Adidas Drone Show at Zappeion Sparks Controversy in Athens

Adidas issued a statement clarifying that the drone show, held to promote its brand, was conducted with all necessary permits and was strictly confined to the Zappeion Megaron area. The company emphasized that no images of the Acropolis were used for advertising or other purposes. “The event complied fully with the approved permits, and the drone flight was limited to the Zappeion site,” Adidas stated.

Civil Aviation Authority Confirms Compliance The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) corroborated Adidas’ claims, stating that the licenses granted to DRNS Show Experience, representing Essence Mediacom and Adidas Hellas, adhered to European safety regulations and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) framework. The CAA confirmed that the drones operated within a controlled, public-free zone above Zappeion Park, with photographic evidence verifying compliance with the approved flight plan. “Claims of illegal licensing are unfounded,” the CAA added, noting its role is limited to flight safety and airspace management.

Ministry of Finance Demands Answers On Friday, Minister of National Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis requested written explanations from the Olympic and Endowment Committee’s Board of Directors, which approved the event. Ministry sources criticized the “outdated” pricing policy for Zappeion’s use, calling the contract’s terms “disproportionate to its value and symbolism.” A forthcoming law on public property utilization aims to reform pricing and introduce stricter safeguards for such spaces.

Prosecutor Orders Investigation The Athens First Instance Prosecutor’s Office, led by Aristides Korreas, launched an urgent preliminary investigation following a complaint from the Ministry of Culture. The probe, assigned to the Acropolis Security Department, will examine potential violations of antiquities laws, particularly regarding the event’s proximity to culturally sensitive sites.

Ministry of Culture Alleges Violations The Ministry of Culture announced it is filing a lawsuit against those responsible for breaching archaeological legislation. Minister Lina Mendoni, speaking to SKAI 100.3, claimed the Zappeion administration failed to seek the ministry’s approval, violating archaeological law. “The angle of the images creates the illusion that the event occurred above the Acropolis, but this involves another monument, the Zappeion,” Mendoni said. She accused the event of commercially exploiting both the Zappeion and Acropolis, refuting opposition claims that her ministry approved the event.

Political Outcry The drone show, which projected a giant sports shoe, drew sharp criticism from opposition parties. PASOK condemned the “sad” commercialization of the Acropolis, questioning the Ministry of Culture’s oversight and contrasting the event’s approval with the ministry’s refusal to allow filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos to shoot at the Acropolis. “What is the criterion? Commercial value or cultural merit?” PASOK asked.

SYRIZA labeled the display an “offensive commodification” of Greece’s heritage, highlighting the ministry’s rejection of Lanthimos’ request last month. “How was this advertising proposal approved while a globally acclaimed director was denied?” SYRIZA demanded.

Ongoing Debate The controversy has fueled discussions about the balance between commercial activities and the protection of Greece’s cultural landmarks. As investigations continue, the incident underscores the need for updated regulations to safeguard iconic sites like the Acropolis and Zappeion from perceived exploitation.

Source: greek city times