The main axes of the public policies for Culture were presented today in the Parliament by the Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni in the context of the reading of the Programmatic Statements of the government, underlining that “our policies are permeated by the same central principle: Culture is fruitfully chosen with Society and the Economy “.

He referred to the prime minister’s renewal of trust for her reassignment to the ministry and noted that it is a “huge responsibility, to take Culture many steps forward”.

The minister also emphasized that “Culture needs system and organization. It does not need old-fashioned party guidance. It needs resources: Public and private.

Systematic warfare in the harmonious partnership of public and private forces is not merely harmful. It is also blatantly ahistorical.

We seek the partnership of the private initiative in actions and projects of all scales. Because often behind the rejection of pro-investment policies in Culture is hidden the intention to control and drive it”.

The main points of the Minister of Culture’s speech:

– Our priority was and is the development of realistic public policies with tangible and measurable results in the quality of life of citizens, in cultural entrepreneurship, in economic development.

The promotion of the cultural and creative sector as an integrated, sustainable development tool, cultivates entrepreneurship ecosystems, contributing decisively to social cohesion.

We proved, by fully implementing our commitments – and even in irregular conditions – that Culture for us is a public social good directly intertwined with Development.

– Today, the Ministry of Culture implements the largest program of infrastructure projects – more than 820 projects, with a budget of over 1.2 billion euros – in addition to routine contractual projects.

These projects are being phased out by 2027.

They cover every aspect of Culture, cultural heritage, of all forms and all periods, and, of course, contemporary creation. About 4,500 workers are employed in the self-managed projects.

– The Cultural Charter is the road map for the revival and promotion of Culture as a strategic development resource and as an important factor of social cohesion and well-being.

Important actions, major projects for local communities, but essentially of an international scope, will be delivered until 2027.

– A major reform – with a delay of at least 20 years – is the conversion of five emblematic museums into legal entities under public law.

The National Archaeological, the Byzantine and Christian Museum of Athens, the Archaeological Museums of Thessaloniki and Heraklion and the Museum of Byzantine Culture of Thessaloniki are no longer Special Regional Services of the Ministry.

They are public structures with organizational and financial freedom.

Obviously under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and with strict application of the archaeological legislation.

– Dozens of cultural infrastructures become accessible.

Universal accessibility to Culture is our absolute priority. From the Acropolis and Kerameikos, to Monemvasia, Mystra, Dikteo Andros, but also the infrastructure and actions of the Modern Culture bodies become accessible.

The completion of the program for the protection, promotion and operation of the estate in Tatoi as a Pole of Culture and Entertainment is foreseen in 2027.

– The expansion program of the National Archaeological Museum is a priority. The selection of an admittedly top proposal – that of David Chipperfield – paves the way for the New Museum.

– The operation of the Higher School of Performing Arts, in 2025, is our commitment.

– Among the first bills of this period are those establishing an organization for the Book, which will implement the national book policy, and a single Organization for Audiovisual, Cinema and Intellectual Property.

We place special emphasis on the development of the audio-visual industry and cinema, on the increase of productions, on the creation of jobs, on the encouragement of foreign investments, on the protection of intellectual and related rights, of the creators, the beneficiaries, but also of the users.

We link the film-friendly policy with the protection of rights and the fight against online piracy, which affects workers and producers in the audiovisual sector.

At the same time, the establishment of the State Technical School of Audiovisual Media and the audiovisual hub in Drama is maturing.

– The repatriation of illegally exported cultural goods is our permanent pursuit and absolute priority. The main goal is the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures in the Acropolis Museum.