The Rector of the University of Piraeus, Professor Michael Sfakianakis, participated in the conference “Demographic Issue #The_Continuation @Kapnergostasio”, which the Hellenic Parliament organized on 18 February 2026 at the Library of the Hellenic Parliament (former Public Tobacco Factory).
At the opening of the event, the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, described the demographic issue as a matter of the highest national importance and stressed the need to develop coherent and long-term policies.
In his remarks, the Rector of the University of Piraeus, Professor Michael Sfakianakis, emphasized that the demographic issue constitutes the most significant problem facing the country. He explained that declining birth rates, population ageing, and increasing life expectancy create serious social and economic challenges. He also presented statistical data showing that deaths exceed births, leading to a dramatic population decline. He noted that in less than 15 years, 60% of Greeks will be over the age of 50. Greece, he stressed, ranks third among European countries with the oldest populations.
He further pointed out that population decline and ageing represent not only a social issue but also a deeply developmental one, with consequences for the labour market, the pension system, and economic competitiveness. He called for a long-term, evidence-based, and cross-party strategy. At the same time, he referred to the University of Piraeus conference held in 2023 on population ageing, where participants presented proposals for a sustainable future. He also highlighted the active participation of the University in the project “Development of a Strategy for Population Ageing.”
At the conference, the following speakers also delivered greetings: His Grace Bishop Theologos of Talantio, Assistant Bishop of the Holy Archdiocese of Athens and Director of the Pastoral Training Foundation, representing His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Greece; the President of the Board of Directors of the BeLive Association, Mr. Fotis Papathanasiou; and the President of the Supreme Confederation of Multi-Child Parents of Greece, Mr. Thomas Gianniotis.
You can watch the conference on YouTube through the following links:
Part A: https://youtu.be/W7O79wVW67w
Part B: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLjY-J2gBnQ