Deutsche Welle to close Greek-language service in 2027, sparking strong reactions

German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) has announced it will shut down its Greek-language service effective January 1, 2027, as part of broader budget cuts and restructuring measures — a move that has triggered strong reactions from Greek-German organizations and community leaders.

Greek Community in Berlin Voices “Deep Concern”

The Greek Community of Berlin expressed “deep concern” over the decision, recalling the historic role of DW’s Greek editorial team during Greece’s military dictatorship (1967–1974), when it served as “one of the most important voices of democratic information.”

In a public statement, the Community questioned the rationale behind eliminating a language that is official in two European Union member states — Greece and Cyprus — and highlighted the presence of more than 500,000 Greeks living in Germany.

The organization announced plans to send formal letters to the German federal government, relevant institutions, and DW’s management, requesting suspension and reconsideration of the decision “with transparency and justification.” A similar appeal is expected to be addressed to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, emphasizing the decision’s implications for Greek-German relations and Europe’s commitment to linguistic diversity.

The Community also called on Greek and Cypriot citizens and organizations in Germany to publicly support efforts to preserve the Greek-language service, stressing that “language is not merely a means of communication, but identity, memory, and future.”

Business Association Warns of Diplomatic Impact

In a separate statement, the German-Hellenic Business Association (DHW) voiced regret over the planned closure. Its president, Phaedon Kotsampopoulos, underscored the Greek service’s importance in fostering bilateral ties.

He noted that Greece’s path to stability was shaped in part by DW’s historic contribution to democratic discourse and argued that the broadcaster plays a crucial soft power role in promoting Germany abroad.

“In times of geopolitical tension in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Greek-language service transmits European values and German perspectives to a strategically vital region,” Kotsampopoulos said, describing the service as “invaluable” to strengthening Greek-German relations.

The Association warned that eliminating the program — reportedly representing less than 0.2 percent of DW’s total budget — could cause disproportionate diplomatic and cultural damage.

Scientists’ Association: “Silencing a Free Voice”

The Association of Greek Scientists of Frankfurt described the closure as “the silencing of a free voice.”

In its statement, the Association emphasized that for decades DW’s Greek service acted as a bridge for culture and science, delivering German academic rigor and journalistic standards to Greek-speaking audiences.

It also recalled that during Greece’s dictatorship, citizens secretly tuned in to shortwave broadcasts to access uncensored information. “DW did not simply transmit news — it transmitted hope and democratic ideals,” the statement said.

The group further highlighted the service’s role in covering science, technology, and social issues with depth and credibility at a time when misinformation poses growing challenges.

Only Language Service Fully Eliminated

According to critics, the Greek-language unit is the only one among DW’s 32 language services to be completely shut down under the restructuring plan. Organizations argue that its removal leaves a significant gap in pluralistic media representation, particularly amid renewed public debates on historical issues and regional geopolitical tensions.

The controversy is expected to intensify in the coming months, with diaspora groups urging DW’s leadership to reconsider the decision not only from a financial standpoint but as a strategic investment in European solidarity and Greek-German friendship.