Tag: Greece

Mamouzelos

Peter Mamouzelos on Greece’s Rugby League Ban and His Hopes to Play on Home Soil

Peter Mamouzelos, South Sydney Rabbitohs hooker, shares his dream of playing rugby league in Greece, despite the sport being banned there for years. After a legal breakthrough in 2022, Mamouzelos hopes to play on Greek soil in future World Cup qualifiers, reflecting on the sport’s growth in his parents’ homeland.

Cyprus remains divided since Turkey’s 1974 invasion, and while recent UN-hosted talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders showed progress in confidence-building measures, deep disagreements persist. UN Secretary-General António Guterres is set to appoint an envoy to revive negotiations, but major issues—including territorial disputes and governance—continue to block a path toward reunification.

Cyprus Peace Talks: Small Steps Forward, But Deep Divisions Remain

Cyprus remains divided since Turkey’s 1974 invasion, and while recent UN-hosted talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders showed progress in confidence-building measures, deep disagreements persist. UN Secretary-General António Guterres is set to appoint an envoy to revive negotiations, but major issues—including territorial disputes and governance—continue to block a path toward reunification.

The potential revival of the EastMed pipeline under Donald Trump’s leadership signals a renewed push for energy cooperation between Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. Designed to transport Eastern Mediterranean natural gas to Europe, the project strengthens regional stability, enhances Europe’s energy independence, and reinforces the geopolitical significance of the participating nations. With renewed U.S. support, EastMed could become a key pillar of Western energy security.

EastMed Pipeline Revival: A New Era in Eastern Mediterranean Energy Strategy

The potential revival of the EastMed pipeline under Donald Trump’s leadership signals a renewed push for energy cooperation between Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. Designed to transport Eastern Mediterranean natural gas to Europe, the project strengthens regional stability, enhances Europe’s energy independence, and reinforces the geopolitical significance of the participating nations. With renewed U.S. support, EastMed could become a key pillar of Western energy security.

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Guardian: Trump Announces Sweeping Tariffs of 10-49% on U.S. Trade Partners Worldwide

Donald Trump has announced sweeping tariffs ranging from 10% to 49% on U.S. trade partners worldwide, with the European Union facing a 20% tariff and the UK 10%. In a landmark speech, Trump declared it a “historic day” for American industry, reinforcing his “America First” policy while predicting global backlash.

delphi

10th Delphi Economic Forum to Convene Global Leaders from April 9-12

The 10th Delphi Economic Forum, taking place from April 9-12, 2025, will bring together over 1,000 global leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs in the historic city of Delphi. Recognised as a key platform for international dialogue, the forum will focus on critical issues such as the economy, geopolitics, sustainability, and technological advancements. Held under the auspices of the President of the Hellenic Republic, this prestigious event highlights Greece’s growing role in shaping the future of Europe and the world.

lek1

Metaxourgeio: Notorious Criminal Lekotsai Behind Double Murder Attempt – Ordered Hit from Prison

Klodian Lekotsai, a notorious Albanian criminal, has been named the mastermind behind a double murder attempt in Metaxourgeio, Athens, on September 23, 2024, despite being behind bars. Greek police linked him to the shooting of two Albanian men on Crete Street, carried out by accomplices in a stolen Nissan Qashqai. After months of investigation, authorities identified the shooter and arrested a suspect who confessed, revealing Lekotsai’s orders stemmed from a prison-orchestrated feud.

cuffs

Volos: 60-Year-Old Sentenced to Prison for Sexually Harassing Two Minor Athletes

A 60-year-old man was sentenced to eight months in prison, with three months to be served, for sexually harassing two underage athletes, aged 16 and 17, at the EAK gymnasium in Volos. The attack took place last Saturday after their training with Olympiacos Volos, and the trial was held behind closed doors due to the victims’ ages. The girls’ lawyer commended their bravery in reporting the incident, as their families now seek measures to keep the perpetrator away from sports facilities.

doukas

Athens Mayor to Travel to Ankara to Support Imprisoned Istanbul Mayor

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas will travel to Ankara on April 5 to meet with Turkey’s Republican Party leadership, advocating for the release of imprisoned Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. As the sole Greek representative in a European socialist delegation, Doukas will also attend the party’s congress on April 6, underscoring the vital role of democracy and the rule of law in this high-profile case.

Greece UK

UK Introduces Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for European Visitors Starting April 2025

Starting April 2, 2025, European visitors to the UK must secure an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) permit for £10 (12 euros) before travel, rising to £16 after April 9. This security measure, applicable to 30 European countries excluding Ireland, streamlines entry via an online process on gov.uk, aligning the UK with global border trends.

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Tragic Loss in Crete: 19-Year-Old Dies After Car Plunges 50 Metres Off Bridge

A 19-year-old student from Ierapetra lost his life in a tragic accident when his car plunged 50 meters off the Frouzi Bridge in Crete during heavy rain. The only child of his family, he was returning home from his automotive engineering school in Heraklion when the vehicle skidded off the wet road, leaving the community in shock and mourning.

Myk1

Mykonos Declared in State of Emergency as Torrential Floods Sweep the Island

In a dramatic turn of events, Mykonos has been declared in a state of emergency as torrential floods swept across the island, prompting an urgent 112 alert to residents. Raging waters tore through Little Venice, forcing crews to break a coastal wall to redirect the deluge. With Easter approaching, locals and authorities are racing against time to recover, showcasing the resilience of this iconic Greek destination.

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PM Mitsotakis Highlights Minimum Wage Hike on TikTok, Reaffirms 950-Euro Goal by 2027

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hopped on TikTok on April 1, 2025, to spotlight Greece’s minimum wage, now at 880 euros gross—or 743 euros net—revisiting a hike announced earlier this year. He underscored the rise from 650 euros in 2019, a gain of 3,000 euros annually for workers, and reaffirmed plans to hit 950 euros by 2027, keeping over 1.6 million Greeks in focus.

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Large Fire in Ano Patisia Brought Under Control After Overnight Battle

A massive fire broke out in an abandoned factory in Ano Patisia, Athens, on Tuesday evening, prompting an overnight battle by firefighters. The blaze, which caused part of the roof to collapse, has been contained, with no immediate threat to nearby buildings. Authorities evacuated residents as a precaution, and road closures remain in place. Emergency teams continue to monitor the site to prevent further flare-ups.

fitch

Fitch Upgrades Greece’s Major Banks, Reflecting Economic Optimism

“Fitch Ratings has upgraded Greece’s four major banks, signaling confidence in the country’s economic rebound. National Bank of Greece and Eurobank now sit at ‘BBB-’ with a stable outlook, while Alpha Bank and Piraeus Bank rise to ‘BB+’ with a positive outlook. The decision, announced on April 1, 2025, reflects Greece’s improving financial landscape and its edge over the eurozone, driven by investment growth and EU recovery funds.”

plaka

Athens Court to Rule on Airbnb-Style Hotels in Plaka, Raising Concerns Over Cultural Heritage

Greece’s highest administrative court is set to rule on the legality of boutique hotels operating as short-term rentals in Plaka, the historic district beneath the Acropolis. Despite strict zoning laws protecting its residential character, entire buildings have been converted into Airbnb-style accommodations, raising concerns over mass tourism’s impact on the neighborhood. The case, brought by the Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage (ELLET), could set a legal precedent for short-term rentals across Greece, determining whether Plaka remains a living community or becomes a tourist enclave.