Ladies and gentlemen,
dear colleagues and friends,

It is a great honor and privilege for me to welcome you to the International Conference on Applied Economics and Financial Issues – AEFI 2025, hosted by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki at the Research Dissemination Center.

Your presence here today—representing universities, research institutes, international organizations, but also policy and business communities—highlights the significance of the dialogue that will unfold over the next three days. This conference is not just another academic gathering. It is a milestone in a broader, global conversation about the future of our economies, our societies, and sustainable development.

A shifting international landscape

We are living in times of profound transformation. Geopolitical tensions disrupt international markets. Climate change reshapes our production systems and development models. Artificial intelligence and automation are redefining the way we work and communicate. At the same time, the European Union faces the complex challenges of energy transition, social cohesion, and economic resilience.

Greece, within this shifting landscape, is called to find its own path—building on its strengths, but also confronting long-standing structural weaknesses. Hosting a conference with such international scope here in Thessaloniki is no coincidence: it is a reminder that our country can be part of the solution, not merely a reflection of the problem.

The role of science and research

Economic science today carries a dual responsibility. On the one hand, to analyze and explain the complexity of global systems. On the other, to provide practical and applicable solutions that can improve people’s everyday lives. This dual mission—theoretical and practical—makes applied economics and financial issues so vital to our societies.

Over the coming three days, we will discuss monetary policy and financial markets, green transitions and climate challenges, the resilience of economies in the face of crises, social inequalities, and the transformative role of new technologies. We are honored to host distinguished keynote speakers from institutions such as the University of Chicago, the University of Groningen, Queen Mary University of London, Universidad Carlos III of Madrid, alongside leading Greek universities and research centers. This unique diversity of ideas and schools of thought is what gives AEFI its true value.

Thessaloniki as a meeting point

Thessaloniki has always been a crossroads of cultures, trade, and ideas. Today, it becomes once again a meeting point—this time for researchers, academics, and professionals from all over the world. Just as caravans of goods once passed through this city, today we welcome caravans of knowledge, dialogue, and inspiration. This symbolic connection reminds us that knowledge acquires meaning only when it is shared, exchanged, and transformed into collective wisdom.

The next generation of researchers

Particular importance is given to young researchers, PhD candidates, and postdoctoral fellows who are given the opportunity to present their work to an international audience. They represent the future of our discipline—the scholars and policymakers of tomorrow. By supporting their participation, AEFI 2025 invests in the future of economic and financial science.

Gratitude and acknowledgments

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Organizing Committee, with colleagues from the University of Piraeus and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, for their dedication and tireless work in making this conference possible. Special thanks also go to our sponsors, whose generosity enables participation from researchers with limited resources and ensures the inclusiveness of our discussions.

Looking ahead

Ladies and gentlemen,
the debates and exchanges we will engage in during these days go beyond academia. Economics is not only about numbers and indicators—it is about human lives, about the hopes of the young, the struggles of workers, the choices of entrepreneurs, the decisions of policymakers. Our task, as scholars, is to make our knowledge useful for society at large.

I therefore invite you to make the most of these three days. Let us listen to each other, exchange knowledge, challenge assumptions, and build new ideas. And let us also leave Thessaloniki with something more: with new collaborations, new perspectives, and, perhaps, new friendships that will continue to bear fruit in the years to come.

I warmly wish you every success in your work, fruitful discussions, and an enjoyable stay in our city.

Thank you very much.