Hellenic ESG Barometer 2025: What Do Greeks Think About Sustainable Business Practices?

On June 5, 2025, the Cultural Center at The American College of Greece in Plaka hosted a pivotal event, unveiling the latest insights from the Hellenic ESG Barometer 2025. This biennial research initiative, spearheaded by the Theodoros Papalexopoulos Chair in Sustainability at Alba Graduate Business School, in collaboration with the Center of Excellence in Food, Tourism & Leisure (CoEFTL) and Centers of Excellence in Sustainability (CoES), provides a comprehensive assessment of Greek attitudes towards Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices in business.

Claudia Carydis, Vice President of Public Affairs at ACG, and Professor Kostas Axarloglou, Dean of Alba, opened the event, setting the stage for a thought-provoking discussion led by Dr. Pavlos Vlachos, Associate Dean of Research & Innovation at Alba and holder of the Theodoros Papalexopoulos Chair in Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability.

Dr. Vlachos underscored the significance of the 2025 findings, which highlight a nuanced landscape of trust and accountability. “Our research reveals a growing skepticism among stakeholders, influenced heavily by institutional trust levels,” noted Dr. Vlachos. “While there is evident progress, there remains a distinct trust deficit that businesses must address through tangible ESG commitments.”

Keynote speaker Professor Athanasios Krystallis, Executive Director of the Center of Excellence in Food, Tourism & Leisure and Professor of Marketing at The American College of Greece, delved into the implications of the findings. “The 2025 Barometer not only reflects public skepticism towards corporate ESG efforts but also signals a shift towards a more engaged citizenry willing to participate in sustainable development costs,” Professor Krystallis remarked. “It underscores the evolving role of trust in fostering meaningful partnerships between businesses, society, and regulatory bodies.”

The event also featured a panel discussion titled “ESG: What’s Next for Greek Businesses and Public Policy?” moderated by Dr. Stella Apostolaki, Executive Director of the Center of Excellence for Sustainability at ACG, Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator of Environmental Studies at the Department of Science and Mathematics at The American College of Greece. Panelists included Fotini Patrikiou, Deputy Director at the Climate Change and Sustainability Center, Bank of Greece; Diana Georgakopoulou, General Director of the SEV Council for Sustainable Development; and Alexandros Katsiampoulas, ESG Performance Director at TITAN Group and Vice President of the Board of CSR Hellas.

The Hellenic ESG Barometer 2025 aims to catalyze actionable insights for businesses and policymakers, fostering dialogue that drives progressive ESG strategies aligned with societal expectations. With its rigorous academic foundation and collaborative approach, this initiative continues to chart a path towards sustainable business practices that resonate deeply within Greek society.

For further information and detailed insights from the Hellenic ESG Barometer 2025, click here.