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Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series: Brazilian Film and Its Place on the World Stage
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Spotlight
Brazilian cinema did not appear out of nowhere. People talk about it as though one standing ovation at a European festival switched everything on. That is not what happened. Brazilian film has been working for decades. Sometimes it made noise. Sometimes it moved quietly. The films that catch international attention are rarely the ones that top the local box office. They tend to be the difficult ones. Political films. Personal films. Films that sit with Brazil’s contradictions and do not look away. In this part of the Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series, I want to trace that path. How Brazilian cinema earns attention abroad, why certain stories cross borders, what recognition means in real terms, and what still holds the industry back even when the rest of the world starts to take notice. International recognition is not a trophy. It is a pipeline The simplest way to describe international recognition is…
Brazilian cinema did not appear out of nowhere. People talk about it as though one standing ovation at a European festival switched everything on. That is not what happened. Brazilian film has been working for decades. Sometimes it made noise. Sometimes it moved quietly. The films that catch international attention are rarely the ones that top the local box office. They tend to be the difficult ones. Political films. Personal films. Films that sit with Brazil’s contradictions and do not look away. In this part of the Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series, I want to trace that path. How Brazilian cinema earns attention abroad, why certain stories cross borders, what recognition means in real terms, and what still holds the industry back even when the rest of the world starts to take notice. International recognition is not a trophy. It is a pipeline The simplest way to describe international recognition is…
Greece’s largest waste disposal facility continues to expand as the country struggles with persistent waste management challenges. The Fyli landfill, located northwest of Athens, recently received approval from the Environment Ministry for another expansion that will add 2 million cubic meters of capacity and extend operations for at least another year, according to official announcements last week. The latest expansion represents the fourth vertical extension of Phase 1 of the Fyli landfill, which has been operational since 2004. This ongoing enlargement highlights the ongoing difficulties Greece faces in developing effective recycling programs and reducing overall waste production. Fyli Landfill Handles Majority of Athens Waste The facility currently processes approximately 80% of Greater Athens’ garbage, making it the only operational landfill serving the entire Attica region. A planned second disposal site at Grammatiko, situated east of Athens, was never opened due to strong opposition from local communities. The original Phase 1…
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 European champions, according to Greek basketball analysts. Panathinaikos Overcomes Early Deficit in Euroleague Clash Panathinaikos entered the contest attempting to bounce back from an overtime loss to Aris in Greek Basket League play just two days earlier. The Greens struggled in the opening quarter, falling behind 16-26 as Real Madrid…
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…
A controversial injury-time penalty decision rescued Olympiakos from defeat against AEK Athens in the Greek Super League derby on Sunday, as the match at Nea Filadelfia ended 1-1. The late equalizer allowed PAOK to climb into second place in the league standings, with AEK maintaining their position at the top of the table. The dramatic conclusion came in the 106th minute after 14 minutes of stoppage time were added to the contest. According to match reports, AEK took the lead just before the hour mark when Razvan Marin delivered a corner kick from the right side. Substitute Varga rose in…
Greek alpine skier AJ Ginnis made his Olympic debut at the Games on Monday in what became an emotional farewell to competitive skiing. The 31-year-old athlete competed in the Olympic slalom race knowing it would mark both his first and last appearance at the Games, as ongoing injuries have forced him to retire from professional skiing. Ginnis, who captured a silver medal in slalom at the 2023 World Championships in Courchevel, France, has been unable to return to peak form following his latest setback. The day before his Olympic slalom race, Ginnis realized during training that his body could no…
Olympiakos strengthened its position in the Euroleague standings after defeating Red Star Belgrade 92-86 on Thursday, moving into second place with their 18th victory of the season. Meanwhile, Panathinaikos suffered a heartbreaking home defeat to league leader Fenerbahce, losing 85-83 on a last-second shot at the Telekom Center Athens on Friday. The Euroleague results highlight the competitive nature of this season’s campaign, with Olympiakos now trailing only Fenerbahce in the overall standings. The Greek champions improved their record to 18 wins in 27 matches, continuing their impressive form with seven victories in their last eight games. Olympiakos Dominates Red Star…
