U.S. and Greece Sign Collaborative Science & Technology Agreement

Michael R. Pompeo and Adonis Georgiadis “shake hands” as a representation of the new STA signed between the U.S. and Greece. (U.S. Embassy)

U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Greek Minister Of Development and Investments Adonis Georgiadis signed the U.S.-Greece Science and Technology Agreement (STA) on September 28 at a ceremony in Thessaloniki, Greece. This new agreement builds upon past generalized agreements with specific details regarding the protection of scientific research and the relationship between the STA and the government.

Although this agreement is relatively new, the U.S. and Greece have had a long-standing partnership. The American private sector has continued to collaborate with Greece in science and technology and is deeply committed to sustaining this relationship. U.S. companies, such as Microsoft and Applied Materials, have acquired Greek startups, such as SoftoMotive and Think Silicon respectively. Also, Tesla and Blink Charging have set up centers throughout Greece, demonstrating the growing partnership in science and technology between the countries. In addition, U.S. companies Google, Microsoft, and Apple have helped Greece financially with its COVID-19 response. 

The main goals of the newly signed agreement are to enhance the quality and resources in scientific research, to build a larger allyship between Greece and the United States in terms of science and technology, and to “counter potential malign influence in the Greek sector.” This agreement is representative of the growing collaboration between the two countries, in an effort to foster better policies within the science and technology sector and to combine research on dire issues.

Signed in Thessaloniki, one of the major growing cities for science and technology, this agreement signifies a step forward from agreements signed in 1980 as issues of intellectual property and liability with scientific research have become increasingly prevalent within the STEM communities in both countries. By initiating a binding contract between the two countries, fabrication and plagiarism of research will be combated by the combined power of the two science and technology sectors.

In addition, this pact between the two countries’ science and technology sectors helps both the U.S. and Greece. The U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Greece’s document about the STA states that “engaging in scientific and technological sectors of mutual interest not only advances U.S. national security goals but ensures a secure future for a NATO ally and helps Greece continue to meet the NATO target of 2 percent of GDP spend on defense.” Clearly, the new STA’s effects on both countries transcends STEM communities; this agreement will affect the allyship between the states in terms of security and defense. 

As the STA takes effect throughout the countries’ science and technology sectors, the increasing research on COVID-19 will have to comply with these regulations. Signed during a global pandemic, this agreement ensures proper protection of experimental data and conclusions within all virus research and innovations.