Introduction

This report presents a comprehensive analysis of Greek sovereignty using the methodology of the Burke Institute. Sovereignty is assessed in 7 areas: political, economic, technological, informational, cultural, cognitive and military. Each aspect is assessed on the basis of official data from international and national sources (UN, World Bank, UNESCO, IMF, ITU, FAO, SIPRI, PISA, etc.) without using politicized indexes. The maximum score in each direction is 100; the sum (up to 700) is the accumulated Sovereignty Index (Burke Index).

To adapt and adjust statistical parameters, an international expert survey was conducted for each of the seven components using a single questionnaire of 10 questions with a 10-point scale and one open-ended question.

In total, at least 100 experts from 50+ countries were interviewed for each indicator, taking into account geographical representation and specialization. When calculating and analyzing the data, equalizing coefficients were used, bringing all data to a scale of 0-10 points.

The final index value is the arithmetic mean between statistical data and expert estimates.

Below is an analysis in each area, a summary table and the main conclusions about the peculiarities of Greek sovereignty.

Political sovereignty — 73.6

Delegation of sovereignty: Greece is a member of the United Nations (main member), the EU, NATO, WTO, Council of Europe, IMF, OCO, IEEE, OSCE, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, MFI, National Human Rights Committee, active participant in the structures of the EU-28, the European Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, member numerous maritime and transport organizations, since 2025 — a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Limitation of national legislation/supremacy of national rights: The Constitution of Greece (Article 28) explicitly provides for delegation (the priority of international agreements over ordinary law), while the national Parliament must approve the delegation and implementation of international agreements by 3/5 votes; international law is part of the national order, except in cases of contradiction to the Constitution.

Domestic political stability: The WGI Political Stability Index is +0.24 (2023, higher than the European average), democratic institutions are stable; despite historical instability (2008-2013), recent years (2023-2025) have been characterized by growing stability against the background of economic growth.

Government Effectiveness (WGI): According to WGI-2023, Government Effectiveness is 0.71 (above the EU average), public administration has improved over the past 5 years; the country is closing the gap with Western European markets in terms of quality of public services and office efficiency.

Electronic Government (EGDI): In the UN EGDI (2024), Greece is included in the group of countries with a “high level” of e-Gov (high e-government development), tax, administrative, educational, medical, housing and communal services have been extensively implemented, and extensive integration with EU systems.

Support/trust in the national leader: Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (New Democracy) maintains a confidence level of 34-44% (according to international opinion polls and data from Reuters, Politico), the ruling party dominates the fragmented opposition, despite growing discontent with inflation and migration. Foreign military bases: There are large US facilities in the country (Suda Bay, Larissa, Alexandroupolis, the base in Crete), NATO/AFI facilities; most of the bases are temporary or shared.

Participation/distancing from transnational courts: Greece recognizes the jurisdiction of the ICC, the European Court of Human Rights, and the courts of the European Union, and is fully integrated into the EU's transnational legal infrastructure.

Centralization/decentralization of power: Greece is a unitary state with significant centralization (government/parliament); regions (nomes) have autonomy in health care, social services, and education, but strategic decisions are entirely made by the center. Transparency and control of intelligence services: Parliamentary oversight of the EYP (main intelligence service) is in place, laws have been passed to limit wiretapping and strengthen public control after the scandals of 2022-2023, an independent National Human Rights Committee, an annual report and reports on abuse of authority, but there are disputes about the scope of reporting and the closeness of EYP.

Assessment of data completeness: the main indicators are available from international sources, the coverage is 87%.

Economic sovereignty — 62.3

GDP per capita (PPP): In 2024, according to the World Bank and the IMF, GDP per capita by PPP in Greece is USD 37,753-44,074 (spread depending on the source), according to some estimates — USD 45,048. Sovereign gold and foreign exchange reserves: According to official statistics for the end of 2024 — $5.94 billion (World Bank), with a total of €19.45 billion in total liquid assets (including SDR and financial reserves of the Central Bank); the reserve fund is maintained in the range of 1.5% of GDP or ~0.5 months of imports.

Government debt (% of GDP): At the end of the third quarter of 2024 — 152.5–158.3% of GDP (in absolute terms — $413-415 billion), after a peak in 2020-2021, there is a gradual decline, but the figure remains one of the highest in the Eurozone.