Greece’s governing New Democracy party faces growing criticism over its proposed constitutional amendments, with prominent legal scholar and former socialist leader Evangelos Venizelos emerging as a key opponent. The constitutional revision controversy has escalated tensions between the government and PASOK, the main center-left opposition party, potentially jeopardizing future political cooperation ahead of the 2027 elections. Venizelos, a distinguished constitutional law expert, sharply criticized the government’s approach in an opinion piece titled “Constitutional Populism” published in Kathimerini. According to his statement, “respecting the Constitution comes before revision,” signaling fundamental disagreement with the proposed changes and their underlying rationale. Constitutional Amendments Face Political Obstacles The veteran politician’s opposition presents significant challenges to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s political strategy. Government officials had reportedly hoped to secure cooperation from what they internally refer to as “the good PASOK” faction—moderate socialists willing to work across party lines on major issues. Such collaboration could potentially extend…
Greek authorities have initiated proceedings to revoke the asylum status of Javed Aslam, a prominent Pakistani community leader in Athens, as part of an expanded government review of international protection cases. The move against Aslam, who has headed the Pakistani Unity Organization since the mid-2000s and lived in Greece for approximately 30 years, was reported Monday as part of a broader crackdown on asylum revocations. According to the Migration Ministry, 33 third-country nationals from Syria, Pakistan, Egypt, and Iraq have had asylum revocation procedures initiated against them in the past two weeks alone. The review follows a directive by Migration…
The NBA trade deadline concluded Thursday with Giannis Antetokounmpo remaining in Milwaukee despite widespread speculation about his future with the Bucks. The league witnessed one of its busiest trade periods in two decades, with 28 deals completed in the week leading up to the deadline and 18 finalized on the final day alone. However, the most prominent NBA trade deadline rumors involving Antetokounmpo and Memphis guard Ja Morant ultimately did not materialize into actual moves. According to reports, the Milwaukee Bucks had begun listening to offers for the two-time MVP and nine-time All-NBA selection ahead of the 3 p.m. deadline.…
Greek-Albanian playwright and director Mario Banushi will receive the prestigious Silver Lion award at the Venice Biennale this summer, marking a significant milestone for the young theater artist. The announcement came during Banushi’s recent tour in New York, where he was performing his play “Mami” at the Under the Radar Festival. According to Banushi, actor Willem Dafoe and his assistant delivered the news via video call on January 13, revealing that the committee had unanimously selected him for the honor. The award recognizes Banushi’s innovative theatrical work, which has gained international recognition over recent years. Based in Athens, the director…
Greece’s housing market continues to face a severe affordability crisis as rising property prices push homeownership out of reach for most residents, according to recent surveys. A University of Macedonia study reveals that only 17% of prospective buyers can afford to spend more than €200,000 on housing, with just 6% able to exceed the €300,000 threshold. These findings underscore the growing disconnect between market prices and purchasing power across Greek urban centers. The affordability gap comes at a time when more Greeks are expressing preference for buying over renting, according to an Alpha Bank report. However, escalating home prices in…
Greece will participate as an observer in the upcoming Board of Peace meeting focused on Gaza, scheduled to take place in Washington, DC on Thursday. Deputy Foreign Minister Harry Theoharis will represent the country at the diplomatic gathering convened by the Trump administration. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will be unable to attend the Board of Peace meeting due to a previously scheduled visit to India. The decision to send the deputy foreign minister underscores Greece’s interest in regional peace efforts while managing competing diplomatic commitments. Regional Participation in Gaza Peace Initiative Greece’s involvement in the Board of Peace meeting reflects…
A drunk driving incident in downtown Athens resulted in significant property damage and the arrest of a 36-year-old woman who crashed into multiple parked vehicles early Tuesday morning. The collision occurred in the upscale Kolonaki neighborhood, where authorities say the motorist was driving with blood alcohol levels exceeding three times Greece’s legal limit. According to police reports, the woman was apprehended at the intersection of Kleomenous and Xanthippou streets after her vehicle struck a parked car. The initial impact triggered a chain-reaction crash that damaged a total of five vehicles in the area. Blood Alcohol Levels Far Exceed Legal Threshold…
A violent robbery took place in the early morning hours of Tuesday in Argyroupoli, a suburb in southern Athens, according to local authorities. The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. near the Agia Triada Church, where a 22-year-old man was assaulted and robbed by three unidentified assailants. Police reported that the attackers approached the victim outside the church and questioned him about his football team allegiance before launching the assault. The suspects used a wooden club to beat the young man and stole €300 in cash before fleeing the scene. Details of the Argyroupoli Attack The victim sustained injuries during…
Greece has finalized lease contracts with a Chevron-Helleniq Energy joint venture for four offshore energy exploration areas located off Crete and the Peloponnese. The Greece offshore energy agreements were signed Monday at Maximos Mansion, following the consortium’s designation as preferred investor in October, according to reports. The signing ceremony marks a significant step in Athens’ efforts to establish itself as a key player in the region’s evolving energy landscape. The contracts cover four maritime concessions: South Peloponnese, A2, South Crete I, and South Crete II. Investment Timeline and Financial Commitments According to Kathimerini, the exploration program will unfold in three…
Students from Greece and the Greek diaspora can now apply for the 6th NextGen Innovators competition, a nationwide entrepreneurial challenge focused on sustainability and innovation. The application deadline for the NextGen Innovators competition has been set for March 23, according to organizers Envolve Entrepreneurship, who run the program with support from Greece’s Education Ministry. The competition invites teams of middle and high school students to collaborate with teachers, mentors, and industry experts on developing projects that address social or environmental challenges. According to the organizers, submissions must include a comprehensive business plan, evidence of sustainability measures, and a short video…
The Greek island of Naxos is set to showcase how traditional weaving heritage can illuminate modern cultural preservation through an innovative art exhibition and discussion. On February 14, the “Rewoven – Memory is Woven Again” exhibition will open at the 1st High School of Naxos, featuring seven contemporary artists who draw inspiration from a 133-year-old bridal jacket to explore the art of weaving in Naxos. The exhibition centers on a family heirloom from 1893, according to organizers, with artists Evgenia Vereli, Chrysanthi Koumianaki, Mariandrie, Maria Foka, Malvina Panagiotidi, Elektra Stamboulou and curator Sevastiana Konstaki creating works using paper, fabric, plaster,…
Greece’s ski season has officially begun as two of the country’s most prominent mountain resorts open their slopes to winter sports enthusiasts. The Hellenic Public Properties Company (ETAD) announced the launch of operations at the Parnassos and Voras-Kaimaktsalan ski resorts, marking the start of the 2025-2026 Greece ski season with enhanced facilities and improved accessibility for visitors seeking alpine adventures. Voras-Kaimaktsalan Ski Resort in northern Greece became the first ski center in the country to welcome skiers this season, opening on Sunday, December 21. The Parnassos Ski Resort, located within easy driving distance of Athens, followed two days later on…
The Milan Cortina Olympics opening ceremony takes place Friday night at Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium, marking the start of the 2026 Winter Games with a nearly three-hour spectacle expected to draw millions of viewers worldwide. The ceremony begins at 9 p.m. CET and will feature performances by international stars including Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli, with approximately 60,000 spectators attending in person. In a departure from tradition, the opening ceremony will incorporate multiple locations across Italy. According to organizers, the Parade of Athletes and other ceremony elements will be conducted simultaneously in Cortina in the Dolomite mountains, Livigno in…
As the year draws to a close in Greece, shop windows fill with brightly colored charms, ornamental pomegranates, and blue glass evil eyes. These Greek New Year charms, known as gouria, represent a centuries-old tradition of exchanging symbolic objects intended to bring luck, health, and prosperity for the year ahead. The gouri has become an essential part of Greek New Year celebrations, blending ancient beliefs with modern design. At first glance, a gouri may appear as a simple pendant, bracelet, keyring, or small ornament stamped with the coming year’s number. However, this humble object carries a much deeper story rooted…
Young audiences in Greece are rediscovering the films of Theodoros Angelopoulos, the celebrated Greek auteur, following the release of his complete filmography on the streaming platform Cinobo in late January. A recent Sunday afternoon screening of his seminal 1970 film “Reconstitution” at Cinobo Patision cinema drew crowds of students and young cinephiles, demonstrating renewed interest in Angelopoulos cinema among Generation Z viewers. The scene outside the theater resembled the vibrant cultural atmosphere of Greece in the mid-1970s following the restoration of democracy, according to reporting by Kathimerini. Rainy weather provided an atmospheric backdrop as young people lined up for tickets…
Olympiakos has climbed to second place in the Euroleague standings following a dominant 109-77 victory over Virtus Bologna at home, while rival Panathinaikos dropped to eighth position after suffering a disappointing 78-62 defeat at Partizan Belgrade. The contrasting Euroleague results this week highlight the diverging fortunes of Greece’s two basketball powerhouses as the season progresses toward the playoffs. The double-week conclusion confirmed Olympiakos is on track for a top-four finish with 17 wins in 26 games, while Panathinaikos faces mounting challenges if it hopes to compete in the Final Four it will host in May. The Athens-based Greens now hold…
Greece is moving forward with plans to revitalize its historic Xenia hotel properties through long-term lease agreements, transforming abandoned state-owned assets into operational venues. The Public Properties Company (ETAD) has completed the concession agreement for Xenia Ouranoupoli and is now preparing tenders for additional properties, including the next target of Xenia Vytina. These iconic hotels, built during the mid-20th century in prime locations across Greece, represent a significant opportunity for state asset utilization and private investment. According to sources familiar with the initiative, ETAD is currently preparing the tender for Xenia Vytina, a currently abandoned building situated in an excellent…
Greece and Turkey have reaffirmed their commitment to direct bilateral dialogue following last week’s Greek-Turkish summit in Ankara, with both nations rejecting the possibility of United States mediation in their longstanding disputes. The meeting between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan underscored the continuing diplomatic detente between the two neighboring countries that has been maintained since February 2023. According to officials from both nations, the summit did not produce resolutions to contentious bilateral issues. However, the calm and respectful tone of the discussions was viewed as a diplomatic success in itself, reinforcing the relative stability that…
The owner of a cookie factory in Trikala, central Greece, where a deadly explosion claimed five workers’ lives last month, has requested a one-day postponement of his testimony before an investigative magistrate. The defendant is scheduled to return to court at 1 p.m. on Wednesday for his second appearance regarding the Trikala factory explosion, following the upgrading of charges against him from a misdemeanor to a felony. The factory owner initially faced charges of negligent homicide, explosion, negligent arson, and bodily harm following his arrest on January 27. However, prosecutors upgraded the primary charge to homicide with possible intent last…
A criminal court in Thessaloniki has convicted two former municipal officials of breach of trust for failing to protect public land in Halkidiki, northern Greece. The breach of trust conviction on Tuesday targeted an ex-mayor and a former legal adviser of the Municipality of Sithonia, who were found guilty of neglecting their duty to defend municipal property against adverse possession claims, according to court officials. The case centers on a 10-hectare municipally owned property located in Sykia, a prominent village and tourist destination in Halkidiki. According to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, neighboring landowners attempted to claim portions of the municipal…
Central Greece has emerged as a premier destination for winter getaways in Greece, with several guesthouses and boutique hotels offering distinctive mountain hospitality. From the cosmopolitan village of Arachova near Mount Parnassus Ski Centre to the quieter alpine retreat of Karpenisi, the region’s winter accommodation combines traditional architecture with modern comforts, according to a recent roundup highlighting six standout properties. The featured guesthouses span locations across Karditsa, Evrytania and Boeotia, each providing unique approaches to mountain stays. They range from handcrafted stone villages to eco-conscious Finnish chalets and contemporary suite hotels, catering to visitors seeking both outdoor activities and cozy…
The Greek stock market experienced moderate losses on Monday as the Athens Exchange general index declined 0.43%, closing at 2,279.10 points down from Friday’s 2,288.83 points. The session followed a significant 10-month-record drop the previous Friday, with investors showing a muted response to the earlier sharp decline. Despite holidays in the United States and several major Asian markets, trading volume remained notably strong. The large-cap FTSE-25 index contracted 0.51% to end at 5,800.32 points, according to market data. However, mid-cap stocks showed resilience, expanding 0.65% during the session. A slight majority of individual stocks posted gains, with 54 stocks advancing…
Greek authorities have initiated proceedings to revoke the asylum status of Javed Aslam, a prominent Pakistani community leader in Athens, as part of an expanded government review of international protection cases. The move against Aslam, who has headed the Pakistani Unity Organization since the mid-2000s and lived in Greece for approximately 30 years, was reported Monday as part of a broader crackdown on asylum revocations. According to the Migration Ministry, 33 third-country nationals from Syria, Pakistan, Egypt, and Iraq have had asylum revocation procedures initiated against them in the past two weeks alone. The review follows a directive by Migration…
