Politics

EU Prosecutor Laura Codruța Kövesi, recently criticised by the Greek government for ‘overstepping her mandate’, should keep her “eyes wide open” when it comes to the implementation of the Greek Recovery Fund, in light of a new investigation over alleged fraud, a leading opposition lawmaker told Euractiv. “The recent attacks by Greek government officials, including the prime minister, against the EU prosecutor is additional proof that EU institutions should keep an eye on Greece’s rule of law,” said Nikos Pappas, former minister and current parliamentarian for the main opposition Syriza party. The leftist MP explained that there should be no illusions about these invectives as it is a well-known tactic of the New Democracy-led government (EPP). “By attacking Laura Kövesi, the Greek prime mi...

LUXEMBOURG – The Greek government is refusing to sign off on the EU’s formal position paper for the annual climate conference COP30 in Brazil this year over EU efforts to make the shipping industry cleaner. Each year, the EU’s 27 countries unanimously agree a position for the annual climate conference, and an easy adoption of this year’s document was expected after Spanish and German concerns were addressed in the run-up to Tuesday’s ministerial in Luxembourg. But Greece has suddenly threatened to block approval because the text, obtained earlier by Euractiv, “welcomes” the international shipping net-zero framework deal struck in April and which Athens refused to sign. Three diplomats confirmed the blockage to Euractiv, with one diplomat saying that Athens is holding the deal “hostage”. I...

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is betting on the need for political stability – amid tensions in neighbouring Cyprus linked to Iran – to reverse the downward trend in the polls ahead of the next national elections. Greece’s next parliamentary election is due in the first quarter of 2027, but political campaigning across the country has already begun. The ruling centre-right New Democracy party has seen its support decline, although it still leads in all opinion polls. However, the formation of another single-party government appears unlikely, raising the prospect of a coalition after the vote. But opposition parties have shown no willingness to work with New Democracy. “In the uncharted waters of international developments, the country must have a steady hand on the helm,” Mitsot...

The measures, to be implemented in April and May, focus primarily on reducing fuel costs and easing pressure on key sectors of the economy. Under the plan, the government will subsidize diesel fuel at the distribution level by 0.16 euros (0.19 dollars) per liter. According to data from the Development Ministry, the average price of gasoline has exceeded 2 euros (2.3 U.S. dollars) per liter, with diesel prices close behind, both rising by more than 20 percent since the Iran conflict. To further support households, the government will introduce a digital fuel card that can be used for purchases at fuel stations, as well as on public transport and taxis. Farmers will also receive targeted assistance, with the state covering 15 percent of fertilizer costs to offset rising prices for agricultur...

TIRANA Former Foreign Minister Tritan Shehu says that the new Greek government has joined the US and the West in recognizing Guaido as the president of Venezuela. Shehu states that this is a strong signal for the new course of the new government, which he says shows that it is far from leftist-populist adventures. He states that Albania should welcome these important steps for the region, while asking whether the Albanian government has congratulated the new Greek government. THE POST OF THE SHEHGreece joins the US and the West.Last night, the Mitsotakis Government recognized ZJ Guaido as President of Venezuela.The abandonment of Maduro, who is supported by Eastern despots and the recognition of the pro-Western, is a strong signal for the new course of the new government...

EU chief prosecutor Laura Kövesi ramped up pressure on Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Thursday, urging constitutional reform to scrap immunity rules that shield ministers from corruption probes involving EU funds. Speaking at a press conference in Athens, Kövesi singled out Article 86 of Greece’s constitution, which requires that cases against ministers be referred to parliament for authorisation before prosecutions can proceed. “Article 86 on the liability of ministers is contrary to European legislation and must be changed,” she said, warning that the provision has already weakened ongoing probes. Kövesi heads the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), a Luxembourg-based body set up in 2021 to investigate serious financial crimes affecting EU funds. Greece has been in E...

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis threw his support behind growing momentum among EU countries pushing to ban kids from accessing social media, while speaking at the AI summit in India on Thursday. Protecting kids from online harms and digital addiction is a “top priority” for the current Greek government, Mitsotakis said, adding that he will be announcing a decision on banning access to social media for minors and adolescents “very soon”. Technology should strengthen “the public square rather than overwhelm us with disinformation and hate”, he added. Mitstokais also said that he’s in favour of “extensive dialogue with the big technology companies,” but he warned that “we need to be aware that if that dialogue does not produce concrete results, regulation will be the only answer”. G...

Former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is set to present his new book, Ithaca, this afternoon at the historic “Pallas” theater in Athens, marking a new phase of political commentary and intervention. The presentation comes amid considerable public interest and debate surrounding the book since its release. During the event, four scholars and collaborators from the Institute associated with Tsipras—historian Ioanna Laliotou, Professor Antonis Liakos, former minister Giorgos Houliarakis, and Eugenia Fotoniata, coordinator of the Institute’s scientific committee—will discuss the book’s impact. Tsipras will then deliver a keynote speech, using Ithaca as a springboard to critique current government policies rather than focus solely on the book’s content. According to insiders, Tsipras will ...

Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan sent a congratulatory letter to Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis on the occasion of Greek Independence Day.“I warmly congratulate and extend my sincere best wishes to you on the occasion of the national holiday, Independence Day, of the Hellenic Republic,” Pashinyan said in the letter published by his office.“Armenia highly appreciates the friendly relations with Greece, which are based on mutual trust, common values, and strong civilizational ties between the peoples. I note with satisfaction that recently Armenia-Greece cooperation has been developing more actively and steadily. Constructive and trustful dialogue, high-level mutual visits, and regular contacts have given new impetus to our relations, expanding the agenda of cooperatio...

The death of Dionysis Savvopoulos, one of Greece’s most consequential singer-songwriters, has sparked an outpouring of tributes from across the political world. The beloved artist, who died at 81, was widely regarded as the voice of modern Greece, blending poetry, politics, and social commentary through his music that shaped generations. Savvopoulos’s passing has united Greece in grief. For six decades, his songs reflected the country’s contradictions and aspirations, serving as the soundtrack to the nation’s modern story.President Konstantinos Tasoulas called Savvopoulos “a great and a distinctive figure loved by the Greek people for his personality, his work, and his contribution to art.”“He was both poetic and political, always speaking his mind and engaging passionately with the issues...