An official dinner in honor of President Christine Lagarde and the members of the Governing Council of the ECB was hosted yesterday by the Governor of the Bank of Greece Υannis Stournaras, in the context of hosting the meeting of the Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB), in Athens, after 15 years.
The official dinner was graced by the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, accompanied by his wife Mareva Grabovski-Mitsotakis.
The Minister of Finance Kostis Hatzidakis and the Head of the Economic Office of the Prime Minister Alexis Patelis were also present.
Welcoming his official guests, the Governor of the Bank of Greece Υiannis Stournaras said:
In welcoming the official guests, Stournaras stated:
“It has been a long time, 15 years, since the last time we hosted the Board of Directors meeting in Athens. We all know what happened over the years. It’s now part of our shared history. The important thing is that today we are wiser, stronger, and closer to each other; better prepared to face difficulties, more European.”
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis then noted: “Today I am happy, and indeed proud, to welcome you and all your colleagues to a country that is on a very different path compared to those days. A country that is, I believe, in a process of fundamental economic transformation. 
Greece is today one of the fastest growing economies in Europe, with increasing employment, reducing inequalities and improving public finances.
In recent years we have seen a significant improvement in the extroversion of our economy and how open it is, a vital factor for a small open economy to thrive within a monetary union. Not many know that Greek exports have grown, from about a fifth of GDP at the beginning of the crisis to about half of GDP today, a level close to that of the major export economies of the eurozone.
And our export base is highly diversified, being evenly split between goods and services, with significant differentiation between different categories of goods. The Greek economy is not based on just one industry, it does not depend only on tourism.” 
Lagarde, the former IMF managing director and an “old hand” in the successive Greek bailouts of the previous decade, thanked Stournaras for the warm welcome and hospitality
“Greece can be an inspiration for all of us, as we are faced with an increasingly volatile world and the many challenges it brings. It is a model of resilience in the face of great challenges. And it is proof of the importance of ‘belonging’ to something bigger – our common European destiny”.
The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) meets on Wednesday 25 October and Thursday 26 October at the Bank of Greece.
After the end of the meeting, there will be a press conference during which the President of the European Central Bank (ECB) Christine Lagarde, assisted by the Vice-President of the ECB Luis de Guindos and the Governor of the Bank of Greece Giannis Stournara, will explain the decisions on monetary policy.
στο Google News και μάθετε πρώτοι όλες τις ειδήσειςLatest News
Stirring 86th Greek Independence Day Parade Down 5th Ave. Evangelos Marinakis an Honorary Grand Marshal
According to NYPD sources, the 2025 parade is expected to be one of the biggest in recent memory, with some 120 groups with 52 floats and 15 marching bands paraded from 64th to 79th streets along renowned Fifth Avenue
PM Mitsotakis Highlights Chevron’s Interest in Greek EEZ in Weekly Review
“The interest from Chevron is important because a leading American multinational chooses to invest in Greek maritime plots, thus practically recognizing Greece's EEZ in the area,” the prime minister said.
PM Mitsotakis Visits Israel for Talks on Defense, Energy, and Stability
According to sources, the meetings will cover bilateral collaboration as well as regional developments, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean and Syria.
Pyatt stresses major Greek role in regional energy map, importance of ongoing Greek-Turkish talks
The former US Assistant Secretary of State foe Energy Resources passionately underlines importance of NATO and America's Global Alliances for US security
Applications for Child Benefit Open Again
The electronic platform for submitting Child Benefit applications, A21, will re-open at 08:00 on Monday, March 31, 2025.
Ellinikon Redevelopment Advances: Key Projects on Track
Spanning 17,000 square meters, the shopping center has already leased out 75% of its space, with an average rental price of 85 euros per square meter.
Aid Arrives as Myanmar Struggles with Earthquake Aftermath
Aid is starting to arrive after the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake which struck central Myanmar on Friday, causing widespread devastation and claiming over 1,000 lives.
Over 60% Greeks Own a First Home, 39% a 2nd Home: European Report
The responses from 20,000 European adults who participated in the “RE/MAX European Housing Trend Report 2024,” conducted by Opinium Research for RE/MAX Europe, highlight the evolving expectations for residential spaces
Europe’s Economic Outlook Brightens, But Caution Remains, Says Citigroup
Citi forecasts a slight increase in growth from 0.8% in 2024 to 1% this year, with further acceleration slightly above potential in 2026-27.
Greece Fast-Tracks Chevron’s Offshore Entry, Eyes Third Player
Chevron has formally expressed interest in the offshore area "South of the Peloponnese" and, as of March 26, also for blocks "South of Crete I" and "South of Crete II."
![Τουρκία: Μεγάλες βλέψεις για παραγωγή ηλεκτρικών οχημάτων [γράφημα]](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ot_turkish_autos-90x90.png)
![BYD: Ποιος είναι ο Γουάνγκ Τσουανφού που χτίζει τα όνειρα της Κίνας [γράφημα]](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ot_BYD_Ceo_CHUANFU-90x90.png)
![Ξενοδοχεία: «Τσίμπησαν» οι τιμές το 2024 – Πόσο κόστισε η διανυκτέρευση [πίνακας]](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/hotels-90x90.jpg)
![ΕΛΣΤΑΤ: Αυξήθηκε η οικοδομική δραστηριότητα κατά 15,6% το Δεκέμβριο [πίνακες]](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DSC9655-2-1024x569-1-90x90.jpg)
