This event is a collaboration between the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy and the Faculty of Arts & Humanities at King's College London
Between the 1950s and 1970s, thousands of Greek children were sent abroad for adoption, often under pressure or without their families’ full consent. Many grew up far from their birth culture, unsure or even unaware of their origins. In 2025, the Greek government introduced a new pathway for these adoptees to reclaim Greek citizenship, acknowledging both their nationality of origin and their wish to reconnect with their roots.
This reform reflects the power of research and advocacy, and represents a significant change for the Greek diaspora worldwide.
What can these stories teach us about belonging, recognition, and dual identity at a time when division in the UK is so rife?
Joining Professor Gonda Van Steen is guest Mr Athanasios Balermpas, Secretary General of the Greek Ministry of Interior, who helped drive this important policy change.
About the Speakers
Chaired by Professor Gonda Van Steen, Koraes Chair of Modern Greek and Byzantine History, Language and Literature; Director, Centre for Hellenic Studies, Faculty of Arts & Humanities, King’s College London
Mr Athanasios Balermpas, Secretary General of the Greek Ministry of Interior and former Secretary General of Citizenship (2019–2023)
Dr Georgios Samaras, Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Public Policy at the School for Government and the Policy Institute, Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy, King’s College London
Mary Cardaras, Greek Adoptee who has generously agreed to share her personal experience, and Director of The Demos Centre, American College of Greece
