Politics
Turkey ramps up rhetoric, Greece strengthens presence at Evros border
Greece is continuing its efforts to fortify its borders with Turkey in the northeastern region of Evros.
ND mulls next stage of lockdown easing as support remains strong despite some grumbles
The government is gearing up for the next stages of the loosening of the lockdown measures, hoping that it will continue to maintain the support of the Greek public, which is still high according to a new opinion poll.
Outdoor gatherings with hint of protest raise concerns over relaxation of lockdown
As Greece enters the second phase of easing lockdown restrictions, there is growing concern in the government about outdoor gatherings drawing scores of people to squares in major cities.
ND hopes economy will pick up as second stage of lockdown easing begins
The second phase of easing the lockdown restrictions was launched on Monday, with the Greek government hoping that this will contribute to economic activity picking up again.
Covid-19 fears start to wane as concerns about economic impact grow
The government continues to enjoy strong backing for its handling of the Covid-19 challenge, although concern about the economic impact of the crisis is growing as the public health concerns wane.
ND passes major environmental bill against accusations of railroading
New Democracy’s environmental bill passed this week with all 158 votes from the governing majority, after a stormy debate in parliament and a last-minute mobilisation by environmental and civil society groups.
Turkey continues Aegean jostling as Athens sends envoy to Syria, renews backing for Western Balkans
Unresolved bilateral issues continue to cause friction in Greece’s relationship with Turkey as Athens looks to renew its presence in the Eastern Mediterranean and support for the Western Balkans’ efforts to join the European Union.
Govt faces pushback from food service sector over re-opening rules
The first major incident of social unrest since Greece’s lockdown was imposed in March, and then relaxed on Monday, occurred on Tuesday night. It came as the government faces pressure from restaurant and café owners to relax restrictions so they can save their businesses.
Govt looks for formula to re-start tourism as calls intensify for support of entertainment sector
The Greek government, representatives of the tourism industry and state health authorities are accelerating their planning with a view to rescuing what is left of the summer tourist season from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Amid lack of communication, overflights add to Greek-Turkish tension
Athens is concerned about the continuous overflights by Turkish fighter jets in the Aegean as these currently involve large and inhabited Greek islands as well as parts of Greece’s mainland.