Culture Minister Lina Mendoni and her Italian counterpart Alessandro Giuli. Photo source: Culture Ministry
Greece and Italy have agreed to establish a joint team of scientists and conservators to systematically document and restore ceramic antiquities linked to illegal excavations, marking a new step in their shared fight against cultural heritage trafficking.
According to the Greek Culture Ministry, the initiative brings together Greek and Italian experts to identify and conserve notable collections of Attic pottery tied to illicit digs in both countries.
“The cooperation between Greece and Italy to protect cultural heritage is practical proof that our shared historical responsibility can be transformed into meaningful and effective action,” said Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.
Work officially began in September 2025 at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki and has continued steadily since then, already delivering visible results.
The cooperation builds on bilateral discussions between Mendoni and her Italian counterpart Alessandro Giuli and follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding concerning antiquities held by the liquidators of Robin Symes Ltd., strengthening their joint commitment to protecting shared Mediterranean heritage.
Safeguarding cultural heritage through restoration
The initiative focuses on restoring fragmented ancient vases, with the aim of returning an equal number of fully restored archaeological finds to both countries. It also aligns closely with the principles of the 1970 UNESCO Convention against the illicit trafficking of cultural property.
The work is being coordinated and scientifically supervised by archaeologists and conservators from the Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum, the Italian Ministry of Culture, and the University of Basilicata. The Thessaloniki museum plays an important role in strengthening efforts to safeguard Greece’s cultural heritage.
“Our common goal is also to promote a more sustainable approach to cultural tourism, highlight lesser-known archaeological sites, and develop alternative cultural itineraries alongside the main destinations,” said Giuli.
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