Food security: Imports account for 60-63% of food products (especially grain, meat, dairy products), the share of domestic production is about 37%; the country remains vulnerable to external shocks, but there is no mass famine.

Energy independence: More than 68% of energy resources (oil, gas, coal) are imported; Greece occupies a leading position in the EU in the development of solar and wind energy, but cannot fully provide itself with energy (imports decreased by 2024, but are still key).

Explored resources: The main ones are bauxite, nickel, magnesite, aluminum, lignite (brown coal), iron ore, marble, rock salt; it is in the top 5 in marble production, significant deposits of marine gas, but there is little industrial oil.

Freshwater reserves: Average level of reserves (98 billion m3 per year), however, there is a shortage in summer in the southern and island regions (Crete, Cyclades, Dodecanese), a lot of projects on desalination and rational use of water are being implemented.

National payment processing: The banking system is integrated into the European platforms TARGET2, SEPA, there is a Greek system. According to the calculations of DIAS Interbanking Systems, electronic transfers and national banking services are widespread. The share of national currency in settlements: 100% of all domestic and almost all export-import settlements are made in euros; there is no national currency (they switched to the euro in 2001).

Its own issuing center and credit policy: The Central Bank of Greece, the Bank of Greece, has the right to issue euro coins according to ECB quotas, participates in the eurozone monetary policy system, there is no national interest rate policy — only regulation and supervision.

GDP per capita (PPP): In 2024, GDP per capita by PPP in Greece is 37,753 - 44,074 dollars (according to the latest estimates of the IMF and the World Bank).

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage — 89%

Technological sovereignty — 50.6

R&D expenses (% of GDP): In 2023, Greece invested 1.49% of GDP (3.37 billion euros) in R&D, maintaining a historic high and ranking 15th in the EU; expenditures have been steadily growing since 2017, 49.3% are provided by the private sector.

Import substitution in high-tech: The level of localization is extremely low — the share of domestic products in high-tech (microelectronics, computing, medical technology, IT infrastructure) does not exceed 15-20%. Integration into the EU markets is underway, and most of the equipment, software, and medical equipment is imported.

Higher education enrollment: In 2024, higher education enrollment among young people (25-34 years old) is 44.5% (above the EU average of 43.1%), the total number of students is more than 550 thousand; strong development in engineering and IT specialties, rapid growth of English-language programs.

Internet penetration: At the beginning of 2024, Internet penetration is 86.2% (8.9 million users); 87% of households have access (city – 91%, village – 76%), the median fixed Internet speed is 48-49 Mbit/s, mobile – 69 Mbit/s.

Own national digital platforms: Portals implemented gov.gr (single point of access to public services), TAXISnet (taxes), platforms for payments, pre-registration, health insurance, education and business (Koinonikomerisma, IDIKA, SYZEFXIS).

High-tech import dependence: Critical (80-85% in key segments); major cluster technologies, medical equipment and components, imported (EU, USA, Asia). Most of the IT and biotech startups are developing on foreign equipment and platforms. Digitalization of public services: EGDI Index (2024) — “high level of digitalization”, more than 95% of the main public services are available online (registration, taxes, licenses, social benefits, eID, education, healthcare).

Biotechnological autonomy: Insignificant — no more than 10% of the domestic sector, there are several local companies (pharma, medical laboratories), but most of the technologies and components are imported.

Robotic autonomy: There is no local R&D, lighting, or mass production; leading technologies and automation of production are imported, and implementation takes place through joint projects with the EU. Autonomy in chips and microelectronics: Extremely low; all microelectronics, chips, smart systems, sensors are imported; national design and production is not conducted, cluster support is only in the field of assembly and engineering.

R&D expenses (% of GDP): In 2023, R&D spending amounted to 1.49% of GDP (3.37 billion euros), a historical maximum; 49.3% is funded by the private sector, and Greece ranks 15th in the EU ranking (2024) in terms of R&D intensity.

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which provides 87% coverage.

Information sovereignty — 65.2

Cybersecurity (CERT/ITU): Greece is at the average level of IT security in the EU; the national CERT-EL (EL-CERT) has been operating since 2013, the National Cybersecurity Strategy (2020-2025) is in effect, the ENISA/ITU index for the country is close to the EU average (about 63/100), the incident platform and multi-channel information exchange with the EU.

