ECHR case Union of Atheists v. Greece debates removal of Christian icons from Greek courtrooms. ADF defends symbols as cultural heritage, not violation of rights. Ruling pending.
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Greece dominated Turkey 20-8 in their 2026 European Water Polo Championship opener in Belgrade, powering toward the semi-finals. Highlights from Argyropoulos, Kalogeropoulos, Group F standings, and next big clash vs Italy on Jan 19. Full match report
A Greek court acquitted Syrian swimmer Sarah Mardini and 23 other rescue volunteers of charges related to aiding migrants on Lesvos, ending a seven-year legal battle criticized by human rights groups as an attack on humanitarian efforts.
Princess Irene of Greece, the younger sister of Queen Sofia of Spain and aunt to King Felipe VI, has passed away at the age of 83. She died on January 15, 2026, at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid following a period of declining health, including cognitive impairment. The Spanish and Greek royal families confirmed the news, highlighting her close family bonds and lifelong dedication to music and humanitarian causes.
Live coverage: Greece’s first Belharra-class frigate “Kimon” sails into the Saronic Gulf today, en route to Salamis Naval Base. Historic milestone for the Hellenic Navy with PM Mitsotakis and top officials attending the reception.
Greece Welcomes HS Kimon: First Belharra Frigate Arrives in Greek Waters – New Era for Hellenic Navy
HS Kimon, Greece’s first Belharra-class (FDI HN) frigate, arrives in Greek waters today, January 15, 2026, ushering in a new era of naval power with advanced air defense, SeaFire radar, and multi-role capabilities amid regional tensions.
Israel’s presidential aircraft “Wing of Zion” landed in Crete, Greece, on January 14, 2026, sparking speculation due to similar moves reportedly preceding past Israeli strikes on Iran—amid IRGC readiness claims, Trump’s warnings to Tehran over deadly protest crackdowns, and rising regional tensions.
Civil Aviation Authority chief Giorgos Saounatsos has resigned following a damning report on last week’s eight-hour radio blackout at Greek airports, which forced airspace closure and widespread flight diversions. Investigators pointed to outdated, unsupported communications technology as a key factor.
Greece’s airspace shut down for hours on Jan 4, 2026 after radio interference crippled Athens air traffic control. Outdated equipment blamed; no sabotage found. Thousands of flights disrupted.
Ecumenical Patriarchate rejects virulent Russian SVR attack on Patriarch Bartholomew as fabricated propaganda. Since 2018 Ukraine autocephaly, it ignores similar assaults to focus on its ecumenical mission.
Iran has secretly released the Greek-owned tanker St. Nikolas after a two-year detention since its seizure in January 2024 in the Gulf of Oman. Tanker Trackers reports the move, linked to U.S.-Iran oil sanctions tensions. Full update on the Greek-flagged vessel’s release.
Erdogan advisor: “If Israel moves weapons to Kastellorizo, Turkey must occupy the island immediately!” Tensions rise in the Aegean over alleged Israeli military presence on Greek islands.
Coco Gauff delivered a commanding performance to defeat Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-2 in the United Cup quarterfinal, giving the defending champion United States a crucial 1-0 lead over Greece. The World No. 4 rebounded strongly from recent serving struggles, setting up a men’s singles clash between Taylor Fritz and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Stefanos Tsitsipas rallies from a set down to defeat Billy Harris 4-6, 6-1, 7-6(4) in a thrilling tiebreak, giving Greece a crucial 1-0 lead over Great Britain at the United Cup. Next up: Emma Raducanu faces Maria Sakkari, with Raducanu holding a perfect 4-0 head-to-head record.
Veteran Greek journalist and iconic ANT1 morning show host Giorgos Papadakis passed away suddenly on January 4, 2026, at the age of 74 after suffering a severe heart attack in Kolonaki, Athens.
On January 4, 2026, massive airborne radio interference disrupted nearly all frequencies in the Athens FIR, grounding flights across Greece and causing widespread delays. The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) described it as an unprecedented incident, deploying a special aircraft to investigate the source while gradually restoring operations.
Greek airspace is recovering after a complete loss of radio frequencies this morning affected the Athens (LGGG) and Macedonia (LGMD) regions. Flights are now departing and arriving at major airports including Athens (ATH) and Thessaloniki (SKG), though operations remain at reduced rates.
A major technical malfunction in radio frequencies has disrupted the entire Greek airspace on January 4, 2026, making takeoffs and landings impossible at all Greek airports, including Athens International. The Athens FIR has been temporarily closed while repairs are underway.
Breaking: US President Trump announces Nicolás Maduro and wife Cilia Flores captured in large-scale strike on Venezuela. They are being flown out to face charges. Details emerging.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will visit Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne on March 25, 2026, for Greek Independence Day. Annual celebrations will feature 50 Greek flags flying and 20 buildings illuminated in blue and white, with a special request for Parliament House in Canberra to light up in Greek colors.
Greek tennis sensation Maria Sakkari is engaged to Konstantinos Mitsotakis, son of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The proposal happened over Christmas 2025, with the couple planning a 2027 wedding. Sakkari has been spotted wearing a stunning family heirloom engagement ring.
A devastating fire erupted at Le Constellation bar in the luxury Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana early on New Year’s Day 2026, claiming around 40 lives and injuring over 100 others during crowded celebrations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Evangelical Christian leaders in Palm Beach, Florida, on December 31, 2025, that Israel is participating in an emerging international alliance to support persecuted Christian communities worldwide. He highlighted efforts in Africa and the Middle East, accused Turkey of persecution,
Crete faced intense pressure from unabated irregular sea arrivals of undocumented migrants in 2025, with estimates reaching nearly 21,000 by year-end—a dramatic increase from previous years—primarily via the Libya-to-Crete route, overwhelming temporary facilities in Heraklion and Chania despite government measures.
A 3.9 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Rhodes, Greece, on Monday evening, December 29, 2025. The tremor occurred at 19:00 local time, with no reports of damage or injuries.
President Trump revealed in a radio interview that U.S. forces “knocked out” a major drug-related facility in Venezuela, marking the first known onshore strike in the ongoing campaign against networks tied to Nicolás Maduro’s regime. Officials confirmed the destruction to The New York Times but provided no details on location or method.
Athens in the Vardousia Mountains ended tragically on December 26, 2025. They were found unconscious and buried under an avalanche, along with a woman. A large-scale rescue operation involving drones and search dogs had been underway amid extreme weather conditions.
President Donald Trump announced on December 25, 2025, that U.S. forces conducted precision airstrikes against ISIS militants in northwest Nigeria, targeting those accused of killing innocent Christians. The operation fulfilled prior warnings and was carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
Maria Pappa, a 42-year-old Greek flight attendant with nearly 20 years of experience, tragically died in the December 23, 2025, crash of a Falcon 50 private jet near Ankara, Turkey. The aircraft, operated by Harmony Jets, was carrying Libya’s Chief of General Staff Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad and senior officials when it reported an electrical failure and crashed, killing all eight on board.
At the 10th Trilateral Summit in Jerusalem on December 22, 2025, leaders from Israel, Greece, and Cyprus signed a joint declaration to deepen cooperation in energy, defense, innovation, and tourism, reaffirming the alliance’s role in promoting stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
