NEWSLETTER - SPRING 2026
The Department of Economics aims at maintaining research and teaching standards at the highest level. It covers a wide range of economic studies in micro-and macroeconomic analysis, corporate finance and financial markets, public and monetary economics, international and rural economics, industrial organization and strategy, economics of the environment and natural resources, economic history and relevant quantitative tools of mathematics, statistics and econometrics. | AUEB Alumni News | |
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1st Alumni Conference of OPA: Emotion and a Sense of Pride at the Historic Patision Building
With a strong message of unity and outward engagement, the Athens University of Economics and Business reopened the doors of its historic headquarters on Patision Street, welcoming more than 600 alumni to the 1st AUEB Alumni Conference. The impressive turnout transformed the Conference into a unique celebration of reconnection, honoring the shared starting point of thousands of successful personal and professional journeys. Return to the Alma Mater Message of Collaboration and Shared Vision As he characteristically noted: “The University is not merely a starting point, but a living community of knowledge and growth. Our alumni are the best ambassadors of AUEB, both in Greece and internationally”Keynote Speech Panels & Thematic Sessions
Professors of the University, alumni, and more than 30 executives from businesses and banks took part in fruitful discussions, highlighting contemporary prospects for growth and modernization. At the same time, 30 leading companies made a strong presence, actively strengthening the connection between academic knowledge and the labor market. The AUEB Alumni Network
A Purpose with Substance The response from alumni was deeply moving, with many supporting this cause through the purchase of collectible items featuring the historic ASOEE logo. Warm Thanks to the Sponsors Platinum Sponsors: ACCENTURE, COSMOS SPORT, ERNST & YOUNG GREECE, kariera.gr Gold Sponsors: ADACOM, ALPHA BANK, DELOITTE, GRANT THORNTON GREECE, KPMG GREECE, NETCOMPANY, PwC GREECE, VODAFONE, AB VASSILOPOULOS, NATIONAL BANK OF GREECE, HELLENIC ASSOCIATION OF INSURANCE COMPANIES, SOL Crowe Silver Sponsors: AEGEAN AIRLINES, BLUE BAY GROUP OF HOTELS, Forvis Mazars, GENESIS PHARMA, ELVALHALCOR, iKnowHow, INTERCOMM FOODS, Mondelez International, Motor Oil Hellas, MEGA, MOTODYNAMICS, ETHNIKI INSURANCE, PLAISIO, CHALKIADAKIS Communication Sponsor: ALTER EGO MEDIA
AUEB's Department of Economics invites its graduates to join the new platform alumni.aueb.gr |
The Department of Economics made a strong impression at the 1st Alumni Conference with the participation PANEL 1: From Recovery to Competitiveness The key objective is not merely to maintain positive growth rates, but to transition to a more resilient and higher-quality development model. This conclusion marked the closing of the discussion titled “The development of the Greek economy in the international competitive environment,” which featured Nikos Vettas, Professor at the Athens University of Economics and Business and General Director of IOBE, Vasilis Kazas, CEO of Grant Thornton, Gerasimos Tzeis, Board Member of the Hellenic Association of Insurance Companies, and Ilias Lekkos, Chief Economist at Piraeus Bank. Rising productivity, investments in innovation and human capital, institutional stability, and effective risk management form the country’s new development narrative. Trends and Challenges in the Greek Economy
by Nikos Vettas The course of the Greek economy over the past 25 years can be divided into three stages. From 2000 and the country’s entry into the common currency, there was a strong increase in income and prosperity until the global financial crisis of 2008, albeit accompanied by rising public debt and a widening current account deficit. The crisis lasted a decade, with three successive bailout and adjustment programs starting in 2010. During this period, fiscal deficits and the external balance were stabilized, and there was a relative improvement in competitiveness, but at the cost of a deep recession, a sharp rise in unemployment, declining incomes, and a collapse in investment. The period following the end of the programs in 2018, and especially after the lifting of capital controls imposed in 2015, has been characterized by a return to normal economic functioning, despite new crises such as the pandemic and the energy market disruption. In recent years, the Greek economy—also benefiting from the Recovery and Resilience Facility—has recorded growth rates higher than the eurozone average, accompanied by a reduction in unemployment and an increase in fixed investments that also exceeds that of most other European economies. In many individual indicators, the Greek economy has healed the wounds of the debt crisis and returned to pre-2010 levels, including in real estate and housing markets and access to financing, while there is also a gradual increase in outward orientation and a reduction in the shadow economy. As a central estimate, this overall trend is expected to continue in the coming year. Given domestic stabilization, but also new challenges, attention turns to the weaknesses that must be addressed to ensure a positive future trajectory. The focus lies on two levels. At the macroeconomic level, there is the persistent current account deficit, along with the level and composition of investments, which remain lower than those of the economies Greece aims to converge with. The second level concerns households. Despite rising wages and job creation, many households still have real incomes and savings that do not ensure prosperity, especially when taking into account the high prices of goods and services. Sustained economic development in the coming years requires increased productivity through more innovative investments and a more stable and simplified institutional framework. Reducing bureaucratic obstacles, accelerating the resolution of legal disputes, correcting tax distortions, strengthening the education and research system, and encouraging innovation are essential components of such a framework going forward. The discussion has been uploaded on YouTube
The graduates of the Department of Economics expressed their impressions from the conference and their studies in the department in a memory book. The following are some respective dedications.
