The world is in the regime of reversals; familiar structures are at risk of collapsing. With the crisis of the multilateral system, bilateral relations are re -emphasized. For Greece, the relationship with Germany – Europe’s economic and political locomotive – is of crucial importance. Berlin also treats Athens as an important partner in a neuralgic area for its own interests.

The relationship has gone through fluctuations – but is currently in a relatively good phase. “We are on a march that records a positive trend,” German Ambassador to Athens, Andreas Kidl, told the German-Greek-Greek Association (VDGG). The Federation represents more than 30 German associations active in promoting Greek -German relations. For the first time, the leadership and numerous members of this most important German philhellenic organization traveled to the Greek capital for the work of the Conference.

‘Good’ or ‘very good’ opinion on Greece has 67% of Germans

The invitation was addressed by the Greek Association “Philadelphia”, the founding of which dates back to 1837 – and has since been the organizational housing of mainly Germans living in Greece, but also Greeks interested in Germany. German philhellenism has a long, partial and glorious story. Extensive references to the role of the German friends of Greece in the liberation struggle against the Ottoman yoke. All of this, of course, belongs to history and have been detailed. The question, however, is what is the current position of “friendship to Greece” in Germany? Thanks to a recent poll we now know with a lot of clarity how they think – and how they feel – the Germans about Greece. It is worth noting that 36% of respondents say that they are fully or partially identified with philhellenism. This finding is particularly remarkable, since the term is only rarely used in German daily life. Even more positive are the results of the research on the question: “What do you think about Greece?” Here, two in three Germans responded “good” or “very good”.

A key source of this positive attitude is considered tourism – and even mass tourism, which often receives strong criticism. The overwhelming majority of more than four million Germans visiting Greece are returning with positive impressions. However, the question remains open how durable this “love for Greece” can prove, which is mainly fueled by tourism.

Greek immigrants rarely work with philhellenic clubs

Members and friends of the German Philhellenic Associations, who met these days in Athens for their annual convention, go far beyond the average German tourist in Greece. They are organizing a large number of educational programs focusing on Greece.

The range of activities extends from language, dance and cooking lessons to cinematic nights, literary readings and scientific lectures. A common denominator is the goal of acting as information and dialogue platforms on Greek issues. In this way, civil society organizations contribute substantially to mutual understanding – but not to something more.

Because German Philhellenic Associations cannot be compared to a lobby for Greek interests, such as the one that represents the particularly powerful “Greek Lobby” in the United States. Neither do they seek such a role. At best, such a political function – according to the American model – could be undertaken by the Greek Diaspora in Germany. About half a million people of Greek descent live in Germany most are well integrated, and many have gained German citizenship.

Greek immigrants are organized in their own communities across the country, but they rarely work with German Philhellenic Associations. There can be no talk of a strategic partnership. And yet, this would be the prerequisite for Greece’s national interests to gain more weight in German politics.

Dr. Ronald Mainardous is a key researcher at the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP).