“The omnipresent elegance of Budapest” – Interview with H.E. Emmanouil Apostolakis, Greece’s ambassador in Hungary

We dicussed multiple topics with H.E. Emmanouil Apostolakis, Greece’s ambassador in Hungary who answered all our questions thoughtfully. We talked about his favourite Hungarian starter, main course, and dessert in a traditional Hungarian restaurant, some lesser-known gems Hungarian tourists should visit if they are in Greece, the changes in the trade relationships between Greece and Hungary, the ongoing conflict in Israel and Ukraine, the Greek origins of the Hungarian Holy Crown and the omnipresent elegance of Budapest’s great historic past. We also asked the ambassador’s opinion about the most picturesque tourist attractions in Hungary.

DNH: You’ve been in Budapest for over a year now. What expectations did you have when you first arrived, and how have you found your experience with the Hungarian people?

H.E. Emmanouil Apostolakis: From the moment I set foot on Budapest I was impressed by the beauty of this amazing European metropolis. And this feeling becomes stronger every day. Indeed, Budapest is a marvelous mix of remarkable architecture, buzzing cultural life and loads of interesting people, many of which have honoured me with their friendship since my arrival. All this combined with the unique Danube setting and the omnipresent elegance of Budapest’s great historic past renders this city extremely pleasant to live and work.

Photo: Embassy of Greece in Budapest

DNH: How would you characterise the relationship between Greece and Hungary?

H.E. Emmanouil Apostolakis: The bilateral relations of Greece and Hungary are traditionally friendly and the co-operation between our two countries constructive, as it usually happens with countries that enjoy longstanding historic bonds. Moreover the centuries-old presence of Greek nationals in Hungary, apart from contributing to the city’s development and cultural diversity, also serves as a solid bridge of friendship between our two countries and peoples. Let me remind you that the presence of Greek diaspora in Hungary dates back to the early Hungarian Kingdom and its traces can be found even in the lower part of the Hungarian Holy Crown, which has Greek inscriptions and is thought by many experts to have originated in workshops of Constantinople, the Byzantine capital.

Our cooperation is fruitful also in multilateral context, as we are both members in the EE and NATO. Of course, as it is often the case between friends and allies, we do not see all issues eye to eye, however Greece always respects its partners and allies and based on its principled foreign policy seeks constructive and mutually beneficial compromises.

Photo: Embassy of Greece in Budapest

DNH: Migration is certainly a significant shared concern, with Greece being a border country, and we all remember the images of large numbers of migrants arriving in your country. What is the situation like now, and what is your stance on the EU’s migration quota?

H.E. Emmanouil Apostolakis: Being countries with a long historic past and rich cultural background is not the only thing Greece and Hungary have in common. Our two countries do also share the challenge of being front line states, with a duty to protect their borders that are also EU borders. Allow me in this point to remind your readers that Greece was the first country, back in March 2020, to experience and effectively counter, to the benefit of both Greece and Europe, the hybrid threat of instrumentalization of migration flows.

Big fence and big door required to deal with migration

Having said that, let me point out that Greece is following a tough but fair migration policy, with a strong emphasis on the external dimension of migration and border protection , while at the same time the Greek Coast Guard has saved thousands of lives at sea. Moreover, two equally important pillars of our migration policy are effective returns and, of course, legal migration. Indeed,

we need both a big fence and a big door to deal with migration,

i.e. it is important for the EU, apart from defending its external borders, to establish legal, organized, pathways to migration, for both humanitarian and economic reasons.

Photo: Embassy of Greece in Budapest

We are happy to see that during the last years Europe’s migration policy is coming much closer to the Greek positions. The external dimension of migration, the protection of European borders, the new Pact on Migration and Asylum constitute successes of Europe and are developments that are close to the relevant Greek positions, providing for fair-sharing of responsibility and solidarity between EU member-states.

DNH: Hungarian foreign policy can be quite divisive. On one hand, the government is pushing for a peace mission in Ukraine, while on the other, it strongly supports Israel in seeking a military solution. What is your perspective on these two conflicts?

H.E. Emmanouil Apostolakis: You referred to the two major war fronts next to Europe. The Greek position is again one of principle on both questions.

Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s illegal war of aggression is also legitimate resistance against revisionism. This is a war that concerns all of us and on this basis the Greek support to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people is unwavering. Unconditionally rejecting revisionist policies wherever they come from is the only way to serve and promote longstanding peace.

Coming to the Middle East, Greece remains firmly committed to an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access to Gaza, unconditional release of hostages and a two-state solution. It is absolutely imperative to prevent a spillover, which will be a serious global threat.

UNSC member

DNH: In June, we heard the news that Greece had been elected as a member of the UN Security Council for 2025-2026. This is a major diplomatic achievement, but what does it mean for Greece?

H.E. Emmanouil Apostolakis: Indeed, Greece will be an elected member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the next two years. We are grateful that the members of the UN, with their recent vote, entrusted us with a third stint in Greece’s history in this major UN body. Three words of Greek origin but of universal meaning will guide Greece’s tenure on the Security Council: “Dialogue, Diplomacy, Democracy”.

Greece serves as a key pillar of stability and democracy both in the Balkan region and the wider Southeastern Mediterranean, supporting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states and condemning revisionism wherever it comes from. As an elected member of the UNSC, Greece will spare no effort in order to ensure that the opinions of all States are heard and respected, as well as to promote consensus and build solutions to global challenges, in line with the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter and the respect for international law. We aspire to become a stabilizing actor in the Security Council, and a constructive bridge between South and North, between West and East.

DNH: Hungary currently holds the EU Presidency. What opportunities does this offer for Greece, and what outcomes do you anticipate during this period?

H.E. Emmanouil Apostolakis: Greece is sparing no effort in order to contribute to the safeguarding and promotion of the EU common values and goals. In this context we are constructively cooperating with the Hungarian presidency, working together to advance the significant priorities set by it, that we share and support.  For example, both countries fully share the need for a merit-based enlargement policy -one of the major priorities of the Hungarian Presidency-, as well as the assessment that the European path of the Western Balkans is crucial for establishing regional peace and prosperity. Indeed promoting the European perspective of the Western Balkans, in full respect of the European acquis, international law, and the principles of democracy and the rule of law, has always been a main goal for Greece, and we outlined this stance more than twenty years ago, when, by virtue of the so called “Thessaloniki Agenda” in 2003, Greece led the way for the integration of the Western Balkans into the European family.

DNH: Which areas of trade and investment between Greece and Hungary show the greatest potential for growth and how can businesses in both countries take advantage of these opportunities? Specifically, what Greek products are most commonly found in Hungary, and which Hungarian products are most popular in Greece?

H.E. Emmanouil Apostolakis: As I mentioned before our bilateral co-operation is good, including our bilateral economic relations, with the value of bilateral trade volume exceeding the EUR 1 billion mark in 2023. However there is much room for further improvement, also in light of the fact that both economies are on a growth trajectory, putting emphasis on promoting foreign trade and investments. Moreover, our economies are characterised by complementarity as they largely produce goods that meet each other’s needs. In addition, European policies promoting interconnectivity create great potential for enhancing bilateral trade and developing transit services, given also the fact that our two countries are linked by two new Trans-European Corridors. Finally Greece’s role as an energy hub in its broader region, as well as its successful investments in Renewable Energy Sources, that made Greece a world leader when it comes to the penetration of wind and solar, creates many opportunities for constructive cooperation also in the energy sector.

Coming to specific Greek products in the Hungarian market, one can find a quite broad variety of food products, such as the internationally known olive oil, an integral part of the famous Greek gastronomy, which, given its purity and nutritious value, can be considered a major super food. Moreover tasty Greek cheeses, including the Greek feta cheese, can be found in the shelves of the Hungarian super markets. Other popular Greek products in Hungary are fresh fruits, as well as canned fruits which are in high demand. Finally some very good Greek wines can be savoured in the many restaurants, in particular the Greek ones, of Hungary. Apart from food, Greek exports include among others construction materials, e.g. we have excellent production and technology in the field of aluminium and its products.

Regarding Hungarian exports to Greece, the main products are industrial, such as cars, telephone devices, and screens. Moreover processed meat products have a notable presence in the Greek market, while Hungarian wines are also exported to a lesser extent. Finally, the famous Hungarian porcelains are known to a segment of Greek consumers and can be found in some specialized exclusive stores.

On investment, there is scope for growth. Ιn Hungary there are about 60-70 companies of Greek interests (mixed and purely Greek), mainly in the tourism (agencies) and trade (food/drink import) sectors, as well as in the industrial, transport and service sectors.

Needless to say that promoting trade and economic cooperation is a major goal for us, and the Embassy’s Economic & Commercial Office is working on that in order to further enhance the contacts of the business communities of our two countries through targeted business meetings, visits to sectoral exhibitions, etc. so that the business people themselves can explore the relevant various possibilities of investments and joint ventures.

DNH: Greece is a popular destination for Hungarian tourists, and we are familiar with the main holiday hotspots. Could you suggest any lesser-known gems that are worth visiting?

H.E. Emmanouil Apostolakis: Indeed, Greece has the privilege to be a major tourist destination and its tourism sector is booming. I believe there are numerous reasons for that. Apart its natural beauty and rich history, Greece managed over the last years to further advance its touristic product and to offer impeccable infrastructure and services together with competitive prices. Moreover the unique Greek gastronomy and the lively way of life are additional reasons to vote for Greece on your holiday plans. Furthermore various alternative forms of tourism have been developed in Greece over the last years (among others cultural tourism, religious tourism, oleotourism, wine tourism, health tourism, sports tourism etc), covering the needs of all kind of visitors. And last but not least the famous Greek hospitality, accurately reflected in the word “philoxenia”, the Greek word for hospitality which means literally being a friend to a stranger.

We are grateful to Hungarians for making Greece one of their top holiday choices [In 2023, 522,000 Hungarians visited Greece: 69% increase in the number of travelers compared to 2022]and we look forward to warmly welcoming more friends from Hungary and showing them the meaning of the Greek hospitality!

Before coming to my personal lesser- known holiday gems in Greece, let me stress that, given its mild climate that makes the country a 365- day destination, it is worth visiting Greece all year round, and not only in the Summer. In particular winter sports enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover the state-of-the-art infrastructure for winter tourism in Greece, including the existing 17 ski resorts.

Moreover, given the fact that Greece is a country dotted with numerous historic churches and monasteries, it could be of interest to our Hungarian friends to participate in the amazing experience of touring the country in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul and conclude this unique trip by climbing to the Meteora Monasteries (the Greek word Meteora means suspended in the air and aptly describes these spectacular Byzantine monasteries and their breathtaking  landscape).

Of course, if you prefer to stick to the islands and the “deep Greek blue” there are various, less frequented but equally beautiful, destinations, such as the islands of Leipsoi, Kastelorizo, Nisiros, Symi, Irakleia and Chios. Finally some more suggestions for our Hungarian friends include the Region of Epirus with mountainous picturesque traditional villages, such as Zagorochoria, the Messinian mainland with olive groves, medieval towers and excellent local cuisine, or the second biggest Greek City Thessaloniki, with its famous Byzantine monuments, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as its unique gastronomy and the nearby amazing beaches of Halkidiki.

DNH: On the subject of tourism, from a Greek perspective, what do you consider to be the most picturesque tourist attractions in Hungary?

H.E. Emmanouil Apostolakis: Let me first of all say that that Hungary over the last years has become one of the most popular tourist destinations for Greeks. It is a fact I witness every weekend during my regular strolls along the Danube, where I run to an ever growing number of enthusiastic Greek travelers. I believe that the existing Memorandum on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism between our two countries constitutes a solid basis for further promoting our relevant bilateral cooperation.

