Our relations are deeply rooted
H.E. Mr. Konstantinos Konstantinou, Ambassador of Greece
Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Archive
Could you share a bit about your background?
I was born in Athens in October 1972, and have been in love with this city ever since. I decided to study abroad and got my law degree from the University of Paris II – Assas in 1995. I really enjoyed the faculty, although it was not easy since the program was quite demanding (which resulted in many students dropping out of the university). After serving the mandatory military service in Greece for 21 months, I pursued a very brief career as a lawyer, but quickly understood that it was not my cup of tea. In 1999, I decided, against all odds, to join the Foreign Service – a wonderful journey that has continued to this day.
What brought you to the position of Ambassador?
The first thing that comes to my mind is representing my country, Greece, and the pride I feel every time I serve abroad. Besides that, I think diplomacy is all about fostering communication between different cultures and viewpoints. I’m naturally wired to help people understand one another and work toward solutions. Diplomacy also involves connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. The opportunity to learn about different cultures and perspectives is something exciting to me. Being curious by nature, the idea of experiencing different lifestyles and perspectives, alongside living a diplomat’s lifestyle, has always been very appealing to me.
It’s been a few months since you arrived in the Czech Republic. Can you share some of your impressions so far?
My first impression has been very positive. It is the first time in my 26-year career that I serve in a European country, and this fact is already a big change for me! Czechia is a country with a rich history and vibrant culture. The blend of medieval architecture, like the charming streets of Prague, with modern influences, gives it a unique, timeless vibe. The Czech people seem to have a strong sense of national pride, and there’s a deep respect for art, music, and literature. You can feel this through their love for things like classical music and the long-standing tradition of theatre and cinema. Coming from Greece, the cradle of democracy and the birthplace of theatre, it is very inspiring to notice that level of culture and arts. Politically, Czechia is a stable democratic country with a strong economy, particularly in industries like manufacturing, tech, and finance. However, like many places, there are challenges, such as debates about immigration policy and EU integration. Overall, though, Czechia seems to maintain a pragmatic and forward-thinking approach.
Which countries did you serve in before coming here?
I spent almost my entire career in the American continent. I am grateful for the opportunity that I was given to serve my country in remote (from Greece) countries like Argentina and Brazil, where I spent almost nine years in total – beautiful countries, beautiful people, and unforgettable memories. I also served six years on US soil: at the Greek Embassy in Washington, DC, which was extremely interesting in every aspect of my mission. My last posting was Consul General of Greece in New York, where quite a large and thriving community of over half a million Greek-Americans live and prosper. I can only take pride in the fact that this community is doing so many things to preserve and honour its rich heritage. From October 2024, I have served as the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the Czech Republic.
What do you find to be the most difficult aspect of being an ambassador?
Being an ambassador is an incredibly rewarding role, but it also comes with significant challenges. All aspects are quite difficult, like balancing diplomacy with national interests, and navigating political sensitivities, crisis management, cultural adaptation, and protocols, but if I have to choose one, it would be the work-life balance. With the job being so demanding – in terms of long hours, frequent travel, and constant engagement with officials, business leaders, and the local community – it leaves little time for personal life. Of course, currently having two young kids is maybe a decisive factor, since I would love to have more time to spend with them! Last, but not least, I would say that it is difficult to always be “on duty”. An ambassador is always “on duty” – every action and word can be scrutinized, meaning there is little room for personal missteps.
Is your free time spent with your children, then?
Yes, I dedicate the majority of my free time to my two little daughters, Danae and Eugenie, who are 5 and 4 years old respectively. If not, I love sports. As an (ex) amateur marathon runner, having participated in over twenty marathons around the world, I go jogging in the beautiful parks of Prague whenever the weather allows it!
Many Czechs choose Greece for their holidays. Are you still actively promoting your country here in this context?