Renowned Greek-French filmmaker Costa-Gavras marked his 93rd birthday in Thessaloniki, Greece, where the city paid tribute to the legendary director at a historic location tied to one of his most celebrated works. The commemoration took place at the site where politician Grigoris Lambrakis was assassinated in 1963, an event that served as the inspiration for Costa-Gavras’ iconic political thriller “Z,” which brought international attention to political oppression in Greece. During the celebration, the acclaimed director reflected on his remarkable career and the personal influences that shaped his artistic vision. According to reports from the event, Costa-Gavras credited both his illiterate…
AEK Athens has reclaimed the top position in the Greek Super League standings following a dramatic weekend of results that saw Panathinaikos upset Olympiakos in the Derby of Eternal Rivals while PAOK dropped crucial points. The unexpected outcome at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium on Sunday has reshuffled the league table with just weeks remaining in the championship race. Panathinaikos secured a stunning 1-0 victory over Olympiakos at Piraeus, with Argentine midfielder Vicente Taborda scoring the decisive goal in the seventh minute. The Greens’ triumph came against the run of recent form and handed their rivals a significant setback in the…
PAOK and OFI Crete have secured their spots in the Greek Cup final after emerging victorious from their respective semifinal ties this week. The two clubs will compete for the trophy on April 25 at the Panthessaliko Stadium in Volos, with PAOK seeking silverware after eliminating Panathinaikos and OFI returning to the final for the second consecutive year. PAOK advanced to the Greek Cup final with a commanding aggregate victory over Panathinaikos across two legs. The Thessaloniki side won 1-0 in Athens last Wednesday through a penalty converted by Giorgos Giakoumakis, according to match reports. They followed up with a…
Spotlight
Brazilian cinema did not appear out of nowhere. People talk about it as though one standing ovation at a European festival switched everything on. That is not what happened. Brazilian film has been working for decades. Sometimes it made noise. Sometimes it moved quietly. The films that catch international attention are rarely the ones that top the local box office. They tend to be the difficult ones. Political films. Personal films. Films that sit with Brazil’s contradictions and do not look away. In this part of the Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series, I want to trace that path. How Brazilian cinema earns attention abroad, why certain stories cross borders, what recognition means in real terms, and what still holds the industry back even when the rest of the world starts to take notice. International recognition is not a trophy. It is a pipeline The simplest way to describe international recognition is…
Brazilian cinema did not appear out of nowhere. People talk about it as though one standing ovation at a European festival switched everything on. That is not what happened. Brazilian film has been working for decades. Sometimes it made noise. Sometimes it moved quietly. The films that catch international attention are rarely the ones that top the local box office. They tend to be the difficult ones. Political films. Personal films. Films that sit with Brazil’s contradictions and do not look away. In this part of the Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series, I want to trace that path. How Brazilian cinema earns attention abroad, why certain stories cross borders, what recognition means in real terms, and what still holds the industry back even when the rest of the world starts to take notice. International recognition is not a trophy. It is a pipeline The simplest way to describe international recognition is…
Greece’s largest waste disposal facility continues to expand as the country struggles with persistent waste management challenges. The Fyli landfill, located northwest of Athens, recently received approval from the Environment Ministry for another expansion that will add 2 million cubic meters of capacity and extend operations for at least another year, according to official announcements last week. The latest expansion represents the fourth vertical extension of Phase 1 of the Fyli landfill, which has been operational since 2004. This ongoing enlargement highlights the ongoing difficulties Greece faces in developing effective recycling programs and reducing overall waste production. Fyli Landfill Handles Majority of Athens Waste The facility currently processes approximately 80% of Greater Athens’ garbage, making it the only operational landfill serving the entire Attica region. A planned second disposal site at Grammatiko, situated east of Athens, was never opened due to strong opposition from local communities. The original Phase 1…
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 European champions, according to Greek basketball analysts. Panathinaikos Overcomes Early Deficit in Euroleague Clash Panathinaikos entered the contest attempting to bounce back from an overtime loss to Aris in Greek Basket League play just two days earlier. The Greens struggled in the opening quarter, falling behind 16-26 as Real Madrid…
Greece is moving forward with plans to revitalize its historic Xenia hotel properties through long-term lease agreements, transforming abandoned state-owned assets into operational venues. The Public Properties Company (ETAD) has completed the concession agreement for Xenia Ouranoupoli and is now preparing tenders for additional properties, including the next target of…
