in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and services. Striking the right balance is essential for sustainable development. The EU’s recent policy changes, as outlined in the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, signal a shift toward a more comprehensive and coordinated approach. However, implementation challenges remain. Greece can draw lessons from the experiences of other EU member states. Tailoring policies to address regional disparities, fostering integration, and leveraging immigrant skills are critical steps for Greece’s migration strategy.
Topic:
Demographics, Development, Migration, Labor Issues, and European Union
Political Geography:
Europe

596. The Italy-Albania Agreement on Migration: From the Fiction of Non-Entry to Functional Entry

Author:
Carlotta Giordani
Publication Date:
06-2024
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP)
Abstract:
The Italy-Albania protocol on migration should be seen as a policy that seeks to fill the gaps between the current EU migration management efforts and existing solidarity mechanisms. The policy brief examines the protocol between Italy and Albania. It briefly touches on the enlargement process and the relationship between Italy and Albania as the foundation for the development of the agreement between the two countries. It then moves on to discuss the content of the protocol, and offers a critical examination of its significance, namely the rescaling of sovereignty through ‘functional territoriality’ to overcome structural gaps in existing mechanisms. The Italy-Albania Protocol ratified by Law No. 14/24 allows Italy to examine applications for international protection on Albanian territory, but under Italian jurisdiction The agreement applies only to migrants intercepted by Italian vessels in the Mediterranean, not those who arrived on Italian soil first The Protocol can be considered an entry point to new approaches to territoriality. It will contribute to consolidate the legal fiction of non-entry and will contribute to the introduction of new mechanisms based on a functional extraterritoriality. The Protocol establishes a “functional territoriality”, since Italian law is being applied in an extraterritorial space It legally requalifies the notion of territory based on a fictio iuris aimed at equating areas belonging to the Albanian state to Italian border areas. The Protocol configures Albania as a mere supporting State, functional in the sense that it provides the space in which asylum seekers’ applications will be examined by the Italian authorities.
Topic:
Migration, Treaties and Agreements, European Union, and Regional Integration
Political Geography:
Europe, Albania, and Italy

597. The CAP between a rock and a hard place: its new challenges and uncertain prospects

Author:
Tassos Haniotis
Publication Date:
10-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP)
Abstract:
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is currently at a crossroads of a changing world environment which impacts demand (food inflation), supply (energy and input costs) and agri-food trade (geostrategic tensions). EU policies have to address the conundrum of having to simultaneously contribute to mitigating climate change and contributing to food security by accepting that both are global problems and require global solutions. CAP ongoing policy orientation aims at increasing its environmental performance while retaining its economic and social achievements, but excessive targets set by the Farm to Fork Strategy and the impact of changing market conditions brought tensions in the debate between on food security and climate action with respect to priorities on primary agriculture. Higher food costs increasing income inequalities put households in the developed world at a risk of changes in consumer behaviour that are driven by forces exogenous to their tastes and preferences. Addressing misperceptions about the role of productivity, science and trade will impact on how the EU assesses, in a more balanced way and addresses its strengths and weaknesses in the field of agriculture. Despite clear progress of Greek agriculture in recent years three persistent weaknesses of Greek agriculture relate to an uneven and untargeted distribution of direct payments the underestimation of the role of extensive livestock or the absence of a functioning Farm Advisory System.
Topic:
Agriculture, European Union, Food Security, Economy, and Trade
Political Geography:
Europe and Greece

598. The von der Leyen Commission 2.0: Institutional Features, Portfolios and Mission Letters

Author:
Spyros Blavoukos and Dimitrios Kollias
Publication Date:
11-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP)
Abstract:
The policy brief outlines the strategic vision and structural reorganisation of the European Commission under Ursula von der Leyen’s second term. Emphasising “Security, Prosperity, and Democracy,” von der Leyen’s Commission 2.0 consolidates power through a streamlined, centralised structure with six Executive Vice-Presidents, aiming for a more responsive and efficient EU. Each Commissioner has been assigned specific, often overlapping, missions focusing on key areas such as the Green Deal, technological sovereignty, and European defence. This centralisation marks a shift toward a more presidential model, raising concerns about governance complexity and missed opportunities for deeper citizen engagement and clearer portfolio distinctions. At the same time, it constitutes the core strategic approach to addressing the EU’s complex priorities. Vision: President Ursula von der Leyen prioritises “Security, Prosperity, and Democracy,” aiming for a responsive, flexible, and efficient European Union. New Commission Structure: The von der Leyen Commission 2.0 introduces a centralised structure with six Executive Vice-Presidents, removing traditional Vice-Presidents to streamline leadership. Mission Letters: Each of the 26 Commissioners-designate received specific missions, with major focuses on the Green Deal, technological sovereignty, industrial sovereignty, and European defence. Presidentialisation: The Commission’s structure reflects increased centralisation, reinforcing von der Leyen’s authority and moving towards a presidential model. Challenges: Overlapping portfolios (e.g., environment, defence, and competitiveness) create complexity and redundancy across roles. Missed Opportunities: The new structure lacks a dedicated focus on EU governance reform and clearer citizen engagement pathways, which could enhance responsiveness to public concerns​. Strategic Approach: The persistent overlap of portfolios necessitates a centralised, streamlined structure to improve governance and address the EU’s complex priorities
Topic:
Institutions, European Commission, and Regional Politics
Political Geography:
Europe

