Greek perceptions and attitudes towards Germany are changing. According to a Kappa Research survey carried out in June 2024 on behalf of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) and presented at the Thessaloniki International Fair, 31% of Greeks have a positive opinion of Germany. This percentage almost doubled compared to the corresponding survey in 2022, when only 16% had a positive view. The data show a clear improvement in Germany’s image in Greece over the last two years.

However, there is still room for improvement. In 2005, polls showed that Germany was at the top in popularity among Greeks, with an approval rating of 78%, closely followed by France, while the United States had just 28% approval. Retrospectively, we can talk about a dramatic change in Greek public opinion.

Shadows in three areas

Despite the clear improvement in the general climate, negative perceptions still overshadow the overall picture. These focus on three areas: Germany’s stance during the economic crisis, the historical memory of the Nazi occupation in World War II and the management of this painful phase in bilateral relations, as well as Berlin’s stance on the Greek-Turkish disputes.

Developments in the above sectors in the last two years have significantly influenced public opinion. Overcoming the economic crisis is the main factor for the improvement of Greek-German relations and the image of Germany in Greece.

The days when representatives of Athens traveled to Brussels and Berlin as applicants, while Greece was publicly stigmatized, are now a thing of the past. The governments in Athens and Berlin are focusing on the future, seeking to leave behind the burdens of the past and not allow the old “weights” to hinder the further development of relations.

“Transformation” of Greek-German relations

The “transformation” of Greek-German relations is reinforced by the careful adaptation of German policy to the Greek-Turkish conflict. Although Berlin’s successful efforts to bring Athens and Ankara back to the negotiating table did not attract much attention from Greek public opinion, the ongoing de-escalation in the Aegean had at least an indirectly positive effect on Germany’s image in Greece. The absence of escalating crises between Athens and Ankara has reduced the grounds for accusing Berlin of favoring Turkey.

In recent years there has been no progress on the issue of Greek claims for reparations, with both sides having formally articulated their well-known, irreconcilable positions. However, they seem to have tacitly agreed not to let this issue jeopardize their future relationship. Apart from occasional publications and informative events on important commemorative days, this issue does not play a substantial political role in the Greek public sphere.

“We will do everything possible, I will do everything possible, to improve the image of Germany and Germans in Greece,” said the German ambassador to Greece, Andreas Kindl, in an interview with Deutsche Welle at the beginning of 2024. The road to restoring Germany’s high popularity ratings in Greece is long and difficult, but the current trend points in the right direction.

Dr. Ronald Mainardus is a political analyst, commentator and principal researcher at ELIAMEP. In the mid-1990s, he was the director of the Greek Editorial Office of Deutsche Welle.