Latest News from Greece
Bulgarian Arrested in Greece to Be Extradited to the US for Smuggling Charges
Greece has confirmed the extradition of a Bulgarian citizen to the United States, following a decision by the Greek Supreme Court, reports BNR. The individual, who was arrested in Serres, faces charges of involvement in a criminal organization and smuggling.
Notable increase in disposable income in 2023
Eurostat estimates the average disposable income in real prices last year in Greece increased by 2% to 4%, with the growth in nominal prices being much higher, over 5%.
The main causes are the increase in the basic salary, the declaration of more income by freelancers and traders thanks to the widespread use of electronic payments, as well as the handout policies.
Woman alleges kidnapping and rape in Viotia
A 32-year-old woman has filed a lawsuit alleging that she was kidnapped and gang-raped in Viotia, central Greece.
Diplomacy helps end Aegean standoff
The intensity of the diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions between Greece and Turkey over the past few days attests to the seriousness of the incident.
Fire Contained at Bulgarian-Greek Border, No Threat to Nearby Villages
The fire on the border with Greece has been successfully stopped from entering Bulgarian territory above the villages of Petrovo and Goleshovo. The fire, which flared up yesterday at 7 pm and reached the border furrow, was contained thanks to the swift intervention of firefighters, forest officials, and the military.
Protergia set to absorb hikes
Some of the wholesale electricity price hikes may well, after all, be absorbed by the market in August, as shown by Wednesday's announcement by Protergia - Greece's second largest provider - to keep tariffs unchanged from July levels. In addition, Protergia will also absorb the increases for small businesses, which cannot be subsidized without prior approval from the European Commission.
Jockeying for a top EU job
Greece is looking for an important portfolio in the new European Commission, to be headed again by Germany's Ursula von der Leyen.
"I would certainly like a portfolio that highlights on the one hand the progress that Greece has made economically, but also Greece's sort of strategic position at the southeastern flank of Europe and of NATO," Mitsotakis told news site Politico.eu.
Cyprus under pressure over power link
Important decisions concerning the Great Sea Interconnector, an electric cable linking Cyprus and Greece, are anticipated in August.
Following a recent visit of the CEO of Greece's ADMIE, the project's implementing body, to Nicosia and the presentation of the cost-benefit study, Cyprus is expected to address the outstanding issues.
European Investment Bank lends DEPA 390 million euros
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending Greek energy company DEPA Commercial a total of 390 million euros to build and operate solar-energy farms across the country.
The EIB funding covers 75% of total cost of the new photovoltaic (PV) sites, which is expected to reach up to €521 million. DEPA Commercial will create PV farms in western Macedonia, Thessaly and Central Greece.
Influencers asking for a free meal
Restaurants across Greece are increasingly contacted by persons describing themselves as "influencers" and asking for a free meal for two in return for a posting on Instagram or TikTok.
Some of them, with sizable followers, are even asking for payment, a proprietor says. While some proprietors are amused, or bemused, others bristle at the wannabe free-riders.
No Active Fires in Bulgaria, but Concerns Grow Over Nearby Greek Blaze
Currently, there are no active fires in Bulgaria. However, concerns persist about a fire burning in Greece, which is nearing the Bulgarian border. Chief Commissioner Alexander Zhartov, director of "Fire Safety and Protection of the Population," shared this update on bTV.
New Travel Warnings Issued for Bulgarians Visiting Greece
The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued new guidelines for Bulgarians planning to visit Greece following a series of incidents involving Bulgarian nationals in Northern Greece and at the Consulate General in Thessaloniki. These incidents include arrests of Bulgarians for carrying melee weapons, such as knives with blades longer than 10 centimeters, in their vehicles.
Greek Media Express Gratitude to Bulgarian Firefighters for Their Crucial Role in Containing Fires
The Greek media have expressed their gratitude towards the Bulgarian firefighters who contributed significantly to firefighting efforts in Greece. Although temperatures in the country have decreased, the threat of fires persists.
Serbia crushes Greece in pre-Olympic basketball friendly
BELGRADE - The Serbia men's national basketball team defeated Greece 94-72 at the Belgrade Arena on Monday evening in the last test before the Olympic Games.
Captain Bogdan Bogdanovic led the scoring for Serbia with 19 points, Nikola Jokic scored 16 points and Filip Petrusev, Nikola Milutinov and Nikola Jovic added 15, 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Ministry of Interior Reports No Active Fires in Bulgaria
The Ministry of the Interior has announced that there are currently no active fires within Bulgaria. The recent fire affecting the Yambol villages of Voden, Kraynovo, and Strandzha has been fully contained. A detour will be conducted today, and if no active outbreaks are detected, the equipment and personnel will be redeployed.