The Greek frigate Kimon is seen off the coast of Limassol, Cyprus, Sunday. [AP]
French President Emmanuel Macron and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visit Cyprus on Monday to show solidarity with the European Union island nation, which was attacked by a drone last week, effectively drawing it into the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
Later on Monday, the two leaders will meet with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Paphos, a coastal city in southwest Cyprus. The visit aims to ensure freedom of navigation and coordinate the safety and repatriation of European citizens in dangerous areas.
After a drone attack targeting the British bases at RAF Akrotiri last Monday, Greece immediately took steps to contribute to the island’s defense.
The Greek government deployed the frigates HS Kimon and HS Psara, which are already patrolling off the southern coast of Cyprus, as well as four fighter jets.
France has dispatched the frigate French frigate Languedoc and sent ground-based anti-drone and anti-missile defenses to the island. The Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier is also expected to arrive in the eastern Mediterranean in the coming days.
Warships from Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain are also expected to arrive in the coming days. Meanwhile, the UK destroyer HMS Dragon is expected to arrive at some point this week.
Meanwhile, six Turkey fighter jets are expected to arrive in the occupied north of the island later on Monday. Turkish media report that the deployment of fighter jets is one of several measures being considered in response to the crisis.
OPEKEPE
Parliament will debate on Tuesday the findings of the parliamentary investigative committee into the OPEKEPE agricultural funds scandal. The government and opposition parties submitted separate reports, setting the stage for a political clash over whether former ministers should face further legal scrutiny.
Energy exploration
Parliament will vote on the exploration lease contracts for four offshore areas off Crete and the Peloponnese, which are being developed by the Chevron-Helleniq Energy joint venture. The deal was signed in Athens in February.
Spyware scandal
The European Parliament plenary session will hold a debate on the rule of law in Greece following the conviction of four businesspeople involved in selling the illegal Predator spyware. The case file was also forwarded to prosecutors for further investigation into the potential criminal responsibility of the convicted individuals and other implicated parties. The Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats group proposed the agenda item.
Rail safety
A second debate on railway transport safety across Europe is scheduled to take place in the European Parliament on Thursday. The debate comes three years after the deadly Tempe train crash in Greece and a separate railway accident in Spain.
Farmers
The delayed 31st Agrotica agricultural exhibition will be held in Thessaloniki starting Thursday. Less than two months after their extended protests across the country, farmers are planning new demonstrations with tractors. They claim that the government has not implemented its promises.
Moody’s
Moody’s is expected to release its assessment of the Greek economy on Friday. The US rating agency granted the minimum investment grade (Baa3) last March, albeit with delay, and is the only one to maintain Greece at this level.