599. The Letta and Draghi Reports: The Only Way to Go, Despite the Hurdles

Author:
Alekos Kritikos
Publication Date:
11-2024
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP)
Abstract:
The Letta and Draghi reports begin with the same realisation, though they formulate it differently: that the international geopolitical environment has changed dramatically and that the EU must take immediate action as a result. The Letta report’s take-home message is that the Single Market must be transformed into something “much more than just a market”. Thus, research, innovation and education need to be integrated into its core, as a “fifth freedom”, and the Single Market extended to include the telecommunications, energy, financial services and defence sectors. There is fear at the heart of the Draghi report, fear of the “existential challenge” confronting the EU, which will require an extra €800 billion a year in investment. The report’s proposals are articulated around five major horizontal policies: closing the innovation gap, decarbonising the economy and making it more competitive, strengthening security and the defence sector and reducing dependencies in this area, financing investment, and strengthening EU governance. The Letta and Draghi reports agree on both the fields where intervention is required and the form such intervention should take. And while they differ in terms of the competition—and, still more, cohesion—policy they prescribe, they do so constructively while their proposals complement one another. In relation to Greece, the proposals made in both reports with respect to the defence industry, to reducing energy costs, and to the provision of generous funding for additional investment through —inter alia—joint borrowing, are of the utmost importance. No serious disagreement has been voiced with respect to the proposals made in the Letta and Draghi reports, apart from the predictable German reaction to additional funding and new joint borrowing, coupled with unfounded criticism of the proposals as ‘unfeasible’. The “New European Agreement on Competitiveness” adopted in Budapest on 8 November is a critical development, given that it adopts the bulk of the key approaches contained in the Letta and Draghi reports, and sets specific milestones for some, as well. The two reports stress that, even if certain recent developments around the world cannot be considered favourable for the EU (political crisis in Germany, economic problems in France, Trump’s election in the US), Europe still has the “weapons” it needs to reverse the situation. And while the Budapest summit decision may not have gone as far as the situation demands, it still adopted the bulk of the proposals made in the two reports, making it crystal clear that the European Union has taken the need to regain the initiative fully on board.
Topic:
Markets, European Union, Economy, Regional Integration, and Regional Economy
Political Geography:
Europe and Greece

600. A Fresh Perspective on Eurobarometer Data: Constructing ‘Social Mood Indices’ (SMIs) to Unveil Social Divisions in Europe

Author:
Antonis Papakostas and Spyros Blavoukos
Publication Date:
02-2024
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP)
Abstract:
With a history that goes back to 1970, the Eurobarometer has been a consistent gauge of European public sentiment, revealing patterns, convergences, and disparities. While a wealth of valuable data exists, the challenge lies in extracting meaningful trends from this extensive dataset. This paper introduces a novel approach to interpreting Eurobarometer results in a way which illuminates the intricate social divisions that exist in society. To enhance the accessibility of Eurobarometer insights, we engage in a meta-analysis of the collected data conducted by means of three constructed mega-indices: the ‘Life Satisfaction’ Index, the ‘Country Performance’ Index, and the ‘Trust in Institutions’ Index. These indices were formulated after a meticulous examination of public opinion on issues including life perception, national stability, and trust in institutions. The questions chosen to craft the indicators are consistently present in the vast majority of surveys (with very few exceptions). This approach ensures the identification of reliable and robust trends over longer periods of time. Reinterpreting Eurobarometer results through our method amplifies the nuances of societal divisions in European societies. Together, the application of these indices and the subsequent analysis enrich our understanding of public sentiment’s multifaceted nature. Based on the June 2023 Eurobarometer (EB99), we offer a few empirical insights stemming from the application of our methodology.
Topic:
Public Opinion, Survey, and Social Divisions
Political Geography:
Europe