The demographic issue (in Greece) is not limited to the narrow electoral cycle of a four-year term.
It is a structural problem that requires a long-term strategy, as it touches on aspects of national security, economic and social cohesion, and even the survival of the nation.
It could be argued that Greece is at a critical demographic turning point. Just as the title of the conference (Greece at a Demographic Crossroads) taking place in Ithaca on 6 – 8 May, under the auspices of the Cypriot presveia in Athens, in the context of the current Presidency of the Council of the EU by Lekosia.
The conference was presented at a press conference on Wednesday morning at the House of Cyprus.
As a matter of survival for the entire European Union, the demographic issue was described by Cyprus’ ambassador in Athens, Stavros Avgoustidis, stressing that it cannot be dealt with in a piecemeal manner. Avgoustidis assessed that the demographic issue is directly linked to the socio-economic model of the Union as well as its ability to exist. “Dealing with it requires coordinated action and a European strategic direction,” he added.
Asked by The Manifesto about the demographic issue in Cyprus, the ambassador noted that the issue has three “essential” aspects: The under-age population, the decline of the population and the composition of society. “It is a problem that concerns mainly the countries of the European South but also the whole Union. Under-generation,” he continued, “affects other aspects such as security, housing and the economy. The demographic issue is a matter of identity and survival and we must take it with due seriousness.”
For his part, general secretary of the Hellenic Society of Reproductive Medicine (HREI) and obstetrician-gynecologist, Constantine Pantos, stressed that the demographic problem “concerns us all and the scientific community cannot be absent.” And he pointed out the need for the scientific community to make an essential contribution to addressing the issue of under-birth.
“Our presence there has the value of passing on the values of Hippocrates to a modern society. Health is a fundamental right. The Hippocratic discourse gives us direction. We do not discriminate, we do not exclude, we offer care with dignity,” noted General Secretary of the World Hippocratic Institute of Physicians, Antonis Polidorou. The importance of the issue addressed by the conference was also referred to by president of the Athens Medical Association (ASA) and head of the Greek Intermunicipal Network of Healthy Cities (EDDYPPY), Giorgos Patoulis.
All speakers highlighted the symbolism behind the choice of Ithaca. Apart from doctors and scientists, the conference will be attended by politicians, economists and other officials whose responsibilities are affected by demographics. Finally, there will be panels consisting of the ambassadors of the EU member states in Athens, the vast majority of whom are expected to be present in the Island of Odysseus.
