Irene Andriopoulou is a media and culture policy analyst with over two decades of experience in the public sector, specializing in media and film literacy as core human rights that empower users’ critical and creative expression. Her work centers on children’s and youth engagement within Culture and Creative Industries.

She is the Director of Education and Heritage Unit, Greek Film Directorate General at EKKOMEΔ. Previously, she was the Director of Creative Hub GR for Innovation, Education and Technology and served also as Advisor to the CEO, at EKKOMED. Appointed as Executive Director of CIFEJ – the International Center of Films for Children and Young People (2025–2027), under the umbrella of EKKOMEΔ. Earlier in her career, she was Head of Media Literacy at the Hellenic Audiovisual Institute (2004–2011), where she introduced media literacy into the Greek public policy agenda. She later, worked as Program Analyst at ERT (2013–2015) on children’s television programming, Officer Executive at Ministry of Digital Policy / Governance and (2015-2018) as Head of Education and Research at EKOME (2018–2023).

At the international level, Irene has collaborated extensively with the European Commission, UNESCO, Council of Europe, United Nations, and OSCE, serving as consultant, researcher, policy expert, and trainer. Elected Secretary General of the International Steering Committee for UNESCO Media & Information Literacy Alliance (2019–2022) and ex-officio in its North America & Europe Chapter. Coordinator of UNESCO Mediterranean Group, a regional network led by EKKOMEΔ with over 60 institutional members from 11 Mediterranean countries. In 2023, she received the 1st Global MIL Award for her sustained global advocacy.

At the EU level, Irene is a longstanding member of the Media Literacy Expert Group (DG CONNECT) since 2006, and a member of the Expert Groups on Combatting Disinformation through Education and Training (DG EAC, 2022, 2025), as well as the Greek delegate to EU Creative Europe/MEDIA. Worked also as Senior Research Fellow at ELIAMEP (2022–2025) on REBOOT project.

A published author and public speaker, Irene has contributed to over 35 publications and 80 international events. BA in Communication and Mass Media (University of Athens), MA in Media Studies (University of Sussex), and PhD candidate at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.

Favorite films of all times (well, a selection): 2001 A Space Odyssey (1968), Hitchcock’s filmography, and most of Yorgos Lanthimos films for that weird discomfort that he brings to spectatorship.