US borrowing expected to rival Europe\u2019s most indebted states, says IMF<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//business//2025//12//16//german-manufacturing-contracts-again-is-eurozone-growth-at-risk/">German manufacturing contracts again: Is eurozone growth at risk?<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The GLF is no longer active as a lending facility, but its remaining loans are still being repaid even today. Private businesses are affected indirectly through the effect on borrowing costs, investor confidence, and credit ratings.<\/p>\n<p>By around 2023, Greece had restored investment-grade credit ratings from major agencies, reflecting improved fiscal performance and institutional stability. In turn, this has helped to push down borrowing costs. <\/p>\n<p>Greek 10-year bond yields have at times fallen below those of larger economies such as Italy and France, a striking reversal from the crisis era when markets priced Greek debt as a high-risk \u201cjunk\u201d asset.<\/p>\n<h2>Is repaying early a smart move?<\/h2>\n<p>In 2023, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis pledged that Greece would make an early debt repayment of \u20ac5.3bn in the coming years.<\/p>\n<p>As of June 2025, the country's total public debt stood at around \u20ac403.2bn, or roughly 151% of gross domestic product. This figure represents the combined value of all outstanding government obligations.<\/p>\n<p>Greece asked its eurozone lenders for permission to pay back part of its old bailout loans early. After the ESM and EFSF agreed and announced a waiver for the procedure earlier in December, the government used money it had already set aside in a special savings account to make the payment, rather than borrowing new funds.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGreece continues to make significant progress in strengthening its economy. This additional early repayment of the GLF loan sends another positive signal to financial markets, improves Greece\u2019s debt structure and reflects the country\u2019s improving fiscal position,\" Pierre Gramenia, ESM managing director and EFSF CEO said at the time.<\/p>\n<p>Critics of the early repayment argue that while it may improve Greece\u2019s debt profile on paper, it comes at the expense of domestic liquidity at a time when households and businesses continue to face cost-of-living pressures. <\/p>\n<p>Opposition parties say the funds used for accelerated debt repayments could instead be channelled into public investment, wage support, or targeted relief measures, generating a more immediate boost to incomes and economic activity.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1765882387,"updatedAt":1765897158,"publishedAt":1765895992,"firstPublishedAt":1765895992,"lastPublishedAt":1765896044,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/06\/95\/81\/16\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_d454d925-a715-54ac-b184-42fd67b54077-6958116.jpg","altText":"FILE. The Greek, right, and the European flags wave under the ancient Acropolis hill in Athens, 5 July, 2015.","caption":"FILE. The Greek, right, and the European flags wave under the ancient Acropolis hill in Athens, 5 July, 2015.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Petr David Josek\/AP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":648}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3408,"urlSafeValue":"hajdari","title":"Una Hajdari","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":10693,"slug":"greek-economy","urlSafeValue":"greek-economy","title":"Greek economy","titleRaw":"Greek economy"},{"id":4351,"slug":"financial-crisis","urlSafeValue":"financial-crisis","title":"Financial Crisis","titleRaw":"Financial Crisis"},{"id":128,"slug":"greece","urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","titleRaw":"Greece"},{"id":20790,"slug":"debt-instalments","urlSafeValue":"debt-instalments","title":"Debt Instalments","titleRaw":"Debt Instalments"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"related","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2849415},{"id":2855257},{"id":2855408}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"economy","urlSafeValue":"economy","title":"Economy","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/business\/economy\/economy"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"business","verticals":[{"id":11,"slug":"business","urlSafeValue":"business","title":"Business"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":11,"slug":"business","urlSafeValue":"business","title":"Business"},"themes":[{"id":"economy","urlSafeValue":"economy","title":"Economy","url":"\/business\/economy"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":72,"urlSafeValue":"economy","title":"Economy"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":128,"urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","url":"\/news\/europe\/greece"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/business\/2025\/12\/16\/greece-pays-eu-creditors-ahead-of-schedule-to-boost-market-confidence","lastModified":1765896044},{"id":2852927,"cid":9575898,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"NC8 