The Greek Current

Late last week Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama was in the ethnic Greek town of Himare, where he announced the restitution of some 400 titles to homes in the area to residents who have been suing the Albanian state for more than 30 years. Rama’s attempt to reconcile with the Greeks of Himare comes as the town’s mayor elect, Fredi Beleri, remains imprisoned, and for many this gesture does not go far enough in addressing the longstanding and serious issue of minority property rights. Vassilis Nedos, Kathimerini’s diplomatic and defense editor, joins Thanos Davelis to break down Edi Rama’s charm offensive toward the Greeks of Himare, the issue of property rights facing the Greek minority, and more.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Rama theatrics with ethnic Greek propertiesAnkara ‘threatens’ own marine parksSkrekas: We will keep fighting against inflation

With New Democracy set to cement its political dominance in the upcoming European elections, the battle for second place is heating up as SYRIZA and PASOK’s leaders turn up the heat to see who will take on the leading role on Greece’s center-left after the elections. The fight for second place is also viewed by many as a battle of survival for SYRIZA’s Stefanos Kasselakis and PASOK’s Nikos Androulakis, as a poor showing in June could raise questions about their leadership. Nick Malkoutzis, the co-founder and editor of Macropolis.gr, a political and economic analysis site that focuses on Greece, joins Thanos Davelis to look at the upcoming elections and the battle for second place that’s unfolding. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Centre-left parties jockey for leading role in post-election landscapePolls provide little comfort for opposition parties ahead of EP electionsFighting cost-of-living crisis is government’s top priority, PM saysHas Europe already reached its demographic tipping point?

After decades of negotiations and acrimony, Athens and Skopje signed the Prespa Agreement in 2018 that effectively put an end to the Macedonia name dispute and opened the way for North Macedonia to join NATO and start the process toward EU membership. Since the election win of the VMRO-DPMNE in early May, however, its leadership has taken a nationalist turn that could put this deal at risk. Tom Ellis, the editor in chief of Kathimerini’s English edition, joins Thanos Davelis to look into what he has called a destabilizing nationalism from Skopje, and break down what the broader risks are for not just North Macedonia and Greece, but the region.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Destabilizing nationalism in North MacedoniaPoland and Greece urge EU to create common air shield, says Polish PMVon der Leyen backs Polish, Greek calls for EU air defense shieldMitsotakis tells Zelenskyy Greece will continue to support KyivUkraine renews military aid request

Since an economic overhaul in June last year, Turkey’s central bank has increased its main interest rate to 50 per cent from 8.5 per cent in an effort to tame rampant inflation. Despite this, and other steps, Turks continue to face nearly 70 per cent inflation rates, high borrowing costs and cuts in measures that in recent years helped soften the impact of rising prices. Almost a year since these economic overhauls, Ayla Jean Yackley, an Istanbul-based journalist covering Turkey with stories in The Financial Times, Politico, and other major outlets, joins me to look at Turkey’s inflation crisis, Erdogan’s sweeping economic overhauls, and how this is impacting Turks every day.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Turkey’s inflation crisis rages a year into economic turnaroundParty leaders are taking center stageParties targeting crucial undecided voteGreek PM rules out ‘full-package solution’ with Turkey

Earlier this year Turkey completed the maiden test flight of its prototype Kaan fighter, a development celebrated in Ankara. Is this the groundbreaking achievement Turkish media is claiming, and what does it mean for Turkey’s defense industry? Rebecca Lucas, a senior analyst in defense and security with RAND Europe, and Stuart Dee, a research leader in the defense and security research group at RAND Europe, join Thanos Davelis to look into the Kaan fighter jet, break down whether the hype around it is justified, and see how it fits into the broader aims of Turkish defense-industrial investment. Rebecca Lucas is a senior analyst in defense and security with RAND Europe and is heavily involved with RAND’s Centre for Defence Economics and Acquisition. Her research focuses on the defense-industrial base, acquisition policy, and supply-chain analysis, as well as a regional focus on Turkey.Stuart Dee is a research leader in the defense and security research group at RAND Europe, focusing primarily on defense economics and acquisition, as well as issues relating to the U.K. industrial base and defense exports. He is also a member of RAND’s Centre for Defence Economics and Acquisition.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Crowning Achievement? Kaan And The Turkish Defense IndustryGreek PM warns ‘isolated’ Skopje over compliance with name dealAthens awaits next move by SkopjeCyprus LNG terminal talks go onCharges dropped against nine Egyptians over 2023 migrant shipwreck off Greece

Last week the EU gave the final green light to a landmark overhaul of its migration and asylum policies, ending more than eight years of efforts to rewrite the rulebook. This was followed up by 15 EU states - including frontline states like Greece, Italy, and Cyprus - demanding further measures to tighten the bloc’s asylum policy, including sending asylum seekers to third countries. These moves come with European elections less than a month away. Angeliki Dimitriadi, a Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Migration Programme at ELIAMEP, and Thanos Davelis met at College Year in Athens to discuss these latest developments on migration and asylum, and look at how they may impact the upcoming elections.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:EU signs off on sweeping migration overhaul ahead of elections15 EU states demand plan to send asylum seekers to third countriesGreek, Egyptian FMs affirm strategic relationshipPM: North Macedonia should use constitutional name everywhereMickoski doing his sponsors’ bidding