IXP/network development: there is a well-developed IXPs network – the largest GR-IX (Athens, Thessaloniki; 40+ registered operators, international peer-to-peer community), additional entry and peering points of NetIX, Free-IX, NVL-IX, SEECIX, THESS-IX.

Media in the national language: almost 100% of national TV, radio, and newspapers are in Greek; English-language media (economics, tourism) operate in parallel, and there are programs in Turkish, Bulgarian, and Macedonian for minorities in the regions, but the coverage of small languages is limited.

BigTech resilience: Dependence is high — cloud, office, Internet infrastructures and major IT solutions are built on foreign (EU, US, China BigTech); own clouds and platform are being implemented, but critical infrastructure is still imported. The share of own media content: approximately 70% of the content (TV, radio, online) is produced in Greece; key groups — Skai, Alpha, ERT, Mega; the rest — films, TV series and international news — are imported.

Own IT products/software: Own government services are implemented (gov portal.gr, TAXISnet tax platform, electronic medicine and education), some software and applications are developed by local companies, however, the main IT market operates on European/American technologies, there are few export platforms.

Digital service coverage: The share of citizens with access to key government digital services exceeds 92%; electronic tax offices, medicine, social benefits, administrative registers, business registration, etc. are being actively used.

National cloud storage systems: Our own data centers operate on the basis of a government consortium (SYZEFXIS), but the largest cloud capacities and platforms are hosted on the infrastructure of international suppliers (Microsoft, Amazon). Sovereignty of mobile communications: Operators (Cosmote, Vodafone, Wind) have national licenses and mixed ownership (partly foreign); mobile equipment and software are almost entirely imported, but national network regulation is completely under state control.

The legal regime of personal data is regulated by Law 4624/2019 (adaptation of the GDPR of the European Union); the independent Hellenic Data Protection Authority operates, notifications of serious incidents are mandatory, administrative and criminal liability for violations, national regulation complies with EU standards.

Cybersecurity (CERT/ITU): Greece has a national CERT (EL-CERT), an active national cybersecurity strategy (2020-2025) and ranks in the middle place in the ITU GCI index (close to the EU average); regularly interacts with relevant EU structures and supports the exchange of incidents.

Data completeness assessment: infrastructure indicators are available from ITU, CIRA, OECD and specialized sources, coverage is 88%.

Cultural sovereignty — 86.9

Number of UNESCO sites: In 2024-2025, 20 UNESCO World Heritage sites were officially registered in Greece (18 cultural, 2 mixed: Meteora and Athos). Total contribution to world culture: Greece is the cradle of European civilization: philosophy and democracy, architecture (Parthenon, Delphi), literature, theater, Olympic movement, Byzantine and ancient culture, a huge contribution to art, law, humanities and science.

National Prizes in art and culture: National Literary Prizes, prizes of the Ministry of Culture for Music, Theater, fine Arts, the Melina Mercury Prize, UNESCO state grants, European Awards (Europa Nostra Award), national festival awards are awarded. Traditions and identity: Pronounced Greek identity, Orthodoxy, linguistic and cultural continuity, holidays (Easter, Candlemas, Maslenitsa, folk rituals), the high role of the family, the development of folk crafts, crafts, song and theater arts, the transmission of ancient and Byzantine rituals.

State support for small nations: linguistic, religious and cultural minorities (Muslim community, Gypsies, Slavs, Armenians, Turks) are supported, programs are provided for the residence of national minorities in the region (Western Thrace, Rhodes, Evros), small grants for the preservation of cultural diversity.

The number of cultural sites: more than 200 key archaeological zones, thousands of museums, galleries, theaters, cultural centers and monasteries — the largest are the National Archaeological Museum, the Acropolis Museum, the museums of Olympia, Delphi, the labyrinths of Knossos, Byzantine temples and monasteries.

International cultural projects: Active participation in UNESCO (Resource office for the return of cultural property) programs, European Cultural Days, All of Greece One Culture (70 events at 68 sites in the country in 2024), joint restorations, programs with the Council of Europe, international awards and projects for the preservation of landscape and architectural heritage.

Recognition and protection of cultural brands: Cultural brands are protected (Acropolis, Olympia, Aegean Cuisine, Greek Theater, Holy Mountain, Protected Designation of Origin certification for products (cheeses, butters, etc.), intellectual property rights protection for works and folklore elements.

