The economic crisis that Greece is faced with since 2010 together with its multifaceted economic, social and political ramifications has amplified the significance and volume of the Greek diasporic communities. The new emigration wave primarily concerns younger and educated Greeks thus draining Greece of one of its most productive population segments. Despite the significance of this phenomenon however, the political discourse in Greece has not paid sufficient attention to the Diaspora issue, its rights and capabilities for political participation.
The political participation of diasporic communities could play a significant role in several dimensions of public life, notably foreign policy, and contribute to the economic development of Greece through knowledge transfers as well as the social capital of Greek intellectuals abroad. Bringing together academics, politicians and technocrats this event aims to shed light to different aspects of the issue of diasporic political participation and bring to the fore the discussion about the right of Greeks abroad to vote and its potential consequences. The first panel, comprising academics, will focus on aspects of diasporic political participation, identifying fields, actors and well as the means through which it can materialise. The second panel will involve politicians who will address the potentials, complications and limits in the right of vote among the Greeks abroad.