Alumni Testimonials (in greek) |
| Undergraduate Studies | |||||
Τhe Undergraduate Courses Program includes 59 courses offered by the Department, including 19 Compulsory Courses offered by the Department and 93 Free Elective Courses offered by other Departments of the University. 18 Foreign Language Courses, as well as 6 courses taught in English for visiting students through the Erasmus Program are also offered. The Bachelor's degree is obtained by those students who successfully complete 40 courses (19 Compulsory, 8 specialization courses out of the list of courses of the selected specialization, 9 elective courses -up to 3 offered by the other Departments and 4 Foreign Language Courses) and accumulate 240 ECTS. Courses can be passed either by examination, or by exemption, or by equivalence under the Erasmus programme. Students are required to successfully complete 4 courses (I, II, III, IV) of one of the three foreign language cycles offered by the University. Students do not receive a grade for these courses, but only the qualification "pass" or "fail". Students may be exempted from foreign language courses by submitting a certified copy of the approved ASEP Language Certificates either by the issuing authority or by a lawyer. The program of the Department of Economic Science offers three (3) specializations: 1. Economic Theory and Policy 2. Business Economics and Finance 3. International and European Economics In order to indicate the specialization they choose, students must be successfully examined in 16 courses, of which 12 must be compulsory. These do not include Teaching and Pedagogical Adequacy, Foreign Languages and Practical Exercise. Further information can be found here The academic year 2025–2026 finds our department continuing its excellent trajectory and ranking in the highest position among 14 equivalent departments of other universities in terms of admission scores.
The Internship Program offered by the Department of Economics gives to students the opportunity to work in companies, organizations and banks in the Attica region, as well as other parts of the country. The companies and organizations where students completed their internships during the academic year 2024-25, as well as during the winter and spring semester of the academic year 2025-26, are available here The Program "Practical Training of the Athens University of Economics and Business for the academic years 2024-2025, 2025-2026, and 2026-2027" with Code OJPS 6018829 is implemented within the framework of the Operational Program "Human Resources and Social Cohesion 2021-2027". Alternatively, in case there are no ESF funds available in a certain period, interested parties can participate in the privately funded program "Self-financed Student Internship Project of AUEB". In this program, funding is entirely provided by the company, which undertakes the obligation to deposit the amount related to the student's compensation and accident insurance into a bank account held by the Special Fund and Research Account of AUEB after the completion of the internship. Students can only participate once in the Department's Internship Program (either with ESF funds or with other resources). Further information about the evaluation of applications and the duration of the internship can be found here Scientific Coordinator: Assistant Professor Eleftherios Zacharias, ezachar@aueb.gr Administrative Support: Antonios Roussos, roussos@aueb.gr |
The Department of Economics participated in the online informational event held on March 12, 2026, for high school seniors, where the undergraduate programs of all Departments of AUEB were presented. Assistant Professor Petros Varthalitis presented the undergraduate program of the Department of Economics The related video (in Greek) is available below:
The related slides are available here
Source: Quality Assurance Unit, Athens University of Economics and Business Welcome Photo of First-Year Students for the Academic Year 2025–2026 With great joy and enthusiasm, the Department of Economics welcomed its first-year students on October 8, 2025, for the academic year 2025–2026.
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According to the IDEAS/RePEc rankings for December 2025, the Department of Economics at the Athens University of Economics and Business demonstrates a strong international presence, being included among the top 12.5% of Economics departments worldwide, improving its position from 329th in 2024 to 319th in 2025 . At the European level, the department is ranked within the top 25%, advancing from 145th to 141st place, which highlights its steady progress and competitiveness . Furthermore, in the broader category of global business schools, it also shows improvement, moving from 202nd to 192nd position . These results reflect the department’s consistent research output and growing academic impact, as measured by a wide range of bibliometric indicators such as publications, citations, and research visibility.
