Digitization project of Greek diplomatic archives launched

The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a project to digitize millions of pages of its diplomatic and historical archives, funded by the Recovery Fund. Commencing in early 2024, the initiative covers documents from the central archive and diplomatic missions, including previously unclassified records from the 1967–1974 military dictatorship and the 1955–1960 period. A key focus of the research involves understanding foreign policy decisions related to the Cyprus issue, including the 1974 coup against Archbishop Makarios and the subsequent Turkish invasion. Records from the regimes of George Papadopoulos and Demetrios Ioannides are being prioritized for classification and future access. As of May 1, researchers and the public will be able to access the digitized archives through formal procedures. The collection also includes historical documents such as an October 1964 report from Ambassador Menelaos Alexandrakis regarding UN mediator Galo Plaza. The project aims to provide transparency and facilitate historical research into Greece’s foreign policy.