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Europe’s Content Rules vs America’s Workarounds: Inside the Quiet War Dividing the Web
Lake Tahoe’s Avalanche Tragedy Wasn’t Random—It Was Inevitable
The New Global Divide Isn’t Left vs Right—It’s Stability vs Suddenness, and It’s Everywhere
Why Chrome’s Emergency Patch Is a Reminder That the Internet Runs on Fragile Trust
Why Scientists Are Mapping the Brain’s Protein Factories—and What They’re Finding Is Surprising
Spotlight
Inside a packed U-Bahn carriage on a gloomy afternoon in Berlin, a college student browsed through her phone with the distracted cadence of someone passing the time between stops. News, memes, arguments, and all the usual cacophony were displayed on her screen. She later confessed to a friend that the odd calm was what really got to her. Some of the contentious videos that she was aware were being circulated elsewhere were just absent. She might not have been aware that she was viewing a filtered version of the internet that millions of Americans were using at the time. With gradual, procedural pressure rather than drastic prohibitions, Europe’s Digital Services Act has started subtly changing online life. With the threat of fines that would shiver even the wealthiest tech companies, regulators now demand that platforms swiftly remove unlawful content. Over 16,000 removals of hate speech and extremist content were made…
Inside a packed U-Bahn carriage on a gloomy afternoon in Berlin, a college student browsed through her phone with the distracted cadence of someone passing the time between stops. News, memes, arguments, and all the usual cacophony were displayed on her screen. She later confessed to a friend that the odd calm was what really got to her. Some of the contentious videos that she was aware were being circulated elsewhere were just absent. She might not have been aware that she was viewing a filtered version of the internet that millions of Americans were using at the time. With gradual, procedural pressure rather than drastic prohibitions, Europe’s Digital Services Act has started subtly changing online life. With the threat of fines that would shiver even the wealthiest tech companies, regulators now demand that platforms swiftly remove unlawful content. Over 16,000 removals of hate speech and extremist content were made…
Inside a packed U-Bahn carriage on a gloomy afternoon in Berlin, a college student browsed through her phone with the distracted cadence of someone passing the time between stops. News, memes, arguments, and all the usual cacophony were displayed on her screen. She later confessed to a friend that the odd calm was what really got to her. Some of the contentious videos that she was aware were being circulated elsewhere were just absent. She might not have been aware that she was viewing a filtered version of the internet that millions of Americans were using at the time. With gradual, procedural pressure rather than drastic prohibitions, Europe’s Digital Services Act has started subtly changing online life. With the threat of fines that would shiver even the wealthiest tech companies, regulators now demand that platforms swiftly remove unlawful content. Over 16,000 removals of hate speech and extremist content were made…
Greece’s soccer federation has announced a last-minute venue change for the Greek Cup Final, moving the match from Athens to Volos after a dispute with Olympic stadium management. The EPO confirmed that the Cup Final will now take place on April 25 in the central Greek city following what it described as an unacceptable breach of agreement by Athens Olympic stadium officials. According to the EPO statement, stadium management informed the federation that only 20% of the approximately 80,000 seats would be available for fans if the match were held at the Athens venue. The limited capacity was attributed to ongoing construction works, with the remaining seats designated for VIP sections and media areas. Greek Cup Final Venue Dispute Escalates The controversy centers on what the EPO characterizes as a broken commitment by Olympic stadium authorities. The federation stated that stadium officials had agreed to host the Greek Cup Final…
Greek kickboxing legend Michalis “Iron Mike” Zambidis announced Tuesday that he will face undefeated boxing icon Floyd Mayweather in an Athens exhibition bout scheduled for June 27. The Mayweather Zambidis fight is set to take place at the OAKA Arena, according to promotional materials shared on Zambidis’ social media channels. The event will be promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Zambidis Club, and Front Row Fight Series, with organizers promising a live global broadcast. The 45-year-old Greek fighter posted a promotional poster on Instagram declaring that “history is about to be made” with the matchup. However, Mayweather himself has not yet publicly…
Greece’s Super League title race remained tightly contested over the weekend as the top three teams all failed to secure victories. AEK Athens and PAOK battled to a 0-0 draw on Sunday at Toumba Stadium, while league leaders’ closest challengers Olympiakos were also held scoreless in a surprising stalemate against Levadiakos on Saturday, leaving the Super League standings unchanged after matchday 21. The highly anticipated clash between second-placed AEK and third-placed PAOK delivered entertainment despite the lack of goals. AEK goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha emerged as the hero for his side, saving a first-half penalty taken by Giorgos Giakoumakis. Additionally, AEK…