Under the auspices of the Erasmus+ Programme, the Department of Economics each year provides its students with the opportunity to spend part of their studies (Autumn Semester, Spring Semester, or Academic Year) in European Universities, with full recognition of their studies. The Department offers transparency in its curriculum and fair treatment to all its students by applying the rules of ECTS. It uses the ECTS documents, the Student's application form, the Learning agreement document and the Transcript of records ensuring academic recognition. The students participating in the Erasmus+ Programme receive full credit for all academic work successfully carried out at any of the ECTS partner institutions and they will be able to transfer these academic credits from one participating institution to another on the basis of prior agreement on the content of study programs abroad between students and the institutions involved. When students have successfully completed the study program previously agreed between the home and the host institutions and return to the home institution, credit transfer take place, and students continue their studies at the home institution without any loss of time or credit. The Department of Economics has 61 active bilateral agreements with European Universities within the framework of the Erasmus+ mobility program, and constantly expanding them in order to further enhance its international position and visibility. Further information can be found here More than 50 students of our Department participate annually in the program and have attended courses in our partner institutions, while approximately 70 international students are welcomed annually to our Department and attend courses for one semester or for a full academic year. Academic Coordinator for 2025-2027: Assistant Professor Petros Varthalitis |
Erasmus+ Excellence Award The Department of Economics held an "Erasmus+ Excellence Award" to students who participated in the Erasmus+ program, during the Academic Years 2023-24 & 2024-25. The award was based on their academic performance, consistency and their devotion during their participation in the Erasmus+ program. The event took place at the Amphitheater of the AUEB building on Troias Street on Friday, January 9, 2026, 6-9 p.m. and was attended by:
The Erasmus+ Excellence Awards aim, on the one hand to honor students who have excelled in an international academic environment and, on the other hand to encourage the wider participation of students of the Department in this program. At the same time, an additional goal of this award is for the honored students to feel that the Department of Economics AUEB is always by their side and recognizes their hard work and exceptional contribution that will follow them in their future successful academic or professional endeavors.
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The Department of Economics of the Athens University of Economics & Business (AUEB) pioneered in organising postgraduate studies in Economics in Greece since 1978, both at the Master’s and doctoral level. During its long history, the Department has trained highly-qualified economists, many of whom now hold academic and research positions in universities and research institutes or occupy high level managerial positions both in Greece and abroad. The postgraduate programs of the Department are highly regarded and attract a large number of quality candidates every year. The Department offers full- time and part-time programs:
The flagship PhD program of the Department aims to prepare candidates wishing to pursue an academic or research-oriented career in the public and business sector. Our Department is a pioneer in organizing doctoral studies in Economics in Greece. Graduates of the Program are currently serving as faculty members at universities in Greece and abroad, and are employed at research institutes such as the Centre of Planning and Economic Research (KEPE), at the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), Bank of Greece, and Ministries as senior executives, in private banks and other public and private organizations.
Τhe MSc in Economics program of AUEB received Accreditation from the Hellenic Authority of Higher Education (HAHE) with the highest score of 10/10! Based on the Report of the External Evaluation & Accreditation Committee, the MSc in Economics fully complies (10/10) with the principles of the HAHE Quality Standard for the Certification of Postgraduate Programs and the Principles and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Area of Higher Education (ESG), for study level 7 of the National and European Qualifications Framework. The validity period of the certification is five years, from 20.12.2023 to 19.12.2028.
MSc in Business Economics with Analytics of Athens University of Economics and Business ranked 16th in Western Europe in the field of Economics, according to the prestigious Eduniversal Masters Ranking 2025. Eduniversal recognized the program for providing advanced analytical training, digital fluency, and applied research skills that equip graduates to address contemporary economic, social, and environmental challenges. Covering areas ranging from big data analytics to behavioral insights, the program prepares students for impactful careers in government, finance, consulting, international organizations, and other leading sectors. The Eduniversal Best Masters Rankings 2025 are based on three main evaluation criteria: (i) the reputation of the programs among employers, (ii) graduates’ starting salaries after completing their studies, and (iii) the level of satisfaction among recent graduates.
New International Recognition for the MSc in Finance and Banking
The MSc in Finance and Banking holds the highest position among all similar Greek programs in the Finance category, while globally it is ranked 141–150. The QS evaluation is based on five key pillars:
This particularly high distinction of the postgraduate program by a renowned ranking organization demonstrates the strong emphasis and continuous efforts toward excellence and the provision of a modern curriculum. The program offers high-quality postgraduate education, equips students with all the necessary theoretical knowledge, as well as the scientific tools required to effectively address the challenges of an ever-changing financial environment. The program is competitive with similar postgraduate programs abroad and is continuously improved each year in line with the latest market developments and feedback from our students. More info here (in greek)
The PhD candidates of the department of Economics can be found here. |
MSc in Business Economics with Analytics of Athens University of Economics and Business hosted a series of lectures by senior experts from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF). This two-day academic and professional initiative highlighted the EIB Group’s strategic role in financing innovation, sustainable development, infrastructure, renewable energy, entrepreneurship and inclusive growth in Greece, Europe, and beyond. Topics covered include project finance and risk management, the loan approval process, renewable energy investments and energy interconnection projects, the project cycle with a case study, EquiFund I and the newly launched EquiFund II, EIB Group’s flagship initiative TechEU for growth financing and accelerating innovation in Europe, and EIF’s evaluation process of venture capital funds. This special initiative further strengthens between academic excellence and European policy making and financing, offering students and the wider academic and professional community an opportunity to gain first-hand insights into the institutions shaping Europe’s development agenda. More information here.
