Latest News from Greece
A Third of Orthodox Christians Celebrate Christmas Eve Today
Today, approximately a third of Orthodox Christians worldwide are marking Christmas Eve, as they observe the holiday on January 7, according to the Julian calendar. This includes nations and regions such as Russia, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, the Bosnian Serb Republic, Georgia, Belarus, Armenia, and Ethiopia, along with the monastic community of Mount Athos and Jerusalem.
The magic of authenticity
The main topic of discussion in Greece these days is not who will become president or whether the war in Ukraine will end quickly once Donald Trump assumes office in the US. It is a phenomenon: how tens of thousands of Greeks are flocking to the cinema for a film on the life of music legend Stelios Kazantzidis.
International media reflect on Costas Simitis’ legacy as Greece’s modernizer
The death of former Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis has drawn international attention, with major outlets reflecting on his role in shaping modern Greece and its European integration.
Simitis passed away early Sunday at his vacation home in Agioi Theodoroi, Peloponnese, at the age of 88. He served as Greece's prime minister and PASOK leader from 1996 to 2004.
RRF funding for the infrastructure of Parnassos ski resort
Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni paid an inspection visit to Parnassos Ski Resort in Central Greece on Friday, a facility for which the responsibility belongs to the Hellenic Public Properties Company (ETAD).
Blessed in icy waters, fortune in sweet bread
Christmas is not over. At least here in Türkiye, for Orthodox Christians today, Jan. 6, is a big day to celebrate their Christmas Eve, or in other words the Epiphany. Many Orthodox churches in countries like Türkiye, Greece, Russia and Ukraine have not adopted the commonly used Gregorian calendar, which was introduced by Latin Pope Gregory of Rome in 1582.
Greece declares four days of national mourning for Costas Simitis
The Greek government has declared four days of national mourning following the death of former prime minister Costas Simitis, with a state funeral to honor his legacy.
Simitis, who served as prime minister and PASOK leader from 1996 to 2004, is credited with guiding Greece into the Eurozone and shaping the country's modern political and economic landscape.
Greece braces for rain, fog and lower temperatures through Wednesday
Greece will experience cloudy skies and local rain, particularly in the south, with isolated storms in the Dodecanese early Saturday.
Ex-PM Costas Simitis dies at 88
Costas Simitis, who headed Greece's 1996-2004 socialist government as prime minister, has died at age 88.
Bulgaria and Romania Remove Border Check Requirements for Parents Traveling with Children to Greece
Starting from January 1, 2025, travelers with children no longer need to provide declarations of consent from absent parents when crossing into Greece and Romania, as announced by Chief Commissioner Anton Zlatanov, Director of the Border Police. This change applies to travel to these two countries, following the removal of land border checks between Bulgaria, Romania, and the Schengen area.
Unemployment in constant decline
The unemployment rate in Greece continued its downward trend in November 2024, with the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) estimating that it decreased to 9.6% from 9.8% in October and 10.8% in November 2023. Employment increased by 3.5% on an annual basis.
Temperature records broken across seasons in 2024
Greece experienced its hottest summer and warmest winter on record in 2024, according to data from the National Observatory of Athens' Meteo.gr network. The year brought unprecedented temperatures, extreme rainfall and a notable frequency of impactful weather events.
Bulgaria's Tourism Sector Sets Record for 2024, Surpassing Previous Milestones
Bulgaria's tourism sector is set to achieve a record-breaking year in 2024, according to the Ministry of Tourism. The country welcomed 10.7 million foreign visitors between January and September, surpassing the previous record set in 2019 by 200,000 tourists.
Inheritance laws overhaul on the cards
Greece is poised to revise its inheritance laws for the first time in 80 years as a Justice Ministry working group will meet, for a fourth time, on January 17 to deliberate a groundbreaking proposal for the introduction of inheritance contracts.
Three home upgrade schemes
The state is launching three programs for subsidizing energy and functional upgrades or renovations for homes, estimated to come to a total of 1 billion euros.
Greece begins UNSC tenure, eyes global impact
Greece began its two-year term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council on New Year's Day, marking a historic moment for the nation's diplomacy.