Greece

Greece has a mixed capitalist economy with the public sector accounting for half of GDP and with per capita GDP 70% of the leading euro-zone economies, and residents enjoy a relatively advanced standard of living. Tourism provides 15% of GDP.

Immigrants make up nearly one-fifth of the work force, mainly in menial jobs. Greece is a major beneficiary of EU aid, equal to about 3.3% of GDP. In 2004, the year that Athens hosted the 2004 Olympic Games it helped the economy. The Greek economy is estimated to have grown by 3.6% in 2005 and similar growth rates are projected through 2007. These growth rates resulted in a drop in unemployment (to 9.8% in second quarter of 2005 from 10.4% in the same period in 2004), although it is still significantly higher among women and people under 27.

Unfortunately, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow has also dropped, and efforts to revive it have been only partially successful. At the same time, Greek investment in Southeast Europe has increased, leading to a net FDI outflow in some years. Remaining challenges include the reduction of the public debt, inflation, and unemployment; and further restructuring of the economy, including privatizing several state enterprises, undertaking pension and other reforms, and minimizing bureaucratic inefficiencies.

The Government usually respects the human rights of most citizens; however, problems remain in some areas such as discrimination towards ethnic minorites. Over the last two decades, Greece has rapidly transformed from a traditional emigration country to one attracting migrants, thus marking the border between the global south and the European Union. This rapid transformation has brought to the surface the inadequacies in the country's laws governing migration as well as in practices violating the human rights of refugees. Specifically, the Greece's legal framework fails to adhere to international human rights law and standards in two respects: 1) At no stage of the process does it provide for an independent review of a rejected application on the substance of the claim; 2) It lacks provisions explicitly safeguarding against the risk of refoulement.

Although there has been a sharp increase in the number of people seeking refuge, Greece has some of the lowest asylum application rates in Europe. At the same time it has some of the lowest refugee rates.Thousands of people from Albania, Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan and elsewhere come to Greece seeking refuge. Some are shot and killed on the border, others are charged with 'illegal entry' straight away and detained without having the chance to apply for refugee protection. The conditions of detention in particular areas of the country do not adhere to international law and standards.

Another problem that remains is violence against women and trafficking in women for the purpose of forced prostitution.

By the end of 2004, Greek authorities had reported a cumulative total of 7134 HIV cases; they included 2515 people who developed AIDS, of whom 1417 had died. For the year 2004 itself, the authorities reported 434 new HIV cases, 72 new AIDS cases and 25 AIDS deaths.

The route of transmission was unknown in 47.1% of HIV cases reported in the first half of 2004. This high percentage is due to the fact that many reports are based only on laboratory surveillance and men who have sex with men accounted for 30.3%, while heterosexual transmission was 19.5% during that period. The majority of cases were in the 25–44 age group, with 30–34 year olds the most affected group. Sexual transmission accounts for the vast majority of all HIV cases reported with a known route of transmission over the years: 45.6% of the overall total are found in MSM, 20.1% in heterosexually infected individuals and 4% in IDUs.

Despite the specter of a growing AIDS epidemic in Greece, the AIDS information campaign began in the mid 1980s no longer exists and the National Committee for AIDS has been replaced by the National Agency for Infectious Diseases. Health care professionals voice concern over the need to control blood products imported from Europe, while broad debate exists over whether or not to create special hospital units in which to treat people with AIDS. Further, HIV and AIDS have sparked the discussion and study of sexuality and its socio-cultural dimensions; the Ministry of Education has prepared a program for prevention and health promotion to be used in schools; and AIDS/HIV support groups are gradually emerging.

Like all countries at the end of the twentieth century, Greece has its environmental problems: deforestation, soil erosion and air and water pollution. Athens has one of the world's worst air pollution problems, which has seriously damaged the statues and buildings of the Acropolis.

Rapid industrialization in Greece during the 1970s has resulted in heavy pollution. Especially air pollution, a serious environmental problem in Athens, where the government called 19 air pollution emergencies between 1982 and 1989. In addition to causing respiratory problems, the smog erodes marble and other stone and has pocked and discolored many of the country's priceless monuments and statues. Pollution monitoring stations have been installed throughout metropolitan Athens and in numerous other Greek cities. Recent efforts have reduced air pollution from heating and industry. Although motor vehicles must comply with emission standards, automobile exhaust, particularly from diesel-powered vehicles, is still a major pollution agent. Water pollution is also a problem, especially in the gulfs of Saronikos and Thermaikos, where untreated industrial wastes, sewage, and municipal wastewater are discharged.

Latest statistics show that Greece has approximately a 98% literacy rate. Greek education is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 15. English language study is compulsory from 5th grade through high school. University education, including books, is also free, contingent upon the student's ability to meet stiff entrance requirements.

A high percentage of the student population seeks higher education. More than 100,000 students are registered at Greek universities, and 15% of the population currently holds a university degree. Entrance to a university is determined by state-administered exams, the candidate's grade-point average from high school, and his/her priority choices of major. About one in four candidates gains admission to Greek universities.

The Greek law does not currently offer official recognition to the graduates of private universities that operate in Greece. As a result, a large and growing number of students are pursuing higher education abroad. The Greek Government decides through an evaluation procedure whether to recognize degrees from specific foreign universities as qualification for public sector hiring. Other students attend private, post-secondary educational institutions in Greece that are not recognized by the Greek Government.

The number of Greek students studying at European institutions is increasing along with EU support for educational exchange. In addition, nearly 5,000 Greeks are studying in the United States, about half of whom are in graduate school. Greek per capita student representation in the U.S. is the highest of any European country.

ACCESS-2-DEMOCRACY - Access2Democracy (a2d) is a non-profit NGO established in Athens and New York, aiming to promote the principles and practice of participatory e-democracy within the global arena, through novel uses of Information and Communication Technologies. The mission and activities of access2democracy were Inspired by the successful "e-Vote: Vote for the EU you want" e-democracy experiment implemented during the Greek EU Presidency in 2003 and the "Online Global Poll" deployed for the 2002 UN Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.

COSMOS OF CULTURE - its aim is to introduce and promote Cultures and contemporary Means of Cultural Expression from different parts of the world in Europe. Moreover the organization supports strongly mainly young artists and creators and artists with a migrant or a minority background and generally people that don’t have access to easily present their work.

CULTURAL TRIANGE OF PRESPES - the primary aim is to encourage cross-border collaboration as a means to foster sustainable social and cultural development in the region. Through the medium of culture and cultural heritage the company works with neighboring countries in Albania, FYROM and Greece. We run a lending library in the village of Agios Germanos and an Internet Cafe in Laimos which function as bases for creative and educational opportunities for children and young people. The program hosts young volunteers from across Europe as part of our youth programme, and works with them on a range of cross-border projects throughout the region and also projects of cultural and educational activities for children from villages of Prespa.

DODECANESE ASSOCIATION OF DISABLED PEOPLE - Fight for the right. Web page with all Greek legislation for disability and accessibility norms, tourism for disabled people.

ESTIA -International Solidarity and Cooperation for the Development At this time we are training trainers for farmers in south Ethiopia Wollayita zone Damot Gale, nearby Sodo/Awassa.

ECOLOGIC RECYCLING SOCIETY OF GREECE - Non-profit organization for the promotion of recycling and waste reduction in Greece, through educational programs in schools, publications (books and 3 monthly magazine), and information and awareness programs and campaigns.

FNEC—FISKARDO's NAUTICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB - is a locally operating non-profit making organization, NGO, established on the island of Kephalonia in Greece (Ionian Sea). FNEC runs various projects and activities with volunteers. For example:
The "North Kephalonian Cetacean Observation Project" involves regular trips on the research boat Neptune to locate, identify and photograph cetaceans (dolphins & whales). Coastal sightings are also carried out. This project will include some underwater research on seahorses. (The first level PADI Diving certificate can be obtained through the club at no extra cost than basic project contribution of 550 Euro for 3 weeks).Awareness activities will also be undertaken in relation to this project with leaflet and sighting form distribution and presentations about cetaceans at the museum.
Other projects run by FNEC include
1. Horse patrols for forest fire protection (for experienced riders only)
2. Rescue team response (to injured persons, fires, earthquakes and animals)
3. Community activities such as running a small museum and children awareness activities.

GNEST—The GLOBAL NEST - (Global Network for Environmental Science and Technology) constitutes an international association of scientists, technologists, engineers and other interested groups involved in all scientific and technological aspects of the environment as well as in application techniques aiming at the development of sustainable solutions. Its main target is to support and assist the dissemination of information regarding the most contemporary methods for improving quality of life through the development and application of technologies and policies friendly to the environment. The G-NEST has the ambition to intervene with scientifically based positions in the big global questions concerning the environment and make these positions known world-wide.

GREECE ECOLOGISTS WITHOUT FRONTIERS - the group takes care of the environment, makes lectures concerning Health, Healthy Food, Herbal treatment, Sea and Air pollution, Rivers pollution, Water sources pollution etc.

INTERNATIONAL COMPANY PROJECT - this project is to meet in physical and virtual space to create and produce performances, exhibitions, workshops, publications, films, educational projects… The aim is to exchange and collaborate within an international community that is constantly growing.

INTERNATIONAL NATURE NETWORK - The INN is a Non-profit NGO which promotes the development and communication of activities for protection of nature and wildlife worldwide, mainly through international volunteering. The Greek word MIAFYSI in the logo is a symbol of our aim: nature and wildlife do not recognize borders. As a result, nature protection requires international cooperation and understanding, in particular where there are differences and prejudice. International volunteering is a means to achieve communication and understanding.

JUNIOR CHAMBER GREECE - to contribute to the advancement of the global community by providing the opportunity for young people to develop the leadership skills, social responsibility, entrepreneurship and fellowship necessary to create positive change.

LIBERTY ZONE — some of the aims for this organization include to
1. Inform everyone and especially young people that smoking kills.
2. Try to make people understand that a vegan lifestyle, exercise and quitting smoking will make them live longer and better lives.
3. Give the links for Greek people to find everything about their issues.
4. Make clear that there is no profit in this organization. The only profit someone gets is a "life saving".

LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND OF GREECE - The Lighthouse for the Blind of Greece was established as a voluntary association fifty years ago to help blind and visually impaired people to lead a life of better quality and to be integrated in the society. For this aim there were gradually organized sections as: 1. Protected laboratories. 2. Braille books and periodicals. 3. Talking books (cassettes). 4. Training on telephone, computers, ceramic, macrame. 5. A tactual Museum. 6.A Club for social meetings. 7. Musical editions.8. Social work.

MEDASSET - the Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles, is the only organization working exclusively on the conservation of sea turtles throughout the Mediterranean Sea. An international non-governmental organization (NGO) founded in the UK, in 1988, established as a Charitable Trust in 1993. It works closely with its sister NGO in Greece, which shares its name and principal objective but is a separate legal entity.

ONE EARTH - One Earth is an independent, non governmental organization established in Greece in early 2002. Its principal aim is to contribute to the eradication of global poverty, inequity and injustice. Our priority is the development of a support network in the developed world to assist people and communities in developing countries to overcome poverty and defend their interests.

SOCIAL AID OF HELLAS - Sustainable development for mature people. The design of communication material purposing to the sensitization and information of the public in regard with the rights of ageing people in accordance with the UN Chart. Their re-activation in social life. Planning pilot-projects for the Harmonization the Generations and undertaking programs under the general motto: Education the safest way for longevity and quality life.

VOLUNTEERSNET.GR - the primary aim is to identify the volunteers -both Greek and foreign- who have been participating in E.V.S. programs with the aid of the National Agency and the European Commission in order to support them. Actually to make lists of the projects they have taken part in. The program would also help and encourage them to continue volunteering in different programs. The systematic development of a network of former E.V.S. volunteers which will lead to the creation of new programs and support the ones already existing.

WORLD WITHOUT WARS AND VIOLENCE - the non-profit organization "world without wars and violence" has activities on the fields of Education, Health and Human Rights, from the point of view that violence is responsible for all kind of de-humanization. The organization refers to all forms of violence (physical, economical, religious, sexual, psychological, and ethical) and makes activities and studies to see how they affect our behavior and in which way people are violent in their personal life. Human Being is placed at the first place of the values and of concern. The organization also cooperates with other anti-violent non-profit organizations at the Balkans and the East Mediterranean Sea.

YOUTHCAMP - The NGO YouthCamp - Voluntary Action for Youth is an independent, voluntary youth organization that is aiming to play a major role in the area of voluntarism and Civil Society in Greece and Cyprus.

AEGEAN WILDLIFE HOPITAL VOLUNTEERING PROGRAM - Duties: Assistance in daily work of rehabilitation center with staff supervision ( feeding, cleaning cages and treatment areas, other animal related jobs). Skills-- NOT NEEDED (but important opportunity for vets and biologists experience gaining Length of stay-- according to agreement-- max 1 year. What we can offer to volunteers: place to live ( our volunteers suite), use of kitchen and basic food items ( coffee, olive-oil,bread, spagetti, some vegetables)

ON-LINE VOLUNTEER PLACEMENT FOR DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE— CogniTerra is a non profit organization created to promote sustainable development and knowledge society in the greater Mediterranean region. It was created in March 2004. The "setting up" of the organization started straight away after the creation and now CogniTerra has reached the point where it is operating its first activities. From February 2006 CogniTerra has been looking for motivated volunteers that are willing to commit a few hours per week in assisting this non profit in its activities and at the same time gain experience in an advanced and enriching environment. If you are interested email us so we can send you more information.

STUDENT WORLD ASSEMBLY - is looking for volunteers with a strong interest in Global Democracy and Human Rights to research schools in their area and recruit members for the organization. This will only apply to interested persons who wish to carry out volunteer work in their immediate area.

TEACH ENGLISH IN GREECE—Winter service opportunity or Summer Camps! Provide English language instruction to adults and youths in classrooms and small groups. Language "camps" with young students are conducted during summer months.The emphasis of both the classroom teaching and the summer tutoring is on improving real-life conversational skills, not formal rules of grammar. $2,095 to $2,295 service program fee provides direct funding assistance to host to continue local program and covers your food, lodging, community transportation, project materials and team leader. Tax-deductible for U.S. tax payers. Student discounts available and groups are welcome.