• Within the framework of presenting and discussing the Hellenic ESG Barometer 2025, a timely research initiative examining how Greeks perceive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, corporate responsibility assumption, and institutional trust, findings were presented that raise critical questions.

• These questions focus on the significance attributed by the Greek public to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, citizens’ trust in companies to implement their ESG commitments, and the identification of the actual driver of ESG progress—whether it is companies, institutions, or individuals themselves.

A substantive discussion regarding Greek citizens’ perceptions of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices took place during the presentation of the Hellenic ESG Barometer, held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Cultural Center of The American College of Greece in Plaka. Specifically, the Hellenic ESG Barometer constitutes an innovative research initiative examining how sustainability, in its broader sense, is perceived and implemented in the Greek business environment. The Theodore Papalexopoulos Endowed Chair in Sustainability at Alba Graduate Business School leads this initiative, in collaboration with the Center of Excellence in Food, Tourism and Leisure (CoEFTL) and the Center of Excellence in Sustainability (CoES), with support from ACG’s Office of Sustainability – Public Affairs.

The initiative has been structured with three (3) fundamental objectives:

1. To assess and compare the perceptions of two key stakeholder groups—employees and the general public—regarding the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategies and performance of companies in Greece.
2. To provide firms and public policymakers with evidence-based insights that support informed dialogue with stakeholders, and guide the development of more effective and responsive ESG policies.
3. To promote academic research on the social evaluations of firms and their ESG actions, contributing to a deeper understanding of how businesses are perceived in relation to their environmental and societal responsibilities.

An In-Depth Dialogue on ESG Perceptions

The June 5th event opened with greetings from Claudia Carydis, Vice President, Public Affairs, The American College of Greece, and Professor Kostas Axarloglou, Dean of the Alba Association. Subsequently, Dr. Pavlos Vlachos, Theodore Papalexopoulos Chair in Sustainability, Associate Dean of Research & Innovation & Professor of Marketing at Alba Graduate Business School, delivered remarks on behalf of the Hellenic ESG Barometer team, stating characteristically: “The Hellenic ESG Barometer is a biennial initiative designed to monitor the continuously evolving credibility of companies in relation to society and the environment. The 2025 findings reveal significant skepticism among stakeholders and substantial differentiation in stakeholder responses, influenced primarily by their general level of trust in institutions and, more specifically, in companies. Overall, the results highlight a trust deficit in the relationship between companies and society, which has nonetheless slightly decreased compared to 2023 findings“.

Key Findings and Emerging Trends

Subsequently, the core findings were presented by the Hellenic ESG Barometer team, with Professor Athanasios Krystallis, Executive Director of the Center of Excellence in Food, Tourism and Leisure (CoEFTL) and Professor of Marketing at The American College of Greece (ACG), as the primary speaker. Professor Athanasios Krystallis analyzed the dominant trends and research conclusions, specifically noting: “The Hellenic ESG Barometer aims to become an institutional tool facilitating monitoring of the evolving relationship between companies and society regarding common significant environmental and social development goals. Beyond highlighting Greek public skepticism toward relevant business practices, the 2025 findings emphasize the emergence of a citizen type that is supportive and willing to assume part of the cost for more sustainable development. The 2025 Barometer represents an opportunity for reflection on the shared responsibility of companies, society, and regulatory bodies, as well as the role trust can play in bridging the gap between corporate ambitions and societal priorities“. The presentation was complemented by audience discussion.

It is noteworthy that one of the most significant research findings, conducted through a representative sample of 1,000 adults, is the low level of trust in companies’ environmental and social performance. Although some companies position ESG issues as strategic priorities, the public appears unconvinced. When the representative sample was asked whether companies implement their promises, responses revealed significant doubts. This suggests a gap between corporate ESG communication and public perception. According to the research, Greek citizens largely believe that companies are motivated more by profit considerations and competitive advantage than by ethical motives when engaging with ESG issues.

Future Steps for Greek Business and Public Policy

A panel discussion followed, titled “ESG: What Are the Next Steps for Greek Companies and Public Policy?” with participants including Ms. Fotini Patrikiou, Deputy Director of Climate Change and Sustainability Center at the Bank of Greece; Ms. Diana Georgakopoulou, General Director of the SEV Council for Sustainable Development; and Mr. Alexandros Katsiamboulas, ESG Performance Director of the TITAN Group & Vice President of the Board of Directors of CSR Hellas. The panel was moderated by Dr. Stella Apostolaki, Executive Director of the Center of Excellence in Sustainability (CoES) at ACG and Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Environmental Studies Program in the Department of Science and Mathematics at The American College of Greece.

Download the Hellenic ESG Barometer 2025 report.

About The American College of Greece (ACG): The American College of Greece is a private, non-profit educational organization with a 150-year history. It comprises three educational units: Pierce Elementary, Middle School and High School-IB, Deree—offering undergraduate and graduate programs—and Alba Graduate Business School. Within its mission to provide equal opportunities for educational access, The American College of Greece offers annually more than 8 million euros in scholarships and financial support programs.

About the Hellenic ESG Barometer: The Hellenic ESG Barometer is a pioneering initiative examining how sustainability (in its broad sense) is understood and implemented in the Greek business environment. This initiative is implemented and guided by the Theodore Papalexopoulos Chair in Sustainability at Alba Graduate Business School, the Center of Excellence in Food, Tourism and Leisure (CoEFTL), and the Center of Excellence in Sustainability (CoES)—all part of The American College of Greece (ACG). The Barometer, launched in 2023 by the Theodore Papalexopoulos Chair in Sustainability, constitutes a biennial research initiative, with data collection occurring every second December. It is supported by ACG’s Office of Sustainability – Public Affairs.