As Greece and Europe await the German vote on the second bailout package, Greeks are looking for ways to deal with their newfound state of affairs. I have been receiving various articles about how some people are relieved to be going back to a simpler less showy and crass way of life. They are idealizing… Continue reading Update on the Greek Crisis as the German Parliament gets ready to vote
Author: Sophia Kalantzakos
Sophia Kalantzakos was born in Athens, Greece. After graduating from Yale and Columbia, she became a Member of the Hellenic Parliament in 2000 (the first woman elected from the State of Messinia), serving on the Committees for Foreign Affairs and Defense, European Affairs, and Education.
During her tenure as Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Employment and Social Protection, the government passed far-reaching pension reforms. Ms Kalantzakos also focused attention on the creation of green jobs through the use of EU structural funds for companies and environmental NGOs.
Ms. Kalantzakos' work has extended beyond the traditional policy realm, recognizing that cultural change and public engagement are essential to fostering a more sustainable and prosperous future. To that end, and in order to prepare future generations, she has authored a series of children's books which promote strong environmental themes.
In 2010 she left politics and was named Global Distinguished Professor in Environmental Studies and Public Policy at New York University. She also serves as a member of NYU's Sustainability Task Force, advising on strategy and communications around improving environmental performance and community engagement.
Ms. Kalantzakos has lectured widely on sustainability and public policy, addressing business, government and academic audiences on the challenges posed by the global ecological crisis and the opportunities inherent in strategic green economic development. Her research and teaching focus on the geopolitics of green growth and Europe’s path to sustainability. One current project examines how rhetoric about sustainability and clean energy in the United States has failed to engage the public or advance policy goals, in contrast with divergent approaches in Europe.
Approved!
Greece breathed a sigh of relief, on Tuesday, the 21st of February. It's 130 billion euro bailout package would go through and the terms of the PSI were agreed upon. The country will stay in the euro, but the austerity measures and the implementation of the program will not be easy to stomach and enforce.… Continue reading Approved!
Now they want elections first?
I never thought that this would come to pass but soon we will know. I recently wrote that if elections took place within the next couple of months in Greece, given the situation on the ground, the left wing would probably come out victorious and dominant. I wrote about how the two main political parties… Continue reading Now they want elections first?
Will early Greek elections change anything for the better?
Sunday's vote left Greece in a precarious balance. The unity government is still intact. It's first order of business is to immediately begin the implementation of the bailout agreement. The Eurogroup with teleconference on Wednesday to discuss the package of aid to Greece. The German Parliament scheduled its vote on the issue for the 27… Continue reading Will early Greek elections change anything for the better?
New Plan approved by Parliament under the flames burning Athens
Though I am thousands of miles away from Athens, I have been following political events there very closely. Tonight was the crucial vote needed to approve the necessary measures for the bailout package. It was passed with 199 votes out of 300. In the last few days, many parliamentarians have resigned so as to not… Continue reading New Plan approved by Parliament under the flames burning Athens
Faced with the Lernaean Hydra, the Greek government should learn from Hercules
The Minister of Economics and Finance Evangelos Venizelos used a very appropriate metaphor to describe the ongoing Greek negotiation for the second bailout package. He described it as facing the Lernaean Hydra. The Hydra was an ancient serpent - like a chtonic water beast, with reptilian traits, that possessed many heads and for each head cut off it grew… Continue reading Faced with the Lernaean Hydra, the Greek government should learn from Hercules
Should the Greek crisis be just about economics?
For the last two years, the debt crisis first slowly, then more quickly, began to take its toll on Greece. Today, the economy seems to be in shambles. The political establishment - even when forced into a unity-cooperation government- cannot come to terms with the new reality. The Europeans and especially Germany are putting exorbitant… Continue reading Should the Greek crisis be just about economics?
How does it feel to just be Britain?
The latest EU summit seemed to reach a new consensus on amending the treaties to secure the future of the euro. In the end, Britain vetoed the path forward and now stands in isolation, facing criticism at home and throughout the continent. According to Spiegel International, Sarkozy was quoted as telling Le Monde newspaper on Monday:"There are… Continue reading How does it feel to just be Britain?
Is climate change still on the international agenda?
As Durban wrapped up, an agreement was reached to cut emissions. The 'Durban Platform' will commit all countries to a global deal on cutting carbon emissions by 2015 . It will come into force, however, in 2020. The EU agreed to a second commitment of the Kyoto Protocol from 2013 as part of the deal… Continue reading Is climate change still on the international agenda?
Though the debt crisis dominates world headlines, the EU continues to press climate agenda in Durban
If one follows the headlines closely, the talk is all about the debt crisis in the Eurozone. Meanwhile, climate talks in Durban are largely overlooked. I doubt if most people even know anything is going on down there. Despite the economic fix that Europe is finding itself in, the Union is still the world's best hope… Continue reading Though the debt crisis dominates world headlines, the EU continues to press climate agenda in Durban
Sophia Kalantzakos 