Greece’s governing New Democracy party faces growing criticism over its proposed constitutional amendments, with prominent legal scholar and former socialist leader Evangelos Venizelos emerging as a key opponent. The constitutional revision controversy has escalated tensions between the government and PASOK, the main center-left opposition party, potentially jeopardizing future political cooperation ahead of the 2027 elections. Venizelos, a distinguished constitutional law expert, sharply criticized the government’s approach in an opinion piece titled “Constitutional Populism” published in Kathimerini. According to his statement, “respecting the Constitution comes before revision,” signaling fundamental disagreement with the proposed changes and their underlying rationale. Constitutional Amendments Face Political Obstacles The veteran politician’s opposition presents significant challenges to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s political strategy. Government officials had reportedly hoped to secure cooperation from what they internally refer to as “the good PASOK” faction—moderate socialists willing to work across party lines on major issues. Such collaboration could potentially extend…
A Greek technology company based in the northeastern border region of Alexandroupoli has successfully launched the country’s first domestically designed and manufactured nanosatellite into orbit. Prisma Electronics, founded by the Giordamlis brothers in their hometown of Alexandroupoli, launched the MICE 1 nanosatellite on November 28 from Vandenberg base in California aboard a SpaceX rocket, according to company founder Christos Giordamlis. The Greek nanosatellite is intended for maritime applications and use in challenging environments such as natural disaster response zones. The five-kilogram device was fully designed and manufactured at the company’s facility in Thrace, representing a significant milestone for Greece’s emerging…
Greece plans to contribute a specialized battalion to the International Stabilization Force in Gaza, marking a significant expansion of its peacekeeping role in the region. The deployment will include 100-150 personnel equipped with armored vehicles for security operations, along with medical staff and engineers, according to recent reports. This represents an upgraded mission compared to Greece’s previous international engagement in Afghanistan under the International Security Assistance Force from 2002 to 2021. The Greek contingent will operate within the security perimeter established by Israeli Defense Forces in Gaza. Two Greek officers have already been assigned to the US-led Civil-Military Coordination center…
Greece’s national selection process for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 moves forward this week as state broadcaster ERT screens the first semifinal on Wednesday evening. The Eurovision Greece semifinal will feature 14 competing acts vying for a chance to represent the country at the 70th edition of the international music competition in Vienna this May. According to ERT, the broadcast begins at 9 p.m. local time and will showcase performances from Alexandra Sieti, The Astrolabe, Desi G, Akylas, Evangelia, Panagiotis Tsakalakos, Niya, Marseaux, Rossana Mailan, Stefi, Revery, Dinamiss, Stylianos and Spheyaa in their order of appearance. Viewers across Greece will…
Greece is facing a paradoxical situation where labor shortages persist despite stagnant wages, defying basic economic principles. According to data revealed by Kathimerini, the Greek labor market shows high demand for workers in sectors like hospitality, retail, and technical occupations, yet wage increases remain minimal even as employers report difficulty filling positions. This unusual dynamic highlights structural problems in the Greek economy that prevent the typical supply-demand balance from functioning properly. Official statistics from the Hellenic Statistical Authority paint a stark picture of wage stagnation spanning nearly two decades. In 2006, before the financial crisis, service workers and salespeople earned…
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 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…
Cyprus emerged as the European Union’s economic growth champion in the final quarter of 2025, according to official data released by Eurostat on Friday. The Mediterranean island nation recorded a GDP growth rate of 1.4% in volume terms during the October-December period compared with the previous quarter, significantly outpacing other EU member states for which data are currently available. The Republic of Cyprus demonstrated even more impressive performance on an annual basis, registering a 4.5% increase when comparing the fourth quarter of 2025 with the same period in 2024. This marked the highest annual GDP growth among all European Union…
The Archaeological Museum of Kavala has become the focus of renewed scholarly attention following the publication of two comprehensive volumes examining the ancient Neapolis sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Parthenos. The sanctuary of the Virgin at ancient Neapolis, a city founded by Thasian settlers in the 7th century BC, continues to yield valuable insights into cult practices and architectural development in the ancient Aegean world. The volumes, edited by Amalia Avramidou, associate professor of classical archaeology at the Democritus University of Thrace, were published in English by Brepols. According to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, the publications examine ritual practices at…
