Greece has finalised its institutional framework for data centre licensing, paving the way for the country to become a global digital hub. A new Joint Ministerial Decision, effective from 1 March 2025, sets clear regulations for data centres based on their capacity and service type. Deputy Development Minister Anna Mani-Papadimitriou hailed the move as a key step in modernising Greece’s digital infrastructure and attracting international investment.
The Crete-Attica electrical interconnection, Greece’s largest and most advanced energy transmission project, has reached a major milestone with the successful completion of the Site Acceptance Test (SAT). Spanning 380 kilometers and incorporating cutting-edge direct current technology, the €1.1 billion project is set to launch in spring 2025, enhancing Greece’s energy reliability and sustainability.
THI Australia will celebrate its 10th Anniversary with a Gala Dinner on March 22, 2025, at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney. The event will highlight a decade of support for Greece, featuring performances by Greek artist Kostas Karafotis and special tributes to key contributors. Proceeds will aid initiatives in healthcare, food security, and economic development, underscoring the Hellenic diaspora’s ongoing impact during Greece’s most challenging times.
In October 2024, the EU recorded 86,945 first-time asylum applications, a 24% drop from the previous year. Greece stood out with the highest per capita rate of applicants (79.4 per 100,000 people) and received 445 unaccompanied minors, highlighting its pivotal role in managing migration. Syrians remained the largest group of asylum seekers, while Germany, Spain, Italy, and France hosted the majority of applicants.
The Greek Parliament will elect a new Speaker on Wednesday following Konstantinos Tasoulas’ resignation after his nomination for President of the Republic. Nikitas Kaklamanis, backed by New Democracy, PASOK, SYRIZA, and other parties, is expected to win with a broad majority. The New Left and KKE will declare their presence, while a handover ceremony will follow the election.
In 2024, the EU recorded 6.7 million commercial flights, a 5.8% rise from 2023 but still below pre-pandemic levels. Athens International Airport led in non-scheduled flights among Europe’s busiest airports, highlighting Greece’s importance in seasonal and charter travel. Amsterdam Schiphol topped the list for overall flights, followed by Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt/Main.
Legendary Greek singer Marinella has returned home after 113 days in the hospital following a stroke during her September performance at the Herodeion. The 85-year-old icon will continue her recovery at home, bringing relief and hope to fans worldwide.
Ecofin has approved the medium-term fiscal-structural plans of 21 EU member states, including Greece, as part of the bloc’s new economic governance framework. Greece’s plan for 2025-2028 targets a steady reduction in public debt, from 153.7% of GDP in 2024 to 133.4% by 2028, while maintaining controlled expenditure growth. The initiative aims to ensure debt sustainability and promote inclusive economic growth across the EU.
A Greek employee of the United Nations is under investigation for allegedly embezzling over $1 million through fraudulent expense claims between 2014 and 2021. The case, initially reported to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, was transferred to Greece’s Prosecutor’s Office as the funds involved were not European. The accused, who held a senior position within the UN, faces charges of fraud and forgery and will soon testify before a magistrate.
Greece saw a rise in tourism in November 2024, with over 1 million arrivals and 2.2 million nights spent, marking year-on-year growth. Non-resident visitors led the increase, while residents accounted for the majority of arrivals. The average stay was 2.2 days, showcasing Greece’s appeal as a year-round destination.
Greek National Defence Minister Nikos Dendias will travel to the United States for a series of key engagements, including visits to the Fort Sill military base, meetings with Greek diaspora leaders in Chicago, and participation in events highlighting Greece’s global partnerships. His trip will underscore Greece’s commitment to international cooperation in defence and diplomacy.
Legendary rock star Rod Stewart will make his long-awaited Greek debut on December 13, 2025, at the OAKA Basketball Stadium in Athens as part of his “One Last Time” tour. Fans can enjoy a night of unforgettable hits, with ticket pre-sales starting soon on Sir Rod Stewart’s official website and Ticketmaster.
Greek universities are set to reduce their paper usage by 80% by 2026, as part of a new initiative for digital transformation announced by Education Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis. The plan requires universities to digitize all institutional procedures by 2025 and reduce paper consumption significantly, promoting digital infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and the development of digital skills among staff and students.
Newly released audio recordings from the tragic train collision in Tempi have intensified calls for accountability, with Nikos Plakias, a father who lost two daughters and his niece in the disaster, demanding the resignation of responsible officials. The recordings, which span several hours, reveal the full scale of the catastrophe, including the explosion that claimed 30 lives. Plakias, who has been vocal about the lack of response from authorities, questions whether Prime Minister Mitsotakis was fully aware of the situation and insists on a full investigation into the events.
A smallpox outbreak in sheep and goats has been confirmed in Heraklion, Crete, leading to a temporary ban on livestock movement for slaughter from January 21 to 28. Authorities aim to contain the disease and protect animal health, with limited slaughterhouse operations allowed for pre-transferred animals.
A deadly fire at a ski resort hotel in Bolu, Turkey, has claimed the lives of six people and injured 31 others. The blaze broke out early this morning on the restaurant floor of the 11-story hotel at the Kartalkaya ski resort. Emergency crews are still working to contain the fire, and authorities are investigating its cause. The hotel had 234 guests at the time of the incident.
Rents in Attica’s most affordable areas now exceed €500 for an 80 sq.m. apartment, highlighting the growing housing affordability crisis. Recent data shows rental prices rising by 8.5% annually, far outpacing inflation at 2.6%. Districts like Perama, Acharnes, and Ilion reflect this trend, with Moschato and Athens Center experiencing steep hikes.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis praised the Onassis Foundation’s transformative €160 million donation to establish 22 model public schools in Greece. Announced at the Maximos Mansion, the initiative aims to enhance education in socially disadvantaged areas, offering enriched programs in culture and sports. Highlighting the project’s impact, Mitsotakis emphasized the government’s commitment to equal opportunities and expanding model schools, which will benefit nearly 30,000 students over 12 years.
Chevron has shown interest in exploring hydrocarbon resources in Greece, focusing on areas southwest of the Peloponnese and west of Crete, according to the Greek Energy Ministry. The government plans to expand exploration zones by 25% and launch an international tender, emphasising Greece’s role in the global energy market amid efforts to reduce reliance on Russian gas.
A tragic fire at a nursing home in Barajevo, Belgrade, claimed eight lives and injured seven others early this morning. Emergency services rescued 13 residents from the blaze, which erupted around 3:30 a.m. local time. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, while officials expressed condolences to the victims’ families and commended the swift response of firefighters.