In many of the countries I have worked around the world there has been an active Caledonian or St Andrew’s Society, run by those with full or sometimes tenuous Scottish heritage, but enjoyed by people of many nationalities. One of the highlights of my year whilst working abroad has been the annual St Andrew’s Day Ball, held in November, on or near St Andrew’s Day, (the Patron Saint of Scotland). I’m … Read more »Burns Night
Four years in Athens: Reflecting on Commercial Affairs
Despite the economic crisis, Greece remains an important market for British goods and services. Greece is the UK’s 39th largest export market and in 2011 bilateral trade in goods was worth £ 1.77 bn. Although the value of UK exports of goods to Greece dropped, as a result of the continuing five year recession, Greece based UK companies have weathered the storm. The role of the Ambassador has been pivotal, … Read more »Four years in Athens: Reflecting on Commercial Affairs
From January 2009 to January 2013: Continuity and Change in the British Embassy, Athens
In January 2009, the then newly-arrived Ambassador, Dr David Landsman, OBE walked into my room, accompanied by our then Political Counsellor, for a brief discussion about my work. Upon leaving, he asked “what is the single area of work that you think will be most important in the period ahead?” I replied “migration”. I think we both thought that was a good reply. Indeed, in line with my expectations, … Read more »From January 2009 to January 2013: Continuity and Change in the British Embassy, Athens
Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict – Guest Blog #3
Sexual violence in conflict situations is as much a terrifying crime as a brutal one, wherever it takes place; it has direct and indirect effects on human lives, leaving deep, indelible scars on the victims as well as society itself. As part of the Preventing the Sexual Violence Initiative that the Foreign Secretary has launched, we host this series of blogs to describe the experiences of people who have examined and witnessed the horror of war. … Read more »Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict – Guest Blog #3
Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict – Guest Blog #2
Sexual violence in conflict situations is as much a terrifying crime as a brutal one, wherever it takes place; it has direct and indirect effects on human lives, leaving deep, indelible scars on the victims as well as society itself. As part of the Preventing the Sexual Violence Initiative that the Foreign Secretary has launched, we host this series of blogs to describe the experiences of people who have examined and witnessed the horror of war. … Read more »Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict – Guest Blog #2
Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict – Introducing a series of blogs
Sexual violence in conflict situations is as much a terrifying crime as a brutal one, wherever it takes place; it has direct and indirect effects on human lives, leaving deep, indelible scars on the victims as well as society itself. As part of the Preventing the Sexual Violence Initiative that the Foreign Secretary has launched, we will be hosting, in the next few days, a series of blogs that describe … Read more »Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict – Introducing a series of blogs
Searching for growth in Greece
“Where can Greece find growth?” is perhaps the most frequently asked question here (and beyond) just now. One answer might be: on the internet. As part of Britain’s drive to establish a more comprehensive European Single Market, British Embassy Athens has been working closely with Greece’s burgeoning digital sector, the Government and the EU Commission to raise awareness of the concrete growth benefits a digital single market could deliver for … Read more »Searching for growth in Greece
Democracy and Education in a time of crisis
During the last years Greece has become a host country for many labor migrants. The education policy concerning the children of those migrant families has however still room for development. As the legitimacy status for many immigrant families remains uncertain or unclear due to delays in completing applications for residence permits, the children’s inclusion in their school environment is also being inevitably affected; they either face bureaucratic problems enrolling in … Read more »Democracy and Education in a time of crisis
Ed Roman, Nemead/2nd Secretary Economic
London 2012 has been a major FCO priority this year, for British Embassy Athens especially. For 6th century BC city-state diplomats the Olympics was but one of four ancient Greek sporting contests to organise. Mythology suggests the Nemean games were founded by Herakles, having completed the first of his labours – wrestling the Nemean Lion. Archaeological evidence traces its existence from the 6th century BC (573 BC, and possibly earlier). … Read more »Ed Roman, Nemead/2nd Secretary Economic
British presence at Posidonia 2012 – Reaffirming close links in shipping
First week of June 2012 and the international shipping community turned its attention to Greece for Posidonia, the largest international gathering in the shipping calendar. It is a high profile bi-annual shipping exhibition/conference with exhibitors from over 85 countries and about 18,000 visitors. This can be easily understood, as Posidonia is a reflection of the leading position of the Greek-owned fleet, which represents almost 15% of the global carrying capacity … Read more »British presence at Posidonia 2012 – Reaffirming close links in shipping