Back-to-Back Top 10 at the Econometric Game For the second consecutive year, Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) has proudly secured a top-10 finish at the Econometric Game—widely recognized as the World Championship of Econometrics. Marking our university's third appearance in the competition's history, this back-to-back global achievement highlights the continuous excellence of our academic community. The Challenge: Energy Economics This year's complex case, crafted hby te Center for Research in Energy: Economics and Markets (CoRE) at Aarhus University, presented a highly relevant global challenge: multivariate electricity price forecasting. The AUEB team was tasked with building robust analytical models capable of leveraging dynamic, real-world data streams, including changing weather patterns, renewable energy production, and cross-border electricity flows. About the Team At the helm of this year's success was Team Leader Giorgos Malanos, a 3rd-year PhD candidate specializing in econometrics, applied IO, and machine learning. Marking his second consecutive time guiding an AUEB team into the global top 10. This year's team was purposefully built around emerging talent and first-year Master's students from the MSc in Business Economics with Analytics. While the methodological approach was stellar, the real story is what this team achieved through sheer dedication:
Methodological Approach To tackle the intricate dataset, the team employed a sophisticated, multi-tiered forecasting strategy:
Heartfelt Gratitude to Our Faculty This milestone was made possible by the unwavering guidance of AUEB's dedicated faculty. The team extends its deepest gratitude to Spyros Pagratis for his support from day one, Angelos Alexopoulos for his countless hours of econometric guidance, and Yiannis Dendramis for his invaluable help throughout the journey. A very special acknowledgment goes to Fabio Antoniou, Giorgos' supervisor for his profound mentorship Congratulations to Giorgos, Vasileia, Christina, and George for representing AUEB with such distinction!
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New international recognition for the MSc in Finance and Banking, which, according to the prestigious QS Global MBA & Business Masters Rankings by Quacquarelli Symonds, is ranked among the top postgraduate programs worldwide in the Finance category for 2026!
| International Workshop in Memory of Efthymios Tsionas | |
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International Workshop in Memory of Efthymios Tsionas Department of Economics, Athens University of Economics & Business
Overview The Department of Economics at the Athens University of Economics & Business (AUEB) was honored to host the International Workshop in Memory of Efthymios (Makis) Tsionas, a distinguished scholar whose pioneering contributions have left a lasting impact on the fields of applied econometrics and Bayesian analysis. This two-day workshop aimed to bring together academics and researchers to present and discuss recent advances in applied econometrics, with an emphasis on theoretical innovation and empirical practice. The event was an opportunity to honor the memory of Makis Tsionas through intellectual exchange in areas where he made profound contributions. Organizers Department of Economics, Athens University of Economics & Business Sponsor This event was proudly sponsored by the Bank of Greece. The late Efthymios Tsionas was ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide, according to the study “Updated science-wide author databases of standardized citation indicators” (2023), conducted by a researcher at Stanford University and based on data from the Scopus database. This study evaluates scientists based on citation impact metrics, classifying them across 22 scientific fields and 174 subfields. Professor Tsionas’s distinction concerns both his research output for the year 2023 and his overall scientific contribution up to 2023, confirming his significant and enduring impact on academic research. |
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| Selected News and Announcemnts | |||||||
Georgios Manalis joined the Department of Economics at the Athens University of Economics and Business in May 2026 as an Associate Professor. He is a research economist specializing in Macroeconomics and Development. He is currently a Teaching Fellow at the Department of Economics of the Athens University of Economics and Business. He has previously held positions at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Cyprus. He holds a PhD in Economics from the European University Institute in Florence and has concluded his postgraduate studies at AUEB and LSE. His research has been published in academic journals such as the European Economic Review and the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, while his work has also appeared in working paper series of international organizations such as the IMF. He has also been active in policy-oriented research, contributing to publications on economic recovery, digital transition, and labor market issues, in collaboration with think tanks.
Her research interests focus on Labour Economics and Industrial Organisation. She has published in international academic journals and has coordinated research projects co-funded by the European Commission, with a particular emphasis on collective bargaining.
Her research examines the transmission mechanisms of monetary policy, its interaction with financial markets, and the heterogeneous effects of monetary policy across households and firms, with recent work focusing on labor market outcomes. Her research has been published in journals including the European Economic Review, the Scandinavian Journal of Economics, Macroeconomic Dynamics, AEA Papers & Proceedings, and Ecnomics Letters.
