The Eugenides Foundation inaugurates the celebration of its 70 years of contribution
Alexandroupoli: Starting point of the anniversary events and announcement of major initiatives of added value for the local community
The year 2026 marks a milestone for the Eugenides Foundation, as it celebrates 70 years of uninterrupted and meaningful contribution to education, knowledge, and the development of skills for young people in Greece. For seven decades, the Foundation has followed a collective journey together with students and teachers, families, scientists, technicians, and professionals. A journey that has kept knowledge alive, open, and accessible. One that has opened new paths, provided direction, and contributed to shaping a better tomorrow.
Because the future does not simply arrive. We shape it together. And the future has a history.
Thrace at the Heart of History and the Future
Starting from the place where it all began and looking firmly toward the future, the Eugenides Foundation officially launched the celebration of its 70 years of contribution with an inaugural event held on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, in Alexandroupoli.
Initiatives that add value and strengthen the Foundation’s footprint in the local community:
- Presentation of a Study on Emerging Labor Market Skills in the Regional Units of Evros and Rodopi.
- Strategic partnership with the Democritus University of Thrace through the newly established Skills Institute of the Eugenides Foundation and the University’s Lifelong Learning Center, with emphasis on the agri-food sector.
- Establishment of the “Eugenios Eugenides” Chair at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics of Democritus University of Thrace.
The inaugural event marked the official launch of the anniversary program and included the announcement of significant donations, strategic partnerships, and initiatives aimed at supporting the local community and strengthening regional development, with emphasis on skills, education, and employment.
As part of the event, additional actions reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to the local community were presented, including:
- Donations of educational infrastructure and state-of-the-art simulators to the following regional school units:
- Installation of a Ship Captain and Marine Engineer simulator at the 1st Vocational Training Center of Alexandroupoli, in the “Eugenios Eugenides” hall.
- Visit to the Special Vocational Education and Training Laboratory (EEEΕΚ) of Alexandroupoli, where a donation was announced for a dedicated mobility room.
- Inauguration of the “Nikolaos Vernikos – Eugenides” Skills Room at the 6th Primary School of Nea Orestiada.
- Donation of a simulator to the 1st Vocational High School of Didymoteicho “Eugenios Eugenides”.
- Lecture by Prof. Manolis Plionis titled “A Contemporary View of the Universe” at the Spiritual Center of the Holy Metropolis of Alexandroupoli.
- Informational event on career prospects in Shipping, titled “We Are Heading to the Sea,” organized by Isalos.net and under the auspices of the IMO Maritime Goodwill Ambassador in Greece, Mr. Leonidas Dimitriadis-Eugenides.
Study on Emerging Labor Market Skills in the Regional Units of Evros and Rodopi
The study was commissioned and funded by the Eugenides Foundation, in collaboration with the National Technical University of Athens and the Unit of Experts of the Ministry of Labour. It forms part of the Foundation’s broader initiatives for the systematic identification of labor market needs and the development of targeted training programs in the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
The study focuses on mapping and prioritizing the most significant productive sectors in the Prefectures of Evros and Rodopi, aiming to foster the development of technical and applied skills directly linked to employment and the sustainable growth of the region.
Statements
Former President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, stated in her opening address:
“The 70th anniversary of the Eugenides Foundation is not only a historic milestone, but also an opportunity to highlight the Foundation’s enduring mission, which lies in strengthening the technical and scientific education of young people as a fundamental pillar of the country’s progress and prosperity.”
She continued:
“Faithful to its mission, the Foundation has developed a significant presence in border and island regions, particularly in Thrace, through a network of initiatives in education, social welfare, the environment, and other sectors that go beyond symbolism and respond to the real and complex needs of the region, contributing to sustainable development and social cohesion.”
Concluding, she added:
“I wish the Eugenides Foundation to continue in the years ahead with the same consistency, effectiveness, and dedication to its mission, remaining a substantial supporter of the younger generation, for the common good not only of Thrace but of Greek society as a whole.”
The President of the Eugenides Foundation, Mr. Leonidas Dimitriadis-Eugenides, emphasized:
“Eugenios Eugenides was born on this land. He learned early what hard work, the sea, and trust in word and deed mean. And he believed something simple: personal gain has no value unless it returns to society. From this belief, in 1956, the Eugenides Foundation was born—with a clear mission: to support the education of Greeks, especially in technical and maritime fields.”
He added:
“Over the past twenty years, with donations reaching €5 million, the Foundation’s footprint in Thrace is clear: it is not limited to philanthropy. It constitutes a cohesive development intervention centered on knowledge. From primary school classrooms to vocational education laboratories, and from social inclusion to sustainable development, the strategy remains steady. Thrace is not treated as a peripheral region in need of support, but as a land of opportunity.”
The Foundation’s Governor, Mr. Ioannis Golias, noted:
“From the beginning of its operation, the Eugenides Foundation has approached science and technology not as abstract concepts, but as essential prerequisites for promoting applied technical professions and, through them, improving citizens’ daily lives and strengthening the national economy.”
He continued:
“A central strategic priority of the Foundation is contributing to the scientific and technical education of young people, aiming at producing well-trained professionals in the technical sector. We actively support technical and vocational education because we believe that sustainable national development relies not only on academic excellence but also on the strength of applied skills.”
The Rector of Democritus University of Thrace, Mr. Fotios Maris, stated:
“With great honor, we announce today the collaboration between the Continuing Education & Lifelong Learning Centers of the Eugenides Foundation and Democritus University of Thrace, aiming to develop and implement adult education initiatives.”
He further emphasized:
“Today’s announcement marks not merely the beginning of a partnership, but the creation of a dynamic framework for skills development and the strengthening of lifelong learning, with tangible social and economic impact.”
The event was attended by representatives of the political, state, and academic communities, who praised the Foundation’s work and initiatives and its decisive contribution to the wider local community.
70 Years – Eugenides Foundation
The year 2026 marks a milestone for the Eugenides Foundation, celebrating 70 years of uninterrupted and multifaceted contribution to education, knowledge, and the cultivation of skills among young people in Greece.
This 70-year journey has been the result of collective effort—a journey shared with thousands of people: students, teachers, families, scientists, technicians, and professionals. A journey that has kept knowledge alive, open, and accessible to all. A journey that has opened pathways, provided direction, and shaped a better tomorrow.
Because the future does not simply arrive. We shape it together. And the future has a history.
Maria Filippi, General Director of Vocational Education and Training, Eugenides Foundation
Konstantinos Aravosis, Professor, School of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, UNESCO Chair on Green Innovation and Circular Economy, NTUA
Vaios Kotsios, Senior Researcher, Data to Action
Eirini Andriopoulou, Head of the Experts Unit on Employment, Social Security, Welfare and Social Affairs (M.E.K.Y.), Ministry of Labour and Social Security
You can watch the event on the Eugenides Foundation’s YouTube channel here .