The first dig for the construction of a Greek school took place last week in Berg am Laim of Munich, with a celebration led by the pontifical dean of the Ecumenical Throne A. Malamousis, presence of the Consul General of Greece in Munich, Sofia Grammata and representatives of the Greek community of the region.

According to the design, the school, which can accomodate 750 students will be ready in 2016. The construction will cost 26 million euros.

During the ceremony, the Dean thanked the Greek state and especially PM Antonis Samaras and Education Minister K. Arvanitopoulos for the decision to build the school despite difficulties, while Ms. Grammata conveyed a congraluratory message to the Education Minister.

The commencement of construction of the first private owned Greek School in Bavaria was highlighted in two major newspapers of the region, where they mentioned the effort to prevent the return of the 15000 sq.m land plot to the city of Munich.

Suddeutsche Zeitugn referms to a “Greek charm offensive” as the municipality had threatened to activate a clause which provided for the return of the property if the construction had not begun according to specific deadlines.