Jerian Grant delivered a dramatic buzzer-beating basket to secure Panathinaikos an 82-81 Euroleague victory over Real Madrid at the Telekom Center Athens on Tuesday. The last-second heroics came just two seconds before the final buzzer, capping a thrilling comeback for the Greek powerhouse and completing a season double over the Spanish giants. Meanwhile, Olympiakos suffered a disappointing 108-98 overtime defeat to Dubai despite a remarkable second-half rally. The win marks Panathinaikos’ 16th victory in 26 Euroleague games this season and came on the club’s 118th birthday. Grant’s game-winning shot sealed what many consider a potential season-changing result for the seven-time…
A Greek soccer team chairman and two other individuals were arrested on Sunday following a violent incident at a football stadium in the Greater Athens area, according to local authorities. The arrests came after the group allegedly assaulted both rival fans and police officers who intervened to stop the altercation during a match. The police statement released Monday did not disclose the names of the suspects or identify the soccer team involved in the incident. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the three arrested individuals were part of a larger group of approximately 20 people who wore the colors of a…
The morning following the avalanche was unusually quiet in the Alder Creek trailhead parking lot. Rescue crews stood in groups, talking softly, while snowmobiles sat motionless, their engines cold. The violence that had occurred only hours before was concealed by the smooth white slopes of the mountains above, which once again appeared serene, almost unconcerned.There were eight skiers killed. There was still one more to go. The tragedy was initially explained using well-known terminology. I wish you luck. bizarre circumstances. No one could have predicted the sudden collapse of snow. These words came out fast, almost instinctively, as though everyone needed the security of chance. However, it seemed that randomness wasn’t the whole story as I stood there and observed guides slowly and deliberately adjusting their avalanche beacons. CategoryDetailsLocationCastle Peak, Sierra Nevada Mountains, near Lake Tahoe, California, USADateFebruary 2026Deaths8 confirmed dead, 1 missing presumed deadSurvivors6 rescuedGroup15 skiers including professional guidesConditionsSevere…
Last autumn, two men sat across from one another in a Berlin café, having a quiet argument. One maintained that the old system was irreparably flawed and that Germany urgently needed a comprehensive political overhaul. Older and more composed, the other kept saying the same thing: “Change is dangerous when it’s fast.” They weren’t actually debating ideologies. They seemed to be debating time itself more than anything else. Now, that conversation, heard in between bitter coffee sips, seems like a sneak peek at something bigger. The well-known conflict between the left and the right appears to be evaporating into something…
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Over the past week, senior Trump administration officials have repeatedly positioned Greece as a central hub in the United States’ evolving energy strategy in Europe, citing recent agreements in Athens as a model for expanding American LNG exports across the continent. The message surfaced first at a forum hosted by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington and was reiterated days later at the Munich Security Conference, where White House energy officials publicly praised Greece’s role in advancing the Vertical Corridor linking Southern and Eastern Europe to U.S. supply. Taken together, the appearances offer a clearer view of how…
Greece’s public debt continues to decline as a share of gross domestic product, extending a multiyear trend of fiscal consolidation that has drawn praise from international creditors. However, the country is projected to maintain the highest debt-to-GDP ratio in Europe through at least 2036, according to the latest European Commission debt sustainability report. While short-term and long-term risks are considered low, medium-term vulnerabilities remain elevated due to the scale of outstanding obligations and the economy’s sensitivity to external shocks. The latest projections show general government debt falling below 140 percent of GDP in 2026, reaching 138.2 percent, its lowest level…
Viva.com has launched a new banking service for tourism businesses at the HORECA 2026 exhibition, introducing reservation prepayments via factoring to help small and midsize seasonal enterprises secure working capital during the off-season. The European technology bank unveiled the service as a continent-wide first, specifically designed to address liquidity challenges faced by tourism operators before peak season begins. The company is showcasing the innovative solution at HORECA 2026 in Hall 2, Stand 25, where representatives are engaging with tourism industry professionals. According to the announcement, viva.com operates in 24 countries and positions itself as Europe’s leading technology bank for businesses.…
A former energy minister of Cyprus has issued a strong warning about the future of the Great Sea Interconnector, claiming that local interests are sabotaging efforts to link the island to Greece’s electricity grid. Giorgos Papanastasiou told Cypriot newspaper Politis that vested interests are portraying any new electricity source entering the small Cypriot market as a threat, particularly if it is not controlled locally. Cyprus remains the only European Union member state not connected to any other national electricity grid, relying entirely on domestic power generation. Papanastasiou emphasized that a country in energy isolation must find ways to achieve interconnection…
Chevron Corp. is set to sign agreements on Monday, February 16, granting the U.S. energy giant rights to explore and potentially exploit hydrocarbons in four offshore blocks in Greece. The contracts will be signed at noon at the Acropolis Museum in Athens, marking one of the most significant entries by an American energy major into Greece’s upstream sector in recent years. The agreements follow Chevron’s victory last October in a tender conducted by the Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company, according to reports. Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou and HEREMA CEO Aris Stefatos will sign on behalf of…