For the seventh consecutive year, on March 16, 2026, the Awards Ceremony for Outstanding Teaching Performance for the academic year 2024-2025 took place in the Ceremony Hall 'Eleftherios Venizelos' of the Athens University of Economics and Business.
He also received the Research Prize of the Department of Economics, for his paper on Sustainability Traps: Patience and Innovation, published in Environmental and Resource Economics, for the academic year 2024-2025.
Adjunct Instructor Konstantinos Gkravas participated in the Greek Risk Management Awards 2026 ceremony (3 April) as a Member of the Awards Committee.
The School’s basketball team, named the Rational Expectations Ballers, reached the final of the 1st AUEB Basketaki League and finished in second place. The team consists of faculty members, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students from the School. The participants were: Angelos Alexopoulos, Fabio Antoniou, Timos Athanasiou, Petros Varthalitis, Giannis Dendramis, Evangelos Dioikitopoulos, Giannis Zanias, Stelios Kalantzakis, Pavlos Kosmidis, Ioannis Kospentaris, Panagiotis Konstantinou, and Spyridon Blavoukos. Giannis Zanias, a doctoral student at the School, stated: “The AUEB Basketaki League shows that university life is not only about classes and exams, but also about passion, friendships, and unforgettable moments on the basketball court.” Pavlos Kosmidis, a senior student in the Department of Economics and a basketball player in the National League 2, commented: “I was very happy to play basketball with my professors in this wonderful tournament organized by our University.” The individual achievement of our student, Pavlos Kosmidis, was also noteworthy. He ranked first in several statistical categories of the tournament, including points scored, rebounds, and efficiency rating. |
Two Visiting Professors recently joined the Department of Economics, bringing with them a wealth of international experience and diverse research perspectives. Through their lectures, seminars, and collaborative projects, they actively engage with faculty and students alike, fostering critical thinking and encouraging the exchange of ideas. Their presence not only enhances the department’s global outlook but also strengthens its commitment to academic excellence and innovation in economic research.
He specializes in macroeconomics and the analysis of business cycles. His research focuses on the interactions between monetary policy, economic inequality, and the labor market. He has already published three papers in well-established academic journals on the effects of labor automation on the U.S. economy, the determinants of unemployment cycles in Europe, and the evolution of wealth inequality in Greece.
His research interests include using natural experiments and novel datasets to get a better grasp of policy issues in trade, development, and migration and it also often shows that trade policies can impact developing countries in many unexpected ways. In a recent paper in the Journal of Development Economics, he shows how the combination of US trade preferences for Africa with quotas on China has inadvertently transformed Africa into a trade corridor for Chinese apparel exporters. His current projects are on production fragmentation and development in Factory Asia, on the politics of China’s trade with Africa, on PayPal remittances, on the Dutch Disease in Indonesia, and on foreign investment in Mozambique.
Yiannis Dendramis
George Manalis
Efthymia Kyriakopoulou
Lydia Papadaki She participates in the following projects under Prof. Koundouri, who is the PI:
Petros Varthalitis
George Alogoskoufis
George Bitros
Konstantinos Gravas Newspaper Articles
Financial Times Letters
Book Reviews
Interview
Podcast
Efthymia Kyriakopoulou
Ioannis Kospentaris
Elias Tzavalis
Petros Varthalitis
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Daphne Nicolitsas joined the Department of Economics at the Athens University of Economics and Business in January 2026 as an Associate Professor. Before this appointment, she was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Crete. She has also worked as an Economic Expert in the Economic Analysis Department of the Bank of Greece and has professional experience in the financial sector in both Greece and London.
Anastasia Zervou joined the Department of Economics at the Athens University of Economics and Business in April 2026 as an Associate Professor. She is a macroeconomist specializing in monetary policy and its interaction with financial markets and labor market dynamics. She holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Washington University in St. Louis and has held faculty positions at the University of Texas at San Antonio, the University of Texas at Austin, and Texas A&M University.
Associate Professor Evangelos Dioikitopoulos received the Outstanding Teaching Performance Award of the Department of Economics for the undergraduate course "Introduction to Economic Analysis II" , for the academic year 2024-2025.
Assistant Professor Fabio Antoniou received the Research Prize of the Department of Economics, for his paper on Pollution Permits and Financing Costs, published in Journal of Money, Credit, and Banking, for the academic year 2024-2025.
Assistant Professor Petros Varthalitis received the Research Prize of the Department of Economics, for the paper Growth Effects of Fiscal Policy: An Application of the Unobserved Common Factor Model, published in the Oxford Economic Papers, for the academic year 2024-2025.
Professor Evangelos Vassilatos received the Research Prize of the Department of Economics, for his paper on Can Central Banks do the Unpleasant Job that Governments Should Do?, published in European Economic Review, for the academic year 2024-2025.
Professor Plutarchos Sakellaris received the Research Prize of the Department of Economics, for his paper on Quantifying qualitative survey data with panel data, published in Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, for the academic year 2024-2025.