GREECE FARMERS CLASHES","daletPyramidId":3539588,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Clashes erupt between farmers and police in Greece amid protests over EU subsidy delays","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"Clashes erupt between farmers and police in Crete amid protests over EU subsidy delays","leadin":"Farmers in Crete clashed with riot police as protests over delayed EU subsidies spread to areas near the island\u2019s two international airports.","summary":"Farmers in Crete clashed with riot police as protests over delayed EU subsidies spread to areas near the island\u2019s two international airports.","keySentence":"","url":"clashes-erupt-between-farmers-and-police-in-greece-amid-protests-over-eu-subsidy-delays","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/12\/09\/clashes-erupt-between-farmers-and-police-in-greece-amid-protests-over-eu-subsidy-delays","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Farmers on the Greek island of Crete clashed with riot police on Monday as anger over delayed European Union subsidies escalated.\n\nDemonstrators confronted officers near the Chania and Heraklion airports, throwing stones, damaging police vehicles, and overturning one after officers withdrew.\n\nPolice used tear gas as tensions flared. The unrest is part of nationwide protests that have blocked major highways since late November.\n\nPrime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged farmers to ease their blockades, saying payments and support would be delivered by the end of December.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Farmers on the Greek island of Crete clashed with riot police on Monday as anger over delayed European Union subsidies escalated. <\/p>\n<p>Demonstrators confronted officers near the Chania and Heraklion airports, throwing stones, damaging police vehicles, and overturning one after officers withdrew. <\/p>\n<p>Police used tear gas as tensions flared. The unrest is part of nationwide protests that have blocked major highways since late November. <\/p>\n<p>Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged farmers to ease their blockades, saying payments and support would be delivered by the end of December.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1765210276,"updatedAt":1765260057,"publishedAt":1765259622,"firstPublishedAt":1765259622,"lastPublishedAt":1765259622,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/58\/98\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_3d45be35-3e6d-5bed-bce5-707e48f87f85-9575898.jpg","altText":"GREECE FARMERS CLASHES","caption":"GREECE FARMERS CLASHES","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"EBU","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1043}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":18298,"slug":"farmers","urlSafeValue":"farmers","title":"Farmers","titleRaw":"Farmers"},{"id":128,"slug":"greece","urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","titleRaw":"Greece"},{"id":27110,"slug":"protestas","urlSafeValue":"protestas","title":"Protests","titleRaw":"Protests"}],"widgets":[],"related":[{"id":2855052},{"id":2855559}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"f0CU-bsl4dY","dailymotionId":"x9v9ef8"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/31\/15\/72\/02\/ED_PYR_3115722_20251208162538.mp4","editor":"","duration":60000,"filesizeBytes":11776794,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/31\/15\/72\/02\/SHD_PYR_3115722_20251208162538.mp4","editor":"","duration":60000,"filesizeBytes":16639003,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/31\/15\/72\/02\/FHD_PYR_3115722_20251208162538.mp4","editor":"","duration":60000,"filesizeBytes":48667316,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"nocomment","urlSafeValue":"nocomment","title":"No Comment","online":1,"url":"\/nocomment"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":128,"urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","url":"\/news\/europe\/greece"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/video\/2025\/12\/09\/clashes-erupt-between-farmers-and-police-in-greece-amid-protests-over-eu-subsidy-delays","lastModified":1765259622},{"id":2852773,"cid":9575138,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"FARMERS IN GREECE TARGET AIRPORTS","daletPyramidId":3537705,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Protesting Greek farmers force their way onto Crete airport tarmac, causing flight suspensions","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Protesting Greek farmers force their way onto Crete airport tarmac","titleListing2":"Greek farmers swarm onto apron area of international airport on Crete forcing flight suspensions","leadin":"The demonstrations on Monday are the latest escalation in protests over delays in the payment of EU-backed agricultural subsidies in the wake of a scandal which revealed fraudulent subsidy claims.","summary":"The demonstrations on Monday are the latest escalation in protests over delays in the payment of EU-backed agricultural subsidies in the wake of a scandal which revealed fraudulent subsidy claims.","keySentence":"","url":"protesting-greek-farmers-force-their-way-onto-crete-airport-tarmac-causing-flight-suspensi","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/12\/08\/protesting-greek-farmers-force-their-way-onto-crete-airport-tarmac-causing-flight-suspensi","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Farmers protesting delays in subsidy payments forced their way onto the airfield of the international airport on the southern Greek island of Crete on Monday, evading riot police who used tear gas and stun grenades to keep them back.