This week kicked off with Turkish President Erdogan stating that 1000 Hamas members were being treated in Turkey, a comment that Turkish officials tried to walk back, saw The Times report that Hamas may have been planning to establish a base in Turkey, and culminated with the Turkish leader suggesting that Israel would “set its sights” on Turkey if it defeated Hamas in Gaza. Expert Sinan Ciddi joins Thanos Davelis to look into Erdogan’s latest comments on Hamas, the recent report in The Times, and the questions this raises about the Erdogan-Hamas connection.Sinan Ciddi is a non-resident senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), where he contributes to FDD’s Turkey Program and Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP). He is also an Associate Professor of Security Studies at the Command and Staff College-Marine Corps University and Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Secret Document Discovered in Gaza Reveals Hamas Plan to Establish Base in TurkeyErdogan defends Hamas, says members are being treated in Turkish hospitalsSecret papers reveal Hamas plan to set up base in TurkeyTurkey dials up Gaza diplomacy as cease-fire talks hit 'impasse'Gov’t to table F-35 letter of acceptance in ParliamentEU ministers to strengthen migration policies

Over 70 members of Congress sent a letter to the Biden administration this week, urging it to hold Turkey accountable for the 2017 attack by Erdogan’s security guards against American protesters at Sheridan Circle. Members of Congress are calling on the State Department to press President Erdogan and Turkish authorities on this issue as an essential element for relations between Washington and Ankara. Andreas Akaras, an attorney with the law firm Bregman, Berbert, Schwartz & Gilday who is part of the team representing the victims of the Sheridan Circle attacks, joins Thanos Davelis to look into this latest development and break down what it means for the ongoing case for justice for the victims. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Over 70 lawmakers urge Biden to hold Turkey accountable for Sheridan Circle violenceSarbanes and Bipartisan Group of 70+ Colleagues Urge State Department to Hold Turkey Accountable for 2017 Sheridan Circle AttackSkopje ups ante, widening rift with AthensAid for Gaza will soon flow from pier project just finished by US military

With European elections on the horizon, Greek political leaders are not only hitting the road to campaign across the country, but are also increasingly leaning into social media platforms in their search for voters. While New Democracy will likely maintain its dominant position in Greek politics, attention is turning to SYRIZA and PASOK, and their battle for second place. International developments are also a factor in these elections, as issues between Greece and Albania have come to the forefront. Nikos Efstathiou, an Athens based journalist and author, joins Thanos Davelis to look at the ongoing social media battle ahead of these elections, what’s at stake for Greece’s political leaders, and how this election is also taking on an international character. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Hunting for support on social mediaWould third place spell trouble for PASOK?A leading power in a difficult neighborhoodGreece will not ratify memorandums until Skopje complies with Prespa dealOver 70 lawmakers urge Biden to hold Turkey accountable for Sheridan Circle violence

This July, Turkey’s illegal occupation of the northern part of Cyprus will hit the 50-year mark. 2024 also marks another Cypriot “anniversary”, the 2004 rejection of the Annan Plan for the reunification of Cyprus. Endy Zemenides, the Executive Director of the Hellenic American Leadership Council, joins Thanos Davelis to break down why the rejection of the Annan plan needs to be revisited and its historic significance reconsidered. We also look into other regional developments - from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ meeting with Turkish President Erdogan to the latest diplomatic crisis with North Macedonia.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:CYPRUS’ “OXI” DAYGreece-Turkey: The modus operandi and the way aheadErdogan rebukes Greek PM for calling Hamas ‘terrorists,’ says 1,000+ members being treated in TurkeyHALC calls on USCIRF to reclassify the Republic of Turkey as a Country of Particular ConcernEU to deploy hundreds of firefighters to vulnerable states ahead of wildfire season

North Macedonia’s new president, Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, has sparked a diplomatic crisis with Greece following her decision during her swearing in ceremony to refer to her country simply as “Macedonia” rather than the constitutional name “North Macedonia.” Prime Minister Mitsotakis slammed her decision, warning that further violations of the Prespes Agreement could jeopardize Skopje’s ambitions for EU membership. John Psaropoulos, an independent journalist based in Athens and Al Jazeera’s Southeast Europe correspondent, joins Thanos Davelis to look into this latest diplomatic spat and its broader implications for Athens, Skopje, the Prespes Agreement, and the region. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:North Macedonia's new president reignites a spat with Greece at her inauguration ceremonyGreek PM slams Siljanovska-Davkova’s ‘Macedonia’ referenceNorth Macedonia President claims right to use ‘Macedonia’ despite international backlashVon der Leyen rebukes use of ‘Macedonia’ by country’s new PresidentMitsotakis says Turkey and Greece should increase cooperation and contactsTurkey’s Erdogan meets Greek PM, sees ‘no unsolvable problems’ in tiesDemarche lodged to UNESCO over Chora monastery

Europe’s political landscape is changing dramatically, with the latest polls predicting that far right parties will gain across the EU in the upcoming European Parliament elections. Amid concerns over the rise of the far-right, radical-right forces are already influencing EU policies. Giorgia Meloni is the prime example, with the Italian prime minister proving pivotal in shaping Europe’s agenda, from the frequent visits European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen makes to Italy to Europe’s approach to migration. Alexandra Voudouri, Kathimerini’s Brussels correspondent, joins Thanos Davelis to look at the rise of the far right and what it means for the future direction of Europe.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Hard right wants more EU power to reflect likely election gainsJust How Dangerous Is Europe’s Rising Far Right?Giorgia Meloni and Ursula von der Leyen, the double act that is steering the EU ever rightwardsGreek PM seeks to build on better ties in AnkaraGreece to bring in Egyptian farm workers amid labor shortage

