Training Day is the first day of each ECB Simulation Conference for university students, where distinguished representatives of institutions, the market and academia share their knowledge and experiences with the conference participants.
The Training Day of the 7th ECB Simulation Conference was held at the Amphitheater of the Karatza Megaron of the National Bank of Greece on the 15th of December 2023 (the remaining days, 16-18 of December, were held at the Troias Building of the Athens University of Economics and Business). The examined topics of the Conference were:
Here we present the remarks of the speakers that participated in the first discussion panel the focused on the Digital Euro Project. In this discussion panel, we were honored to have Mr. Antonis Ballis, Assistant Professor in Finance & Programme Director of MSc in Finance & MSc in FinTech at Aston University, Mr. Christos Kallandranis, Assistant Professor in Finance at the Department of Accounting and Finance at the University of West Attica and Mr. Dimitris Anastasiou, Visiting Professor at the Athens University of Economics and Business.
The first panel of the Training Day commenced with Mr. Antonis Ballis, Assistant Professor in Finance & Programme Director of MSc in Finance & MSc in FinTech at Aston University, delving into the categories of digital money, emphasizing the Digital Euro. Initially, the Digital Euro was presented as a natural outcome of the FinTech industry, which has been rapidly developing in the past 15 years. According to Mr. Ballis, the creation of Bitcoin (whose initial goal was to replace existing forms of money was unsuccessful) triggered the rapid growth of the Fintech industry, which changed the landscape of payment systems.
Mr. Ballis then pointed out that the definition of digital currency is broad as it covers different types of digital currencies, presenting the main categories of digital currencies. In particular, the three main categories of digital currencies are as follows: (a) cryptocurrencies; (b) virtual currencies; and (c) central bank digital currencies. On the digital euro, he explained that we cannot yet provide a comprehensive description as it has not been developed and there is no clear information on how it will operate. Mr. Ballis stressed, however, that it will serve as a complementary payment option to cash (or any other payment system), without replacing it. He concluded his presentation by highlighting the potential of the digital euro in making the euro area independent of third-party payment systems.
The panel discussion proceeded with Mr. Christos Kallandranis, Assistant Professor in Finance at the Department of Accounting and Finance at the University of West Attica, who focused on the evolution of the euro into also a digital currency that will coexist with its other forms, as a result of digital transformation.
Mr. Kallandranis highlighted the digital euro as an opportunity for the ECB, the central banks, and the economy in general, due to the added value of the services it is expected to provide and the development of a payment system that can compete effectively with third-party providers from outside the Eurozone. Additionally, he clarified that the launch of the digital euro would not expand the ECB’s balance sheet, as an equivalent amount of existing money would be “replaced” with digital euros. Furthermore, he identified as a key point the development of the necessary legislative framework for the circulation of the digital euro, stressing the need for it to function as legal tender, safeguard users’ personal data, and provide zero-cost transactions. In conclusion, Mr. Kallandranis underscored that the evolution of the currency is both inevitable and a logical progression, given the ongoing transformation of our society and economy.
The panel discussion concluded with remarks from Mr. Dimitris Anastasiou, Visiting Professor at the Athens University of Economics and Business, who emphasized on the significance of the digital euro as a complementary form of transactions.
Mr. Anastasiou delved into the Reverse Waterfall mechanism, illustrating how it can make the digital euro a convenient payment solution. He then pointed out the ECB’s commitment to enabling offline use of the digital euro, promoting financial inclusion. Highlighting the potential benefits, Mr. Anastasiou stressed that adopting the digital euro would enhance the efficiency of interbank and cross-border transactions, facilitating the free movement of capital and promoting international trade. He also emphasized the associated risks of incorporating the digital euro, including a potential squeeze on lending and deposit interest rate margins, cybersecurity risks, and the potentially high costs linked to technological advancement. In concluding his speech, Mr. Anastasiou underscored the necessity of establishing an appropriate legal framework to mitigate negative impacts and promote the positive effects that adopting the digital euro could bring to the banking sector.
I am one of the co-founders of Get Involved with which I have participated in the planning and implementation of numerous initiatives that have impacted more than 3,000 university students and graduates. My role entails the coordination of the overall organization, the project management of our various and diverse initiatives, and the strategy formulation.
My work in Get Involved reflects my commitment to have an active role in empowering the youth, their “voices” and to strive to nurture a positive culture where young people can develop to their full potential.
I’m a Law student and since May 2025, I’ve been part of the Communications team at Get Involved. I’ve always been an outgoing person who enjoys working with others, so I immediately felt that this role suits me well. I’m really interested in sustainability, mainly because I feel like we’re the first generation truly experiencing the consequences of the environmental crisis. I believe that each of us can contribute to something better, in our own way. Through this team, I hope to learn, grow, and collaborate with people who share the same concerns and vision. I also hope to bring my own perspective and energy to everything we do.
My name is Konstantina Katsimicha, and I am an undergraduate student at the Department of Economics of the Athens University of Economics and Business.
In 2024, I participated in the 8th ECB Conference; an experience that significantly deepened my understanding of monetary policy, financial institutions, and the broader economic framework of the Εuro area.