\n\nImages from local media showed dozens of farmers standing on the apron at the Nikos Kazantzakis international airport in Heraklion, the main town on Crete, forcing the airport to suspend all flights.\n\nClashes also broke out near the airport of Crete\u2019s second-largest city of Chania, with riot police using tear gas to disperse protesting farmers who pelted them with rocks and overturned a police patrol car, local media reported. Two people were reportedly injured in the clashes.\n\nThe demonstrations in Crete are\u00a0the latest escalation\u00a0in farmer protests over delays in the payment of European Union-backed agricultural subsidies, following a scandal that revealed fraudulent subsidy claims.\n\nFarmers have deployed thousands of tractors and other agricultural vehicles at border crossings and key points along highways across the country, periodically stopping traffic and threatening to completely block roads, ports and airports.\n\nOn Friday, riot police fired tear gas at protesting farmers attempting to block the main access road to the international airport outside the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki.\n\nPolice have been enforcing traffic diversions in several parts of northern and central Greece to circumvent the blockades, while farmer roadblocks at the country's northern borders with Bulgaria, Turkey and North Macedonia have already hampered truck traffic, causing long queues of freight vehicles.\n\n\"Everyone must understand that problems are solved through dialogue and some red lines should not be crossed,\" Greek Minister of Rural Development and Food Costas Tsiaras said on state television on Monday.\n\nPayment delays\n\nThe payment delays come as authorities review all requests following revelations of widespread fraudulent claims for EU farm subsidies.\n\nProtesters have argued that the delays amount to collective punishment, leaving honest farmers in debt and unable to plant their fields for next season.\n\nGreece\u2019s farming sector has also been hit this year by an outbreak of goat and sheep pox that led to a mass cull of livestock.\n\nMichalis Chrisochoidis, the minister for public order, said last week that the government remained open to talks with protest leaders, but warned that it wouldn\u2019t tolerate the shutdown of major transit points.\n\nProtests by farmers are common\u00a0in Greece and similar blockades in the past have sometimes severed all road traffic between the north and south of the country for weeks.\n\nThe subsidy scandal prompted the\u00a0resignation of five senior government officials\u00a0in June and the phased shutdown of a state agency that handled agricultural subsidies.\n\nDozens of people have been arrested for allegedly filing false claims in response to an investigation led by the European Public Prosecutor\u2019s Office (EPPO).\n\nDuring a preliminary investigation by EPPO, some 324 people were identified as recipients of subsidies totalling \u20ac19.6 million.\n\nThe independent EU body dealing with financial crime said at the end of October that the investigation was linked to \"a systematic large-scale subsidy fraud scheme and money-laundering activities.\"\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Farmers protesting delays in subsidy payments forced their way onto the airfield of the international airport on the southern Greek island of Crete on Monday, evading riot police who used tear gas and stun grenades to keep them back.<\/p>\n<p>Images from local media showed dozens of farmers standing on the apron at the Nikos Kazantzakis international airport in Heraklion, the main town on Crete, forcing the airport to suspend all flights.<\/p>\n<p>Clashes also broke out near the airport of Crete\u2019s second-largest city of Chania, with riot police using tear gas to disperse protesting farmers who pelted them with rocks and overturned a police patrol car, local media reported. Two people were reportedly injured in the clashes.<\/p>\n<p>The demonstrations in Crete are the latest escalation in farmer protests over delays in the payment of European Union-backed agricultural subsidies, following a scandal that revealed fraudulent subsidy claims.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//57//51//38//808x539_cmsv2_c00c0a43-cd56-5b8d-8379-8e4f9f4927de-9575138.jpg/" alt=\"Police use tear gas against farmers during clashes with officers blocking their march to Chania's airport on Crete, 8 December, 2025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/51\/38\/384x256_cmsv2_c00c0a43-cd56-5b8d-8379-8e4f9f4927de-9575138.