On the show, Mr. Panagiotis Matlis, President of the Greek Community of Berlin, was a guest. He spoke about the risk of the community losing the building that houses the “Greek House,” which essentially serves as the “heart” of the Greek Community. The space, spanning 350 square meters, is located next to the Greek Orthodox church and includes event and meeting rooms as well as a library. It is also home to 15 Greek associations in Berlin.
As Mr. Matlis explained, following arduous negotiations, the owner agreed to grant a three-year lease extension but increased the monthly rent by €1,500. Meanwhile, the Berlin government is willing to purchase the building and lease it to the community for 100 years, but the owner is currently unwilling to sell.
Mr. Matlis also highlighted the extensive activities of the Greek Community of Berlin, including Greek language classes, German lessons for new migrants, advisory services for startups, support for the homeless, assistance for patients and families, help in cases of loss within the community, and the organization of cultural and social events, among others.