The 2 regional rivals are NATO allies but have been at odds for decades over a series of issues, including territorial claims in the Aegean and drilling rights in the Mediterranean, and have come to the brink of war three times in the last 50 years. A dispute over energy exploration rights in 2020 led to the two countries’ warships facing off in the Mediterranean. Monday’s meeting in the Defense Ministry in Athens was to discuss confidence-building measures, following a similar meeting in Ankara last November. The two countries have engaged in the confidence-building process on and off for years, trying to seek common ground on a series of lower-key issues as a means of improving ties. The meeting comes ahead of planned talks in Ankara on May 13 between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Tense ties have improved significantly over the past year, with Erdogan visiting Athens in December and signing a raft of trade, energy and education deals. But Mitsotakis’ announcement last week that Greece will create two marine parks for the protection of sea mammals and birds — one in the Ionian Sea in western Greece and one in the central Aegean — has angered Turkey. Omer Celik, spokesman for Erdogan’s ruling party, said last week that Ankara considers the creation of the marine parks “a step that sabotages the normalization process” in relations, and said Turkey would “in no way allow actions toward the declaration of marine parks in the Aegean Sea.” Mitsotakis, speaking last week after a meeting of European leaders in Brussels, expressed surprise at what he described as “Turkey’s totally unjustified reaction to an initiative which at the end of the day is of an environmental nature.” The Greek prime minister said the recent improvement in relations between Greece and Turkey was “undeniable and measurable,” but that this did not mean Turkey had changed its positions on the delineation of maritime zones in the Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean. “These positions remain positions which are deeply problematic for our country,” Mitsotakis said. “But this does not prevent us from being able to talk, to create a general good climate and invest more in a positive agenda and less in the issues which divide us and over which we clearly disagree.” Turkey’s delegation at Monday’s talks was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Burak Akcapar, while the Greek one was headed by Ambassador Theocharis Lalakos, Greece’s Defense Ministry said.      

The concert had been organized in May last year under the previous municipal administration, headed at the time by ruling New Democracy’s Kostas Bakoyannis. It had been scheduled to take place on April 29 at the Olympia Theater in downtown Athens. Doukas’ decision was a response to a written appeal from the association representing the Athens Municipality’s musicians, who expressed concern that going ahead with the concert “may not be safe for the performers or the audience,” given the latest developments in Israel’s war against Hamas and other recent  conflicts. In a tweet on Tuesday, Health Minister and ND heavyweight Adonis Georgiadis lashed out at the mayor, saying that the decision to cancel the concert was “proof of how completely unsuitable” Doukas is for the post. Georgiadis also scoffed at the election of Doukas – a professor at the National Technical University of Athens who ran with the support of Socialist PASOK –  in October, saying that he was chosen “by a disparate coalition of voters of the Far Left, PASOK, and voters of [far-right Ilias] Kasidiaris chiefly on the basis of ensuring that Kostas Bakoyannis would not be re-elected.”

"Any escalation at this time would be a critical threat for regional stability and security. We continue to stand by Israel but, at the same time, we urge all sides to show the necessary restraint in order to avoid a probably very dangerous further escalation," Mitsotakis noted at the start of his meeting with the European Commission vice president. Speaking of issues relating to the rule of law, he underlined that cooperation with the Commission continues to be excellent. "I believe that significant progress has been made, which is also acknowledged by the European Commission. We always take the recommendations of the annual report on the rule of law very seriously and try to comply in the best possible way. I am happy with the progress we have achieved and our teams are all at your disposal to examine the details of the issues you have raised and to ensure that we will respond as much as is possible", he said. On her part, the vice president of the European Commission referred to her very good cooperation with the Greek authorities. "You are aware that all four issues we cover in the report on the rule of law are essential for our democratic systems, whether this has to do with justice and the prosecution stage, or with the legislative process, or the state of the media, the tackling of corruption and the overall the system of institutional controls. It is a very important set of factors or areas that we would like to see working well in all member states," she said.  

“The populist demagogues want to raise artificial divisions, which as [European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen] pointed out, was something that Greece has paid a high price for in the past. We will never allow the things that happened in the past decade to happen again,” he said. “The economic crisis lasted longer in Greece because populism prevented the country from rallying round. Syntagma Square is not far from here. We remember the two sides of the lie uniting in anti-European, supposedly anti-systemic demonstrations,” he continued, referencing the Indignant protests that took place there at the height of the crisis. He said that Greece has progressed from laggard to leader in economic growth, with an increase in investments, a reduction of unemployment and an easing of public debt and higher wages and pensions.   “We are closing the gap with Europe and we want to close it everywhere. In this effort, we have the support of the EU,” Mitsotakis said, accusing the opposition parties of seeking to stop this progress and of “polluting the political dialogue with toxicity.”             He said the “instrumentalization of pain” from the 2023 railway collision which cost 57 people their lives was an example. “As if there are some Greeks who are more greatly grieved by this tragedy. On the way to the polls we must turn our backs on division.” He concluded by noting that a vote for ND in the upcoming European elections was a vote for the stability and progress of the country. Addressing the delegates, von der Leyen described Greece as a pillar of stability and security, a pillar of NATO and the European Union, that has helped Ukraine defend itself.