Anna Benaki-Psarouda, Greece’s first female Parliament Speaker and a pioneering figure in Greek politics and academia, has died at the age of 91, her family announced Sunday. The distinguished law professor and longtime parliamentarian broke multiple barriers during her decades-long career in public service and education. Benaki-Psarouda served as an MP with the conservative New Democracy party from 1981 to 2009 and made history when she was elected Parliament Speaker from 2004 to 2007. Her political career also included several Cabinet positions, including Alternate Education Minister, Alternate Minister of Culture, Minister of Culture, and Minister of Justice between 1989 and…
Weather authorities in Greece issued urgent warnings on Tuesday as severe weather conditions bring heavy rain and powerful storms to western regions of the country. The General Secretariat for Civil Protection announced heightened readiness measures for the Peloponnese, Western Greece, the Ionian Islands, and Epirus, where the risk of flooding has increased significantly due to the extreme weather system moving across the Mediterranean nation. According to forecasters, intense downpours and thunderstorms are affecting Epirus and western Central Greece, with conditions expected to spread to western and southern Peloponnese throughout the day. Additionally, parts of Crete, particularly the western and southern…
Greece is poised to solidify its position as a strategic US energy partner with the signing of major hydrocarbon exploration lease contracts on Monday. The Chevron and Helleniq Energy joint venture will formalize agreements for four marine areas off Peloponnese and Crete at the Acropolis Museum, according to reports. The ceremony, scheduled for noon, marks a significant milestone in Greece’s expanding role in regional energy infrastructure. The joint venture was named preferred investor for these blocks in October, following a competitive tender process. The maritime concessions include South Peloponnese, A2, South Crete I, and South Crete II, covering extensive underwater…
Greece is set to sign four major hydrocarbon exploration agreements with US energy giant Chevron on Monday, marking a significant step toward unlocking vast offshore natural gas reserves south of Crete and the Peloponnese. The hydrocarbon exploration agreements cover the maritime concessions “South Peloponnese,” “A2,” “South Crete I” and “South Crete II,” according to official sources. Following the signing ceremony, the deal will be submitted to Parliament for ratification. Geophysical surveys in the designated areas are scheduled to commence in the second half of 2026. This initiative represents Greece’s first major effort to open its waters to gas exploration in…
Rock fans in Brussels will have the opportunity to experience Greece’s influential 1990s rock scene through a special tribute concert organized by Hellenic Circle. The event, scheduled for Saturday, February 28, at the Madame Moustache venue, promises to deliver an authentic retrospective of Greek rock music that defined a generation and transformed the country’s alternative music landscape. This Greek rock tribute concert goes beyond a typical cover performance, offering audiences an immersive journey into an era characterized by poetic lyrics and unfiltered sound. According to organizers, the event celebrates the music that elevated Greek-language rock from underground venues into mainstream…
Greece’s women’s water polo team secured a bronze medal at the European Championships in Portugal, mirroring the achievement of their male counterparts from last month. The world champions defeated Italy 15-8 in the third-place match on Thursday in Funchal, claiming their sixth European medal in the competition’s history. Coach Haris Pavlidis led his squad to the podium finish after a campaign that followed a strikingly similar pattern to the men’s tournament in Belgrade. The Greek women dominated the group stage with a perfect record of five consecutive victories before their medal hopes were altered in the knockout rounds. Greece Women’s…
Greek authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of a prisoner at Domokos Prison as a potential contract killing, according to law enforcement sources. Antonis Papadatos, 42, was shot three times in the head on Sunday evening inside the facility, raising serious questions about security protocols and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Papadatos was serving a sentence for the 2021 murder of hotel businessman Dimis Korfiatis in Zakynthos. The alleged shooter, a Bulgarian national identified as S.R. and known as “Razvan,” is currently serving a life sentence for the October 2018 murder of Greek-Australian John Makris outside his home in Voula.…
The NBA trade deadline concluded Thursday with Giannis Antetokounmpo remaining in Milwaukee despite widespread speculation about his future with the Bucks. The league witnessed one of its busiest trade periods in two decades, with 28 deals completed in the week leading up to the deadline and 18 finalized on the final day alone. However, the most prominent NBA trade deadline rumors involving Antetokounmpo and Memphis guard Ja Morant ultimately did not materialize into actual moves. According to reports, the Milwaukee Bucks had begun listening to offers for the two-time MVP and nine-time All-NBA selection ahead of the 3 p.m. deadline.…
