Deutsche Welle shuts down its Greek service after six decades of cultural exchange

A legacy of German-Greek ties faces an abrupt end. Staff and supporters fight to save a service that bridged history, politics, and culture for generations.

, and Administrator

2026 February 26 . 1:51 PM

1 min read

The image shows an open book with a map of Greece on it, placed on a black surface. The book... — The image shows an open book with a map of Greece on it, placed on a black surface. The book contains text and a detailed map, providing a comprehensive overview of the country.

Deutsche Welle shuts down its Greek service after six decades of cultural exchange

Deutsche Welle has announced the closure of its Greek-language service, a move that has surprised and drawn criticism from staff and supporters. The decision comes as part of cost-cutting measures, despite the programme's role in strengthening German-Greek relations and promoting cultural exchange. The Greek editorial team, which has been operating for over six decades, has been taken aback by the sudden announcement. They have been fostering cultural exchange and promoting Germany as a democratic constitutional state, mirroring the work of other cultural institutions in improving ties between the two countries. Management has justified the closure by pointing to Greece's EU membership and stable democracy. However, critics argue that Germany still faces image challenges in Greece due to historical and political tensions, despite strong diplomatic relations. The Greek service, which primarily reaches audiences through local partner stations, is the only one among Deutsche Welle's 30 language programmes to be axed. The shutdown is expected to save €700,000 annually, but staff and supporters are rallying to form a coalition against the decision, hoping to overturn it before the closure takes effect. The Greek service's closure will end a long-standing platform for cultural and political dialogue, removing a key channel for German engagement in Greece. The final decision rests with management, but opposition continues to grow among employees and external advocates.