In 2025, I joined Get Involved as a Junior Associate in both the Communications and Social Media Management teams. Through this role, I contribute to the promotion of our initiatives and help manage our online presence, while also developing valuable communication, organizational, and teamwork skills.
What inspired me to become part of Get Involved is the team’s vision and spirit to enhance economic literacy among young people and foster a space where ideas, knowledge, and skills can grow through collaboration. Being surrounded by passionate peers committed to impactful initiatives motivates me to learn, evolve, and contribute actively.
My name is Angelina Arfani, and I am an undergraduate student in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of the Peloponnese. I have joined the Get Involved team as a Junior Associate in the Operations and Communications departments, where I contribute to the efficient coordination of initiatives and assist in enhancing the organization’s outreach and engagement.
I believe that Get Involved is an innovative initiative driven by individuals committed to creating meaningful change. Being part of this team has provided me with the opportunity to expand my knowledge, develop key skills, and showcase my abilities, all while collaborating with passionate individuals who share a common vision.
My name is Konstantina Triantafyllopoulou, and I am an undergraduate Political Science & Public Administration university student at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Also, I am currently enrolled in the American College of Greece, pursuing a minor in Human Resources Management.
I joined Get Involved in 2025 as a Junior Associate in the communications team, where I help by communicating with external partners and with the promotion of our initiatives. The key factors that motivated me to join were my ambition to engage within the community and broaden both my understanding and skills around finances, communication, entrepreneurship, and youth-led projects.
Being an active member of Get Involved highlights my keen enthusiasm for promoting financial literacy, actively engaging with the youth community, and embracing the core values of this team.
My name is Lila Kartali and I am an undergraduate student in the Department of International and European Studies at the University of Piraeus. I joined the team in February 2024, and since then I have happily been part of the Corporate Communications, Social Media, External Opportunities, and Scientific team. The diversity of the topics I deal with in each department, as well as the collaboration and interaction with ambitious people, are a pleasant challenge for me.
For me, Get Involved is an opportunity to develop various skills and strengthen my knowledge background on sustainability and monetary policy issues. Moreover, the fact that it is a youth initiative, by people from different scientific fields collaborating for a common goal, is the reason why I want to be part of it.
As an active member of Get Involved’s Associates, I am part of engaging and continuously evolving projects centered on strengthening financial literacy among young people in Greece and Europe. Moreover, by combining my studies in computer science, I am an integral part of Get Involved’s ongoing digital transformation journey.
My contributions to Get Involved reflect my commitment to supporting its ultimate goal of social contribution and raising awareness of financial literacy issues among youth.
My name is Maria Anastasopoulou and I am an undergraduate student at the Law School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. My participation in Get Involved started in 2023, whereas now I am an Associate and a member of the Legal Team, where I help handle the group’s legal issues, prepare legal educational materials and represent the group in the ECB Simulation Conference. Additionally, I participate in the stream for Student and Youth Organizations, where I develop my communication skills by interacting with external partners and other youth initiatives. I am also a member of the Scientific Team and contribute to the structuring of the group’s studies, such as the “ESG & Sustainability Youth Perspectives”, while simultaneously developing my research and writing skills.
The drive behind my involvement with the team is the exceptional academic and research level of my colleagues and the passion for the field. The shared values of mutual respect, the desire for progress and innovation, and continuous new’ goal setting, motivate me to contribute and join in a common evolutionary path.
I am particularly grateful for my participation in Get Involved, as it provides me the opportunity to significantly broaden my economic and legal knowledge, delve further into areas of interest and collaborate with some of the most active and accomplished young people, from whom I learn daily.
Apostolos Karasakalidis holds a bachelor’s degree in law (2023) from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, a master’s degree in European Business and Economic Law (2025) from the same university, and is currently pursuing an advanced master’s program in Intellectual Property and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Law at KU Leuven. He is a certified Data Protection Officer (DPO) and is registered with the Thessaloniki Bar Association as a lawyer.
He has been a Legal Associate at Get Involved since August 2022 and became Scientific Associate in April 2025. Apostolos participates in Get Involved because he believes in the added value of collaboration among young scholars from different academic backgrounds. Furthermore, he is interested in the green transition of the EU economy and supports the promotion of financial literacy among young people.
“Opportunities don’t just come to you – Υou create them.” – Chris Grosser
I joined Get Involved in 2019, I have progressed to the role of Senior Associate, and I currently am a member of the Legal Team. My participation in the team has provided me with valuable opportunities, and experiences, and it has given me the chance to work with numerous active youths. I have taken part in various initiatives, such as the ECB Simulation Conferences, and have had multiple responsibilities, including developing educational materials and participating in the communications team. I appreciate Get Involved’s commitment to fostering a collaborative environment that empowers young university students and professionals.
Antonis Ballis holds a Doctoral degree in Finance (2021) from Athens University of Economics and Business, a specialized Master’s degree in Applied Economics and Data Analysis (2016) from the University of Patras (2016), and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2014) from Athens University of Economics and Business. In 2018 he was awarded full funding for his doctoral research on cryptocurrencies, from the Greek State Scholarships Foundation (IKY). His main research areas are Cryptocurrency/DEFI Economics, Behavioral Finance, and Financial Technology (FinTech).
“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” – Winston Churchill