Having been dealt a devastating blow in the municipal elections earlier this year, Turkish President Erdogan - who campaigned tirelessly everywhere and made this election about his rule - is now looking to bounce back. This will undoubtedly have consequences on both domestic and foreign policy. Henri Barkey, the Cohen professor of international relations at Lehigh University and an adjunct senior fellow for Middle East studies at the Council of Foreign Relations, joins Thanos Davelis to look at what we should expect from Erdogan at home and abroad as he looks to regain the initiative.Read Henri Barkey’s latest piece here: Erdogan’s Crisis of Legitimacy and its ConsequencesYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Vessel carrying aid to US-built pier off Gaza leaves CyprusTourism season starts with 80,000 job vacanciesOlympiakos beats Villa again to reach Conference League finalEl Kaabi’s double crushes Aston Villa hopes of comeback at Olympiakos

Earlier this week Turkey formally opened the monastery of Chora, a former Byzantine church and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Istanbul, as a mosque. The move follows the conversion of the Hagia Sophia into a mosque in 2020, and has drawn international criticism. It also comes as the US Commission on International Religious Freedom once again recommended that Turkey be put on the special watch list for engaging in or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom. Expert Tugba Tanyieri Erdemir joins Thanos Davelis to look at what this decision will mean for Chora Church, and look at the message it sends on religious freedom, especially in light of the latest USCIRF report. Tugba Tanyieri Erdemir is the coordinator of Anti-Defamation League's Task Force on Middle East Minorities, serves as the co-chair of the Middle East Working Group of the International Religious Freedom Roundtable, and is an expert on religious cultural heritage. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Turkey formally opens another former Byzantine-era church as a mosqueUSCIRF 2024 Annual ReportNorth Macedonia elects first woman president, EU-leaning coalitionGreece extends naval advisory to deter Russian oil ship-to-ship transfers

Over the past two years an area south of Greece’s Peloponnese had become a major location to circumvent sanctions against Russian oil exports. It looks like Greece has now found a way to disrupt these operations - taking place in international waters - after the Greek navy blocked off the area for naval exercises. A factor in this story is the fact that Greece has not extended its territorial waters in the area to 12 nautical miles, a move that Turkey says is a cause for war. Professor Kostas Ifantis joins Thanos Davelis to discuss how Greece is taking steps to block these oil transfers, examine the question of Greece’s territorial seas, and look ahead at the upcoming meeting between Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Turkish President Erdogan.Kostas Ifantis is a Professor of International Relations at the Department of International, European and Area Studies at Panteion University of Athens, and has previously served as Director for Research at the Policy Planning Center of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Steps to block oil transfers off Greek coastNorth Macedonia holds presidential and parliamentary elections WedAthens wary of VMRO comebackFinance watchdog visited Turkey ahead of 'grey list' decision

Last fall Greece joined the Three Seas Initiative, which brings together 13 EU countries located between the Baltic, Black, Adriatic, and now the Aegean Seas. The Three Seas Initiative was initially founded with the economy in mind, to foster regional dialogue and boost investment, and with Greece’s addition, its diplomatic and economic pull now extends to the Mediterranean. Ian Brzezinski, who has been following this initiative since it was founded, joins Thanos Davelis to break down why the Three Seas Initiative, which now includes Greece, is so important for the region.Ian Brzezinski leads the Brzezinski Group, a strategic advisory services firm, and serves as a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center and Brent Scowcroft Center on Strategy and Security.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:What is the Three Seas Initiative and why is it expanding?Greece becomes 13th member of Three Seas Initiative on EU’s eastern flankGreece can serve as entry point for energy to the north, PM saysTurkey formally opens another former Byzantine-era church as a mosqueUN envoy returning to Cyprus for talks

Anyone who has visited the United States or is familiar with shows like Seinfeld will have come across a diner, a uniquely American type of restaurant. Few may know, however, that from the 1960s onward Greek-Americans came to dominate the diner restaurant scene, especially in the Northeast and the Midwest. Professor Alexander Kitroeff, one of the leading historians of the Greek-American experience, joins Thanos Davelis to talk about the American diner, its strong links to Greek immigrants, and whether the phenomenon of the Greek-American diner has a future in today’s America.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greek Diners in America’s HeartlandAthens, Ankara finalizing details of PM’s Turkey visitTurkey halts trade with Israel over 'humanitarian tragedy' in Gaza

The Financial Times recently reported that Greece and some other EU countries have been under pressure to send more aid to Ukraine, specifically air defense systems. Prime Minister Mitsotakis has ruled this out, citing Greece’s defense needs. Constantinos Filis, the director of the Institute of Global Affairs and a professor of international relations at the American College of Greece, joins Thanos Davelis to break down this story, which comes at a critical juncture in the war in Ukraine, and look at the different ways Athens has supported and continues to support Kyiv.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greece and Spain under pressure to provide Ukraine with air defence systemsHaggling over Greek aid to UkraineConvicted leader of Greek far-right Golden Dawn party released on paroleEU funnels aid to Lebanon amid Syria migrant surge to Cyprus

