Why Greece Should (Re)Establish a Bilateral Development Assistance Program

The policy brief argues that Greece should re-establish a substantial bilateral development aid programme, as its current contribution remains particularly low compared both to its international commitments and to pre-crisis levels. Development aid is not only as an act of solidarity, but also an instrument of foreign policy, security, and public diplomacy.

• Greek official development assistance remains very low (0.14% of Gross National Income in 2024), far below the country’s international commitments.
• The crises in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan require increased humanitarian assistance and reconstruction support.
• Development aid is an instrument of foreign policy, security, and public diplomacy. It is an investment in stability and international credibility. If Greece wishes to play a role in its broader geopolitical region and participate actively in major European Union initiatives, like the Global Gateway, it must develop a bilateral aid programme.

Read here (in Greek) the Policy brief by Asteris Huliaras, Professor, Department of Political Science and International Relations, University of the Peloponnese; Member of the Advisory Board of ELIAMEP.