Deutsche Welle reverses decision to close Greek-language service

The Deutsche Welle (DW) Broadcasting Council has unanimously voted to reverse its previous decision to shut down its Greek-language service. The service, which has operated for 62 years, was originally scheduled to be discontinued on January 1, 2027, as part of a broader cost-cutting initiative following reduced federal funding.

The reversal follows significant diplomatic and political pressure from Athens. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reportedly raised the issue with German leadership, and members of the New Democracy party engaged in extensive discussions with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Key figures, including German MP Thomas Rachel and Deputy Foreign Minister Tasos Chatzivasileiou, played central roles in advocating for the program's preservation.

While the Greek service will continue, it is expected to operate with a more limited production volume compared to previous years. However, it will maintain a presence across all DW platforms, including radio, television, digital, and social media. The council emphasized that the Greek service remains a vital tool for spreading German and European perspectives globally and noted the importance of linguistic diversity within the DW 2035 strategic vision.