Today, July 14, marks France’s national holiday—“a celebration whose primary aim is to promote national unity,” says Laurence Auer, French Ambassador to Greece, in an interview with the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA).

This year’s commemoration in Athens, she notes, is not just a symbolic observance but an occasion to highlight the breadth of Greek-French cooperation: “In Athens, we are celebrating, together with our partners in Greek-French cooperation, our joint actions in the fields of politics, defence, francophonie, and university partnerships.”

The anniversary of the French Republic is thus also a moment to reflect on both the historical foundations of the holiday and the dynamic evolution of Greek-French relations in the political, economic, cultural, and educational spheres.

Ambassador Auer, who has led France’s diplomatic mission in Greece for the past two years, expresses a clear sense of commitment and pride: “I am very proud to promote the Greek-French relationship, supporting numerous practical actions to facilitate, diversify, and deepen cooperation.”

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Q: Ambassador, July 14 carries great historical significance. What does this day represent to you?

Auer: “France’s national holiday was officially established in 1880, commemorating July 14, 1790—the Feast of the Federation. The year before, on July 14, 1789, the storming of the Bastille marked a turning point in the French Revolution, symbolizing the people’s active participation in a movement that had previously been driven largely by the elite. A year later, delegates from all French départements gathered in Paris for a celebration that remains the most significant expression of national unity in French history.”

“Of course, history is never linear. The 19th century was instrumental in consolidating national identity across Europe, including in Greece, where the War of Independence began just six years after the Napoleonic era. It is worth recalling that around 4,500 Greeks who had served in the French imperial army went on to fight for Greek independence. The symbolism of July 14 is therefore clear: it is a celebration of unity. And here in Athens, we mark this day by honouring the strength of our joint efforts in politics, defence, the French language, and academic collaboration.”

Two Years in Athens: A Stronger Partnership

Q: You assumed your post two years ago. How would you describe the experience so far?

Auer: “I am very proud to promote the Greek-French relationship. Over these two years, we have supported numerous initiatives to strengthen and broaden our cooperation. Particular effort has gone into encouraging French companies to return to Greece and explore joint investment opportunities, especially in the context of Europe’s reindustrialisation and capital market convergence.”

“Actors such as the Chamber of Commerce, our foreign trade advisors, French Tech, and the new Business France team have played a vital role in advancing this goal. Beyond business, the human connections across both countries—from alumni of French universities and Greek students learning French to the collaboration between ministries on issues like civil protection and ocean preservation—continue to enrich our bilateral ties. Greece is not only a historic ally but also a key player in the EU and, now, at the United Nations Security Council.”

A Strategic Partnership in Action

Q: Greek-French relations have evolved over many decades. How would you describe their current state?

Auer: “The strategic partnership signed by President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in September 2021 remains a cornerstone of our bilateral relationship. Since my arrival in August 2023, there have been nine visits by French ministers to Greece, as well as six visits by members of the French Senate and National Assembly. These visits—alongside those by diplomats, civil servants, and military officers—reflect the intensity of our political engagement.”

“In the field of defence, more than 200 joint military exercises are conducted each year. One recent example is the ARGO2025 amphibious exercise near Volos, involving around 1,000 troops and naval vessels from both countries. Such operations, alongside our acquisition of Rafale jets and FDI frigates, are deepening the interoperability of our armed forces. I would also highlight our collaboration in civil protection, particularly in responding to wildfires.”

“On the international stage, we are closely aligned at the UN Security Council and other global forums, such as the Summit on Artificial Intelligence and the upcoming UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, where we welcomed Prime Minister Mitsotakis. In the EU context, our shared priorities include reindustrialisation, defence capability, and investment in emerging technologies.”

Strengthening Economic Ties

Q: What is the current outlook for economic and commercial relations between France and Greece?

Auer: “Our economic relationship has significantly deepened in the past year. A growing number of French companies are choosing to reinvest in Greece—clear evidence that confidence in the country’s economic recovery is strong.”

“Among recent investments: DATA4 has begun construction of a €300 million data centre in Koropi; Airbus has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Civil Protection for firefighting helicopters; and the Franco-Italian consortium EGIS/ATM has contributed to the launch of the Thessaloniki Metro. These major projects are complemented by the work of our economic team at the embassy, along with Business France, the French-Greek Chamber of Commerce and French Tech. Notably, France’s market share in Greece has increased by 4.7%.”

“We also collaborate closely on shaping future EU funding mechanisms and initiatives to reform the European electricity market—aimed at reducing consumer costs. A high-level delegation from MEDEF, the French employers’ association, visited Athens in June 2025 for discussions with Greek authorities on specific future projects.”

Cultural Relations: A Lasting Connection

Q: Finally, how would you assess cultural and educational ties between the two countries?

Auer: “I am truly satisfied with the depth and vitality of our cultural relations. The French Institute of Greece organises landmark events—the Philosophy Festival, the Francophone Film Festival, and the Francophone Awards, all of which enjoy strong public engagement. French remains the second most widely taught foreign language in Greece, and approximately 750,000 people here speak French.”

“In the arts, collaboration is robust. French artists and directors regularly participate in the Athens-Epidaurus Festival, while French institutions host Greek artists and scholars. I must also underscore the enduring contributions of the French School of Archaeology in promoting Greece’s heritage and supporting leading academic research.”