Greek-Albanian playwright and director Mario Banushi will receive the prestigious Silver Lion award at the Venice Biennale this summer, marking a significant milestone for the young theater artist. The announcement came during Banushi’s recent tour in New York, where he was performing his play “Mami” at the Under the Radar Festival. According to Banushi, actor Willem Dafoe and his assistant delivered the news via video call on January 13, revealing that the committee had unanimously selected him for the honor. The award recognizes Banushi’s innovative theatrical work, which has gained international recognition over recent years. Based in Athens, the director…
Greece’s housing market continues to face a severe affordability crisis as rising property prices push homeownership out of reach for most residents, according to recent surveys. A University of Macedonia study reveals that only 17% of prospective buyers can afford to spend more than €200,000 on housing, with just 6% able to exceed the €300,000 threshold. These findings underscore the growing disconnect between market prices and purchasing power across Greek urban centers. The affordability gap comes at a time when more Greeks are expressing preference for buying over renting, according to an Alpha Bank report. However, escalating home prices in…
Greece will participate as an observer in the upcoming Board of Peace meeting focused on Gaza, scheduled to take place in Washington, DC on Thursday. Deputy Foreign Minister Harry Theoharis will represent the country at the diplomatic gathering convened by the Trump administration. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will be unable to attend the Board of Peace meeting due to a previously scheduled visit to India. The decision to send the deputy foreign minister underscores Greece’s interest in regional peace efforts while managing competing diplomatic commitments. Regional Participation in Gaza Peace Initiative Greece’s involvement in the Board of Peace meeting reflects…
A drunk driving incident in downtown Athens resulted in significant property damage and the arrest of a 36-year-old woman who crashed into multiple parked vehicles early Tuesday morning. The collision occurred in the upscale Kolonaki neighborhood, where authorities say the motorist was driving with blood alcohol levels exceeding three times Greece’s legal limit. According to police reports, the woman was apprehended at the intersection of Kleomenous and Xanthippou streets after her vehicle struck a parked car. The initial impact triggered a chain-reaction crash that damaged a total of five vehicles in the area. Blood Alcohol Levels Far Exceed Legal Threshold…
A violent robbery took place in the early morning hours of Tuesday in Argyroupoli, a suburb in southern Athens, according to local authorities. The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. near the Agia Triada Church, where a 22-year-old man was assaulted and robbed by three unidentified assailants. Police reported that the attackers approached the victim outside the church and questioned him about his football team allegiance before launching the assault. The suspects used a wooden club to beat the young man and stole €300 in cash before fleeing the scene. Details of the Argyroupoli Attack The victim sustained injuries during…
Greece has finalized lease contracts with a Chevron-Helleniq Energy joint venture for four offshore energy exploration areas located off Crete and the Peloponnese. The Greece offshore energy agreements were signed Monday at Maximos Mansion, following the consortium’s designation as preferred investor in October, according to reports. The signing ceremony marks a significant step in Athens’ efforts to establish itself as a key player in the region’s evolving energy landscape. The contracts cover four maritime concessions: South Peloponnese, A2, South Crete I, and South Crete II. Investment Timeline and Financial Commitments According to Kathimerini, the exploration program will unfold in three…
Students from Greece and the Greek diaspora can now apply for the 6th NextGen Innovators competition, a nationwide entrepreneurial challenge focused on sustainability and innovation. The application deadline for the NextGen Innovators competition has been set for March 23, according to organizers Envolve Entrepreneurship, who run the program with support from Greece’s Education Ministry. The competition invites teams of middle and high school students to collaborate with teachers, mentors, and industry experts on developing projects that address social or environmental challenges. According to the organizers, submissions must include a comprehensive business plan, evidence of sustainability measures, and a short video…
The Greek island of Naxos is set to showcase how traditional weaving heritage can illuminate modern cultural preservation through an innovative art exhibition and discussion. On February 14, the “Rewoven – Memory is Woven Again” exhibition will open at the 1st High School of Naxos, featuring seven contemporary artists who draw inspiration from a 133-year-old bridal jacket to explore the art of weaving in Naxos. The exhibition centers on a family heirloom from 1893, according to organizers, with artists Evgenia Vereli, Chrysanthi Koumianaki, Mariandrie, Maria Foka, Malvina Panagiotidi, Elektra Stamboulou and curator Sevastiana Konstaki creating works using paper, fabric, plaster,…