As the Greek Ambassador to Czechia, promoting Greece as a travel destination is an exciting opportunity, especially given the strong interest Czechs have in visiting our country. Greece has long been a favourite holiday destination for Czech people, and it’s important to continue fostering that connection while emphasizing the diversity and richness of Greece’s offerings. My focus is the promotion of Greece as an ideal year-round destination – while it is often seen as a summer destination, Greece offers so much more throughout the year. We emphasize that Greece can be a year-round destination with its mild winter climate, especially for tourists like the Czechs who are interested in winter sports like skiing in the Greek mountains or hiking in the countryside. The off-season also allows for a more peaceful and authentic experience, without the massive summer crowds. Moreover, one of Greece’s greatest assets is its renowned hospitality. Greek people are known for their warm welcome, and this is a major factor in why so many Czechs return to Greece year after year. Through our promotional materials and word-of-mouth, we convey to Czech tourists that they will experience not just beautiful scenery, but also a genuine, friendly atmosphere wherever they go in Greece.
H.E. Mr. Konstantinos Konstantinou, Ambassador of Greece
Can you evaluate the current Czech-Greek relations?
The bilateral relations between Greece and Czechia are robust and multifaceted, marked by cooperation in political, economic, cultural, and security domains. These relations have been further strengthened by their shared membership in the European Union (EU) and NATO, providing a common platform for collaboration. However, these ties are also influenced by broader regional and global challenges, including those arising in Europe and the Middle East. Both Greece and Czechia share strong political ties within the EU and NATO. As EU members, they work closely together on various policy issues, including the EU’s response to global challenges such as migration, economic stability, and geopolitical tensions. Their diplomatic relations have been shaped by mutual respect for democracy, the rule of law, and human rights, as well as a commitment to EU integration and the strengthening of European unity. Czechia and Greece enjoy a healthy economic relationship, with trade relations spanning multiple sectors, including machinery, chemicals, food products, and services. Greece exports olive oil, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products to Czechia, while Czechia exports machinery, vehicles, and electronic products to Greece. Cultural diplomacy plays a key role in strengthening the bonds between the two nations, and both countries frequently participate in each other’s cultural events, such as art exhibitions, music festivals, and academic conferences. For example, in recent years, Czech artists and performers have participated in prominent Greek festivals, while Greek artists and scholars have contributed to cultural life in Czechia. Looking forward, both countries are likely to continue their cooperation on regional security, economic development, and EU reforms. They will need to navigate challenges related to energy security, particularly in light of the ongoing energy crisis exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. In conclusion, the bilateral relations between Greece and Czechia are deeply rooted in shared values, mutual interests, and cooperation on regional and global challenges. As both countries continue to face complex issues in Europe and the Middle East, their partnership will likely remain vital for ensuring regional stability, economic growth, and the advancement of European unity.
As we mark the National Day of Greece, what thoughts would you like to share with Greece and Czechia on this significant day?
On the 25th of March, Greece celebrates its National Day, commemorating the beginning of the War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. This day is a moment of immense pride for the Greek people, as it symbolizes our hard-won freedom and our deep-rooted commitment to the values of independence, democracy, and national sovereignty. For Czechia, this day can also hold special significance. While our histories are different, they share a common thread of resilience in the face of foreign domination. Just as Greece fought for its independence centuries ago, the Czech people endured their own struggles, most notably during the years of foreign rule under the Austro-Hungarian Empire and later under Soviet influence. Greek and Czech histories both stand as testaments to the enduring spirit of freedom and national identity. Today, as we both stand as proud members of the European Union, our shared commitment to democracy, human rights, and peace continues to bind us together. We celebrate not only our individual national histories but also our collective European journey – a journey grounded in unity, solidarity, and mutual respect. On this occasion, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the people of Czechia for their friendship and continued support. Our relationship, rooted in mutual respect and common values, is one of the pillars of our cooperation in many fields, from culture and education to trade and diplomacy. Together, we share the belief that freedom is a fundamental right and a universal aspiration. As we commemorate this important day, we renew our commitment to building a stronger, more united Europe for generations to come.