This summer will mark 50 years since Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus, and for the last five decades tens of thousands of Turkish occupation troops have been present in the northern part of the island. 50 years later, the US still refuses to officially recognize Turkey’s illegal occupation as an occupation. Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and director of policy analysis at the Middle East Forum, joins Thanos Davelis to argue that recognizing Turkey’s presence in Cyprus as an occupation will only strengthen America’s position in the region, especially at a time when Nicosia is stepping up and punching above its weight as an indispensable partner.Read Michael Rubin’s latest: Refusing to Call Cyprus Occupied Isn’t Sophisticated. It’s StupidIs Albania’s Edi Rama the New Erdogan?You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Pappas, Bilirakis, Titus, Malliotakis Introduce the Bipartisan End the Cyprus Embargo ActGreece boosts special firefighting units to cope with its growing heat risk

Politicians, scientists and organizations from all over the world were in Athens this April as Greece hosted the 9th International Our Ocean Conference. Greece, the US, and all stakeholders made some 450 commitments totalling billions of dollars for the protection of the oceans and seas, including two new marine parks in the Aegean and the Ionian seas. The State Department’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Ocean, Fisheries and Polar Affairs Dr. Mahlet Mesfin joins Thanos Davelis to look back at the key takeaways from the Our Ocean conference in Athens, and explore how protecting the oceans is a space where the US and Greece can expand their already strong ties.Dr. Mahlet Mesfin serves as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Ocean, Fisheries and Polar Affairs in the Department of State’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs where she oversees the formulation and implementation of U.S. policy on a broad range of international issues concerning the ocean, the Arctic, the Antarctic, and marine conservation.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greece to spend €780 mln to protect marine biodiversity, PM saysEnvironmental protection is blue, tooOur Ocean Conference in Athens, April 15-17, 2024USAID at Our Ocean Conference 2024Von der Leyen to unveil aid for Lebanon to stop refugee flows, says Cyprus‘Blue Homeland’ doctrine to be taught at Turkish schools

After originally leaking that a White House visit was in play in the lead up to municipal elections at the end of March, President Erdogan is now postponing his May meeting with President Biden in Washington, DC. No reason was cited, but, as some analysts note, the move will likely upend efforts to mend ties between the two NATO allies. Wolfango Piccoli, the co-founder of the risk analysis company Teneo, joins Thanos Davelis to look into why this visit was postponed and what message it sends about the US-Turkey relationship and Ankara’s broader ties with the West.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Turkey postpones Erdogan's White House visitOur neighborhood just got unpredictable againPM’s Ankara trip to go ahead as plannedGuilty verdicts decried as too lenientTurkey says it backs outgoing Dutch prime minister Rutte’s candidacy for NATO chief

Voters in North Macedonia went to the polls on Wednesday for the first round of presidential elections in a vote widely seen as a litmus test for upcoming parliamentary elections. There are some concerns the election outcome could affect North Macedonia’s relations with Greece and Bulgaria - given references to the Prespa Agreement and constitutional changes Sofia is calling for - and further complicate its EU accession process. Nektaria Stamouli, the deputy editor in chief of Kathimerini’s English Edition and Politico’s Eastern Mediterranean correspondent, joins Thanos Davelis to look at Wednesday’s election and its broader implications for the country’s relations with its neighbors and its EU aspirations.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:North Macedonia polls to test EU driveFirst round of North Macedonia’s presidential polls shows big shift towards center-right oppositionAmalthea corridor ‘awaiting Gaza pier’Greece rules out air defence systems to Ukraine, prime minister says

Claims that Turkish President Erdogan has canceled an upcoming meeting at the White House have been circulating in Turkish media. With neither Washington nor Ankara formally denying the rumors, it is raising more questions about whether they are true or not. In the meantime, it seems Ankara is once again putting up hurdles with regard to NATO, this time over the approval of former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the new secretary-general. Amberin Zaman, Al-Monitor’s chief correspondent covering major stories on the Middle East and North Africa, including Turkey, joins Thanos Davelis to get to the bottom of these rumors around Erdogan’s White House visit.Read Amberin Zaman’s latest here: Has Turkey’s Erdogan axed his Biden meeting because of Israel?You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:French ask to borrow air defense systemPyatt: Greece can cover 80% of needs via RES

Today marks 109 years since the Armenian genocide began. With commemorations taking place across the world, there is a renewed fear that the lessons of “Never Again” have been forgotten following Azerbaijan’s attack on Nagorno Karabakh and the subsequent mass exodus of over 100,000 Armenians from the region in what has been described as ethnic cleansing. Aram Hamparian, the Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America, joins Thanos Davelis to talk about the very real threats facing Armenians in the Caucasus today, and to look at what steps the West - particularly the US - need to take to give meaning to the words “Never Again”. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Armenians fear new war with Azerbaijan despite talk of peaceArmenian victims group asks International Criminal Court to investigate genocide claimBipartisan, Bicameral Coalition of U.S. Legislators Call for American Leadership to Secure Justice for Artsakh and the Armenian GenocideGreek top court bars far-right Spartiates party from EU election raceGreece draws 3 bln euros from 30-year bond amid huge demand

