Radio Amateur Association of Greece
National amateur radio society representing Greece in the IARU.
The Radio Amateur Association of Greece (RAAG), also referred to by its Greek acronym ΕΕΡ, is a national non-profit group serving amateur radio operators in Greece. It was established in February 1958, a time when the Greek government held a negative view of amateur radio, creating major obstacles for the organization. RAAG advocates for Greek amateur radio enthusiasts with national, European, and international telecom regulators, and it serves as Greece’s member society in the International Amateur Radio Union.
Members of RAAG gain access to benefits such as sponsored operating awards, radio contests, and a QSL bureau for those who regularly contact foreign amateur radio operators. The association is led by a President and six committee members, all elected by secret ballot for two-year terms.
Among its activities, RAAG runs a national Field Day on the first full weekend of September, handing out awards to participating Greek stations. The society also holds an annual Hamfest in the Athens area on the first weekend of June. In emergency communications, RAAG works with local radio clubs under the name HARES (Hellenic Amateur Radio Emergency Services). The group maintains a nationwide network of voice repeaters and packet radio digipeaters across Greece, plus a few radio propagation beacons. A club station operates from RAAG’s central office in downtown Athens.
The society publishes a bimonthly bulletin called SV-News (ISSN 1106-191X), which covers technical topics and amateur radio operations. It also produces training and operating guide books in Greek. In 2008, RAAG acquired the Greek-language rights to the book "Ethics and Operating Procedures for the Radio Amateur" and had it translated.
Quick Facts
- Abbreviation
- RAAG, ΈΕΡ
- Formation
- 1958
- Purpose
- Advocacy, Education
- Location
- Peristeri, Greece / 38.005049 · 23.700479 · yes
- Region Served
- Greece
- Num Members
- 1150
- Language
- Greek
- Leader Title
- President
- Leader Name
- Emmanuel Darkadakis SV1IW
- Main Organ
- SV NEA
- Affiliations
- International Amateur Radio Union
- Budget
- €35,000
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Radio Amateur Association of Greece was founded in February 1958, a time when the Greek Government held a negative attitude toward amateur radio, creating great difficulties for the society's establishment. Despite these early challenges, RAAG grew to become the official representative of Greek amateur radio operators at national, European, and international levels. The society is governed by a President and six committee members, all elected by secret ballot for two-year terms.
RAAG organizes several annual events, including the national Field Day on the first full weekend of September, where awards are issued to participating Greek amateur radio stations. The society also holds a regular annual Hamfest in the Athens area on the first weekend of June. In the realm of emergency communications, RAAG is active under the name Hellenic Amateur Radio Emergency Services (HARES), working in cooperation with local radio clubs and societies.
The society maintains a nationwide network of voice repeaters and packet radio digipeaters throughout Greece, along with a small number of radio propagation beacons. A club radio station is located in the central office of RAAG in downtown Athens. RAAG publishes a bimonthly bulletin, SV-News, covering technical topics and amateur radio operation activities, and has produced training and operating guide books in Greek. In 2008, it acquired the Greek-language rights for the book "Ethics and Operating Procedures for the Radio Amateur," which was translated into Greek.
Reader's Guide
The Radio Amateur Association of Greece holds significance as the primary national organization for amateur radio in Greece, having been founded in 1958 despite governmental opposition. Its role as the Greek member society of the International Amateur Radio Union gives it a formal voice in international amateur radio policy and regulation. The society's sponsorship of operating awards and radio contests, along with its QSL bureau for international communicators, provides tangible benefits to its membership and fosters global amateur radio connections.
RAAG's legacy includes the establishment of a nationwide infrastructure of voice repeaters, packet radio digipeaters, and propagation beacons, supporting reliable communication across Greece. Its emergency communications arm, HARES, demonstrates the practical value of amateur radio in disaster response, working with local clubs. The society's publications, including the bimonthly SV-News and translated operating guides, contribute to the education and standardization of amateur radio practices in the Greek language. The annual Field Day and Hamfest events create regular opportunities for community building and operational practice among Greek amateurs.
Did You Know?
- RAAG was founded in February 1958 despite a negative attitude from the Greek Government toward amateur radio.
- The society's emergency communications service is called the Hellenic Amateur Radio Emergency Services (HARES).
- RAAG publishes a bimonthly bulletin titled SV-News with ISSN 1106-191X.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Radio Amateur Association of Greece?
RAAG (known in Greek as ΕΕΡ) is a national non-profit organization that represents amateur radio operators throughout Greece. Founded in February 1958, it serves as the country's official member society within the International Amateur Radio Union.
What is RAAG's role in the amateur radio community?
The association advocates on behalf of Greek ham operators before national telecom regulators as well as European and international bodies. It also provides members with benefits such as sponsored operating awards and other resources for the amateur community.
How was RAAG founded?
The group was established in February 1958 during a period when the Greek government held a largely negative attitude toward amateur radio, which created significant obstacles for the new organization. Despite this hostile regulatory climate, the founders pushed through to create a formal national body for hams.
How is RAAG governed?
Leadership consists of a president and six additional committee members, all chosen by secret ballot for a two-year term. This small elected board handles the day-to-day direction of the association.
What recurring events and publications does RAAG run?
The association holds its National Field Day on the first full weekend of September and an annual hamfest on the first weekend of June in the Athens area. It also publishes a bimonthly bulletin called SV-News (ISSN 1106-191X) for its membership.
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