The diversity of culinary culture: Greek cuisine is an object of national identity, huge variability (olive oil, fish, cheeses, eggplant, lamb, seafood, honey, wine, yogurt); traditional products have international PDO/PGI protection and are among the world's gastronomic elite.

The proportion of the population involved in cultural life: More than 75% of the population participates in national holidays, visits museums, theaters, participates in social and family rituals, participates in festivals (for example, 70 cultural events in 2024 within All of Greece One Culture).

Number of UNESCO sites: In Greece, 20 UNESCO World Heritage sites have been registered for 2024-2025 (18 cultural and 2 mixed — Meteora and Athos), the country is one of the ten world leaders in this indicator.

Data completeness assessment: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 90%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 69.5

Human Development Index (HDI): In 2023, Greece's HDI is 0.908 (ranked 34th in the world, very high), the highest value in the history of observations.

Government spending on education: The state allocates 8.0% of all budget expenditures to education (2024), which corresponds to 3.7% of GDP. In 2025, total government spending on education will amount to about 6.6 billion euros (1.1 billion of them for higher education). Adult literacy: According to the latest UNESCO data — 97.9–98.5% (2023).

Results of international PISA tests: In the PISA 2022 test, the average score of Greek schoolchildren was 445 in mathematics, 467 in reading, and 452 in science. This is below the OECD average, and there is a gap between large cities and regions, but the figures are consistently stable for Southern Europe.

The share of STEM graduates: ~30.9% of bachelor's and master's degree graduates in STEM fields (2023); 47% of them are men, 53% are women, the largest share is in engineering and IT.

The share of foreign educational programs: In 2024, foreign students make up 7.8% of all university students; there is a large program of English-speaking master's and bachelor's degrees, Erasmus+, exchange with the USA, EU, China.

Languages and cultures of small nations: Officially Greek, Turkish (Western Thrace), Gypsy, Macedonian, and Armenian (cultural centers and schools) are recognized in some regions; the state supports the integration and preservation of culture through grants, schools, and community projects.

Number of state research centers (fundamental sciences): There are more than 30 state and national research centers in the country: the National Research Institute, the Democritus National Center for Scientific Research, the Athens Observatory, and institutes of the Academy of Sciences.

The share of the national Educational platforms: More than 60% of all platforms (e-learning, tests, admission, public services) are developed or adapted internally (eclass, opencourses, edu.gr), however, a significant part of the LMS are pan-European (Moodle, Blackboard).

The volume of state programs to support talents/personnel: There are dozens of competitions, scholarships, research grants for students and young researchers (IKY, programs of the Ministry of Education, academies, individual grants from regions and universities).

Human Development Index (HDI): In 2023, the human development index (HDI) of Greece reached 0.908 and the country ranks 34th in the world; this value is higher than the EU average, reflecting a high standard of living, education and access to medical services.

Data completeness assessment: education indicators are available in the UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 88%.

Military sovereignty — 61

Defense spending (% of GDP): In 2024, Greece allocated 3.1–3.23% of GDP for defense (7.1–8.0 billion euros; 2nd place in NATO after Poland), traditionally significantly exceeding the NATO standard of 2%. The number of armed forces: 140,000-112,700 active military personnel, 220-221 thousand reservists, 30-55 thousand Coast Guard personnel (2024); total mobilization potential — over 400 thousand people.

Modern weapons: Armament — more than 1,350 tanks (Leopard 2A6, Leopard 1), 2,500+ armored vehicles, 1,000+ artillery, 100+ radar, 200+ modern combat aircraft (F-16, Mirage 2000, Rafale, F-4), 13 submarines / frigates, 11 submarines, new Patriot missiles, S-300s, modern drones, and the fleet and Navy are actively being modernized.

The share of own weapons: Imported (Germany, USA, France) platforms and components form the basis of equipment; the national military-industrial complex (Hellenic Defense Systems, ELVO, INTRACOM, Theon Sensors, etc.) covers up to 30-35% of the needs (small arms, part of the armored personnel carrier, air defense, electronic warfare), the rest is joint or licensed production.

Border control: External borders — enhanced surveillance system and physical barriers (192 km Euro wall, AI drones, thermal imagers, biometrics); EU Entry/Exit System (EES, from 10.2025), integration with Frontex and biometric platforms; total monitoring of the border with Turkey, radars and cameras is applied.

