Western Attica has faced a sweeping police crackdown, with over 53,000 checks and 1,027 arrests in the past seven months, according to Deputy Minister Ioannis Lambropoulos. In Acharnes, four patrol cars and six DIAS units patrol daily, targeting crime after a stray bullet hit a child’s car seat in Menidi, sparking outrage and action.
Tag: security
Greece is rolling out a major digital upgrade: as of March 27, 2025, all new ID cards will feature a mandatory 12-digit personal number. This unique identifier, stored electronically and printed on the back of the card, replaces multiple existing numbers to streamline interactions with public services while enhancing security. Unlike previous systems, the personal number is encrypted and not linked to biometric data, addressing long-standing privacy concerns. Existing IDs remain valid until renewal, while new applicants must first obtain their personal number online. With cutting-edge security features and digital integration, Greece’s new IDs mark a significant step toward a modern, efficient public administration.
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.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis participated in a high-level quadrilateral summit in Paris, addressing regional security, migration, and energy cooperation alongside leaders from France, Cyprus, and Lebanon.
A 57-year-old homeless man’s death outside an Athens restaurant near Omonia Square has police investigating after employees moved his body to mislead authorities, as seen in damning security footage.
A 37-year-old foreign national was arrested in the early hours of Friday, March 21, in Glyfada, accused of multiple hotel robberies across Attica. Caught by the Hellenic Police while attempting to rob a hotel with a forged ID and plastic gun, the suspect is linked to five incidents and faces charges of robbery, violence, forgery, and drug and weapon violations.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed that “the European Union cannot exist without Turkey,” highlighting Turkey’s critical role in security and beyond, while accusing the opposition of inciting violence amid protests over the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. He also expressed optimism about a $100 billion trade target with the US following a conversation with President Donald Trump.
Cyprus’ long-anticipated “Iron Dome” equivalent, the Barak MX anti-aircraft defense system, is now fully operational, marking a substantial improvement in the island’s air defense capabilities. Despite previous reports of delays, the system is now running smoothly, overcoming earlier technical challenges and delays exacerbated by global conflicts.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has issued a stark warning to the Syrian regime, stating that any harm to the Druze community will provoke a military response from Israel. Highlighting the potential threat posed by Syrian forces to the Druze in the city of Jaramana, Katz emphasized Israel’s commitment to protecting the Druze people both within and beyond its borders. This announcement comes amidst reports of ongoing clashes in Jaramana, heightening regional tensions and reaffirming Israel’s defensive posture.
An attack on the office of New Democracy MP Theodoros Karaoglou in Thessaloniki was carried out by unknown individuals using sledgehammers. Despite breaking the exterior door, they were unable to breach the iron door installed for security reasons. The incident is believed to be connected to a similar attack on another ND MP’s office shortly after.
Greek police arrested three individuals and detained 11 others in Athens ahead of a rally commemorating the Tempi train disaster. Authorities reported that two of those arrested were found carrying firebombs and a hammer, while a third had a pocket knife. The arrests took place before the demonstration, which drew thousands demanding justice for Greece’s deadliest rail accident.
In 2023, Greece recorded the highest levels of perceived crime, violence, and vandalism in the EU, with 23.7% of those at risk of poverty reporting such issues. The country also led among those not at risk, with 20.2% experiencing similar concerns. These figures highlight Greece’s ongoing challenges in public safety compared to other EU nations.
Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias will visit the UK for high-level talks aimed at strengthening bilateral defence cooperation. He is scheduled to meet with UK Defence Secretary John Healey on February 25, as well as other senior officials, including Under-Secretary Luke Pollard and Minister Maria Eagle. Discussions will focus on military collaboration, defence procurement, and regional security.
European leaders held crisis talks in Paris as President Trump’s embrace of Putin’s narrative on the Ukraine war sent shockwaves through traditional alliances. The move, coupled with proposed US-Russia peace talks excluding Europe and Ukraine, has fueled fears of a historic geopolitical realignment.
A 47-year-old psychiatric patient at a hospital in Dafni fatally attacked a 44-year-old woman with broken glass after an argument in the early hours of Wednesday. Authorities have launched a search for the suspect, who is believed to be hiding within the facility. The incident has raised concerns about security measures in psychiatric institutions.
Greek Defense Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis condemns Turkey’s threat of
casus belli against Greece, calling it “unacceptable” for an EU candidate country to threaten an EU member state. He also highlights Turkey’s occupation of part of Cyprus and reaffirms Greece’s commitment to European defense initiatives.
A grenade explosion inside a bar in Grenoble, France, left 12 people injured, including two seriously, on Wednesday night. Authorities are investigating all possible motives, though terrorism is considered unlikely. The attacker, who fled the scene, may have been armed with a Kalashnikov. Officials suspect the incident could be linked to a settling of scores or drug trafficking.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris for a wide-ranging discussion on bilateral relations, the European economy, and defense cooperation. Their talks focused on strengthening EU competitiveness through artificial intelligence and the need for increased budgetary flexibility for defense investments. The meeting reaffirmed the strong ties between Greece and France amid evolving geopolitical challenges.
Greece has signed a new military cooperation agreement with Egypt and a trilateral action plan with Cyprus to enhance defense collaboration. The agreements focus on joint training, air missions, electronic warfare, and regional security efforts. These initiatives aim to strengthen military ties and promote stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Donald Trump has ignited a fierce political and public debate by issuing mass pardons for…