Von der Leyen is the lead candidate of the European People's Party (EPP) in the upcoming European elections and is seeking re-election as president of the European Commission. "That is thanks, above all, to the people of Greece, it is thanks to all of you here in this room, and thanks to New Democracy and to you Kyriakos," she added, addressing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. "Thanks to you all, Greece's story in the last years is a story of amazing recovery and I want to pay tribute to you for that. This is impressive," von der Leyen said to the gathering, pointing out that, not so long ago, Greece had been staring into the abyss but had now become, under the leadership of the Mitsotakis government, an economic frontrunner. "Under your leadership, Greece's economy has outperformed the Eurozone average. Under your leadership, Greece is driving growth and innovation, it is attracting investment from across the world, and it is home to some of your fastest-growing startups. And you have achieved all of this while supporting people where it matters, their wages, their pensions, their daily life...There is no doubt: you have done Greece proud, you have done Europe proud," she said. Von der Leyen then noted that the key to Greece's transformation has been leadership, courage and trust to deliver on the things that really matter, adding: "In this more volatile and unstable world, this is exactly what Europe will need in the years ahead. And we know that we can do it. Since 2019 we have shown what we can do when Europe is united and ambitious. Together, we overcame a global pandemic, ensuring that citizens in every member-state got their vaccines at the same time. Together, we pulled our economies back from the brink with NextGeneration EU." At this point, she thanked the Greek prime minister "for his invaluable leadership in making that happen." Von der Leyen then spoke of the fight against climate change, noting that Europe was leading this together, through the European Green Deal, while at the same time showing true solidarity to those most affected. She noted that more than 10 countries had provided support to Greece in battling the devastating wildfires in the Alexandroupolis region, just as Greece had helped others in their time of need. "This is European solidarity at its best," she emphasised. Regarding migration, also, she pointed out, it was made clear that Europe will decide who enters the Union and on what terms, not the rings of traffickers, while she underlined the threat of populism, saying it was one of the biggest challenges now facing Europe. She referred to the efforts of the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, to "wipe out" Ukraine and also referred to his allies within the EU, which she said were openly defying European values. These parties may go by different names, von der Leyen commented, but their goal was the same: to destroy Europe. "We will not allow them to do this, we must stand up to them and strike back," she emphasised, noting that the Russian missile attack on Odesa during the Greek prime minister's visit there showed how ruthless Vladimir Putin could be. The European Commission president concluded by saying that the EU must spend more, in a better and more European way, on defence, insisting that cooperation in defence must be "our future priority". She also noted that the EU must strengthen the competitiveness of its economy and social state, stressing that "the battle for democracy never ends."  

In addition to various aspects of bilateral relations, regional and international issues were discussed during the meetings. The two sides reiterated their joint commitment to build on the existing positive atmosphere in line with the Athens Declaration signed last December by the leaders of the two countries, exploring further areas of bilateral and international cooperation.  They reviewed the preparations for the upcoming visit of PM Mitsotakis to Türkiye in May and took stock of progress achieved so far in the existing dialogue channels covering all aspects of the bilateral relationship.

