Foreign Policy
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.
Idomeni clash broadens fronts on which Greece has to tackle refugee crisis
Another layer in the complexity of dealing with the refugee crisis resurfaced for the Greek government on Sunday, when an attempt by dozens of migrants to cross the border with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) increased diplomatic tension between the two countries.
Athens takes steps to mend fences with Balkan neighbours
Greece is trying to find ways to restore relations with Balkan its neighbours following the recent friction caused by the refugee crisis.
Unease mounts as Greece prepares to implement EU-Turkey refugee deal
Greece is set to take on Friday the next step in preparing for the implementation of the European Union’s agreement with Turkey regarding the return and resettlement of refugees.
Optimism for Cyprus solution abounds but talks at delicate phase
A visit by European Parliament president Martin Schulz to Cyprus on Wednesday added to the sense that the EU is holding out high hopes for a successful conclusion to the island’s reunification talks this year.
Declining flow of refugees gives struggling government some hope
There have been some encouraging signs over the last few days that the European Union’s agreement with Turkey may be leading to a drop in the number of refugees crossing to Greece, thereby easing the pressure on the government.
Withdrawal of NGOs from refugee centres puts pressure on Greece to fill void
The departure of non-governmental organisations from hot spots and other centres where refugees and migrants are gathered in Greece is putting extra pressure on the coalition over its management of the crisis.
Brussels attacks prompt fears in Athens over handling of refugee crisis
Athens strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in Brussels and expressed its “profound grief at this heinous crime” but is seriously concerned about the consequences this may have on the refugee crisis and especially on the implementation of the EU–Turkey deal secured in the Belgian capital last week.