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/51\/38\/640x427_cmsv2_c00c0a43-cd56-5b8d-8379-8e4f9f4927de-9575138.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/51\/38\/750x500_cmsv2_c00c0a43-cd56-5b8d-8379-8e4f9f4927de-9575138.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/51\/38\/828x552_cmsv2_c00c0a43-cd56-5b8d-8379-8e4f9f4927de-9575138.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/51\/38\/1080x720_cmsv2_c00c0a43-cd56-5b8d-8379-8e4f9f4927de-9575138.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/51\/38\/1200x800_cmsv2_c00c0a43-cd56-5b8d-8379-8e4f9f4927de-9575138.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/51\/38\/1920x1280_cmsv2_c00c0a43-cd56-5b8d-8379-8e4f9f4927de-9575138.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Police use tear gas against farmers during clashes with officers blocking their march to Chania's airport on Crete, 8 December, 2025<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Farmers have deployed thousands of tractors and other agricultural vehicles at border crossings and key points along highways across the country, periodically stopping traffic and threatening to completely block roads, ports and airports.<\/p>\n<p>On Friday, riot police fired tear gas at protesting farmers attempting to block the main access road to the international airport outside the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki.<\/p>\n<p>Police have been enforcing traffic diversions in several parts of northern and central Greece to circumvent the blockades, while farmer roadblocks at the country's northern borders with Bulgaria, Turkey and North Macedonia have already hampered truck traffic, causing long queues of freight vehicles.<\/p>\n<p>\"Everyone must understand that problems are solved through dialogue and some red lines should not be crossed,\" Greek Minister of Rural Development and Food Costas Tsiaras said on state television on Monday.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//12//05//greek-police-fire-tear-gas-at-protesting-farmers-threatening-to-blockade-thessaloniki-airp/">Greek police fire tear gas at protesting farmers threatening to blockade Thessaloniki airport<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//12//01//greek-farmers-block-athens-motorway-as-fallout-from-illegal-subsidies-fraud-continues/">Greek farmers block Athens motorway as fallout from illegal subsidies fraud continues<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>Payment delays<\/h2>\n<p>The payment delays come as authorities review all requests following revelations of widespread fraudulent claims for EU farm subsidies.<\/p>\n<p>Protesters have argued that the delays amount to collective punishment, leaving honest farmers in debt and unable to plant their fields for next season.<\/p>\n<p>Greece\u2019s farming sector has also been hit this year by an outbreak of goat and sheep pox that led to a mass cull of livestock.<\/p>\n<p>Michalis Chrisochoidis, the minister for public order, said last week that the government remained open to talks with protest leaders, but warned that it wouldn\u2019t tolerate the shutdown of major transit points.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.666\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//57//51//38//808x539_cmsv2_926912dd-f598-5f46-ad1d-2a55d2ddbcf3-9575138.jpg/" alt=\"A protester breaks the window of a police vehicle during clashes with officers blocking their march to Chania's airport on Crete, 8 December, 2025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/51\/38\/384x256_cmsv2_926912dd-f598-5f46-ad1d-2a55d2ddbcf3-9575138.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/51\/38\/640x426_cmsv2_926912dd-f598-5f46-ad1d-2a55d2ddbcf3-9575138.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/51\/38\/750x500_cmsv2_926912dd-f598-5f46-ad1d-2a55d2ddbcf3-9575138.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/51\/38\/828x551_cmsv2_926912dd-f598-5f46-ad1d-2a55d2ddbcf3-9575138.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/51\/38\/1080x719_cmsv2_926912dd-f598-5f46-ad1d-2a55d2ddbcf3-9575138.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/51\/38\/1200x799_cmsv2_926912dd-f598-5f46-ad1d-2a55d2ddbcf3-9575138.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/51\/38\/1920x1279_cmsv2_926912dd-f598-5f46-ad1d-2a55d2ddbcf3-9575138.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">A protester breaks the window of a police vehicle during clashes with officers blocking their march to Chania's airport on Crete, 8 December, 2025<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Protests by farmers are common in Greece and similar blockades in the past have sometimes severed all road traffic between the north and south of the country for weeks.<\/p>\n<p>The subsidy scandal prompted the resignation of five senior government officials in June and the phased shutdown of a state agency that handled agricultural subsidies.