Greek lawmaker Spyros Tsironis has sharply criticised the cooperation agreement between Greece's Ministry of Culture and China's National Administration of Cultural Heritage on underwater cultural heritage, calling its provisions 'vague and non-binding' during a parliamentary debate on ratification. The Niki party MP argued that the deal functions as 'a simple declaration of intentions rather than a substantive step forward', according to reports citing the Greek City Times.

Key Objections Raised in Parliament

Tsironis contended that the agreement lacks concrete short-term objectives, offering only broad long-term projections that he said do not adequately protect Greek interests. He warned that Greece should not position itself as a 'weak partner' in its engagement with Beijing, urging the government to negotiate from a position of greater clarity and strength.

The lawmaker also voiced strong reservations over the potential establishment of a Chinese archaeological institute in Greece, questioning why the Greek state should bear operational costs for a foreign institution without a corresponding Greek institute in China. 'Where is the mutual cooperation, and what is the tangible benefit for Greek interests?' he said, as reported.

Museum Space and Reciprocity Under Scrutiny

Tsironis reportedly challenged the allocation of dedicated exhibition space within the new Museum of Underwater Antiquities in Piraeus to Chinese underwater artefacts. He demanded clarity on what Greece receives in return — specifically, whether a permanent exhibit of Greek heritage would be established in a Chinese museum.

Notably, the MP also tied his concerns to the museum project's financial trajectory. According to reports, the budget for the Underwater Antiquities Museum has escalated from an initial 77 million euros to 105 million euros, amid what he described as 'delays and risks of losing European funding'. He argued that committing public space to a foreign institution before the project's completion was premature.

Background: The 2023 Greece-China Agreement

The agreement at the centre of the debate was signed in 2023 during a meeting between Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni and then Chinese Tourism and Culture Minister Hu Heping, during the latter's official visit to Greece. The renewed and expanded pact sought to promote scientific cooperation and joint underwater archaeological research between the two countries.

The parliamentary ratification process has now brought the agreement under renewed scrutiny, with Tsironis's remarks crystallising a broader unease about the terms of cultural diplomacy with China.

Niki Party's Position

Concluding his remarks, Tsironis stated that the Niki party supports international cultural exchanges only when grounded in transparent terms that demonstrably safeguard Greek national interests. 'We refuse to co-sign blind agreements that portray our country as the weak or subordinate partner,' he asserted, according to reports.

The ratification debate is ongoing, and the outcome could shape how Greece structures future cultural cooperation agreements with non-European partners.