Greece remains on high alert following a major power blackout in Spain and Portugal, though officials stress there is no immediate risk of a similar event at home. IPTO President Manos Manousakis assured the public of the Greek grid’s stability, while highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing renewable energy production with electricity demand during periods of low consumption.
Tag: Portugal
A massive power outage has paralyzed Spain and Portugal, plunging cities like Madrid and Lisbon into chaos. Traffic lights are down, metro systems are evacuated, and airports are in disarray, with thousands of stranded passengers awaiting answers. Spain’s Red Eléctrica is scrambling to restore power, but no official cause has been disclosed. As the blackout disrupts trains, businesses, and even the Madrid Open tennis tournament, governments face mounting pressure to address the crisis.
In 2023, maritime transport remained the dominant mode of freight movement within the EU, accounting for over two-thirds of all goods transported. Greece ranked among the top performers, with 96.4% of its freight moved by sea, highlighting the continued importance of shipping for coastal nations, according to new Eurostat data.
The UK has issued a travel warning as Spain, Greece, France, and other EU nations prepare to launch the Entry/Exit System (EES) in October 2025, following a revised timeline set by EU Home Affairs Ministers on March 5, 2025. British travelers will face biometric registration—fingerprints and facial scans—potentially causing delays at borders. With a six-month phased rollout and ETIAS to follow in late 2026, UK holidaymakers are urged to plan for new procedures and longer wait times.
The Pentagon denies F-35 ‘kill switch’ rumors as allies like Canada and Portugal question U.S. reliability. Greece bucks the trend, buying 20 F-35s and 24 Rafales amid a $25B arms plan.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) reported a surge in VAT fraud investigations across the EU, with over 2,600 active cases by the end of 2024—a 38% increase from the previous year. Estimated damages reached €24.8 billion, with over €13.15 billion linked to cross-border schemes. Greece ranked fifth among 22 EU countries, with 15 active investigations, while Germany and Italy topped the list. A major crackdown, Operation “Moby Dick,” uncovered extensive fraud networks in Italy, leading to seizures of luxury assets and bank accounts. Fraud linked to EU recovery funds also remains a growing concern.
Greece is considering a 100% property tax on non-EU buyers, following Spain’s move to curb speculation. The policy could impact British retirees and international investors, prompting interest in alternative destinations like Cyprus.
A few hours ago, Netflix officially announced an increase in the prices of its subscription…
France, Greece, and Portugal are considering following Spain’s lead by implementing a 100% housing tax on British expats. Spain’s initiative, announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, aims to prioritize affordable housing for locals. This development could impact British communities living in these countries, as reports suggest similar measures might be introduced to address rising housing costs and availability issues.
Conde Nast Traveler was given exclusive access to Google’s “Year in Search” travel data, highlighting…
Greece’s national football team is eyeing a return to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years, with the 2026 tournament offering a historic opportunity. The World Cup will be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, and Greece is drawn into a competitive group featuring Portugal, Denmark, Scotland, and Belarus. The qualifiers, which begin in 2025, will determine Greece’s path to the 2026 finals, where the tournament will expand to 48 teams. Greece’s chances hinge on finishing first in their group or succeeding in the playoffs, with formidable opponents like Portugal and Denmark standing in their way.
The Greek national soccer team has a promising chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, following a favorable draw that sets them against Portugal or Denmark, Scotland, and Belarus in the qualifiers
Top 10 Friendliest Countries for Tourists in Europe – Including France When planning a holiday,…
Greece is poised to capitalize on its untapped golfing potential, with a new study revealing…
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.
Forget crowded Santorini and Mykonos. The Athens Riviera shines as a top pick in *CNN Traveler’s* Best Places to Go in 2025. Discover stunning beaches, luxury hotels, and a revitalized coastal scene just minutes from Athens’ historical heart. Plus, explore other European gems from the Ahr Valley to Vienna.
Greece is likely to end its Golden Visa program’s real estate investment option in January 2025 to combat its housing crisis. This follows similar moves by Portugal and Spain, and reflects a shift towards attracting investment in startups rather than property.
In 2022, Greece recorded one of the EU’s lowest business closure rates at just 3.1%, as more enterprises were launched than dissolved across most of the bloc. With an EU-wide birth rate of 10.5% and a death rate of 8.7%, the data highlights Greece’s business resilience, contrasting sharply with higher closure rates in countries like Estonia, Bulgaria, and Ireland.
The European Commission has initiated legal proceedings against EU member states Spain, Cyprus, Poland, and…
Greece has solidified its position as a top European tourist destination, recording over 50 million overnight stays at tourist accommodations in the first six months of 2024.