Foreign Policy
Putin visit highlights potential, but also limitations, of Greece-Russia ties
There was much enthusiasm in Athens about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit on Friday and Saturday, which highlighted the potential for closer ties between Greece and Russia but also the limitations facing their relationship.
Tsipras and Erdogan seek ways to overcome Greek-Turkish tension
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emerged from a meeting in Istanbul on Monday with a seemingly common desire to improve relations between their two countries, which have been tested by recent events.
Slow pace of returns and relocations leaves refugee crisis finely balanced
The refugee crisis is back in the spotlight, and for reasons that indicate Greece still finds itself in a precarious position that could deteriorate rapidly if the agreement between the European Union and Turkey falls apart in the coming months.
Inauguration of TAP pipeline project offers investment, diplomatic boost
The signing of the agreement for the construction of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) in Thessaloniki marks a significant moment for Greece in diplomatic and investment terms.
Greece seeks to mend fences with Austria but frets about EU-Turkey deal
Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias' decision to visit Vienna this week has been viewed as a goodwill gesture from Athens in a bid to restore its relations with Austria, which had been sorely tested by the refugee crisis.
Davutoglu departure prompts concern about Turkish unpredictability in Athens
Greece is keeping a closer eye on developments in Turkey as a result of Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu’s decision to step down at an extraordinary congress of his ruling AK Party later this month following a major row with president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
EU progress on Turkish visas gives Athens hope of low refugee arrivals
Greek concerns that slow progress in the European Union’s liberalisation of visas for Turkish citizens might undermine cooperation on the migrant issue are set to be allayed this week.
Greek effort to heal rift with Balkan neighbours may have come too late
A quadrilateral meeting between Greece and three of its Balkan neighbours that took place in Thessaloniki recently may provide a springboard for an improvement in relations that have been severely tested by differing views on the handling of the refugee crisis.
Greek-Turkish relations back in focus amid overflights and NATO chief's visit
The state of Greek–Turkish relations will be the main issue under discussion at the National Council of Foreign Affairs to be convened under the chairmanship of Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias, next Tuesday.
Refugee crisis threatens effort to improve ties with neighbours
Athens finds itself at odds again with its neighboring countries due to the ongoing migrant crisis.