<\/p>\n<p>Dozens of people have been arrested for allegedly filing false claims in response to an investigation led by the European Public Prosecutor\u2019s Office (EPPO).<\/p>\n<p>During a preliminary investigation by EPPO, some 324 people were identified as recipients of subsidies totalling \u20ac19.6 million.<\/p>\n<p>The independent EU body dealing with financial crime said at the end of October that the investigation was linked to \"a systematic large-scale subsidy fraud scheme and money-laundering activities.\"<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1765183631,"updatedAt":1765207794,"publishedAt":1765207788,"firstPublishedAt":1765207788,"lastPublishedAt":1765207788,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/51\/38\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_5c800f2d-0717-5c6f-85dc-8016e6aac7b6-9575138.jpg","altText":"stock photoDozens of farmers stand on apron area at Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport in Heraklion, 8 December, 2025","caption":"stock photoDozens of farmers stand on apron area at Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport in Heraklion, 8 December, 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1620,"height":911},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/51\/38\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_926912dd-f598-5f46-ad1d-2a55d2ddbcf3-9575138.jpg","altText":"A protester breaks the window of a police vehicle during clashes with officers blocking their march to Chania's airport on Crete, 8 December, 2025","caption":"A protester breaks the window of a police vehicle during clashes with officers blocking their march to Chania's airport on Crete, 8 December, 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1332},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/51\/38\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_c00c0a43-cd56-5b8d-8379-8e4f9f4927de-9575138.jpg","altText":"Police use tear gas against farmers during clashes with officers blocking their march to Chania's airport on Crete, 8 December, 2025","caption":"Police use tear gas against farmers during clashes with officers blocking their march to Chania's airport on Crete, 8 December, 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1333}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":638,"urlSafeValue":"karagiorgas","title":"Ioannis Karagiorgas","twitter":"@IKaragiorgas"},{"id":2972,"urlSafeValue":"blackburn","title":"Gavin Blackburn","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":128,"slug":"greece","urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","titleRaw":"Greece"},{"id":12028,"slug":"demonstration","urlSafeValue":"demonstration","title":"Demonstration","titleRaw":"Demonstration"},{"id":18298,"slug":"farmers","urlSafeValue":"farmers","title":"Farmers","titleRaw":"Farmers"},{"id":27110,"slug":"protestas","urlSafeValue":"protestas","title":"Protests","titleRaw":"Protests"},{"id":13468,"slug":"crete","urlSafeValue":"crete","title":"Crete","titleRaw":"Crete"},{"id":11642,"slug":"police","urlSafeValue":"police","title":"Police","titleRaw":"Police"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":2},{"slug":"related","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2851844},{"id":2849415},{"id":2855408}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"AP","additionalReporting":"","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":128,"urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","url":"\/news\/europe\/greece"},"town":{"id":3363,"urlSafeValue":"heraklion","title":"Heraklion"},"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":{"id":1,"slug":"deepl","isActive":1},"localisation":{"producerLanguage":"el","storyId":9575107,"online":1},"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":1,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/12\/08\/protesting-greek-farmers-force-their-way-onto-crete-airport-tarmac-causing-flight-suspensi","lastModified":1765207788},{"id":2852764,"cid":9575094,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"SAMOS MIGRANTS DEAD BOY","daletPyramidId":3534025,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Migrant boy killed by boat propeller in Greece hours after Crete shipwreck","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Migrant boy dies in incident in Greece hours after Crete shipwreck","titleListing2":"The body of a 12-year-old boy was found ashore just hours after a deadly shipwreck left at least 18 people dead. Local sources say he was hit by a boat propeller.","leadin":"The body of a 12-year-old boy was found ashore near the Greek island of Samos right after a deadly shipwreck left at least 18 people dead south of Crete.","summary":"The body of a 12-year-old boy was found ashore near the Greek island of Samos right after a deadly shipwreck left at least 18 people dead south of Crete.","keySentence":"","url":"migrant-boy-killed-by-boat-propeller-in-greece-hours-after-crete-shipwreck","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/12\/08\/migrant-boy-killed-by-boat-propeller-in-greece-hours-after-crete-shipwreck","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"A 12-year-old died when he was struck by a boat propeller while reaching the Greek island of Samos, authorities said on Sunday, a day after at least 18 migrants drowned when their vessel capsized south of Crete.