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.
Tag: security
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…
Greece has strongly opposed the potential sale of METEOR air-to-air missiles to Turkiye by a consortium that includes France, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias confirmed. During a meeting with French Ambassador Laurence Auer, Dendias stressed that such a deal would undermine the strong strategic ties between Athens and Paris. Greece has formally requested an official briefing on the reports, citing concerns over regional security and military balance.
Cyprus aims to join the Schengen Area by the end of 2025, enabling visa-free travel with 29 European countries. This move promises to boost tourism, trade, and mobility for Cypriots, but the island nation faces unique challenges related to its divided status and geographic isolation.
In response to undisclosed security concerns, the Israel General Security Service, Shin Bet, has instructed Israeli airlines to redirect their flights from Paphos to Larnaca Airport. This move, affecting carriers such as El Al, Arkia, and IsraAir, is effective immediately and remains in place until further notice, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Passengers are advised to stay informed about the latest developments.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is attending the European People’s Party (EPP) leaders’ summit in Berlin, where he will meet with key figures, including CDU leader Friedrich Merz, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. The summit’s agenda focuses on the EU’s global position, security, economic competition, and reducing bureaucracy, with discussions held just ahead of the German elections and US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Greek drivers are flocking to Bulgaria for cheaper petrol after Bulgaria and Romania joined the Schengen zone on 1 January 2025. With border checks removed, crossings are seamless, and motorists are saving up to €26 per full tank, as petrol prices in Bulgaria are €1.28 per litre compared to €1.80 in Greece. While the move boosts trade and tourism, concerns about smuggling and security linger.
A Greek Orthodox church in Hama, Syria, was attacked by gunmen, raising concerns about the safety of religious minorities in the rebel-held province.
American officials warn of a potential large-scale Turkish military operation against U.S.-backed Kurds in northern Syria, with significant Turkish forces massing near Kobani. A Kurdish official has pleaded for intervention from then President-elect Trump to prevent what could be a catastrophic invasion. Recent diplomatic efforts have failed to de-escalate the situation.