Changes to Greece’s Golden Visa scheme are set to kick in at the end of the summer. This will see increases in the minimum amount needed to invest in order to secure a residence permit in an effort to tackle the country’s housing crisis. This move comes as golden visa programs are being phased out or shut down around Europe, and as housing has become a hot political issue. Nikos Roussanoglou, a journalist with 23 years of experience at Kathimerini covering the economy, joins Thanos Davelis to look at what these new changes will mean, and whether we are seeing the beginning of the end of the golden visa scheme.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Extra rules for Golden VisaGolden Visa Programs, Once a Boon, Lose Their LusterGreece tightens Golden Visa rulesGolden Visa demand growsRise of house prices continuesNorth Macedonia to elect president after campaign focused on EU membershipGreece plans early repayment of eurozone bailout loans this year

Investments in Greece have shot up over the past years, with the country outperforming its Eurozone partners when it comes to the pace with which it is attracting and increasing investments. Despite this positive picture, there are a number of myths around investments in Greece, especially when it comes to real estate and the Golden Visa scheme. Michael Arghyrou, the head of the Council of Economic Advisors for Greece’s Finance Ministry and a professor in Economics at the University of Piraeus, joins Thanos Davelis to bust some of these myths and look at how investments are transforming Greece’s economy. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Δώδεκα μύθοι και μία αλήθεια για τις επενδύσειςSun, Sea and Exports Give South Europe Reason to Feel SmugGreece will not compromise defense, spokesman says following FT reportGreece and Spain under pressure to provide Ukraine with air defence systemsIraq, Turkey to elevate security, economic ties after Erdogan visit

Since emerging from its international bailouts and a decade-long economic crisis, the Greek economy is now surging, outperforming its eurozone partners with its economy expected to grow nearly 3% this year. Despite this positive outlook, there are key challenges ahead, as some economies in the eurozone have slowed down, and many Greeks hurt by the crisis are still struggling. Nikos Vettas, the General Director of the Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research and Professor of Economics at the Athens University of Economics and Business, joins Thanos Davelis to discuss this economic rebound and explore the challenges ahead.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greek economy surges after decade of painAs economy rebounds, Greece will wrap up bank sales this year, finance minister saysRapprochement with Turkey has reduced illegal migration flows, Mitsotakis saysHamas leader to visit Turkey for talks with ErdoganHamas Leader to Meet With Erdogan in Turkey

Following Iran’s latest attack on Israel over the weekend Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said that Greece plans to develop a defense system similar to Israel’s Iron Dome aimed at safeguarding the country against airborne threats. Meanwhile, while Iran was also the focus of a summit in Brussels, EU leaders also highlighted relations with Turkey, linking them to progress on the Cyprus issue. Vassilis Nedos, Kathimerini’s defense and diplomatic editor, joins Thanos Davelis to explore this plan for a Greek Iron Dome, discuss the view from Athens following Iran’s attack on Israel, and look at the key takeaways from the EU summit on Cyprus.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Athens seeks air defense system like Iron DomeTurkish threats over marine parksPM highlights Middle East crisis, Euro-Turkish relations at European Council SummitCyprus President optimistic on EU-Turkey talksTurkey-EU relations fracture over Cyprus connectionMitsotakis to meet Erdogan on May 13 in AnkaraEU to tighten Iran sanctions after Israel attack

Back in February, the readout from the 5th US-Greece strategic dialogue saw the US and Greece stress the importance of integrating youth in climate change mitigation and resilience, including through a youth corps exchange program that links the California Conservation Corps with Ecogenia in Greece. Thanos Davelis caught up with Larry Notheis, the Chief Deputy Director at the California Conservation Corps, on the sidelines of the “Our Ocean” conference in Athens to look at how the California Conservation Corps model can be applied in Greece, and how these partnerships can make a difference in protecting the oceans, preventing and fighting wildfires, and more. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:The First Ecogenia Social Service Program Launched in LitochoroUS embassy to cooperate with local environmental protection organizationJoint Statement on the U.S.-Greece 5th Strategic DialogueUnions in Greece call widespread strikes, seeking a return to bargaining rights axed during bailoutsGreece planning air defense system inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, says minister

The memoirs of former German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble were recently released in Germany. As expected, Greece features heavily. All the key moments of the crisis and its main actors are sketched in his memoirs, from the times Grexit was genuinely on the table, to his dealings with prime ministers Papandreou, Samaras, and Tsipras, and finance ministers Papaconstantinou, Venizelos, and Varoufakis. Xenia Kounalaki, a journalist and weekly columnist at Kathimerini, which acquired exclusive rights of publishing excerpts from the book in Greek, joins Thanos Davelis for an inside look into the Greek financial crisis through the lens of one of its main protagonists. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:The Greek crisis through Schaeuble’s memoirsParis 2024 Olympics torch lit in ancient OlympiaGreece becomes first European country to ban bottom trawling in marine parks

Last week thought leaders, politicians, experts and the business community gathered in Delphi in Greece for the 9th Delphi Economic Forum. The Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC) had an important presence there as well, leading discussions on the role of the diaspora, the importance of Cyprus, the Middle East post October 7th, and the future direction of American foreign policy given US elections in November. Endy Zemenides, HALC’s Executive Director, joins Thanos Davelis to recap the main takeaways from last week’s Delphi Economic Forum in Greece.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Delphi Economic Forum IXGreece to spend €780 mln to protect marine biodiversity, PM saysGreece now on ‘right path,’ says Stournaras