As far as my own favourite tourist attractions, I could not skip the stunning Szent Istvan Basilika, the Hungarian Parliament and the Heroes square in the Pest side, as well as the unique Buda Castle district in the Buda side. I think that all those are emblematic references of the amazing capital of Hungary. However the beauty of your country is not limited to Budapest. From Balaton lake to the beautiful castles in Visegrád, Eger and Fertőd, to Estergom and Veszprém, Hungary never fails to impress the tourist.

In conclusion, since you referred to your question to the Greek perspective, of particular touristic interest for me is to follow the imprints of the historic Greek Diaspora in your country in the 18t and 19th centuries, which can be traced all around Budapest. For example many buildings, of the 5th district in particular, bear witness to the presence of Greek merchants. The emblematic Széchenyi/Chain Bridge, was financed to an important extent by Georgios Sinas, who is commemorated below one of the lions on the Buda side of the bridge. His son, Simon Sinas, was the largest donor and founder of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences located on Széchenyi Square. On Vörösmarty square still stands the house of the Mouratis family, a member of which, Irene Mourati, was the mother of a Hungarian Prime Minister, Pál Teleki. On Váci street 26, you can see inscriptions with the name of prince Alexandros Ypsilantis, who started the fight for Greek independence in 1821. After his effort was suppressed, his fighters were helped by the Hungarian people. The Greeks of Hungary were grateful for this and fought on the Hungarian side during the 1848 revolution. Overlooking the Danube, on Petőfi tér, stands the impressive and graceful Church of the Holy Assumption of the Virgin, which was built at the end of the 18th century by wealthy Greek merchants. Memories of this Greek presence live on in other places too, such as Szeged, Ηódmezővásárhely, Szentendre, Szentes and even Tokaj where Greeks were involved in the wine business two hundred years ago. Moreover the Greek presence in Hungary is not only just matter of history. About 5,000 Greeks still live in Hungary today and are officially recognized as one of the country’s national minorities.  So in particular for Greeks visiting Hungary, the picturesque village of Beloiannisz (about 45 kms to the south of Budapest), built in 1952 on land which had once been owned by the Sinas family and having served as “home”  for many Greeks that after the civil war of 1946-49 arrived  in your country, remains always an important destination. Having said that, I would like to take this opportunity to express Greece’s gratitude for the warm hospitality and support provided by Hungary to the Greek minority, which has always served as a bridge of friendship between our countries and peoples.

DNH: What major cultural events or initiatives took place during this year 2024 or can be expected later this year or in 2025?

H.E. Emmanouil Apostolakis: In the beginning of this year concluded with great success an exhibition organised at the initiative of our Embassy entitled “Poetry in Stone. Classical Greece through the lens of Robert McCabe”. The exhibition, which took place in the emblematic National Széchényi Library, presented 48 selected black and white photographs by the internationally renowned American photographer Robert McCabe, portraying Greece’s history, culture, and natural beauty. It was a successful cultural event that attracted the interest of the Hungarian public and contributed to further strengthening the longstanding historic bonds between the two countries and peoples.

Moreover, Greece after some year of absence, participated again in 2024, in the 14o Festival of Films Francophone, with the film “Where we Live” by the prominent Greek director Sotiris Goritsas. We are planning to participate again in 2025 in this important cinephile event in Budapest.

Last but not least, I would like to add that Greece will support the activities of the Department of Greek Language and Literature of Eotvos Lorand University, whose contribution by both Greece and Hungary over the years to the promotion of the Greek language and culture is highly valued

DNH: Finally, a question we ask all ambassadors: When dining at a Hungarian restaurant, what would your choice of starter, main course, and dessert be?

H.E. Emmanouil Apostolakis: When arriving to a new country I always enjoy exploring the local cuisine, and also through becoming more familiar to the customs and heritage of a nation. By now I can say that I am a big fan of the Hungarian gastronomy. For starters in a restaurant I like to choose different kind of delicacies from the Hungarian countryside, such as cheeses and famous Hungarian charcuteries. My go-to order for a main course is the famous goulash soup. As for the dessert, although I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, I never say no to a good somlói galuska.  And of course there is always a broad selection of tasty Hungarian wines to accompany any meal.

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