Assistant Professor Efthymia Kyriakopoulou was elected as a 
PhD candidate in Economics Lydia Papadaki, received 
| Events and Conferences Highlights | |||||||||
We are pleased to announce the 2nd AUEB Statistical Data Science & Economics Conference, jointly organized by the Department of Statistics (AUEB-Stats), the Department of Economics and the Department of International & European Economic Studies of the Athens University of Economics and Business. The conference primarily focuses on the intersection of Statistical Data Science and Economics, exploring innovative methodologies for analyzing and interpreting economic phenomena in the digital age. The conference welcomes submissions of poster presentations from students and researchers interested in techniques and applications in the field of Statistical Data Science and/or Economics, as well as those who wish to attend the short courses and research talks. More information can be found at: https://aueb-analytics.wixsite.com/statdatasci-econ-2 Applications for presentations and posters until 30/6/2026.
Greek Economy: Data and Prospects
On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, distinguished guests presented data and perspectives on the Greek economy in a clear and accessible way, addressing a broad audience -students, entrepreneurs, academics, and representatives of institutional bodies. The aim of the event was to present scientifically substantiated studies and findings. At the same time, a key objective was the production of new, primary data. In this context, results from text analysis were presented, along with a new index of economic and political uncertainty. This index captures both the overall level of uncertainty (through national newspapers) and the local level (through local newspapers), combining artificial intelligence (AI) with human emotion analysis. The event was covered by To Vima, and Qualco Intelligent Finance supported this initiative as a gold sponsor. The lecture has been uploaded on YouTube
Student competition titled "Text as Data in Economics: The Power of AI"
A. Educational Seminar B. Competition Duration: C. Competition Structure (three evaluation pillars): a) Preliminary Task (30 points) b) Semi-Innovation Question (30 points) c) Full Innovation Question Lecture Series: Science and Society in Dialogue Toward a Sustainable Future The Laboratory of Economic Policy Studies (ΕΜΟΠ) of the Department of Economics at the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), in collaboration with the Hellenic Studies Program of the Yale MacMillan Center, Yale University (USA), organize a series of public lectures aimed at enhancing accessibility to scientific knowledge, promoting a scientific culture in Greece, and contributing to public dialogue. The lectures are taking place at the Old Parliament House of the National History Museum. Communication sponsors are three TV channels, MEGA Channel, ERT and Cosmote TV. The Golden Sponsor of the series is Qualco Intelligent Finance. The lecture series features Greek academics who excel at leading universities abroad, and they will present their research to the broader public. The purpose of this initiative is twofold:
In this lecture, an innovative approach to linking shipping with global trade was presented. Using modern analytical methods, the global shipping network was mapped, offering a novel way of understanding the connection between maritime transport and international commerce. Specifically, the costs of global disruptions were quantified, investments in port infrastructure were assessed, and a roadmap for implementing industrial policy aimed at sustainable prosperity was outlined. The lecture has been uploaded on YouTube
2nd Podcast of the Public Lecture Series:
“Riding with Amy” meets AUEB VR Immersive Experiences from the Winners of the Financial Times Teaching Award, UNSW Media and Immersive Team, Sydney, Australia
The Laboratory of Economic Policy Studies (EMOP) of the Department of Economics at the Athens University of Economics and Business held an event on October 22, 2026, featuring Mr. Graham Hannah (Manager of Immersive Technologies, PVC Education, UNSW, Australia) as a guest speaker. Graham Hannah presented applications of virtual reality devices in education, as well as initiatives using VR technology to enhance social empathy. Leading universities worldwide are now leveraging Virtual Reality (VR) in the educational process. One of the most innovative examples is the program Diverse Horizons: VR for Transformative Inclusive Education at UNSW Business School in Sydney, which has been globally recognized by the Financial Times as a project that opens new pathways in education through technology. The program “immerses” students in the realities experienced by marginalized social groups, using virtual reality as a tool for understanding and empathy. Through this experience, students are encouraged to reflect on their role in addressing the needs of socially excluded groups and to rethink the concept of inclusion in practice. Beyond this application, the lecture also provided a broader overview of the possibilities and prospects of using Virtual Reality (VR) in education, the social sciences, and in policymaking based on an experiential understanding of human behavior. The Department of Economics and the Economic Policy Research Laboratory (EPRL) of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) and Qualco Intelligent Finance have signed a memorandum of cooperation The Department of Economics and the Economic Policy Research Laboratory (EPRL) of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) have entered into a five-year memorandum of cooperation with Qualco Intelligent Finance, aiming to