Reports indicate that a new flotilla to Gaza is being prepared out of Turkey. 14 years ago we saw a similar move take place, when the attempt to send the Mavi Marmara flotilla to Gaza led to a diplomatic crisis. Rich Goldberg, a senior advisor at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies with a deep expertise in sanctions policy who previously served on the White House National Security Council, joins Thanos Davelis to look at why we need to be paying attention to this new flotilla set to depart Turkey, which has the potential to spark another diplomatic crisis.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Turkish Organizations Ready Flotilla to Ignite Tensions With IsraelEU Commissioner Schinas hails bloc’s new migration lawsEU approves major overhaul of migration rulesGreece can serve as entry point for energy to the north, PM says‘Greece is redrawing energy map,’ says US ambassador

Years after its collapse in Iraq and Syria at the hands of a US-led coalition, it looks like ISIS is making a comeback. As reports indicate, ISIS has been expanding its presence in Syria, attacking regime soldiers, civilians, and the US-backed Kurdish-led SDF. An underreported element of this story is Turkey’s role in the revival of the Islamic State. Nadine Maenza joins Thanos Davelis to look at what a resurgent ISIS means for the region, particularly in the autonomous zone in north east Syria, and break down why we need to put the spotlight on Turkey’s role in this ISIS comeback.Nadine Maenza is the President of the IRF Secretariat, an international organization focused on building infrastructure to support the religious freedom movement globally. She also serves as a Global Fellow at the Wilson Center, and previously served as chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Worrying signs exist that IS growing stronger in SyriaSyrian Kurdish commander says resolve of US-led anti-ISIS coalition weakeningNadine Maenza on Turkey’s role in IS growing strongerGreece launches ‘free’ holidays for tourists who fled 2023 Rhodes wildfiresGreece’s F-35 deal moves forward

Greece’s government just announced the creation of two new marine parks – in the Ionian and Aegean seas. The move comes a week before Athens is set to host the 9th Our Ocean Conference on April 16 and 17, which will see key stakeholders not only put a spotlight on issues related to the protection of the seas, but also present a series of concrete proposals. Giorgos Lialios, a journalist at Kathimerini covering issues related to the environment, joins Thanos Davelis to talk about the new marine parks Greece is creating, look into the upcoming Our Oceans Conference, and more.Read Giorgos Lalios’ latest for Kathimerini: Greece commits to protection of its seasYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:The losing battle against Greece’s tumbling birthrateSakellaropoulou calls for ongoing support for UkraineZelensky warns of Russian aggression beyond Ukraine

Turkey announced it was restricting exports on a wide range of products to Israel on Tuesday, in Ankara's first significant measure against Israel after six months of war. The decision comes after Turkish President Erdogan’s party suffered a historic defeat in the municipal elections, a result which experts Sinan Ciddi and Steven Cook argued in Foreign Policy could provide a first glimpse into what a post-AKP Turkey might look like. Sinan Ciddi joins Thanos Davelis to look at why Erdogan is taking these measures against Israel now, and break down how it fits into the broader post-election narrative.Sinan Ciddi is a non-resident senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), where he contributes to FDD’s Turkey Program and Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP). He is also an Associate Professor of Security Studies at the Command and Staff College-Marine Corps University and Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.Read Sinan Ciddi and Steven Cook’s latest in Foreign Policy here: Post-Erdogan Turkey Is Finally HereYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Turkey imposes export restrictions on Israel until Gaza ceasefireGreece accuses Turkey of ‘politicizing’ environment, affirms commitment to safeguarding sovereign rightsTurkey challenges Greek plans for new marine park in Aegean Sea, citing sovereignty disputeEU Red Sea navy mission commander hopes for more ships to repel Houthi attacks

The last decade Thucydides has moved to the center of the discussion, with concepts like the “Thucydides trap” debated in policy circles in Washington, DC when looking at how to navigate US relations with a rising China in what appears to be a new era of great power competition. So what can Thucydides tell us about our world today? This was the focus of a recent event in Athens at the Institute of International Relations featuring Professor Andrew Novo, a scholar of ancient and modern Mediterranean history and strategic studies. Andrew Novo joins Thanos Davelis to look at the lessons we should take away from Thucydides in a changing world.Andrew Novo is Professor of Strategic Studies at the National Defense University in Washington, DC. He also teaches as an adjunct at Georgetown’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, is a non-resident fellow with the Center for European Policy’s Transatlantic Defense and Security program, and is the author of numerous books, including “Restoring Thucydides: Testing Familiar Lessons and Deriving New Ones”. All views expressed in this interview are his own and don’t reflect the views of the US government.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:We have good allies: Allies and decisions for war and peace in ThucydidesCyprus president and Lebanese caretaker premier urge EU financial aid to curb migration from LebanonGreece Invests Over €2 Billion to Fight Climate Change Effects

Migration is top of the agenda this week in Cyprus, with President Nikos Christodoulides calling for the EU to step in to help Cyprus deal with a surge in arrivals on its shores. Cyprus is pressing Brussels to designate parts of Syria as safe for returns of migrants, and also to condition EU aid to Lebanon on its preventing migrants from departing. Nektaria Stamouli, the deputy editor in chief of Kathimerini’s English Edition and Politico’s Eastern Mediterranean correspondent, joins Thanos Davelis to discuss the migration crisis unfolding in Cyprus, and look at how it is impacting the agenda ahead of the European elections.Read Nektaria Stamouli’s latest for Politico here:Cyprus declares migration crisis, calls for EU to helpCyprus demands Lebanon control migrant flowsYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Biden lauds Greek ideals, independence at White House celebrationLion’s share of foreign investment in realty