“My presence here reflects the respect of the entire free world for your people and underlines Greece’s commitment to remain by your side,” Mitsotakis told Zelenskyy in his first visit to the country since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Greece, a NATO member and a traditional ally to Ukraine’s bid to join the military alliance and the European Union, has offered military help to the country. “We discussed what other means we can use to expand the security space in the Black Sea. How we can add protection to our people – both military and civilian. We need more air defense,” Zelenskyy said. Zelenskyy said Greece would participate in a peace formula summit in Switzerland. Greek government sources said Mitsotakis reiterated Greece’s intention to contribute to the reconstruction of Odesa, whose historic center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in January 2023, while he met with representatives of the Greek diaspora. At the same time, he said Greece will continue to support Ukraine within the framework of the country’s capabilities and without weakening Greek defense. The two leaders visited a residential building – the site of Russian drone attack on Saturday, that killed 12 people, including five children.  The sound of a large explosion reverberated around the Ukrainian port of Odesa as Zelenskyy and Mitsotakis ended their tour of the war-ravaged southern city Wednesday. The Greek prime minister said the delegations were getting into their vehicles when they heard the blast, which he called a “vivid reminder” that Odesa is gripped by the war with Russia. It is one thing to hear about the war and “quite another to experience war firsthand,” Mitsotakis said. Zelenskyy said the explosion caused an unknown number of dead and wounded. “You see who we’re dealing with, they don’t care where to hit,” he told reporters. Russian officials made no immediate comment. Mitsotakis’ unannounced visit to Ukraine takes place before his trip to Romania for a two-day conference of the European People’s Party (EPP). [Reuters/AP/Kathimerini] In breaking news,  The visit of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Ukraine on Wednesday had all the makings of a Hollywood thriller, as an explosion from a Russian attack on Odesa, probably with missiles, occurred less than 200 meters from where he stood with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who were at the port at that time. According to estimates, the attack was aimed at Zelenskyy and, as the analysis of existing evidence suggests, Moscow was probably also aware of the presence of the Greek prime minister there. Moscow confirmed the attack, but claims that it targeted a warehouse where naval drones are manufactured for the Ukrainian armed forces.  The Greek delegation led by Mitsotakis was with the Ukrainian delegation on a customary tour of the port. The Greek delegation consisted of Minister of State Stavros Papastavrou, the head of the PM’s diplomatic office Anna Maria Boura, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexandra Papadopoulou, foreign affairs advisor Aristotelia Peloni and communications director Kira Kapi.  The attack reportedly took place at 11.45 a.m. when the two delegations were on a tour of the historic port of Odesa.  “Suddenly there was a piercing siren, a loud noise and then smoke,” a member of the Greek delegation told Kathimerini. The same source said that the tour was ending when the attack occurred, with the Ukrainians and Greeks heading to their cars to go to the site of the joint press conference. The Greek delegation reportedly got into the car, moving at breakneck speed through the streets of Odesa.  Kathimerini understands that the schedule was changed, as was the itinerary, which was deemed necessary for security reasons.   After the joint statements by Mitsotakis and Zelenskyy, the Greek delegation left Ukrainian territory by road and headed on a three-hour journey for Chisinau, Moldova’s airport. The Greek delegation returned safely to the Romanian capital of Bucharest late Wednesday afternoon. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council head Charles Michel condemned the attack in messages. Meanwhile, Mitsotakis said Greece will continue to support Ukraine as it fights for its freedom. “My presence here reflects the respect of the entire free world for your people and underlines Greece’s commitment to remain by your side,” Mitsotakis told Zelenskyy in his first visit to the country since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.  Moreover, the US is in constant contact with Greece and Ukraine, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said regarding the Russian attack in Odessa during a visit by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The US State Department spokesperson was asked a question during the regular press briefing on the US reaction. More specifically, Matthew Miller said: "We are in constant contact with both of those countries. I don’t have any specific conversations to read out. I think the strike is yet another reminder of how Russia continues to strike Ukraine every single day, and it’s a reminder of Ukraine’s need for air defence interceptors, and it’s a reminder that the United States Congress needs to take action, as we have called on them to do, to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression."

"We have to be able to defend ourselves," Nikos Dendias told Reuters, adding that the European Union could achieve that in cooperation with NATO and other allies. "What we're trying to do is have a home-grown defence industry in Greece and Europe which could service the needs of the European Union." The EU's Red Sea naval mission, dubbed "Aspides", which in Greek means "Shields", was launched last month to guard vessels from attack by Iranian-aligned Houthi militants in support of Palestinian militant group Hamas in its war with Israel. At the crossroads between Asia, Africa and Europe, Greece controls the largest merchant fleet in the world and attacks against its vessels have increased. Greece's largest port, Piraeus, has seen trade drop 40%. Advertisement · Scroll to continue The Greek frigate Hydra sailed last week for the Red Sea as the country assumed command of the EU mission whose headquarters will be in the city of Larissa. Italy commands the naval force. "It's important that we succeed," Dendias said.  "You cannot be a crossroads if roads do not exist or do not function. So for us (Greece) this is a huge threat directly and indirectly." Both Greece and the European Union are alarmed by the "sophisticated approach" of the Houthis, he said, with sea mines and submarine weapons used in attacks. The safety of the five Aspides warships and crew, also from Germany, Italy, Belgium and France, was also a concern, he said, urging close coordination with other fleets in the area, which include warships from the United States and India. "Having a very close communication and as much a common approach as possible with other fleets ... is something advisable and important," he said. Following Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the European Union wants to increase its defence role as a bloc rather than as a collection of 27 nations where military policy is drafted at a national level. Greece, also a NATO member, wants to reform its army along the example of Finland. It also aims to revamp its defence industry and boost its shipyards' business, as it recovers from a decade-long debt crisis that forced it to slash spending. It has drafted a multi-billion, 10-year purchasing plan, that includes acquiring up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets from the U.S, three frigates from France and U.S.-made Black Hawk helicopters. It wants to produce drone and anti-drone systems and is in talks with the United States to co-design and build Constellation-class frigates for the Greek Navy. Foreign frigates could be serviced in Greek shipyards, Dendias said. "This presents a huge challenge," he said. "We're a proud maritime nation but it's the first time in our history that we may be able to co-design a platform as important as the Constellation."  