\n\nThe coastguard discovered the child's body in the Svala area of Samos after 37 other migrants came ashore. An ambulance transported the body to the island's hospital, according to local media reports.\n\nAuthorities are investigating the incident, which occurred when the boy was hit by the propeller of the boat carrying the migrants to the island.\n\nThe latest incident occurred hours after Greek authorities announced that at least 18 migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean died when their inflatable boat capsized south of Crete on Saturday.\n\nA passing Turkish merchant vessel located the half-sunken boat and rescued two survivors. A search operation involving a ship and a plane from the European border agency Frontex, a Greek coastguard helicopter and three merchant vessels continued on Sunday.\n\nAuthorities have not determined where the capsized boat departed from.\n\nGreece remains a major entry point into the European Union for people fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, with fatal accidents occurring frequently.\n\nThe short but dangerous crossing from Turkey's coast to nearby Greek islands in inflatable dinghies once served as the primary route, but increased patrols and alleged pushbacks reduced attempts.\n\nArrivals from Libya to Crete have surged in recent months, according to reports.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>A 12-year-old died when he was struck by a boat propeller while reaching the Greek island of Samos, authorities said on Sunday, a day after at least 18 migrants drowned when their vessel capsized south of Crete.<\/p>\n<p>The coastguard discovered the child's body in the Svala area of Samos after 37 other migrants came ashore. An ambulance transported the body to the island's hospital, according to local media reports.<\/p>\n<p>Authorities are investigating the incident, which occurred when the boy was hit by the propeller of the boat carrying the migrants to the island.<\/p>\n<p>The latest incident occurred hours after Greek authorities announced that at least 18 migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean died when their inflatable boat capsized south of Crete on Saturday. <\/p>\n<p>A passing Turkish merchant vessel located the half-sunken boat and rescued two survivors. A search operation involving a ship and a plane from the European border agency Frontex, a Greek coastguard helicopter and three merchant vessels continued on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>Authorities have not determined where the capsized boat departed from.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//08//18//greek-island-of-crete-sees-surge-in-migrant-arrivals-despite-harsher-detention-policy/">Greek island of Crete sees surge in migrant arrivals despite harsher asylum policy<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//12//06//migrant-shipwreck-in-crete-leves-at-least-18-dead/">Migrant shipwreck in Crete leaves at least 18 dead<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Greece remains a major entry point into the European Union for people fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, with fatal accidents occurring frequently. <\/p>\n<p>The short but dangerous crossing from Turkey's coast to nearby Greek islands in inflatable dinghies once served as the primary route, but increased patrols and alleged pushbacks reduced attempts.<\/p>\n<p>Arrivals from Libya to Crete have surged in recent months, according to reports.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1765180073,"updatedAt":1765188117,"publishedAt":1765188114,"firstPublishedAt":1765188114,"lastPublishedAt":1765188114,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/50\/62\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_12de2fc6-d4bf-5078-80f9-2ea68bed7fe5-9575062.jpg","altText":"stock photo","caption":"stock photo","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Panagiotis Balaskas\/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved.","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":638,"urlSafeValue":"karagiorgas","title":"Ioannis Karagiorgas","twitter":"@IKaragiorgas"}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":128,"slug":"greece","urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","titleRaw":"Greece"},{"id":147,"slug":"immigration","urlSafeValue":"immigration","title":"Immigration","titleRaw":"Immigration"},{"id":2094,"slug":"samos","urlSafeValue":"samos","title":"Samos","titleRaw":"Samos"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"related","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2854769}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":128,"urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","url":"\/news\/europe\/greece"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":{"id":1,"slug":"deepl","isActive":1},"localisation":{"producerLanguage":"el","storyId":9575062,"online":1},"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":1,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/12\/08\/migrant-boy-killed-by-boat-propeller-in-greece-hours-after-crete-shipwreck","lastModified":1765188114},{"id":2849518,"cid":9570684,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"NEXT