The Greece of Costas Simitis

"I want a Greece that is open and present. A Greece that inspires pride and strength. To be abroad and say you come from Greece and be respected. That is what I want to achieve, and I am passionate about it."

With these simple yet profound words, Costas Simitis encapsulated his vision for Greece and the guiding principles of his eight-year tenure as prime minister: a passion for progress, modernization, and the belief that Greece could transform from "Europe's black sheep" into a model European partner.

During his time in office, Simitis had the rare opportunity to realize this transformation through methodical planning, persistence, and his legendary notepad. Under his leadership, Greece transitioned from a Balkan country lagging behind Europe to a core member of the euro area, adopting the single currency. He persuaded European partners that Cyprus could join the EU...