bridge academic knowledge with the needs of the modern economy, creating a shared field of collaboration among students, researchers, and professionals. Qualco Intelligent Finance, a member of the Qualco Group, provides alternative financing solutions through technological platforms that operate as integrated ecosystems of financial services. Through this partnership, innovation is promoted, participants’ skills are enhanced, and a culture of collaboration is cultivated, generating a positive impact on both the market and society. Within the framework of this initiative, targeted actions are planned, focusing on joint research and the practical implementation of technological solutions. The collaboration includes the establishment of interdisciplinary working groups, involving executives from Qualco Intelligent Finance and members of AUEB, with the aim of exchanging expertise, testing, and developing new models. The knowledge and experience of AUEB will also be utilized in the implementation of research projects that respond to real market needs. At the same time, Qualco Intelligent Finance will actively support the University’s research activities by backing initiatives such as the lecture series “Science & Society in Dialogue for a Sustainable Future” and the student competition “Text as Data in Economics: The Power of AI.” Part of the collaboration also includes internship opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students at Qualco Intelligent Finance, offering them the chance to gain valuable experience in a modern and dynamic professional environment. As stated by the Rector of the Athens University of Economics and Business, Professor Vassilis Vasdekis: “This initiative reflects our determination to bring scientific and academic knowledge closer to the real needs of the market. Through targeted collaborations such as this one with Qualco Intelligent Finance, our students are equipped with essential skills and are given the opportunity to apply theory in real professional environments.” On his part, Mr. Giorgos Kazos, Chairman and CEO of Qualco Intelligent Finance and Deputy CEO of the Qualco Group, commented: “At Qualco Intelligent Finance, we strongly believe in the value of knowledge and the role of technology as a catalyst in the evolution of the economy and society. Our collaboration with the Athens University of Economics and Business is a meaningful opportunity to engage more closely with the new generation of scientists and contribute to shaping a modern, innovative, and more sustainable financial ecosystem.” |
AUEB’s Department of Economics supports the organization of the 24th Conference on Research on Economic Theory and Econometrics (CRETE) at the the Gaitis-Simossi Museum of Ios, Greece, July 07-11, 2026. CRETE is an annual conference covering an assortment of themes on economic theory and econometrics. The most important aspiration of this event is to support the assembly of different groups of people, seniors and juniors from Greece and abroad. The first meeting took place in 2002 and it has been successfully organized ever since for the last 23 years. For more information click here
The Department of Economics of the Athens University of Economics and Business participated in the 4th Athens Winter Econ Meeting on December 22, 2025 Organizing committee:
Speakers
Detailed Programme: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wW9OyVVIGMJew9w972_XUpSH8eq1uYmS/view
Continuing last year’s example, the 2nd Student Workshop on Macroeconomics was held on the 18th of December 2025, at the Troias Building. The event acted as a collaboration between the research topics of Erasmus Students as well as fellow undergraduates from the Department of Economics. In addition, this year’s program included presentations from four invited speakers:
The presentations of this year’s AUEB students as well as more information for the initiative can be found on the following website Dynamic Macro Workshop.
Organizers: Petros Varthalitis, Assistant Professor (Macroeconomics) at Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), Department of Economics. Spyros Lazarakis, Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Macroeconomics at Lancaster University (Management School, Department of Economics). The full program and event details are available here The workshop featured keynote lectures by Professors Benjamin Born (University of Bonn) and Ricardo Nunes (University of Surrey). This workshop was organized within the framework of the “Basic Research Funding (Horizontal Support for All Sciences)” action of the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (H.F.R.I.), within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0,” which is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU. More information about the work of H.F.R.I. can be found here
On November 26, 2025 the Department of Economics hosted an international Workshop at the Athens University of Economics and Business. Organizers: George Alogoskoufis, Professor of Economics Emeritus at the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), Department of Economics. Petros Varthalitis, Assistant Professor (Macroeconomics) at Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB), Department of Economics. The full program and event details are available here The workshop featured keynote lectures by Professors Apostolis Philippopoulos (Athens University of Economics & Business) and Cecilia Jona-Lasinio (Luiss Business School). This workshop was organized within the framework of the “Basic Research Funding (Horizontal Support for All Sciences)” action of the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (H.F.R.I.), within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0,” which is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU. More information about the work of H.F.R.I. can be found here
