The Greek Parliament has approved the Ministry of Culture’s landmark bill introducing a broad package of reforms aimed at modernizing the management of Greece’s cultural heritage, strengthening the country’s creative industries, and enhancing the protection of archaeological sites and intellectual property.
At the heart of the legislation is the establishment of the Hellenic Heritage Organisation S.A., a new state-controlled operational body designed to support the Organization for the Management and Development of Cultural Resources (ODAP), while preserving full public ownership of Greece’s cultural assets.
Mendoni Rejects Privatization Claims
During the parliamentary debate, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni dismissed opposition accusations that the legislation paves the way for the privatization of Greece’s cultural heritage.
She stressed that the ownership and legal protection of monuments remain fully guaranteed under Article 24 of the Greek Constitution and Greece’s archaeological legislation.
According to the minister, the new entity will not acquire ownership rights over monuments or public property. Instead, it will function as an operational arm responsible for implementing projects related to visitor services, digital applications, commercial organization, and international promotion.
“Management is not ownership. The new organization will strengthen efficiency without altering the legal protection of Greece’s cultural heritage.”
A Modern Framework for Cultural Management
The government argues that safeguarding cultural heritage requires not only strong legislation but also efficient administration and sustainable funding.
The reform seeks to address long-standing operational shortcomings, including underperforming museum shops, visitor facilities, and other revenue-generating services whose proceeds are intended to support conservation projects and archaeological restoration.
Officials say the new structure will improve transparency, streamline management, and maximize the value of cultural resources while keeping them under public supervision.
Digital Transformation and Global Promotion
The Hellenic Heritage Organisation will coordinate initiatives to promote Greek cultural heritage both domestically and internationally.
Its mandate includes the development of digital platforms, artificial intelligence applications, visitor experience technologies, and integrated marketing strategies designed to strengthen Greece’s global cultural presence.
Meanwhile, ODAP will retain ownership of all cultural assets and continue managing revenues from ticket sales, museum shops, cafés, and related activities.
New Agency for Underwater Cultural Heritage
The legislation also creates a dedicated public body responsible for Greece’s underwater cultural heritage.
The new agency will oversee the protection and management of underwater archaeological parks, historic shipwrecks, and other submerged cultural sites, aiming to balance preservation with sustainable tourism.
Boost for Greece’s Film and Audiovisual Industry
A key component of the reform is the implementation of the “GREECE ON SCREEN 2026–2030” National Action Plan, which establishes a stable funding framework for film production and audiovisual projects.
The initiative is intended to attract international productions, encourage private investment, create new jobs, and further position Greece as a competitive filming destination in Europe.
Additional Cultural Reforms
The legislation also introduces:
- Management plans for UNESCO World Heritage Sites and major archaeological sites;
- The legal framework for Archaeological Parks;
- The establishment of the National Photo Archive;
- The creation of the Historical Archive of Antiquities and Restoration, aimed at improving documentation, preservation, and research of Greece’s cultural assets.
Culture as a Strategic Development Asset
Beyond heritage preservation, the reform reflects the government’s broader strategy of positioning culture as both a public good and a driver of economic growth.
By combining stronger institutional governance with digital innovation, tourism development, and international cultural promotion, the government aims to transform Greece’s cultural heritage into a more dynamic contributor to sustainable development while maintaining full public ownership and constitutional protection.
Source: pagenews.gr