Drone Show Over Acropolis Sparks Legal Inquiry

Learner News | 17.05.2025

Today’s Greek Learner News takes a look at the recent high-flying spectacle over the Acropolis and the subsequent scrutiny it’s attracting from authorities. Did the nighttime event adhere to cultural and legal guidelines?

Drone Show Over Acropolis Sparks Legal Inquiry

The news in Greek

Μια πρόσφατη1 εκδήλωση2 με drones από την Adidas στην Ακρόπολη προκάλεσε3 νομικά θέματα4 στην Ελλάδα. Οι αρχές εξετάζουν αν η εκδήλωση2 είχε τις απαραίτητες5 άδειες. Η Adidas λέει ότι είχε άδειες από το Ζάππειο, αλλά η Υπουργεία Πολιτισμού διαφωνεί. Γίνεται έρευνα για παραβιάσεις6 νόμων πολιτιστικής κληρονομιάς.

  1. πρόσφατος
    Αυτό που έγινε ή εμφανίστηκε πριν από λίγο καιρό. ↩︎
  2. εκδήλωση  (f.)
    Γεγονός που διοργανώνεται δημόσια, π.χ. μια γιορτή ή επίδειξη. ↩︎
  3. προκαλώ
    Κάνω κάτι να συμβεί, να εμφανιστεί. ↩︎
  4. θέμα  (n.)
    Πρόβλημα ή ζήτημα που χρειάζεται λύση ή συζήτηση. ↩︎
  5. απαραίτητος
    Αυτό που δεν μπορούμε να κάνουμε χωρίς αυτό. ↩︎
  6. παραβίαση  (f.)
    Πράξη που δεν σέβεται έναν κανόνα ή νόμο. ↩︎

Translation

A recent drone event by Adidas at the Acropolis has raised legal issues in Greece. The authorities are investigating whether the event had the necessary permits. Adidas claims it had permits from Zappeion, but the Ministry of Culture disagrees. An investigation is underway regarding breaches of cultural heritage laws.

Text comprehension

Question 1: What company organized the drone show over the Acropolis?

Adidas organized the drone show over the Acropolis.

Question 2: Why are authorities investigating the drone show at the Acropolis?

Authorities are investigating whether the drone show had the necessary permits and if there were violations of cultural heritage laws.

Vocabulary

GreekEnglish
πρόσφατος recent
εκδήλωση  (f.)event
προκαλώ cause
θέμα  (n.)issue
απαραίτητος necessary
παραβίαση  (f.)violations

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Read the full story

A recent drone show organized by the multinational corporation Adidas has come under legal scrutiny in Greece. The event, which took place against the backdrop of the historic Acropolis, has triggered a swift response from the Greek authorities over potential legal violations.

The show, designed as a promotional activity, featured drones flying over the Athenian skyline, with visuals including a significant display involving a sports shoe hovering in the night’s sky. This creative presentation caught the attention of the public globally, especially with images showcasing the event as if it were set directly above the ancient Parthenon.

However, questions have been raised regarding the legitimacy of the necessary permits. The Hellenic Ministry of Culture claims that the event was conducted without their official sanction. Although Adidas asserts it obtained all required approvals through the Zappeion Hall‘s Administrative Council, it appears the Ministry, responsible for safeguarding Greece’s cultural sites, was not consulted as protocol demands.

Drone Show Over Acropolis Sparks Legal Inquiry
Drone Show Over Acropolis Sparks Legal Inquiry

Consequently, a rapid preliminary investigation has been initiated by the Athens Public Prosecutor’s Office. The probe aims to ascertain any infringement of laws pertaining to cultural heritage or other unlawful activities. This investigation is being carried out by the Acropolis Security Division following a formal complaint lodged by the Ministry of Culture.

In light of the judicial proceedings, Adidas issued a formal statement. The company clarified that their event adhered strictly to the confines of Zappeion Hall, adhering to all grants obtained and explicitly denied utilizing images of the Acropolis in any promotional or other unauthorized capacities.

This situation has sparked significant debate around managing modern commercial activities that intersect with historical landmarks. It raises critical questions about the governance and approval processes for events near sensitive cultural sites in Greece, underscoring the ongoing tensions between commercial interests and cultural preservation.

Info: ‘Greek Learner News’ is a service from ‘Let’s Learn Greek,’ a language school dedicated to providing comprehensive education in the Greek language. We offer various types of online Greek course options to accommodate learners of different levels and needs.


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