Greece is ramping up its firefighting efforts, with authorities betting on a host of preventive measures - from the deployment of firefighting aircraft to increased staffing in specialized forest firefighting units - as temperatures touched 30 degrees Celsius in late March and wildfires already broke out weeks earlier than expected. On top of multi-agency exercises and drills, Greece is also fast-tracking a 2.1 billion euro program to upgrade its fleet of firefighting aircraft and create an AI-driven sensor network to detect smoke in the early stages of a fire. Derek Gatopoulos, a correspondent for the Associated Press who has been covering news in Greece for more than 25 years, joins Thanos Davelis to look at the steps Greece is taking to prepare ahead of this summer’s wildfire season.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:As fire season fast approaches, Greece’s planners look for an edge in response timeGreek authorities overhaul wildfire response plans ahead of summer fire seasonEleven far-right MPs charged with electoral fraudGreece and India to sign defense cooperation agreement

With the EU elections on the horizon, one party in Greece, Greek Solution, is seeing a notable surge in support. The rise of this far right nationalist party also mirrors broader trends in the far right across Europe, and many are beginning to ask whether this resurgent far-right is here to stay. Dr. Georgios Samaras, an assistant professor of public policy at King’s College London, joins Thanos Davelis to look into the rise of Greek Solution and its leader Kostas Velopoulos, breaking down what this could mean for Greek politics ahead of European elections in June.Read Dr. Georgios Samaras’ latest piece in Kathimerini: The Greek far-right – a rising threat in the EU election stormYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:NATO to plan long-term Ukraine aid, mulls 100-billion euro fundNATO ministers’ doubts, fears and eye-rolls over €100B Ukraine planTurkey’s election authority reinstates pro-Kurdish mayoral election winner

Greece has just opened a new vacation visa terminal for Turkish visitors this week as part of a diplomatic effort to ease long-standing tensions between the two countries. The move follows the signing of a series of agreements between Greece and Turkey during President Erdogan’s meeting with Prime Minister Mitsotakis in Athens in December, most notably the Athens Declaration. Vassilis Nedos, Kathimerini’s diplomatic and defense editor, joins Thanos Davelis to look into this latest initiative, and explore where it fits into ongoing efforts to maintain calm in the Aegean.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greek islands launch special visa program for Turkish visitors in diplomatic effort to calm regionMaintaining calm relations in the ‘frozen’ Greek-Turkish disputeCyprus to Gaza corridor will continue to operate, Cyprus president saysBlack Hawk helicopter purchase gets green light

Less than a year after securing another term, Turkish President Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party suffered its worst defeat in its 22-year history in Sunday’s municipal elections. All eyes were on Istanbul, where Ekrem Imamoglu easily won reelection and is increasingly cementing his place as Erdogan’s political challenger. Amberin Zaman, Al-Monitor’s chief correspondent covering major stories on the Middle East and North Africa, including Turkey, joins Thanos Davelis to break down Sunday’s results, what this defeat means for Erdogan, and look at whether the opposition’s resurgence can now reshape Turkey’s national politics. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suffers an electoral disasterTurkish local elections: Opposition stuns Erdogan with historic victoryDefense Min unveils ‘Agenda 2030’ for armed forces restructuringMitsotakis launches campaign for Euro elections stressing security, stabilityPM notes high stakes of Euro elections

On Friday US and Turkish officials confirmed that Turkey’s President Erdogan will visit the White House on May 9th, a move that has been described as an apparent quid pro quo for Ankara’s decision to finally green-light Sweden’s NATO membership. Alan Makovsky, veteran Turkey analyst and senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, joins Thanos Davelis to examine how Erdogan finally snagged an invite to the White House, and look into what message this move sends about the Biden administration’s approach to Turkey in the wake of the Sweden NATO saga.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Erdogan snags White House invite in diplomatic win, Turkish press reportsBiden to host Turkey's Erdogan at White House on May 9Greece to raise monthly minimum wage by 6.4% to 830 eurosEU plans to fast-track some financial aid to Egypt

Can a small antique table give us insight into the history of an entire city and its broader connections to the region? A recent quest for such an antique sent Sean Mathews, a journalist based in Greece and covering the broader Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, on a trip to Thessaloniki that quickly revealed just how multi-layered and cosmopolitan the city’s past is, with rich connections to the Eastern Mediterranean. Sean Mathews and George Manginis, the academic director at the Benaki Museum, join Thanos Davelis to break down this rich history and look at how current efforts to shine a light on Thessaloniki’s past cosmopolitanism are increasingly important today in a changing region. Read Sean Mathews’ latest article here: Ghosts of Thessaloniki: How a quest for a table revealed much about a city's multilayered pastYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greek government survives no-confidence vote over deadly Tempi train trashNo confidence motion fails, 141-159Tempe rail tragedy looms large over Euro pollsSecond aid ship heading to Gaza from CyprusEuropean Parliament President to visit Cyprus for humanitarian aid talks

A few weeks ago Greece passed a law allowing the operation of private, non-profit universities, including allowing foreign private universities to set up branches in the country. The move came despite weeks of demonstrations that included scores of university building occupations by students. Despite this, opinion polls indicate that most Greeks agree with the creation of privately-run universities. David Horner, the President of the American College of Greece, the oldest and largest US accredited college or university in Europe, joins Thanos Davelis to share his perspectives on the impact of this bill and the potential for Greece to serve as a global educational hub.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Private universities bill adoptedGreek lawmakers approve ending state monopoly on university education, despite student protestsErdogan snags White House invite in diplomatic win, Turkish press reportsCyprus aims to complete Vasilikos LNG terminal by year’s end