Ioannis Kospentaris
Efthymia Kyriakopoulou
Petros Varthalitis
Both workshops have been implemented in the framework of H.F.R.I call "Basic research Financing (Horizontal support of all Sciences) under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0" funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU. (H.F.R.I. Project number: 11367801) |
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George Alogoskoufis
Fabio Antoniou
Stylianos Arvanitis
George Bitros
Yiannis Dendramis
Ioannis Kospentaris
Theodore Lianos
George Manalis
Apostolis Philippopoulos
Vassilis Sarantides
Elias Tzavalis
Petros Varthalitis
Eleftherios Zacharias
Stelios Arvanitis
Efthymia Kyriakopoulou
Anastasios Liapakis
Lydia Papadaki
Εlias Tzavalis
Andriana Vlachou
Stylianos Arvanitis
Konstantinos Gravas
Efthymia Kyriakopoulou
Lydia Papadaki
Vassilis Sarantides
Petros Varthalitis
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Panagiotis Asimakopoulos Driving Tax Administration Excellence: An Innovative Balanced Scorecard Perspective,. SPOUDAI Journal of Economics and Business, 2025, 75(1-2), 34-47. Measure What Matters, A Balance Scorecard for Tax Administrations. Global Journal of Accounting and Economy Research, 2025, 6(1), 63-72. https://DOI:10.47509/GJAER.2025.v06i01.04. Greek tax policy and macroeconomic framework after the political transition, a systematic approach, Theoretical and Applied Economics, Asociatia Generala a Economistilor din Romania / Editura Economica, 2025, vol. 0(2(643), S), pages 261-280, Summer. Evolution of Greek Tax System, Journal of Economics and Econometrics, Economics and Econometrics Society, 2025, vol. 68(3), pages 101-116. (also EERI Research Paper Series EERI RP 2025/04, Economics and Econometrics Research Institute, Brussels). Lydia Papadaki Navigating the Ocean-Climate Nexus through Participatory Workshops for a Sustainable Blue Economy. Ocean and Society (with Guittard, A., Akinsete, E. and Koundouri, P.), 2026,3. https://doi.org/10.17645/oas.11527. Policy Note: Advancing Water Policy in Europe: Addressing Challenges in the Southeast Mediterranean within the Water Futures Project (with Koundouri, Ph., Akinsete, Ε., Alamanos, Α., Brouwer, R., Frantzi, S., Landis, C., Sari, Hezal Dilan and Zacharatos, Th.), 2025, Water Economics and Policy, 2571004. Blending Experimental Economics and Living Laboratories in Water Resource Management (with Akinsete, E., Velias, A., Chatzilazarou, Lazaros-Antonios, Koundouri, Ph.), Annual Review of Resource Economics 17, 2025, no.1: 49-165. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-resource-013024-033007. Bridging the Gaps for a Thriving Black Sea Blue Economy: Insights from a Multi-Sectoral Forum of Turkish Stakeholders (with Seyhan, K., Dürrani, Ö., Akinsete, E., Atasaral, Ş., Özşeker, K., Akpınar, H., Kurtuluş, E., Mazlum, R.E., Koundouri, P. and Stanica, A.), 2025, Frontiers in Marine Science, 12, p.1491983. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2025.1491983. Catalysing Business Transformation: Leading Sustainable Development via Research Collaboration and Course (with Akinsete, E., Koltsida, P., Taneva-Veshoska, A., Tomikj, A., Toli, E., Trajkovska, S., & Koundouri, P.), 2025, Development. Open Research Europe, 5, 376. https://doi.org/10.12688/OPENRESEUROPE.20356.1.
George Alogoskoufis
Fabio Antoniou
Yiannis Dendramis
Konstantinos Gravas
Efthymia Kyriakopoulou
Lydia Papadaki
Petros Varthalitis
This weekly seminar series is organized jointly by the Department of International and European Economic Studies and the Department of Economics of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB). Seminars are held on Thursdays, 3:30-4:45 pm in room A36, 3rd floor, Antoniadou Building, Patission 76 (unless otherwise noted). The academic year 2025-2026 our series hosted 25 speakers. Papers and Research Seminars Announcements are posted at Organizers for the Department of Economics: Angelos Alexopoulos,Timos Athanasiou, Ioannis Kospentaris Organizers for the Department of International and European Economic Studies: Spyros Skouras & Nikolaos Topaloglou Administration support: Zervopoulou Fani (fani.zervopoulou@aueb.gr)
The Department of Economics is organizing the open lecture series Off the Syllabus?, an initiative that aims to enrich students’ intellectual perspectives through interdisciplinary engagement. The lectures bring the audience into contact with concepts, questions, and methodologies that may initially appear distant from economic theory, yet could enrich economic thought and analytical practice. The goal of the series is to encourage interdisciplinary dialogue, critical thinking, and creative approaches to contemporary social and scientific challenges. Organizer Committee Stylianos Arvanitis, Angelos Alexopoulos,Timos Athanasiou, Ioannis Kospentaris
For more information here (in greek)
Working Papers are posted at |
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The competition included:
The second guest of the series was Myrto Kalouptsidi, Augustus Cobb Professor of International Economics at Harvard University. On Thursday, December 11, she gave a lecture at the Old Parliament Building titled “Shipping and Global Trade: New Perspectives on the Role of Transport Networks and Industrial Policy ”. 
On September 17–18, the Department of Economics hosted an international Macroeconomics Workshop at the Athens University of Economics and Business, co-organized with Lancaster University.
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Editor: Evangelos Vassilatos |
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