A senior Trump administration energy official has praised recent energy cooperation agreements between the United States and Greece, highlighting their strategic importance for European energy security. Jarrod Agen, executive director of the National Energy Dominance Council, delivered the remarks Saturday at the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing Greece’s role in US LNG distribution to Europe. During his address at the high-profile international security gathering, Agen specifically recognized Greek Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou, who was present in the audience. The executive director singled out the minister for what he described as an adulatory acknowledgment of Greece’s energy partnership efforts. Vertical…
Five European governments have concluded that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was killed by poisoning with a deadly toxin while imprisoned in an Arctic penal colony in February 2024. Britain, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands announced in a joint statement on Saturday that laboratory analyses of samples from Navalny’s body confirmed the presence of epibatidine, a lethal neurotoxin naturally found only in South American poison dart frogs. The governments stated their findings were based on comprehensive testing that “conclusively” identified the toxin, which does not occur naturally in Russia. Navalny, a prominent Kremlin critic, died while serving a lengthy…
Italy’s iconic “Lovers’ Arch” collapsed on Valentine’s Day after days of severe storms battered the Adriatic coastline, local authorities confirmed. The natural rock formation, located in Sant’Andrea di Melendugno in the Salento region, had long served as a cherished landmark for couples and a popular destination for marriage proposals along Italy’s southeastern coast. Mayor Maurizio Cisternino of Melendugno described the loss as “a devastating blow” to the community, while deputy mayor for tourism Francesco Stella compared the collapse to “a funeral.” Local officials reported that strong winds, torrential rain, and turbulent seas gradually eroded the rock structure until it finally…
Greek consumers spent up to 74% on apparel and footwear during the period between February 12 and February 14, 2025, as Valentine’s Day shopping reached its peak, according to recent market research. The data reveals significant consumer spending patterns during the annual celebration of romance and commitment, with multiple retail categories experiencing notable increases in sales activity. A study conducted by Klarna firm analyzed Valentine’s Day spending trends and identified the top retail categories that benefited from the occasion. Jewelry, particularly rings, captured 68% of consumer spending in its category, securing second place overall behind apparel and footwear. Spa services…
President Donald Trump has repealed the endangerment finding for greenhouse gas emissions, eliminating the scientific determination that carbon pollution threatens public health and scrapping federal vehicle emissions standards. The administration characterized the action as the largest deregulatory measure in United States history, reversing a cornerstone of federal climate policy established under President Barack Obama. The move rescinds the 2009 endangerment finding that allowed the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. According to the administration, the repeal also ends federal greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and trucks nationwide. EPA Justifies Greenhouse Gas Emissions Repeal…
Eurobank Equities has maintained its market recommendation for Metlen Energy & Metals with a target price of 56.20 euros, despite the company’s recent profit warning and revised EBITDA forecast. The brokerage firm announced its position on Friday following Metlen’s downward revision of its 2025 EBITDA guidance to 750 million euros, representing a significant adjustment to the metals and industrial group’s financial outlook. According to the metals and industrial group, the new EBITDA forecast for 2025 stands 25 percent lower than previously projected. The revision comes as Metlen navigates operational challenges that have impacted its near-term financial performance expectations. Factors Behind…
Greek Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis has outlined an ambitious vision for Greece’s economic competitiveness, declaring that the country seeks to measure itself against top global performers rather than settling for regional comparisons. Speaking ahead of an appearance at a Grant Thornton Greece event in Heraklion on Thursday, Pierrakakis emphasized that Greece has fundamentally transformed since 2019 and is no longer satisfied with marginal improvements. The finance minister, who also serves as acting President of the Eurogroup, made his remarks via social media, highlighting Crete as an example of Greece’s evolving economic model. According to Pierrakakis, the island is demonstrating how…
A recent POLITICO Poll reveals that citizens across Western countries increasingly fear the outbreak of World War 3 within the next five years. The survey, which sampled populations from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, shows a majority of respondents believe the world is becoming more dangerous. Crucially, American, Canadian, French, and British participants view the likelihood of a third world war as more probable than not by 2031. This represents a sharp increase from polling conducted in March 2025 by Public First on the same question. According to Seb Wride, head of Public First, the…
A fatal shooting at South Carolina State University left two people dead and one injured on the evening of February 12, prompting a campus-wide curfew that lasted several hours. The incident occurred at approximately 9:15 p.m. local time in a room at Hugine Suites dormitory, according to a Facebook post by the university administration. The predominantly African-American institution has not yet confirmed whether a suspect has been apprehended. University officials announced the shooting through social media, noting that they have not released the identities of the victims or provided details about the condition of the injured person. The administration imposed…
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are scheduled to meet with special forces troops who participated in the controversial capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro at Fort Bragg. The visit comes in recognition of the military personnel involved in Operation Absolute Resolve, which resulted in Maduro’s capture in Caracas on the night of January 3rd, 2026. The operation to capture Nicolas Maduro has sparked international debate over sovereignty and military intervention. According to Venezuelan officials, the military operation resulted in 83 deaths and left 112 people injured during the assault, which included US bombing raids on the Venezuelan…
Greek tax authorities have dismantled a major fraud network involving 380 sham businesses after deploying artificial intelligence technology to track suspicious financial patterns. The independent tax bureau (AADE) announced that 11 alleged masterminds were arrested following coordinated raids in the greater Athens area, with the tax evasion scheme utilizing 205 individuals, predominantly foreign nationals, as front operators for fake companies. According to AADE, the businesses primarily posed as food-and-beverage establishments and computer retail stores. Police and tax inspectors conducted early morning operations at multiple residences to apprehend the suspects behind the elaborate scheme. AI Technology Exposes Tax Evasion Network The…
Greece’s annual inflation rate reached 2.5% in January 2026 compared to the same month a year earlier, according to data released by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT). Consumer prices fell 0.8% on a monthly basis from December 2025, reflecting typical post-holiday price adjustments in the Greek economy. On a rolling 12-month basis, the Consumer Price Index for the period covering February 2025 through January 2026 rose 2.5%, down slightly from the 2.7% increase recorded in the previous comparable period. This modest deceleration suggests that overall price growth may be stabilizing after months of elevated inflation pressures across the eurozone. Food…
Greece is launching a sweeping response to water scarcity with an infrastructure program valued at approximately €10 billion through 2040, marking one of the largest public works initiatives in the nation’s recent history. The first phase, estimated at €3.5 billion, is already underway and focuses primarily on the Athens metropolitan area, where authorities have declared a state of emergency to expedite critical water infrastructure projects. Government officials say the program reflects a shift in how water scarcity is perceived, moving from a seasonal concern to a fundamental infrastructure challenge requiring comprehensive intervention. At the center of the initiative is EYDAP,…
A French diplomat has denied allegations of transferring confidential United Nations documents to deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein, according to his legal representative. Fabrice Aidan, a mid-level career diplomat, faces accusations related to sharing sensitive UN materials with Epstein between 2010 and 2016, prompting both French and UN investigations into the matter. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot acknowledged the gravity of the situation on Thursday, describing the accusations as “extremely serious.” The minister confirmed that prosecutors have been notified and disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against Aidan within France’s foreign ministry. Background of the UN Document Transfer Allegations Aidan joined France’s…
Bulgarian authorities are investigating a cluster of mysterious deaths in the western mountains after six people were found dead in what officials describe as an unprecedented case. The Bulgaria mountain deaths have captivated the nation and prompted comparisons to fictional crime mysteries as investigators work to unravel the circumstances behind the tragic incident. Over the past week, the bodies of six individuals were discovered at two separate locations in Bulgaria’s western mountain region. Five of the deceased were members of a conservation-focused non-governmental organization, while the sixth victim was a 15-year-old boy described as the son of a family friend.…
Belgian police have conducted raids at European Commission offices as part of an investigation into possible irregularities surrounding a major real estate transaction. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office is examining the 2024 sale of 23 Commission-owned buildings to Belgium’s sovereign wealth fund for 900 million euros, according to the Financial Times. The EPPO confirmed that a raid took place but declined to provide additional details about the operation. Belgian police similarly refused to comment on the matter, while the Belgian prosecutor’s office, the European Commission, and SFPIM have not responded to requests for comment. Details of the Real Estate Sale…
Greece is positioning its liquefied natural gas infrastructure as a critical component of Europe’s energy security strategy as the European Union moves toward a complete ban on Russian natural gas imports by the end of 2027. The European Commission is expected to announce within the next six months how it will finance essential energy infrastructure and gas transport projects designed to replace Russian supplies, according to Konstantinos Sifnaios, managing director of Gastrade, who spoke during a press tour of the Alexandroupolis floating storage and regasification unit in northern Greece. The push to develop alternative LNG infrastructure comes as landlocked European…
The European Union is set to introduce new public procurement rules that will prioritize EU-manufactured and low-carbon goods, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Wednesday. The announcement marks a significant shift in how public funds are allocated across the bloc, with the aim of bolstering domestic industry and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. Speaking in Antwerp, von der Leyen explained that the new requirements are designed to ensure public buyers support European companies more effectively. The initiative will be incorporated into the Industrial Accelerator Act, which the European Commission plans to present later this month. Addressing Subsidized…
There are certain foods that have become completely associated with the idea of “comfort” and the warmth of home. At the top of this list—at least in Greek reality—stands pastitsio. It’s the ultimate comfort food: the baking dish that no child or adult has ever been able to resist. However, when a dish includes pasta and a name whose etymology isn’t clearly defined in Greek (as happens with gemista or kokkinisto), its roots must be sought further west. The journey from Venice to Tselementes Its name and its basic components—meat sauce and pasta—point to a truly Italian origin. Historical evidence…
Spotlight
Inside a packed U-Bahn carriage on a gloomy afternoon in Berlin, a college student browsed through her phone with the distracted cadence of someone passing the time between stops. News, memes, arguments, and all the usual cacophony were displayed on her screen. She later confessed to a friend that the odd calm was what really got to her. Some of the contentious videos that she was aware were being circulated elsewhere were just absent. She might not have been aware that she was viewing a filtered version of the internet that millions of Americans were using at the time. With gradual, procedural pressure rather than drastic prohibitions, Europe’s Digital Services Act has started subtly changing online life. With the threat of fines that would shiver even the wealthiest tech companies, regulators now demand that platforms swiftly remove unlawful content. Over 16,000 removals of hate speech and extremist content were made…
Inside a packed U-Bahn carriage on a gloomy afternoon in Berlin, a college student browsed through her phone with the distracted cadence of someone passing the time between stops. News, memes, arguments, and all the usual cacophony were displayed on her screen. She later confessed to a friend that the odd calm was what really got to her. Some of the contentious videos that she was aware were being circulated elsewhere were just absent. She might not have been aware that she was viewing a filtered version of the internet that millions of Americans were using at the time. With gradual, procedural pressure rather than drastic prohibitions, Europe’s Digital Services Act has started subtly changing online life. With the threat of fines that would shiver even the wealthiest tech companies, regulators now demand that platforms swiftly remove unlawful content. Over 16,000 removals of hate speech and extremist content were made…
Inside a packed U-Bahn carriage on a gloomy afternoon in Berlin, a college student browsed through her phone with the distracted cadence of someone passing the time between stops. News, memes, arguments, and all the usual cacophony were displayed on her screen. She later confessed to a friend that the odd calm was what really got to her. Some of the contentious videos that she was aware were being circulated elsewhere were just absent. She might not have been aware that she was viewing a filtered version of the internet that millions of Americans were using at the time. With gradual, procedural pressure rather than drastic prohibitions, Europe’s Digital Services Act has started subtly changing online life. With the threat of fines that would shiver even the wealthiest tech companies, regulators now demand that platforms swiftly remove unlawful content. Over 16,000 removals of hate speech and extremist content were made…
Greece’s soccer federation has announced a last-minute venue change for the Greek Cup Final, moving the match from Athens to Volos after a dispute with Olympic stadium management. The EPO confirmed that the Cup Final will now take place on April 25 in the central Greek city following what it described as an unacceptable breach of agreement by Athens Olympic stadium officials. According to the EPO statement, stadium management informed the federation that only 20% of the approximately 80,000 seats would be available for fans if the match were held at the Athens venue. The limited capacity was attributed to ongoing construction works, with the remaining seats designated for VIP sections and media areas. Greek Cup Final Venue Dispute Escalates The controversy centers on what the EPO characterizes as a broken commitment by Olympic stadium authorities. The federation stated that stadium officials had agreed to host the Greek Cup Final…
Inside a packed U-Bahn carriage on a gloomy afternoon in Berlin, a college student browsed through her phone with the distracted cadence of someone passing the time between stops. News, memes, arguments, and all the usual cacophony were displayed on her screen. She later confessed to a friend that the…
The morning following the avalanche was unusually quiet in the Alder Creek trailhead parking lot. Rescue crews stood in groups, talking softly, while snowmobiles sat motionless, their engines cold. The violence that had occurred only hours before was concealed by the smooth white slopes of the mountains above, which once again appeared serene, almost unconcerned.There were eight skiers killed. There was still one more to go. The tragedy was initially explained using well-known terminology. I wish you luck. bizarre circumstances. No one could have predicted the sudden collapse of snow. These words came out fast, almost instinctively, as though everyone needed the security of chance. However, it seemed that randomness wasn’t the whole story as I stood there and observed guides slowly and deliberately adjusting their avalanche beacons. CategoryDetailsLocationCastle Peak, Sierra Nevada Mountains, near Lake Tahoe, California, USADateFebruary 2026Deaths8 confirmed dead, 1 missing presumed deadSurvivors6 rescuedGroup15 skiers including professional guidesConditionsSevere…
Three former SpaceX engineers have secured $50 million in Series A funding for Mesh Optical Technologies, a Los Angeles-based startup focused on manufacturing optical transceivers for AI data centers. Travis Brashears, Cameron Ramos, and Serena Grown-Haeberli announced the investment round led by Thrive Capital on Tuesday, bringing their expertise from developing optical communications for Starlink satellites to address critical supply chain challenges in the artificial intelligence infrastructure market. The co-founders identified the opportunity while working on compute-intensive satellite designs at SpaceX, where they recognized significant limitations in the current optical transceiver market. According to CEO Brashears, the devices convert optical…
As hyperscalers prepare to invest billions in new artificial intelligence data centers, DRAM chip prices have surged approximately seven times over the past year, according to market data from TrendForce. While discussions about AI infrastructure costs typically center on Nvidia and graphics processing units, memory orchestration has emerged as a critical factor that will determine which companies can operate profitably in the evolving AI landscape. The rapid price increase in DRAM chips comes at a time when efficient memory management is becoming essential for AI operations. Companies that master the discipline of directing data to the right agent at the…
A new Volkswagen Passat lease deal offers UK drivers access to a range-topping plug-in hybrid estate car for just £249.42 per month. The offer, available through DreamLease via the Auto Express Buy A Car service, features the premium Black Edition model with a 62-mile electric range and extensive luxury equipment. The three-year Volkswagen Passat lease agreement requires an initial payment of £3,292.03, equivalent to 12 monthly installments, according to the deal terms. The standard mileage allowance is capped at 5,000 miles annually, though drivers can upgrade to 8,000 miles per year for £275.63 monthly with a higher initial payment of…
Volkswagen has been spotted testing the upcoming T-Roc R on snowy roads, marking the return of the performance compact crossover to the automaker’s lineup. The new Volkswagen T-Roc R brings hot hatch power to the brand’s popular SUV segment, featuring significant updates to its exterior design and mechanical components. Test prototypes reveal modifications to the front bumper design and the addition of distinctive performance features that set it apart from standard T-Roc models. The test vehicle showcases changes including a revised lower grille treatment and camouflaged front bumper edges, according to recent spy photographs. The performance crossover will retain the…
Sixteen of nineteen national defense investment plans submitted by European Union member states have received final approval, unlocking access to initial funding under the bloc’s Security Action for Europe program. The European Commission’s SAFE initiative aims to bolster continental defense capabilities amid growing security concerns, with approved plans now totaling over 110 billion euros in committed investments. On Tuesday, February 17, EU finance ministers greenlit the national defense plans of eight additional member states, releasing 74 billion euros in funding. The approved proposals came from Estonia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Finland, according to Euronews. Poland Leads European…
Iran partially closed sections of the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday as indirect nuclear talks with the United States commenced in Geneva, escalating tensions in a critical global shipping lane. The elite Revolutionary Guards conducted military drills as a security precaution, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency, while diplomatic efforts to resolve the nuclear standoff began in Switzerland. The strait closure affected one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, through which approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies pass. Tehran has previously warned it could block commercial shipping through the strait if faced with military attack, underscoring the high…
The Oslo Energy Forum 2026 concluded at the historic Holmenkollen venue, bringing together international leaders to address energy security challenges and opportunities amid global uncertainty. Former U.S. Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey R. Pyatt, now Senior Managing Director of Energy and Critical Minerals at McLarty Associates, delivered key interventions on critical minerals supply chains, transatlantic cooperation, and the geopolitical dimensions of the current energy transition. The forum convened under the theme “Energy and Security in Unpredictable Times – A New Global Order?” and featured participation from Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, and ambassadors from across…