GREECE AND CYPRUS CYBERSECURITY","daletPyramidId":3500697,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"The digital war between East and West is in full swing. This is Greece's role on the eastern border","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"AI is increasing cyber crime in Greece says expert ","titleListing2":"The digital war between West and East is in full swing - Greece's role on the eastern border","leadin":"\"Athens has an additional aggressive neighbour, which our European partners do not perceive as hostile,\" Michael Bletsas, commander of Greece's National Cyber Security Authority, told Euronews Next.","summary":"\"Athens has an additional aggressive neighbour, which our European partners do not perceive as hostile,\" Michael Bletsas, commander of Greece's National Cyber Security Authority, told Euronews Next.","keySentence":"","url":"the-digital-war-between-east-and-west-is-in-full-swing-this-is-greeces-role-on-the-eastern","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/next\/2025\/12\/06\/the-digital-war-between-east-and-west-is-in-full-swing-this-is-greeces-role-on-the-eastern","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"In an age where digital warfare knows no borders, the East and West are now racing in an invisible but relentless cyberspace - from China to the United States. But how do southern European countries fit in?\n\n\"We play our role very well on the border, in the corner, in the southeast corner of Europe. We wouldn't want to be us,\" said Michael Bletsas, commander of Greece's National Cyber Security Authority, told Euronews Next.\n\n\"We would very much like the borders of Europe to be further east, but unfortunately, we don't see the conditions for this to happen in the near future, so we will necessarily play this role and we are already playing it. It would just be good if other countries would recognise it to a greater extent than they do today,\" he added.\n\nGiven Greece's geographical location, the threats it faces are different compared to those of the Baltic States.\n\n\"In Northeastern Europe, in the Baltic Sea, we have several incidents at the moment which could be clearly characterised as hybrid warfare,\" said Blestas.\n\nHe said there are no such incidents in Greece as sabotage, attacks on infrastructure, or cables being cut. But he said there is too much cybercrime in the country.\n\n\"Right now, what is most visible is cybercrime. We have too much activism, cyberactivism, vandalism, if you like, mostly denial of service attacks, triple good service, attacks, but which do not leave permanent damage and which are quite easily dealt with,\" he said.\n\n\"We have quite a lot of cybercrime, which is increasing more and more because the use of artificial intelligence gives additional capabilities to criminals. Right now, from us, we are seeing a big increase in attacks, and of course, we have a lot of espionage,\" he added.\n\nThe big question is whether Greece can remain neutral in the digital East-West conflict. Blestas argues that there is no neutrality.\n\n\"We have lost it here and too much. It's just that Athens has to deal with an additional aggressive neighbour from the east, which the rest of our European partners don't seem to get, with the rest of our European partners seeing it as so hostile,\" he said.\n\nHe said that's where several issues arise.\n\n\"Separating the physical from the digital world is one and the same. The nervous system is more extensive than what we have in the real world. Therefore, we should think of security in the same terms as automatic automation that we think of it in the physical world. Only then will we be safe,\" he said.\n\nDigital warfare is not a war of the future - it is a war of now. And Greece, whether it likes it or not, is already in it. So the question is not whether it will participate, but on what terms, with what alliances and how much preparedness.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>In an age where digital warfare knows no borders, the East and West are now racing in an invisible but relentless cyberspace - from China to the United States. But how do southern European countries fit in? <\/p>\n<p>**\"**We play our role very well on the border, in the corner, in the southeast corner of Europe. We wouldn't want to be us,\" said Michael Bletsas, commander of Greece's National Cyber Security Authority, told Euronews Next. <\/p>\n<p>\"We would very much like the borders of Europe to be further east, but unfortunately, we don't see the conditions for this to happen in the near future, so we will necessarily play this role and we are already playing it. It would just be good if other countries would recognise it to a greater extent than they do today,\" he added. <\/p>\n<p>Given Greece's geographical location, the threats it faces are different compared to those of the Baltic States.