by Katerina Tsourtsoula*
At a time of profound geopolitical realignments, where instability directly affects economies, markets, and trade relations, ICC Hellas organized a highly timely and substantive event entitled “Geopolitical Developments and Their Impact on the Economies and Trade of the Wider Region”, held on 25 November 2025 at the Athens Club.
The event formed part of ICC’s broader institutional role as a bridge between the business community, policymakers and the international environment, providing informed analysis and a structured framework for dialogue on issues of strategic importance.
High-level participation and institutional dialogue
The panel brought together prominent figures from politics, diplomacy and international relations, offering complementary perspectives on today’s complex geopolitical landscape.
Evangelos Venizelos analyzed the evolving geopolitical reality, focusing on shifting power balances and the institutional challenges facing European economies.
Dimitris Avramopoulos highlighted the role of foreign policy and diplomacy as key factors of stability in an increasingly volatile environment.
Ioannis Valinakis addressed geostrategic developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and Southeast Europe, emphasizing their implications for trade and energy flows.
Petros Doukas and Dimitris Dafnis approached the issue from a business perspective, outlining how geopolitical risk affects investment decisions, competitiveness and corporate strategy.
An intervention was also delivered by former Minister of National Defence Spilios Spiliotopoulos, adding the security and defence dimension to the overall discussion.
Νotable international perspective was provided through the presence and official address, of the President of ICC Cameroon, who underlined the importance of international cooperation and stronger ties between ICC national committees, at a time when geopolitical developments have a truly global impact.
The discussion was moderated by journalist Chrysanthos Koseloglou, who ensured a structured and substantive exchange, linking strategic analysis with the practical realities faced by economies and businesses.
Economy, trade and business in a changing global environment
A common thread throughout the discussion was the recognition that geopolitical developments are no longer an external variable, but a core element of economic planning for both states and businesses. Issues such as energy security, supply chains, trade agreements, investment risk and the need for strategic autonomy were central to the debate.
Special emphasis was placed on the role of Southeast Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean as regions of heightened geopolitical importance, as well as critical hubs for trade, energy and connectivity.
The role of ICC at Νational and Ιnternational level
The event reaffirmed the role of ICC Hellas as an active member of the global International Chamber of Commerce network, representing businesses in more than 170 countries. Through initiatives such as this, ICC contributes meaningfully to shaping a dialogue that connects global geopolitical developments with the real needs of the business community.
In an era marked by rapid and multi-layered change, the need for informed analysis, cooperation and international networking is more pressing than ever. Events like this highlight the value of strategic insight and collective thinking as essential tools for adaptation and resilience.
Conclusions
The event “Geopolitical Developments and Their Impact on the Economies and Trade of the Wider Region” served as a substantive platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience, reinforcing the role of ICC Hellas, as a key reference point for institutional and business dialogue.
Through the participation of high-level speakers and the international dimension provided by ICC’s global network, the discussion underscored the need for strategic thinking, cooperation and adaptability—critical factors for economic and trade stability in the wider region.
*Katerina Tsourtsoula | Head of PR & Communications, ICC Hellas Head of Agricultural Development | Board Member, ICC Hellas
