Tag: UK

Caldera Santorini

International Flights to Greece Set for Major Growth in Summer 2025

International flights to Greece are expected to see a 4.6% increase in seat capacity for summer 2025, reaching 28.2 million seats, driven by strong demand from traditional European markets like the UK, Germany, and Italy, as well as emerging growth from Israel, the US, and smaller markets such as Georgia and Armenia, according to INSETE.

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UK Opens ETA Applications for European Travellers

The UK is opening ETA applications to over 30 European countries from 5 March, requiring travelers to obtain this authorization for entry from 2 April. The process is online or via an app, with a current fee of £10, proposed to rise to £16. The ETA allows multiple entries for two years or until passport expiry.

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London Hosts Starmer’s Emergency Summit on Ukraine: Key Players Gather, Notable Absences

In a focused effort to address the ongoing situation in Ukraine, London hosted an emergency summit organized by Starmer. While key figures such as the UK, Canada, Zelensky, and Rutte participated, Greece, Hungary, and Croatia were notably absent. Although Türkiye received a presidential invitation, it opted to send its foreign minister instead. The summit homed in on Ukraine, steering clear of broader EU issues.

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UK Announces Major Support for Ukraine and Firm Stance Against Russian Influence Post-Summit

In a bold display of support for Ukraine, UK Prime Minister Starmer announced an additional $2 billion in military aid following the summit. This package, which includes air defense missiles, reflects a broader strategy to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Starmer also revealed plans to meet with former President Donald Trump to discuss a potential peace plan, emphasizing that Russia will not be allowed to dictate terms. This commitment includes sending a UK military contingent to oversee the implementation of any peace agreements, marking a significant step in international efforts to ensure stability in the region.

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Starmer Asserts UK’s Full Support for Ukraine During Meeting with Zelenskyy in London

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the UK’s unwavering support during their meeting at 10 Downing Street. This diplomatic encounter follows a tense exchange between Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump, highlighting the dynamics of international support for Ukraine amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

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Dendias Opposes Meteor Missile Sale to Turkey During London Talks

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias expressed strong opposition to the potential sale of Meteor air-to-air missiles to Turkey during his meeting with British Defense Minister John Healey in London. The visit also focused on strengthening defense collaboration between Greece and the UK, especially with the changing geopolitical landscape following Donald Trump’s recent election victory. The sale has stirred concerns among European leaders, with discussions continuing to navigate the defense implications in the region.

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Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias to Visit UK for High-Level Talks

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.

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JD Vance Criticizes Erosion of Freedoms in Europe, Targets UK’s Conscience Rights in Speech

During his speech at the Munich Security Conference, U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticized the erosion of freedoms across Europe, focusing on the UK’s declining conscience rights which, he argues, threaten the basic liberties of religious citizens. Highlighting the case of Adam Smith-Connor, convicted for breaching an abortion clinic’s safe zone, Vance underscores concerns over the regulation of personal beliefs and liberties.

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Greece and UK Close to Landmark Marbles Deal

Confidential negotiations have yielded significant progress, though a formal deal has yet to be sealed.

Key discussions center on permanently housing the sculptures at Athens’ Acropolis Museum while offering major Greek artifacts for extended exhibitions in London.

However, the discussions envision that not all pieces removed by Lord Elgin will return.

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UK Unveils World-First Sanctions Regime to Combat Irregular Migration

The UK announced plans to become the first nation globally to implement sanctions specifically targeting irregular migration and the criminal networks facilitating it. Foreign Secretary David Lammy unveiled the proposed legislation, a key element of the government’s “Plan for Change” to strengthen border security and tackle human trafficking.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with British counterpart Sir Keir Starmer in London to discuss strengthening bilateral ties, with a focus on the economy, shipping, tourism, and migration. The leaders also addressed international cooperation, especially with both countries serving on the UN Security Council in 2025-2026. Additionally, they discussed regional issues, including Ukraine and the Cyprus conflict, and the ongoing talks regarding the return of the Parthenon Sculptures.

Mitsotakis and Starmer Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Ties, Migration, and Global Cooperation

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with British counterpart Sir Keir Starmer in London to discuss strengthening bilateral ties, with a focus on the economy, shipping, tourism, and migration. The leaders also addressed international cooperation, especially with both countries serving on the UN Security Council in 2025-2026. Additionally, they discussed regional issues, including Ukraine and the Cyprus conflict, and the ongoing talks regarding the return of the Parthenon Sculptures.

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Elgin Marbles Repatriation Deal “Close,” Says Former Greek Advisor

A deal to return the Parthenon Sculptures, also known as the Elgin Marbles, to Greece is reportedly “close,” according to a former advisor to the Greek government. Negotiations are ongoing, with Greece proposing a “cultural, strategic partnership” involving the exchange of other antiquities with the British Museum. The sculptures’ repatriation is a key political priority for Greece, while the UK government maintains that decisions regarding the artifacts rest with the independent trustees of the British Museum.