The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens has officially opened a new facility for its School of Economics and Political Sciences. Located in the heart of the city, the building provides a modern academic environment designed to meet the needs of contemporary university teaching and research.
In attendance at the opening were Professor Gerasimos Siasos, Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; Sofia Zacharaki, Greece’s Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports; and Professor Haris Doukas, Mayor of Athens, who each addressed the audience. His Eminence Gregorios, Metropolitan of Peristeri and faculty member of the University’s School of Theology, officiated the traditional blessing to commence the ceremony.
Also present were Professor Nikolaos Thomaidis, Alternate Chair of the University’s Administration Council; Professors Spyridon Vlachopoulos, Dimitrios Kenourgios, Athanasia Smirniotou, and Achilleas Chaldaeakes, Members of the Administration Council; Professor Efstathios Efstathopoulos, Sophia Papaioannou, Aristeidis Samitas, and Christos Karagiannis, Vice-Rectors; Professor Dimitrios Thomakos, Chair of the Department of Business Administration; Professor Manos Spyridakis, Chair of the Department of Sociology; as well as numerous academic and administrative staff from the Departments that will occupy the newly renovated building.
A significant addition to the University, the building has been carefully refurbished to provide modern, fully equipped spaces for students and staff. Acquiring the property was crucial for the School of Economics and Political Sciences, as it fully accommodates the needs of the Departments of Sociology and Business Administration, which previously lacked dedicated facilities.
This modern, stand-alone university building of the highest standards was originally constructed in 2001 and covers a total area of 4,200 square metres. It spans eight floors—including a ground floor, common areas, and four basement levels with car parks accessible via two car lifts—and fully complies with the Greek Antiseismic Regulations and the 2000 edition of the Greek Reinforced Concrete Code. It is situated in a central location in Athens, in close proximity to the School’s other buildings.
Funding for the entire project, including the acquisition and renovation of the building, was provided by the Ministry of Education through the Public Investment Programme. The building was delivered to the University following a complete remodelling. The works encompassed teaching and laboratory rooms, administrative and staff offices, meeting facilities, and underground car parks. It is now fully ready for use by students and faculty.
The acquisition of the property was carried out in full compliance with all applicable legal procedures, following the necessary financial and legal approvals and decisions of the competent authorities: the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports; the Ministry of Economy and Finance; the Court of Audit; the University’s Technical Council; and the University’s Administration Council. The process was conducted under the supervision of the University’s Technical Services and the Office of the Legal Council of the State at the University of Athens.
SEE PHOTOS OF THE BUILDING BEFORE RENOVATION