Earlier this year Kathimerini organized a three-day conference looking back at the 50 years since the restoration of democracy in Greece in 1974, or the Metapolitefsi. We saw a gathering of some of the most influential people of this period, including former prime ministers, who discussed in depth the numerous crises the country has gone through during the past 50 years and many of its accomplishments. Alexis Papachelas, Kathimerini’s Editor in Chief, joins Thanos Davelis to discuss why this 50th anniversary is important not just for understanding the country’s history, but to learn from its lessons, especially at a time when we see democracy under threat across the world.Read Alexis Papachelas latest on this issue here: Lessons from the MetapolitefsiYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Fifty years after the MetapolitefsiMetapolitefsi divides generationsA conference of reflectionCyprus to get US expertise in countering money launderingPolarization fueled ahead of Euro election

As we celebrate Greek independence day today, March 25th, we’re going to take a deeper look at one of the crucial figures of the Greek Revolution of 1821, Lord Byron. Aside from his status as a world renowned poet at the time, he is also perhaps the most famous philhellene to travel to Greece and ultimately give his life for Greek independence in 1824, 200 years ago. Professor Roderick Beaton, a historian and author of the books Byron’s War: Romantic Rebellion, Greek Revolution, Greece: Biography of a Modern Nation, and The Greeks: A Global History, joins Thanos Davelis to explore Lord Byron’s important contributions to the Greek cause and his wider legacy. Read Prof. Roderick Beaton’s book on Lord Byron here: Byron's War: Romantic Rebellion, Greek RevolutionYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Mitsotakis, Trudeau hail Greek-Canadian relations in joint statementMitsotakis, on Canadian TV, touts ‘rather impressive’ economic comebackNorth-South EU divide over defense bond

This past week Washington’s attention has been on Cyprus and the humanitarian corridor from Gaza, from President Biden’s letter thanking President Christodoulides, to the National Security Council’s chief of staff visiting Cyprus. Cyprus is also going to be a central theme for diaspora Greeks as celebrations for Greek independence day kick off on March 25th. Endy Zemenides, the Executive Director of the Hellenic American Leadership Council, joins Thanos Davelis with the latest on these key developments on Cyprus, and provides a look ahead at the upcoming Greek Independence Day celebrations.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:US racing to prepare Gaza jetty by May 1, says US officialBiden on Greek Independence Day: friendship ‘stronger than ever before’Christodoulides eyes EU-Turkey talks for Cyprob benefitEU summit stirs hope for Cyprus President's role in Turkey talksGreek authorities overhaul wildfire response plans ahead of summer fire season

With Ukraine facing a resurgent Russia, NATO leaders have been clear that they do not and “will never recognize Russia’s illegal and illegitimate annexations, including Crimea.” While Western leaders speak clearly when it comes to Ukraine, their uncompromising positions are unfortunately undermined when NATO remains largely silent over the precedent for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: Turkey’s invasion and occupation of the northern part of Cyprus in 1974. Michael Rubin, the director of policy analysis at the Middle East Forum and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, joins Thanos Davelis to explain why NATO’s 50 year tolerance of Turkey’s occupation of Cyprus weakens its case on Ukraine. Read Michael Rubin’s latest here: NATO tolerance of Cyprus’ occupation weakens case on UkraineYou can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Extra rules for Golden VisaTurkish central bank stuns market by hiking interest rates to 50%Turkey raises interest rates to 50% as it seeks to cool runaway inflation

In a speech on Monday Turkey’s President Erdogan not only defended the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, but went even further, stating that if Turkish troops hadn’t stopped then all of Cyprus would be Turkish today. His comments come as a new UN special envoy is looking for ways to restart talks on Cyprus and amid efforts by Athens and Ankara to normalize ties. They also come on the heels of a recent trip that saw Greece and Cyprus deepen ties with Egypt. Constantinos Filis, the Director of the Institute of Global Affairs and an associate professor of international relations at the American College of Greece, joins Thanos Davelis to break down Erdogan’s latest outbursts and their broader impact. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Erdogan’s comments on Cyprus a blatant distortion of the historical truth, say sourcesErdogan: All Cyprus could have been oursGreek PM and Egyptian President strengthen partnershipAs economy rebounds, Greece will wrap up bank sales this year, finance minister saysPM to visit Canada, finalize purchase of firefighting planes

As in the past, the upcoming municipal elections in Turkey are playing a key role in shaping the country's economic policies. While time and resources have been wasted due to Erdogan’s political priorities, soaring inflation - which surpassed 67% earlier this year - and the cost of living crisis has made daily life increasingly difficult for most citizens. Wolfango Piccoli, the co-founder of risk analysis company Teneo, joins Thanos Davelis to look at how the upcoming elections are impacting Turkey’s economic policies, and whether we should expect a shift in policy from Erdogan following elections.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Turkey inflation rises to 67%, keeping pressure on cenbankTurkey’s Simsek Dismisses Post-Election Lira Doom ScenarioErdogan: All Cyprus could have been oursErdogan’s comments on Cyprus a blatant distortion of the historical truth, say sourcesFood aid from Cyprus reaches starving people in northern Gaza, says charity