Follow a few simple steps to make sure that you can vote in the 2024 federal U.S. elections: Request your ballot. Complete a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). 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The sources also informed that letters of protest have been sent by the Hydrographic Service to the relevant International Maritime Organization (IMO) agency and to the Spanish coordinator for the Navtex of the Mediterranean and Black Sea region. As the sources underlined, Turkish claims have been rejected in all documents and the legal validity of Greek positions is asserted.

Police estimate at least 8,000 farmers with 130 tractors joined the protest on Syntagma square, echoing grievances at similar demonstrations in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland and Italy. "This is our answer to the Greek government," a 53-year-old farmer who gave his name as Grigoris said. "We're not afraid, and we won't retreat." The farmers said they planned to remain in the square overnight. Greek farmers dealing with high energy prices and production costs say they have also been hurt by climate change-driven weather, with unpredictable flooding, extreme heat and wildfires making their work ever more hazardous. They have been staging brief blockades of roads and border crossings for weeks while their unions have been negotiating with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' conservative government for more financial aid and other relief measures. The farmers said they drove to Athens to pile pressure on the government, which has so far offered discounts on power bills and a one-year extension of a tax rebate for agricultural diesel to the end of 2024. They are also demanding more compensation from natural disasters along with tax-free diesel fuel and protection against foreign competition. "We want the government to give us solutions to our problems. We're not just fighting for our own survival, we're fighting for everyone," said farmer Spyros Hatzis. "We're selling cheap, and the consumer is buying at a great cost" As night fell, horns blared and protesters lit flares. A banner on a tractor with a black coffin attached to its front read: "Livestock farming died today." Others held up funeral wreaths to symbolise what they say is a dying sector. "The government called us to a meeting, taunting us, without giving us anything," said Kostas Zarkadoulas, head of the farmers' union of Stylida in central Greece. WAKE UP Earlier on Tuesday, at the last toll booths some 30 km outside the capital, farmers waved Greek flags and cheered each other on as the convoy passed through. "No farmers, no food, no future," a banner read. "The time has come for all of us to finally wake up," said Thanasis Symeonidis, a farmer at the rally. "Our problems will reach their doorstep too." On Monday, the government reiterated that it was willing to discuss a more permanent future tax rebate scheme, but had no fiscal room for further concessions this year. "We have nothing more to give," Mitsotakis said during an interview with Greek Star TV on Monday evening. "I think farmers acknowledge this and know very well that the government has probably exceeded even their expectations, especially on the power bills issue." The farmers vowed to push for more. "We believe something will come of this. Otherwise we'll have to harden our stance," said Vergos Vergou, a protester in Athens.

He said that on Tuesday he will meet with the farmers' representatives and of course on the condition that the roads will be open. In any case it is a priority to support the competition in the primary sector and the farmers' income and that's why we will do whatever possible to reduce the cost factors in agriculture and livestock production. Referring to the Education Ministry's bill on strengthening public universities and establishing the framework for branches of foreign non-profit universities in Greece which has been posted for public consultation on Thursday, he said it was and remains the government's priority with emphasis on the public universities. Regarding the foundation of the non-public, non-profitable foreign universities departments in Greece, the requirements for their foundation will be the highest and stricter in Europe.  He said that significant progress has been recorded both in unemployment and in the increase of income in the private sector adding that the government wants to create 200,000 new job positions in the next 3 years. On the housing policy, Mitsotakis said that "it is only one of the pillars of our social policy. Our aim is the support of the financially vulnerable and especially of the young that are staying with their parents until their 30s. The problem is complex and serious, particularly in areas with pressure due to the tourism growth. I announced in parliament on Friday that our intention is to increase the threshold for purchasing real estate via the Golden Visa, possibly to 800,000 euros, and the measures will concern all the areas under pressure" he concluded.