Attica

Alt. Finance Minister Nadia Valavani issued a decision concerning the government’s plans for Hellenikon International Airport at the Agios Kosmas Seafront. Contrary to dreams for the 12-acred site to be turned into the biggest park in Europe, the airport will be used to serve the countries waste management needs.

By Stathis Kousounis

An increase in the value-added tax on tourism accommodation to non-competitive levels would threaten several Athens hotels with closure next year, Alexandros Vassilikos, the head of Athens-Attica Hoteliers Association, told Kathimerini.

An international conference on prehistory, titled “Athens and Attica in Prehistory”, is to take place in Athens from May 27-31. Events are split among venues such as Athens University, the American School of Classical Studies and the Cycladic Art Museum.

By Ilias Bellos

The tender process for the Thriasio freight center is about to restart, with candidate investors set to receive the terms so that there may be tangible progress by end-June.

The owners of private islet close to the celebrated archeological site of Sounion,  southeast of greater Athens, have sued the Greek State to the tune of … 400 million euros over what they charge is the indirect confiscation of their property.

By Yiannis Papadoyiannis

Piraeus Group announced on Thursday the sale of 98.5 percent of its Egyptian subsidiary, Piraeus Bank Egypt, to Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) for $150 million.

The statement noted that the price agreed amounts to 1.5 times the Egyptian lender?s equities.

Anti-terrorist squad officers on Wednesday arrested a 24-year-old Albanian in connection with a plot to smuggle a gun into Korydallos Prison, western Athens.

Greece's Parliament on Tuesday voted to lift the immunity from prosecution of Ilias Kasidiaris, an MP and spokesman for far-right Golden Dawn, currently on trial for constituting a criminal organization.

Kasidiaris, who is one of the defendants in the ongoing trial, may also now face prosecution on charges of inciting criminal acts.

The Eleftherios Venizelos Athens International Airport (Attiki Odos, Spata) presents two important exhibitions; the first presents the history of Athens and its environment, as well as the history of modern art in the public space, and the second presents video-projects by five known contemporary Greek artists on the theme of “the journey”.

By Alexandra Kassimi

Over 140 weekly flights on new routes, an additional 189 flights on existing routes and 10 new destinations make up the picture at Athens International Airport this summer, which will likely be a very busy one.