During the tumultuous years of World War II, Greece’s ancient treasures became both targets of exploitation and symbols of resistance. Dr. Stavros Paspalas explores this often-overlooked story, revealing the human drama behind the preservation and loss of these invaluable artifacts. From Nazi Germany’s perverse Philhellenism to the heroic efforts of Greek citizens, this narrative highlights the complex relationship between power, ideology, and cultural heritage.
Greece
Greece and Israel are reportedly ready to sign a significant energy cooperation agreement in Athens, with a primary focus on the long-delayed Great Sea Interconnector project. This strategic initiative involves deep-sea electrical connections between Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, which has faced challenges due to unresolved issues between Cyprus and Greece. The agreement is expected to include additional collaborations in renewable energy, energy storage, and hydrogen projects.
Greece’s Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, approved the 2025 State Budget, highlighting a combination of tax cuts and salary increases. The budget forecasts strong economic growth, with Greece’s rates significantly outpacing those of the EU. Key measures also include continued pro-investment policies and planned railway reforms.
Researchers from three US universities, as part of the Pyla-Koutsopetria Archaeological Project, have discovered an early-Hellenistic fortified settlement at Pyla-Vigla overlooking Larnaka Bay. This season’s findings reveal a military installation from the late 4th and early 3rd centuries BC, marked by fortification systems and various artifacts, including a 5th-century BC female figurine and bronze coins. Future excavations aim to further explore the settlement’s architectural and residential complexities.
In the first ten months of 2024, Greece recorded a significant increase in domestic violence cases, with over 18,000 incidents reported. The majority of victims were women, and most perpetrators were men, highlighting an alarming trend. The rise in reported incidents may be influenced by improved reporting mechanisms, including specialized police offices and the availability of a panic button for victims seeking help.
A map published by the European Commission’s Maritime Spatial Planning Platform (European MSP Platform) has…
Stefanos Kasselakis, former SYRIZA leadership contender, launched his new center-left party, “Movement for Democracy,” in Athens on Saturday. Positioning the party as a participatory and democratic alternative, Kasselakis outlined key policy positions including economic reform, strengthened public services, and a modernized approach to governance. This move comes as SYRIZA, now no longer the main opposition party, prepares for its own leadership election.
A 25-year-old British man died while diving in Vouliagmeni, Greece. His diving instructor and assistant have been arrested as authorities investigate the incident.
Athens, Greece – November 23, 2024: A British Airways Airbus A320neo (registration G-NEOW) operating flight…
A polar jet stream is bringing snow and freezing temperatures to Greek cities this weekend. A dramatic temperature drop of up to 10°C is expected, with strong winds and even snow possible in urban areas. While significant accumulation is not predicted, major cities will see temperatures well below 10°C on Sunday and Monday
Greece ranks 32nd in the projected 2025 Global Firepower index, highlighting its significant military capabilities within NATO. Despite regional tensions, particularly with Turkey, Greece maintains a strong defense posture with a modern air force, navy, and army, contributing to regional security and stability.
Greece has pledged significant support to key Orthodox Christian patriarchates, creating 600 clergy positions to counter Russian influence and bolster its own religious and geopolitical standing. This move aims to stabilize struggling patriarchates in the face of Russian expansionism and comes amid heightened tensions within the Orthodox world following the Ukrainian Church’s independence. The initiative marks a strategic investment by Greece in the complex intersection of religion and international relations.
Following Donald Trump’s recent election victory, an increasing number of affluent Americans are considering European relocation through Golden Visa programs, with Greece emerging as a top destination.
A 49-year-old literature and language teacher was arrested by the Special Crimes of Violence Directorate for his alleged connection to a storage space in Athens found to contain a substantial cache of weapons and explosives. Authorities were alerted to the dangerous discovery by the space’s owner earlier this week.
Greece has signed an agreement with the European Commission and the European Investment Bank to create a fund aimed at helping its islands, which heavily rely on tourism, transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. This initiative seeks to lower energy costs and promote sustainable practices, ensuring a greener future for these sunlit Aegean and Ionian islands.
Santorini outshined other Cycladic islands by generating €376 million in accommodation and catering revenue during Q3, despite a 9% decline from the previous year. Mykonos followed closely with over €309 million, while Milos and Paros reported notable increases. Nationally, the accommodation sector saw a 6.9% growth
Plan your 2025 travels in Greece with this guide to important holidays. From the vibrant celebrations of Carnival and Tsiknopempti to the solemn observances of Lent and Easter, understand the key dates and traditions that shape the Greek calendar year. This guide covers major religious holidays like Easter and the Annunciation, national holidays like Labor Day, and traditional festivities like Clean Monday.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has reiterated his government’s commitment to judicial reform, highlighting 30 institutional changes implemented since 2019. Mitsotakis identified slow court proceedings, limited digitalization, and the need for infrastructure and training improvements as key challenges. He emphasized that the reforms aim to address systemic issues, not judicial competence.
Greek finances are exceeding expectations, with the country repaying bailout loans ahead of schedule and anticipating a budget surplus for 2025, according to German newspaper Handelsblatt. This strong economic performance is driven by increased tax revenues, although Greece continues to address a VAT gap larger than the EU average.
A 2,600-year-old inscription in Turkey has been deciphered, revealing a dedication to the Phrygian goddess Materan, also known as the “Mother” or “Mother of the Gods,” a deity also revered by the ancient Greeks. The inscription is located on the Arslan Kaya (Lion Rock) monument, which is decorated with lions and sphinxes. This confirms a long-held theory about the inscription’s meaning, potentially ending a century of debate.