Deutsche Welle to continue its Greek-language programming

The broadcasting council of Deutsche Welle (DW) has unanimously decided to maintain its Greek-language service, reversing a previous decision from February 2026 that mandated the program's closure on January 1, 2027. This decision follows significant diplomatic efforts from Athens, including direct interventions by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who raised the matter with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Karl Justen, head of the council, explained that the decision aligns with the organization's mission to provide independent news and orientation in a rapidly changing world. The Greek service has operated for 62 years and holds deep historical significance for Greece, particularly for its role as an independent source of information during the military junta when it broadcasted from Cologne.

The reversal ensures that the service, which has been an integral part of Greek modern history and the anti-dictatorship struggle, will continue its operations beyond the initially planned 2027 cutoff date. No further changes to the status of the service were announced by the council following this latest development.