MacroPolis

Tanker diplomacy gets Athens into hot waters over Russia sanctions

Athens's case for protecting its shipowners' commercial interests has come under unusually direct public criticism from other member states, as EU diplomats conclude negotiations on the 21st Russia sanctions package.

Athens takes stance on peace in Ukraine, faces stalemate in relations with Turkey

EU and NATO leaders, along with members of the so‑called “coalition of the willing,” are currently assessing the situation in Ukraine. Recent peace talks have gained momentum, but European leaders remain focused on securing a just and lasting peace for the country.

Greek-Turkish tensions resurface as Russia chimes in

Athens is concerned that Turkey is gradually moving away from the so‑called “calm waters” stance that has prevailed over the past two and a half years in Greek‑Turkish relations.

Greece and Ukraine sign LNG deal as US looks on

Greece became the first EU nation to actively participate in the US strategy to replace “every last molecule of Russian gas” with American LNG when it inked a deal on Sunday to help Ukraine meet its winter energy demands.

Balance of payments shows shipping on course for bumper year, but economic benefits unclear

By: Georgia Nakou

Shipping provided the one bright spot in Greece’s trade balance in May, with transportation contributing 2.16 billion in receipts, compared to 1.44 billion the same month last year, an increase of 50 pct

Athens cultivates Saudi Arabia relations, prepares for MBS visit

For some time, Athens has been investing in new partnerships in the wider Middle East region to justify its openness to a multidimensional foreign policy, but also to attract investments.

Athens braces for Erdogan bargaining at NATO summit

The annual NATO summit due to begin on Tuesday in Madrid comes at a critical time in the alliance's 73-year history.

Athens prods EU to resume enlargement process for Western Balkans

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Moscow's growing influence in southeastern Europe and the EU membership applications by Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova have forced the EU to pay attention again to its stalled enlargement drive

Much riding on EU approval of plan to cap energy prices

The government is hoping to receive approval from the European Commission for its plan, set out by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in a recent televised address, to cap energy prices for consumers – a policy that is the main weapon in New Democracy’s bid to fight back against the cost-of-living crisis and its political opponents.

Athens promotes role as energy hub as PM prepares for talks in Washington

In a highly symbolic move aimed at underlining the determination of Balkan countries to find alternatives to Russian gas, the Prime Ministers of Greece, Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Serbia will meet on Tuesday in the northeastern Greek city of Alexandroupolis.