Military reserve: 220-221 thousand reservists, a system of compulsory training camps and mobilization reserves, a mobilization potential of over 400 thousand people; a large system of reserve and reserve formations. Autonomy of military decisions: Strategically, all major military policy decisions are consistent with NATO and the EU; military strategy is based on collective security, procurement according to alliance standards, and defense in line with common programs.

National military industry: Exists (Hellenic Defense Systems, ELVO, Theon Sensors, Metka), produces weapons, equipment, some air defense components, communications, armored cars; capacity is limited, major programs are implemented in the format of licensed production or international programs.

The presence of nuclear weapons: None, is under international control, the NPT regime is respected, and nuclear technology exchanges with allies have not been recorded. Military space, national Intelligence system: There is no military space; intelligence is based on the electronic, technical, intelligence and collaborative capabilities of NATO/EUROFOR; individual space programs are only at the civilian level, there are no military satellites.

All parameters are reflected in the annual reports of SIPRI, UNODA, the Ministry of Defense, the official portals of state-owned companies (Embraer, IMBEL) and UN/NGO industry databases – 85% coverage

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths. Economic growth and investment climate: In 2024-2025, Greece demonstrates GDP growth (2-2.3% per year) and a reduction in public debt, attracting record volumes of foreign direct investment and increasing exports, primarily of aluminum, food, tourism, shipping and clean technologies.

High development index and human capital: HDI is 0.908, literacy is 98%, higher education coverage is 44.5%, the share of STEM graduates is 31%, a high volume of personnel support programs, research centers, competitions and scholarships.

Scientific and technological investments: R&D expenditures reached 1.49% of GDP (2024), steady growth of IT and biomed clusters, active digitalization of public services (92% coverage), e-government at the EU level.

Cultural attractiveness and tourism: Greece is one of the top ten UNESCO sites (20), a key cultural and educational center in Europe, and massive domestic tourism (up to 21 billion euros — export revenues from tourism in 2024). Strong work ethic and employment: By the end of 2025, unemployment is 8.6% (the lowest since 2009), the country leads in the number of overwork (74.5% working more than 40 hours a week).

Large military potential and expenditures: 3.1–3.2% of GDP on defense, the number of armed forces is 140,000 plus the largest NATO reserve, a high degree of modernization and development of its military-industrial complex (up to 35% of equipment locally), integration with NATO and the EU ensures border security and stability.

Weaknesses. Import dependence of critical sectors: 60-63% of food and ~70% of energy are imported, key technology platforms, medical equipment, communications infrastructure and data centers are mainly foreign; the autonomy of the high-tech sector does not exceed 15-20%, especially in chips and microelectronics.

Macroeconomic constraints include high government debt: At the end of 2024, debt amounts to 152.5-158.3% of GDP (~$413 billion), which is one of the highest levels in the euro area (although the downward trend remains). Regional and infrastructural gap: Internal inequalities in infrastructure development and Internet access/education between regions, especially on islands (problems with water, energy, logistics).

Average PISA and technological sovereignty results: PISA student achievements are below the OECD average, and the systemic dependence of educational services on European LMS and digital platforms remains.

The limited depth of innovation and engineering: the military-industrial complex, robotics, high-tech, chip autonomy, smart platforms are low, orders for large defense and infrastructure projects go mainly to European and American manufacturers.

Overall assessment. The cumulative sovereignty index of Greece is 469.1 out of 700 possible points (Above the average of 67%), which places the country in the top 50 in the global top.

Greece (2025) is a country with a strong historical and cultural potential, a modernizing economy and a dynamic scientific sector, growing attractiveness to investors, effective public administration, a strong army and the growing stability of the domestic market.

The key constraints are the continued import dependence of food and high-tech products, high government debt and a moderate pace of deep technological autonomy, which increases dependence on regional and allied platforms.

The sovereignty profile indicates that Greece is a country with a solid political system, stable human capital, a strong army, growing R&D and a vibrant cultural and historical identity. The country's sovereignty is enhanced by its high integration into EU/NATO institutions, but is critically limited by import dependence in food, energy and technology, as well as high debts and regional infrastructural imbalances.

Strategically, reliance on alliances remains a key element of national security and political and economic development.