Prompted by the adoption of the new European Pact on Migration and Asylum, Voice of Greece’s “Historical Walks” with Marilena Katsimi examines an issue that has left a lasting imprint on modern Greek history. This Saturday, 13 June, at 13:00 Athens time, the program explores the many forms of forced migration: expulsions, deportations, exile, and population exchanges.
From the reign of Otto of Greece and the first instances of political persecution to contemporary policies on the return of migrants and refugees, the discussion traces how the Greek state has approached the removal of people from the places where they have built their lives.
The subject is especially timely. Despite the growing emphasis on stricter return policies across Europe, a significant number of deportation orders are never carried out. At the same time, Greece and many other European countries face serious labor shortages in key sectors of their economies, while demographic decline is becoming an increasingly urgent concern.
Joining the program is Andreas Takis, Associate Professor at the Law School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Visiting Professor at Flinders University.
Produced and presented by Marilena Katsimi
Broadcast: Saturday, 13 June 2026, at 13:00 Athens time.