Greece has finalized a landmark offshore hydrocarbon exploration agreement with Chevron and Helleniq Energy to significantly expand natural gas and oil exploration around Crete and the Peloponnese. According to Greek Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou, the strategic deal doubles the country’s exploration area and reinforces Greece’s role in European energy security. The agreement was signed at the Greek Prime Minister’s office with the Prime Minister in attendance. It expands Greece’s offshore hydrocarbon exploration territory from 48,000 to 96,000 square kilometers, marking a substantial increase in the nation’s energy development footprint. Strategic Importance of Offshore Hydrocarbon Exploration Papastavrou emphasized…
Tesla Model Y and Model 3 vehicles now feature Grok, an artificial intelligence chatbot developed by xAI, a company founded by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The integration of Grok into Tesla vehicles brings advanced AI assistance to drivers, offering customizable personalities that range from family-friendly options to adult-rated modes, marking a significant step in automotive AI integration. The Grok AI chatbot is currently being rolled out to Tesla Model Y SUVs and Model 3 sedans, with plans to extend the technology to Model S and Model X vehicles through over-the-air software updates. According to Tesla, owners must have a Premium…
The United States and Iran are scheduled to hold high-stakes indirect nuclear talks in Geneva on Tuesday, as escalating military tensions threaten to overshadow diplomatic efforts. The negotiations, mediated by Oman, come amid a significant U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and Iranian military exercises in strategic waterways. According to Reuters, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will participate in the discussions alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. President Donald Trump stated he would be involved indirectly in the talks and suggested Tehran was motivated to reach an agreement, telling reporters that Iran does not want to face…
Cupra’s ambitious DarkRebel concept sports car remains under consideration for production, according to recent statements from the brand’s leadership. The electric two-door shooting brake, which showcased Cupra’s design direction at the 2023 Munich Motor Show, continues to generate enthusiasm within the company despite no immediate plans for market launch. This potential halo sports car would represent a significant step for the performance-focused brand as it seeks to establish its identity in the electric vehicle market. Sven Schuwirth, Executive Vice-President for Sales and Marketing, acknowledged the appeal of bringing the DarkRebel concept to reality. According to Schuwirth, a sports car would…
A new Ford Capri lease deal offers drivers the chance to get behind the wheel of the controversial electric coupé-SUV for just £227.99 per month. According to Auto Express, the entry-level model with a 52kWh battery pack provides a competitive 242-mile range while keeping monthly costs remarkably low for an electric vehicle in this segment. The deal comes from Lease Car UK through the Auto Express Buy A Car service and requires an initial payment of £3,083.88 for a 12-month period. The three-year factory-order contract includes an annual mileage allowance of 5,000 miles, though drivers can increase this to 8,000…
Volkswagen has launched a new customisable camper van option that offers buyers a blank canvas for their conversion projects. The Volkswagen Multivan Camper, priced from £52,680 including VAT, provides customers with a stripped-back alternative to the fully-equipped California models, featuring only swivel front seats and a pop-up roof with an empty rear cabin. The new offering represents a significant saving of almost £12,000 compared to the entry-level California Beach, which currently starts at £64,417. According to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, the vehicle comes without rear seating, kitchen facilities, or even floor covering in the cargo area, making it ideal for professional…
BMW is preparing a significant facelift for its M5 Touring, less than three years after the current model’s debut. Prototype testing in Arctic conditions has revealed the high-performance estate will receive comprehensive exterior and interior updates, with the revised BMW M5 Touring expected to arrive in showrooms during 2027. The updates will be applied across the entire 5 Series lineup as part of a mid-cycle refresh. Spy photographs show the prototype wearing heavy camouflage, though the most substantial changes are concentrated at the front of the vehicle. According to reports, the updated model will adopt design language inspired by BMW’s…
Uber Eats is preparing to enter the Greek delivery market in 2026, marking a significant development in the country’s competitive food delivery landscape. According to a senior executive of the American company, Greece has been included in an expansion plan covering seven new European markets, a move that has already sparked considerable interest among industry observers and existing market players. The announcement comes as Greece’s food delivery sector has matured significantly, with established companies having invested tens of millions of euros to build their customer bases. The ready-to-eat food and coffee delivery market is estimated to approach or exceed €1.5…
Over the past week, senior Trump administration officials have repeatedly positioned Greece as a central hub in the United States’ evolving energy strategy in Europe, citing recent agreements in Athens as a model for expanding American LNG exports across the continent. The message surfaced first at a forum hosted by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington and was reiterated days later at the Munich Security Conference, where White House energy officials publicly praised Greece’s role in advancing the Vertical Corridor linking Southern and Eastern Europe to U.S. supply. Taken together, the appearances offer a clearer view of how…
