The Training Day serves as the inaugural day of the annual ECB Simulation Conference for university students, where distinguished representatives from institutions, businesses, and academia share their knowledge and experiences with the participants.
The Training Day for the 8th Conference took place at the Bank of Greece on November 22, 2024.
The key themes of the Conference were:
The 8th Conference was made possible thanks to the invaluable support of the Bank of Greece, the Hellenic Bank Association, Alpha Bank, PwC Greece, the National Bank of Greece, and the Athens University of Economics and Business.
Here, we highlight the positions of the speakers during the discussion panel on the digital euro initiative and its potential impact on the existing payment systems. We are greatly honoured to have speakers such as Mr. Konstantinos Drakos, Professor, Department of Accounting and Finance, Athens University of Economics and Business, Mr. Antonis Ballis, Director of MSc FinTech, Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Finance, Aston Business School, Mr. Christos Kalandranis, Assistant Professor of Corporate Finance, Department of Accounting and Finance, University of West Attica and Mr. Dimitris Anastasiou, Assistant Professor, Athens University of Economics and Business.
Following the presentation of Mr. Drakos, Mr. Dimitris Anastasiou presented the innovation of the Digital Euro, emphasizing its transformative potential for the financial sector. He highlighted that the Digital Euro is expected to revolutionize the industry by enabling 24/7 payments, both online and offline, while complementing cash. This will offer greater operational efficiency and will lower costs for cross-border transactions, enhancing global competitiveness.
To guarantee financial stability, Mr. Anastasiou noted that the ECB plans to implement restrictions on the amount of funds that can be held in Digital Euros and the scope of transactions through digital wallets. These measures aim to prevent significant deposit outflows from banks, ensuring the financial system remains undisturbed.
He further outlined the benefits of the Digital Euro, such as promoting financial inclusion, particularly for the 6% of Europeans without a bank account, and generating new revenue streams for banks through innovative services. However, he cautioned about challenges in cybersecurity, the substantial investment costs required for new technologies, and the potential for deposit outflows to digital wallets. This concern is particularly relevant for Greek banks, which have a smaller deposit base compared to their European counterparts.
The discussion panel concluded with Mr. Antonis Ballis, who addressed the challenges and opportunities associated with the Digital Euro, drawing lessons from the example of China’s digital currency (Digital Yuan). He noted that China has implemented a successful pilot program, setting different transaction limits for verified and unverified users. This approach has prevented deposit outflows while attracting foreign capital inflows.
Referring to Europe, he highlighted that the ECB has been slow in implementing the Digital Euro, allowing space and time for the private sector to develop alternatives such as stablecoins. He warned of the risk that depositors may lack incentives to keep their funds in traditional banks due to low interest rates, potentially leading to deposit losses.
Mr. Ballis further emphasized that discussions around the security and anonymity of digital currencies often lack substance, considering that existing technologies already face security challenges. He proposed the need for thorough public education and awareness campaigns about the Digital Euro to ensure its understanding and acceptance by the public. Lastly, he stressed that delays in the rollout of the Digital Euro could create a void that private initiatives might fill, posing significant risks to the monetary stability of the Eurozone.
The final discussion panel of the Training Day began with Mr. Konstantinos Drakos, who provided a comprehensive overview of the Digital Euro, emphasizing its necessity and strategic importance. He stated that the ECB must accelerate its efforts in developing the Digital Euro, as any delays would not be beneficial. He described it as an innovation with the potential to transform the financial sector, reducing the dependency on non-European payment providers, and enhancing financial inclusion, particularly for individuals without access to banking services.
While acknowledging the objective challenges associated with the Digital Euro, Mr. Drakos highlighted its potential to act as a catalyst for innovation and competitiveness. He noted that it could strengthen trust in public money and facilitate the transition to digital transformation.
Moving on, Mr. Christos Kallandranis analyzed the prospects and challenges of the Digital Euro, emphasizing the need for adaptability and foresight in digital transformation. He clarified that the Digital Euro is not intended to replace cash but to strengthen the existing currency by serving as a parallel, fully convertible means of payment.
He highlighted the significant increase in digital transactions in Greece, where approximately 50% of payments are digital, and 20% of interbank transactions are executed instantly through systems like IRIS. He explained that the Digital Euro can enhance trust in public money by providing secure, transparent, and cost-effective transactions. He also emphasized that, unlike cryptocurrencies, the Digital Euro offers stability, regulatory compliance, and the integration of new technologies.
Additionally, Mr. Kallandranis pointed out Digital Euro’s potential for both online and offline use, ensuring privacy and accountability while reducing dependence on non-European payment providers. Despite challenges such as cybersecurity risks and the need for investments in the banking sector, he stressed that the Digital Euro will act as a driver of innovation and operational efficiency, bolstering financial inclusion and the international competitiveness of the Eurozone.
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