Internationale Politikanalyse International Policy Analysis Jens Bastian Greece in Southeast Europe Political Opportunities and Economic Challenges  The change of government in Athens following the general elections of October 2009 offers new impetus for pro-active Greek foreign policy initiatives in the region of southeast Europe.  The economic and financial crisis in southeast Europe has contributed to a severe deterioration of GDP and foreign direct investments, declining trade capacity and far-reaching social implications.  The Greek economy has invested heavily in the neighbouring countries, in particular the financial sector. Greek banks have become strongly de­pendent on the return of these countries’ economies to medium-term stability and long-term viability.  Greece’s strategic economic role in southeast Europe is defined by en­ergy and transport links, as well as serving as a gateway for foreign direct investment in neighbouring countries.  Prime Minister Papandreou has a strong political mandate in parlia­ment. His government will have to deliver quickly on the economic front. But he can gain additional traction and political leverage if he moves de­cisively in foreign policy, most notably in Greece’s immediate neighbour­hood. FEBRUARY 2010