History of bilateral relations Germany–Greece relations

foreign minister of greece dimitrios droutsas , joschka fischer in meeting in athens in february 2011

diplomatic relations between byzantine greeks , german people trace middle ages , byzantine empire.

the first king of independent greece, otto i, of german descent, , many germans came , settled in new state. greece , prussia established diplomatic relations in 1834, same year both countries exchanged embassies.

the 2 countries enemies during both world wars, germany taking part in axis occupation of greece during world war ii. issue of reparations german war crimes , forced loan during occupation continues unsettled. there 300,000 people greek community living in germany, of them came during 1960s , 1970s.

the 2 nations enjoyed excellent relations 60 years (1950- 2010) germans first nation of tourist arrivals in greece during 1970s, 1980s,1990s, 2000s , first european destination of greeks immigrating abroad (mainly 1950s, 1960s). moreover, greece supported german reunification during 1980s , 2 countries cooperated in many sectors (culturally, technologically, army etc.) under eu spectrum.

however, relations strained during european sovereign-debt crisis between nations.

german community of greece

see german greeks.

the german archaeological institute @ athens opened in 1874, german school of athens in 1896.

related minorities: austrian greeks