Key scientific outcomes from the 59th General Meeting of EuroGeoSurveys, organized by the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (H.S.G.M.E.) in Santorini
The three-day (October 14–16) 59th General Meeting of the European Association of Geological Surveys (EuroGeoSurveys – EGS), hosted with great success by the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (H.S.G.M.E.) in Santorini, concluded with remarkable results. This event marked the return of the institution to Greece after nearly two decades — the last meeting having taken place in Athens in 2007.
Held on the iconic island of Santorini — a living laboratory for geoscientists, historians, and archaeologists — the meeting became a milestone in European geological cooperation, highlighting the role of national geological services as key pillars for sustainable development, green energy, and civil protection.
Representatives and directors from 30 national geological surveys across Europe participated, including those from Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Ukraine.
International partners also took part, including representatives from the USGS (United States), OAGS (Africa), CCOP (Asia), and ASGMI (Ibero-America).
The opening session featured welcome addresses by Mr. Dionysios Goutis, General Director of the H.S.G.M.E., and Ms. Tirza van Daalen, President of the EGS, who emphasized the critical role of geological services in the green transition, natural resource management, and strengthening Europe’s resilience.
Ms. Julie Hollis, Secretary-General of the EGS, presented the latest developments regarding the implementation of the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), the establishment of the European Centre for Critical Raw Materials (CRM Centre), and the upcoming European Raw Materials Partnership (RAMP).
The final proposal for the creation of the Geological Service for Europe (GSE) was also presented — a permanent mechanism for geological knowledge aimed at supporting Europe’s strategic autonomy, resilience, and energy transition.
Throughout the meeting, discussions highlighted the role of National Geological Surveys in achieving the EU’s goals for clean energy and sustainable development, through initiatives involving geothermal energy, underground CO₂ and hydrogen storage, and rational management of natural resources — all within the framework of the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA).
During the proceedings, Dr. Konstantinos Laskaridis, Greece’s National Representative to the EuroGeoSurveys, delivered a presentation on the activities of the H.S.G.M.E., titled “100 Years of Geological Service in Greece: From the First Steps to Today’s H.S.G.M.E.”
A special session dedicated to Santorini and geological hazards followed, featuring presentations by:
- Dr. Georgios Vougioukalakis (H.S.G.M.E.) – “Evolution and Volcanic Hazard Assessment of the Santorini and Kolumbo Volcanoes”
- Dr. Kostas Papazachos (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki) – “Multi-parametric Monitoring of the Santorini Volcano: The 2011–12 and 2024–25 Unrests and Implications for Seismic Hazard”
- Dr. Andreas Antonakos (Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection) – “Emergency Response Planning for the Santorini Volcano – The Role of the Scientific Community”
On the final day, participants toured the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri, visited the Santorini caldera and Nea Kameni, where Dr. Georgios Vougioukalakis (H.S.G.M.E.) provided an on-site presentation on the geodynamic evolution of the volcanic complex and modern monitoring techniques.
As the organizing authority, the H.S.G.M.E. strengthened Greece’s position as a key European partner in geosciences — a point reaffirmed by the organization’s General Director, Mr. Dionysios Goutis, in his closing address:
“Hosting the 59th General Meeting of EuroGeoSurveys here, on this symbolic ground, fills us with pride. For the H.S.G.M.E., this gathering is not only an honor but also a great opportunity — an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to advancing geosciences for the benefit of society. Across Europe, our organizations play a decisive role in addressing the most pressing challenges of our time — from critical raw materials and groundwater management to disaster prevention and the transition to clean energy. Through collaboration and our collective expertise within EuroGeoSurveys, we ensure that geological knowledge informs policy, protects the environment, and strengthens the resilience of our societies.”