Greek Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Ioannis Loverdos and Greek ministers are telling Greek Australians to get more involved with politics in Greece, with the first step being to register and vote.

Getting more involved and showing Greece that the Diaspora has a voice will be the first step toward bridging the gap.

This was the biggest takeaway from a sit-down meeting with Loverdos and his delegation at the Greek Consulate General in Melbourne on Friday.

The discussion focused on the implementation of the Greek government’s strategic plan for the diaspora, consular service improvements, and initiatives to strengthen ties with Greeks abroad.

Digital consulate and faster passport processing

When asked by Neos Kosmos about the state of consular services, Loverdos acknowledged that the word “consulate” has long been associated with frustration for Greeks abroad but stressed that improvements are underway.

“The first major change is the idea of the ‘digital consulate,’ which is now being implemented,” he said. A pilot program at the Melbourne consulate will allow services such as civil registry acts — including births, marriages, and deaths — to be completed entirely online, with electronic payments.

“As for the Greek language — that’s one of our biggest challenges. We want it preserved, but it’s not easy. Greek is a demanding language, and often young people prefer to learn languages that are more “useful” for work.” Photo: Michael Georgiou

Biometric data for passports, previously sent physically to Athens causing long delays, will now be transmitted digitally via a new platform developed by the Hellenic Police in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry, cutting waiting times by up to a month.

Loverdos also confirmed that mobile consular units will visit areas without consulates to process applications on site, while the “Special Registry” remains operational and may even be strengthened to support Greeks living far from consular offices.

Staffing challenges and citizenship reforms

Loverdos acknowledged that staffing at consulates has long been a problem, often due to financial constraints. From January 1, allowances for Foreign Ministry staff abroad will increase significantly to make posts in high-cost countries like Australia more attractive.

Recruitment for additional administrative and diplomatic officers is already underway, with new appointments expected by 2025.

Citizenship procedures are also being simplified to ensure that all Greeks, even those without full documentation, can obtain citizenship. Under the upcoming Citizenship Code, applicants will no longer need to prove Greek language proficiency, reflecting the practical challenges faced by diaspora communities.

Exploring a “diaspora card” and strengthening cultural ties

In response to a question about an “Overseas Greek Card,” Loverdos said the concept is under discussion and could serve as an intermediate status for people of Greek descent without citizenship.

Language preservation was another key topic. Loverdos acknowledged the challenges of maintaining Greek among younger generations abroad, noting that many parents no longer speak Greek at home and that global languages are often prioritised for work opportunities.

“We want the Greek language preserved, but it’s not easy,” he said. “That worries me deeply. I love the language and want it to survive, but there’s no magic solution.”

Education initiatives are underway, including the creation of modern teaching materials for Greek as a second language and collaboration with universities abroad.

A working group may be formed to further improve Greek language education and coordinate with consulates.

Loverdos said things have improved for consular services but not completely. Photo: Michael Georgiou

Double Taxation Agreement and voting rights

Questions also touched on the Double Taxation Agreement between Greece and Australia. Loverdos confirmed that proposals have been made and the government is awaiting Australia’s response, with hopes for progress by the time of a potential Prime Minister visit in 2026.

Voting rights for Greeks abroad were highlighted as another priority. Loverdos and his delegation plan to expand polling stations beyond consulates, with new centres created wherever at least 40 registered voters reside.

Modernising public services

Athanasios Balermpas, Secretary-General responsible for the Civil Registry, highlighted Greece’s transformation in digital governance.

Since 2019, the number of online transactions available to citizens has increased from 81 to nearly 2,000, including fully digital healthcare bookings and electronic access to prescriptions and test results.

“Now, we are beginning to focus on the needs of Greeks abroad,” he said, noting ongoing efforts to provide secure authentication for diaspora Greeks to access gov.gr without requiring TaxisNet accounts.

Cultural engagement and education

Loverdos also praised the Melbourne Greek community’s passion and ongoing engagement with Greek culture, including festivals, church events, and initiatives like the Hellenic Museum. Scholarships for Greek Studies abroad, English-language programs in Greece, and hospitality programs for students are being expanded as part of the strategic plan.

“Even if young Greeks don’t know Greek, spending a month in Greece, taking language classes, and socialising with other Greeks helps them connect with their heritage,” he said.

Loverdos highlighted that the Greek government’s strategic plan for the diaspora is now being actively implemented, with a strong focus on education and cultural engagement. He noted that funding for Greek Studies chairs at universities abroad has increased, helping to keep programs alive in around 60 institutions worldwide.

“We came here and offered a small amount — 18,000 dollars — it’s not much, but it keeps a Greek Studies Chair alive,” he said.

Athanasios Balermpas, Ministry of Interior Secretary-General, responsible for the Registry (centre) and Dimitris Karnavos, Ministry of Interior Secretary-General, responsible for citizenship issues (right). Photo: Michael Georgiou

Scholarships for young Greeks abroad are also being expanded beyond theological schools to include English-language programs at major universities in Greece, particularly in Thessaloniki and Athens.

Additionally, hospitality programs are being broadened, giving more young Greek Australians the opportunity to spend a month in Greece, take language classes, and connect with their heritage through cultural immersion.

Loverdos stressed that these initiatives are now possible due to Greece’s improved financial position.

“Over the past decade, Greece was bankrupt. Now we’re getting stronger. Not everything is perfect, but we’re on the right track,” he said

A message of partnership

Dimitris Karnavos, Ministry of Interior Secretary-General added: “During this mission, we visited six destinations, met with many representatives, and saw great enthusiasm about citizenship matters.”

“We feel we’ve planted an important seed — that citizenship is another bridge with the homeland, alongside language, religion, and culture.”

Throughout the discussion, Loverdos emphasised the importance of cooperation between the Greek state, consulates, and diaspora communities.

Citizenship, language, cultural exchanges, and streamlined bureaucracy are all seen as bridges connecting Greeks abroad with the homeland.

“This is the biggest trip of my life,” Loverdos said. “I’ve met people, listened to their problems, and seen firsthand the dedication of the Greek diaspora. Our goal is to strengthen these ties — emotionally and practically.”

“I’ve been deeply moved by the warmth of the Greek-Australian community. Even those who don’t speak Greek well love Greece passionately.

“I see a community that mirrors what I’ve seen in the US and Canada — built by hardworking migrants who came here poor and uneducated, worked incredibly hard, and succeeded.

“What’s most important is that there’s a shared desire for Greece and the diaspora to grow even closer — and we have the will to make that happen.”