Tag: Italy

Kouroumblis

Suspect in 1977 Easey Street Murders to be Extradited from Italy

Perry Kouroumblis, prime suspect in the 1977 Easey Street murders of Susan Bartlett and Suzanne Armstrong in Melbourne, is expected to be extradited from Italy after the Italian government approved Australia’s request. He was apprehended in Rome while traveling from Greece and maintains his innocence. A final judicial approval is pending before he is transferred to Australia to face trial.

Mykonos

Hollywood Comes to Mykonos: The Island Transforms into a Studio for a New International Film

In a testament to Greece’s growing allure for international filmmakers, Mykonos has recently transformed into a backdrop for a Greek-American film. Boasting an impressive cast and mysterious Italian elements, this production highlights Greece’s expanding role in global cinema. Expected to premiere on Netflix, it also features scenes shot in exotic locations like Los Angeles, showcasing Mykonos and beyond as captivating film venues.

1000142512

End to Airbnb Key Lockboxes – Measures Against Overtourism in Another City

Florence is implementing measures to combat overtourism by banning key lockboxes used for Airbnb rentals in the city center. This is part of a broader 10-point plan aimed at preserving the city’s historical value and sustainability amid rising tourist numbers. Other measures include prohibiting unconventional vehicles and loudspeakers used by tour guides. The initiative aims to maintain Florence as a unique and vibrant city for both residents and visitors.

study

Greece Emerges as Key Destination in EU Study Abroad Trends for 2022

In 2022, nearly 9% of EU graduates studied abroad, with Greece emerging as a key destination, particularly for students from Cyprus, hosting 54.3% of its mobile graduates. The EU’s top destinations included Spain, the UK, and the US, reflecting strong cross-border education ties. France, Germany, and Italy contributed the highest numbers of students in mobility programmes.

Greece's Top Google Searches of 2020

Google Temporarily Removes EU-Based News from Search in Greece and Other Select Countries

Google is conducting a limited test in several EU countries, including Greece, to evaluate the impact of excluding EU-based news publishers from search results. The test aims to provide insights into user behavior regarding news content visibility. Initially planned for France, the test faced legal challenges leading to its suspension there.

euro

Turkey Confirms Purchase of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon Jets as Regional Dynamics Shift

Turkey has confirmed the purchase of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, marking a significant step in its defense modernization efforts. Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Güler announced that Germany, after initial resistance, approved the deal with support from NATO allies Britain, Italy, and Spain. Alongside plans to acquire 40 U.S.-made F-16 Vipers, the move underscores Turkey’s balancing of European and American defense partnerships. Güler also highlighted progress in Greek-Turkish relations while reiterating Turkey’s firm stance on a two-state solution for Cyprus.

unemploy e1731321364588

Eurostat Report: Greece Struggles with High Long-Term and Youth Unemployment as EU Hits Record Low in 2023

In 2023, the EU reached a historic low in unemployment, with the overall rate for individuals aged 15-74 dropping to 6.1%. However, Greece faced higher-than-average challenges, recording the highest long-term unemployment rate in the EU at 6.2%, as well as a notable youth unemployment rate of 9.8%. While countries like Denmark and Czechia saw much lower unemployment levels, Greece continues to struggle with integrating young people and long-term jobless individuals into the workforce.

ap24311269994152

World Leaders React to Trump’s Return to the White House

World leaders offered a range of reactions to Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election, from reaffirmations of strong alliances to hopes for improved relations. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called it a “new chapter,” while French President Macron emphasized continued cooperation based on “shared convictions and mutual respect.” Other responses ranged from Hungarian Prime Minister Orban’s declaration of the “biggest comeback in US political history” to El Salvadoran President Bukele’s offer of blessings. The varied reactions underscore the complex diplomatic landscape facing the incoming Trump administration.

2023 12 Athens GCT 11

Oxi Day: For Greece and Freedom [VIDEO]

Oxi Day commemorates the anniversary of the day that former military general and Prime Minister of Greece Ioannis Metaxas said “OXI” (NO) to an ultimatum made by Italian Prime Minister Benito Mussolini, an ally of Hitler, to allow Italian forces to occupy strategic locations in Greece or otherwise face war.

migrants 3

Italy Designates 19 Countries as ‘Safe’ to Revive Albania Migrant Processing Plan

Italy has declared 19 countries as safe for migrants in an effort to salvage its €670 million plan to process asylum seekers in Albania. Following a ruling by a Rome court and a decision by the European Court of Justice, Italy’s new law aims to expedite asylum applications and manage migrant flows. However, the legal challenges and uncertainty over the law’s compatibility with European regulations pose ongoing hurdles for the initiative.

asylum

Greece Records Highest Rate of First-Time Asylum Applicants in EU for July 2024

In July 2024, Greece recorded the highest rate of first-time asylum applicants in the EU, with 55.1 applicants per 100,000 people. Eurostat reported a total of 74,695 first-time asylum applications across the EU, a 7.5% decrease from the previous year. Syrians, Afghans, and Venezuelans were the largest groups seeking asylum, while Germany, Italy, Spain, and France received the majority of applications. Additionally, 2,985 unaccompanied minors applied for asylum, with most coming from Syria, Afghanistan, and Egypt.

d00880f0eba6d5b875ceffe7da600806

Italy Reinforces Border Security, Cracks Down on Human Trafficking Rings

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing Italy’s borders, following a successful police operation in Calabria that dismantled a transnational human trafficking gang. Emphasizing the importance of legal migration, Meloni and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi stressed the need to eradicate modern-day slave trade networks and criticized policies that inadvertently support criminal interests.

20241019 140836

Italian Court Halts Meloni’s Migrant Return Program

Italian Court Halts Meloni’s Migrant Return Program

In a setback for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s new migration policy, an Italian court has blocked the deportation of 12 asylum seekers to Albania. The group, originating from Egypt and Bangladesh, arrived at the Albanian port of Shëngjin on Wednesday from the Italian island of Lampedusa aboard an Italian military vessel. This ruling comes just two days after the program’s launch.

The judges determined that returning the migrants to their home countries would be unsafe, necessitating their return to Italy. This decision has sparked outrage from Meloni’s party, who took to social media to denounce the ruling, alleging that “politicized magistrates” are seeking to “abolish Italy’s borders.”

This ruling evokes the recent trial of former Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, who faces kidnapping charges for refusing the disembarkation of 147 migrants from an NGO vessel in 2019. Salvini’s trial, which carries a potential six-year prison sentence, highlights the tension between Italy’s elected government and elements within the judiciary regarding migration control.

The court’s intervention in Meloni’s program raises concerns among those who see a pattern of judicial opposition to government efforts aimed at curbing mass migration into Italy and the EU.