Greece’s public debt continues to decline as a share of gross domestic product, extending a multiyear trend of fiscal consolidation that has drawn praise from international creditors. However, the country is projected to maintain the highest debt-to-GDP ratio in Europe through at least 2036, according to the latest European Commission debt sustainability report. While short-term and long-term risks are considered low, medium-term vulnerabilities remain elevated due to the scale of outstanding obligations and the economy’s sensitivity to external shocks. The latest projections show general government debt falling below 140 percent of GDP in 2026, reaching 138.2 percent, its lowest level…
Viva.com has launched a new banking service for tourism businesses at the HORECA 2026 exhibition, introducing reservation prepayments via factoring to help small and midsize seasonal enterprises secure working capital during the off-season. The European technology bank unveiled the service as a continent-wide first, specifically designed to address liquidity challenges faced by tourism operators before peak season begins. The company is showcasing the innovative solution at HORECA 2026 in Hall 2, Stand 25, where representatives are engaging with tourism industry professionals. According to the announcement, viva.com operates in 24 countries and positions itself as Europe’s leading technology bank for businesses.…
A former energy minister of Cyprus has issued a strong warning about the future of the Great Sea Interconnector, claiming that local interests are sabotaging efforts to link the island to Greece’s electricity grid. Giorgos Papanastasiou told Cypriot newspaper Politis that vested interests are portraying any new electricity source entering the small Cypriot market as a threat, particularly if it is not controlled locally. Cyprus remains the only European Union member state not connected to any other national electricity grid, relying entirely on domestic power generation. Papanastasiou emphasized that a country in energy isolation must find ways to achieve interconnection…
Chevron Corp. is set to sign agreements on Monday, February 16, granting the U.S. energy giant rights to explore and potentially exploit hydrocarbons in four offshore blocks in Greece. The contracts will be signed at noon at the Acropolis Museum in Athens, marking one of the most significant entries by an American energy major into Greece’s upstream sector in recent years. The agreements follow Chevron’s victory last October in a tender conducted by the Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company, according to reports. Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou and HEREMA CEO Aris Stefatos will sign on behalf of…
A senior Trump administration energy official has praised recent energy cooperation agreements between the United States and Greece, highlighting their strategic importance for European energy security. Jarrod Agen, executive director of the National Energy Dominance Council, delivered the remarks Saturday at the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing Greece’s role in US LNG distribution to Europe. During his address at the high-profile international security gathering, Agen specifically recognized Greek Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou, who was present in the audience. The executive director singled out the minister for what he described as an adulatory acknowledgment of Greece’s energy partnership efforts. Vertical…
Five European governments have concluded that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was killed by poisoning with a deadly toxin while imprisoned in an Arctic penal colony in February 2024. Britain, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands announced in a joint statement on Saturday that laboratory analyses of samples from Navalny’s body confirmed the presence of epibatidine, a lethal neurotoxin naturally found only in South American poison dart frogs. The governments stated their findings were based on comprehensive testing that “conclusively” identified the toxin, which does not occur naturally in Russia. Navalny, a prominent Kremlin critic, died while serving a lengthy…
Italy’s iconic “Lovers’ Arch” collapsed on Valentine’s Day after days of severe storms battered the Adriatic coastline, local authorities confirmed. The natural rock formation, located in Sant’Andrea di Melendugno in the Salento region, had long served as a cherished landmark for couples and a popular destination for marriage proposals along Italy’s southeastern coast. Mayor Maurizio Cisternino of Melendugno described the loss as “a devastating blow” to the community, while deputy mayor for tourism Francesco Stella compared the collapse to “a funeral.” Local officials reported that strong winds, torrential rain, and turbulent seas gradually eroded the rock structure until it finally…
Greek consumers spent up to 74% on apparel and footwear during the period between February 12 and February 14, 2025, as Valentine’s Day shopping reached its peak, according to recent market research. The data reveals significant consumer spending patterns during the annual celebration of romance and commitment, with multiple retail categories experiencing notable increases in sales activity. A study conducted by Klarna firm analyzed Valentine’s Day spending trends and identified the top retail categories that benefited from the occasion. Jewelry, particularly rings, captured 68% of consumer spending in its category, securing second place overall behind apparel and footwear. Spa services…