In 2023, EU governments allocated €227 billion to defence, representing 2.7% of total expenditure and 1.3% of GDP. Greece ranked among the top spenders, dedicating 2.2% of its GDP to defence, following Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. The increase in defence budgets across the EU reflects a growing focus on security amid geopolitical tensions.
Tag: Malta
New data from Eurostat shows a record drop in the number of children born in the European Union for the year 2023, with only 3.67 million births recorded, marking a 5.4% decrease from the previous year. This decline underscores the demographic crisis in the EU, with Greece having one of the lowest fertility rates at 1.26 births per woman.
Greece has amongst highest rates of female scientists and engineers in Europe at nearly 48.4%…
Greece saw the second-lowest food inflation rate in the EU in November 2024, with prices rising by just 0.4% compared to the previous year. This marks the lowest increase since May 2021, reflecting a significant easing of financial pressures on households. While the general consumer price index rose by 3%, food prices dropped by 1.2% from October to November, second only to Malta’s decline.
Conde Nast Traveler was given exclusive access to Google’s “Year in Search” travel data, highlighting…
We bring to you 20+1 fun facts and a few little secrets about Greece that most people, even in Greece, may not know.
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.
As of January 1, 2024, the Greek-owned fleet remains a leader in the global shipping industry, with a total capacity of 394.97 million deadweight tons (dwt), accounting for 16.9% of the world’s transport capacity, according to the latest UNCTAD annual report. The fleet also represents 11.8% of the global fleet’s commercial value. While Greece holds the top position, Asian countries, particularly China and Japan, continue to show strong competition. China’s fleet ranks second with 309.8 million dwt, followed by Japan at third with 242.36 million dwt.
The Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes recently hosted the opening of the exhibition “From the Ioannites to the Knights of Malta,” inaugurated by Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlap and Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni. This historic event marked the first official visit of a Grand Master to Greece in 500 years and celebrates the significant role of the Knights in Rhodes over the past two centuries. The exhibition, featuring advanced audiovisual technology, highlights the history and contributions of the Sovereign Military Hospital Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Rhodes, and Malta. Mendoni emphasised the importance of this partnership, especially in light of current regional challenges.
In 2023, EU tourism rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, with Greece’s island regions, including Kriti, Notio Aigaio, and Ionia Nisia, emerging as top destinations for foreign visitors. These areas saw over 90% of their tourist stays from international travelers, highlighting Greece’s strong appeal. Spain’s Canarias and Croatia’s Jadranska Hrvatska were the top regions overall, while France led in domestic tourism.
Greece is projected to experience the highest increase in heat-related deaths by the end of the century, according to a new study published in *The Lancet*. The research forecasts that a 3ºC rise in global temperatures could triple heat-related mortality rates in southern Europe, with Greece, Italy, Spain, and southern France facing the greatest impacts.
In 2023, Greece recorded one of the lowest employment rates for recent graduates in the EU, with only 72.3% securing jobs. This figure is well below the EU average of 83.5%, highlighting ongoing challenges in the Greek labor market for young professionals.
Experts are sounding alarms over dangerously high sea temperatures in the Mediterranean this summer, with some areas reaching 30°C. Meteorologist Marta Almarcha described the situation as the Mediterranean being “on fire,” noting recent records from Mallorca and other coastal regions. Marine heatwaves, exacerbated by climate change, are impacting marine habitats and increasing the risk of harmful algal blooms.
In 2022, EU residents expressed high satisfaction with personal relationships, averaging a score of 7.8 out of 10. Greece reported lower satisfaction at 7.3, with Bulgaria at the bottom with 6.0. Young people and households with dependent children showed the highest satisfaction levels.
In 2022, Greece had one of the lowest hospital bed ratios in the EU, with only 26 long-term care beds per 100,000 people. The EU saw a 7% decrease in hospital beds since 2012, reflecting a shift towards out-patient care.
Heavy lightning ignited two wildfires on the Greek island of Thassos, prompting over 32 firefighters and multiple aircraft to battle the blazes. Climate change has increased wildfire frequency in Greece, disrupting tourism and raising concerns for the summer season. Reinforcements from Kavala and international support are expected to aid firefighting efforts.
Greece wasted no time asserting their dominance over Malta, securing a 2-0 victory in a friendly match on Tuesday. Two goals within the first fifteen minutes, a penalty from Tasos Bakasetas and a well-worked finish from Christos Tzolis, put Greece firmly in control.
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni has highlighted the urgent need to protect Greece’s antiquities from climate change. At a Crete conference, she unveiled a plan, including a pilot project funded by the European Recovery and Resilience Facility, to ensure the sustainability of key archaeological sites by 2025. The seminar, supported by the Greek Ministry of Culture and the U.S. Embassy, focuses on developing adaptation strategies for cultural heritage.
Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia are set to secure non-permanent seats on the U.N. Security Council following a secret ballot in the General Assembly. They will replace Mozambique, Japan, Ecuador, Malta, and Switzerland, joining the five permanent members and the countries elected last year. The Security Council faces ongoing challenges, including Russia’s veto power and the need for reform to reflect the contemporary world.
Greece ranks among the lowest in the European Union for online civic engagement, according to…