Pierrakakis asks for the Drone Show on the Acropolis asks

The Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, are invited to explain the members of the Board of Directors of the Olympic Committee and Bequests, who granted a license to a sportswear company for a drone show in Zappeion, after the storm of reactions caused by a Dr. sportswear, adidas, for about six minutes above the city, with the backdrop of the Acropolis.

According to sources from the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, « the contract signed and the price, disproportionate to the value and symbolism of the Zappeion area, are based on an outdated institutional framework and pricing policy unchanged for almost 20 years. »

All of the above, they note, « certify the correctness of the decision of the Ministry of Finance’s political leadership to change the way public property is used, including public institutions and inheritances. »

As they say, « in the coming weeks, the new law on institutions, public property, school legacies and donations to the State will be ready. It will provide for the overall change of philosophy in their exploitation, with the aim of maximizing the public benefit. « 

« In this context, » the same sources emphasize, « the Olympia and bequest Committee, which will undertake to carry out the new venture and will emerge after the law is adopted, will make drastic decisions on how to operate, by implementing a different pricing policy, among others. The impact clauses and insurance valves will also be provided for those who lease these sites. « 

Meanwhile, the Olympia and Heritage Committee, in its announcement, clarifies that « the flight was made exclusively within the Zappeion premises », adding that its Board of Directors « complied with applicable legislation and approved pricing policy ».

« The Committee of Olympia and Heritage, following publications, informs that: by complying with the provisions of the laws, it decided – following the documents granted it by the applicant company – to lease a space of 200 sqm on 15 May for the Drone Show. The flight of these drones was made exclusively within the Zappeion premises, « he says.

He stresses that « the board has complied with the current legislation and approved pricing policy for this lease, and it is noted that in the recent past there were similar events of private and public bodies. The photos that have seen the light of publicity have not been taken under any contract with the Commission. « 

Civil Aviation Authority: He did not throw the flock of drones to the Acropolis

At the same time, the Civil Aviation Authority (APA), with its own announcement, accompanied by characteristic photos, informs that « the licensing granted to DRNS Show Experience for the Drone Show on May 15, 2025 at Zappeion Palace, on behalf of Essence MediaCom and Adidas Hellas. operation and use of drones and have been issued in accordance with the current legal and regulatory framework, as well as after a risk assessment study. « 

« We note that the company has fully complied with the security conditions provided for by European law and the framework of the European Aviation Security Agency (EASA). The drones flight was operated exclusively in a controlled area, with a ban on access to the public and the specified security distances as set out in the approved business plan, « he adds.

And he emphasizes that « according to the available photographic material, both by stable and mobile means, it is confirmed that the activity of the SEAs was limited to the predetermined flight area, which was clearly delineated above the Zappeion Park, according to the approved license ».

« APA It monitors the application of regulations and ensures public protection as well as the smooth and safe operation of the airspace. Any information referred to in illegal or inappropriate licensing procedures does not correspond to reality, ”the Civil Aviation Authority said.

Finally, it is clarified that the responsibilities of the APA. They are limited exclusively to flight safety and use of airspace. « APA It has no responsibility for taking or managing photos or videos that may have been taken during the event, ”he notes.