Foreign Policy
Athens briefed as talks on Cyprus reunification intensify
United Nations special adviser on the Cyprus issue Espen Barth Eide visited Athens this week to brief Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias on the progress made during last month's intensive talks between the two leaders in Cyprus.
Talk of refugee returns adds to stretched Greece's anxiety
Germany’s stance on the refugee crisis, amid fears of a worsening situation on Greek islands, is creating considerable anxiety in Athens about how events will unfold in the coming months.
Greece not seen meeting milestones soon, refugee rise may add to tension
There was little encouragement from Brussels so far this week for the Greek government ahead of the next review.
Greek, Turkish foreign ministers hold informal talks as refugee crisis, Cyprus loom
An unofficial meeting between the Greek and Turkish foreign ministers on Crete on Sunday culminated in message of support for Turkey’s European prospects.
Athens sticks by effort to build bridges with FYROM
The foreign ministers of Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia underlined the need for the two countries to improve their relations through confidence-building measures (CBMs) when the pair met last week.
Recent steady rise in refugee arrivals pose extra challenge for Greece
The Greek government labelled as “unsubstantiated” claims that it is about to accept refugees from Germany on Crete, a move that would be incompatible with concerns in Athens that the small but steady rise in migrant arrivals over the last few weeks being the pre-cursor of bigger challenges.
Greece sets up working group to monitor implications of Brexit
The Greek Foreign Ministry has decided to monitor closely European developments linked to the result of the UK referendum so Athens can be prepared for the developments leading up to, and following, the UK’s possible departure from the EU.
Athens watches Turkey-Russia rapprochement with interest
Athens has been closely monitoring Turkey’s attempt to mend fences with Moscow, a process that was highlighted by the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Russia on Tuesday.
Tsipras seeks "Club Med" unity as refugee crisis, debt talks move up agenda
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is reportedly trying to line up a meeting of southern European, or “Club Med,” leaders in early September as the Greek government seeks allies in its efforts to secure debt relief, but also as concerns grow about how the refugee crisis will unfold.
Energy cooperation provides platform for Greece and Bulgaria to strengthen ties
Greece and Bulgaria should seek ways to enhance their cooperation and model their relationship on the one between Germany and France, Bulgaria's Prime Minister Boiko Borisov is said to have told his Greek counterpart Alexis Tsipras when the pair met in Sofia earlier this week.