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//next//2025//12//05//could-this-new-jamming-proof-base-in-greenland-help-europe-defend-against-russia/">Could this new jamming-proof base in Greenland help Europe defend against Russia?<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>\"In Northeastern Europe, in the Baltic Sea, we have several incidents at the moment which could be clearly characterised as hybrid warfare,\" said Blestas. <\/p>\n<p>He said there are no such incidents in Greece as sabotage, attacks on infrastructure, or cables being cut. But he said there is too much cybercrime in the country. <\/p>\n<p>\"Right now, what is most visible is cybercrime. We have too much activism, cyberactivism, vandalism, if you like, mostly denial of service attacks, triple good service, attacks, but which do not leave permanent damage and which are quite easily dealt with,\" he said. <\/p>\n<p>\"We have quite a lot of cybercrime, which is increasing more and more because the use of artificial intelligence gives additional capabilities to criminals. Right now, from us, we are seeing a big increase in attacks, and of course, we have a lot of espionage_,\"_ he added. <\/p>\n<p>The big question is whether Greece can remain neutral in the digital East-West conflict. Blestas argues that there is no neutrality. <\/p>\n<p>\"We have lost it here and too much. It's just that Athens has to deal with an additional aggressive neighbour from the east, which the rest of our European partners don't seem to get, with the rest of our European partners seeing it as so hostile,\" he said. <\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//next//2025//12//04//europe-falls-behind-in-ai-adoption-as-gen-z-in-emerging-economies-embrace-it-oecd-report/">Europe falls behind in AI adoption as Gen Z in emerging economies embrace it, OECD report<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>He said that's where several issues arise.<\/p>\n<p>_\"_Separating the physical from the digital world is one and the same. The nervous system is more extensive than what we have in the real world. Therefore, we should think of security in the same terms as automatic automation that we think of it in the physical world. Only then will we be safe,\" he said. <\/p>\n<p>Digital warfare is not a war of the future - it is a war of now. And Greece, whether it likes it or not, is already in it. So the question is not whether it will participate, but on what terms, with what alliances and how much preparedness.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764777231,"updatedAt":1765004509,"publishedAt":1765004469,"firstPublishedAt":1765004469,"lastPublishedAt":1765004509,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/12\/28\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_b6c5aabe-5da3-54e4-bee0-605de66a4e09-9561228.jpg","altText":"Digital War between West and East ","caption":"Digital War between West and East ","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Jenny Kane\/AP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":622,"urlSafeValue":"iliadi","title":"Theodora Iliadi","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":128,"slug":"greece","urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","titleRaw":"Greece"},{"id":9907,"slug":"cyber-attacks","urlSafeValue":"cyber-attacks","title":"Cyber attacks","titleRaw":"Cyber attacks"},{"id":26654,"slug":"cyber-security","urlSafeValue":"cyber-security","title":"cyber security","titleRaw":"cyber security"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"related","count":2}],"related":[{"id":2851567},{"id":2851915},{"id":2855293}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"tech-news","urlSafeValue":"tech-news","title":"Tech News","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/next\/tech-news\/tech-news"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"next","verticals":[{"id":9,"slug":"next","urlSafeValue":"next","title":"Next"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":9,"slug":"next","urlSafeValue":"next","title":"Next"},"themes":[{"id":"tech-news","urlSafeValue":"tech-news","title":"Tech News","url":"\/next\/tech-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":40,"urlSafeValue":"tech-news","title":"Tech News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":128,"urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","url":"\/news\/europe\/greece"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":{"id":1,"slug":"deepl","isActive":1},"localisation":{"producerLanguage":"el","storyId":9561228,"online":1},"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":1,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/next\/2025\/12\/06\/the-digital-war-between-east-and-west-is-in-full-swing-this-is-greeces-role-on-the-eastern","lastModified":1765004509},{"id":2852273,"cid":9573442,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"GREECE FARMERS PROTEST CLASHES","daletPyramidId":3520013,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Greek police fire tear gas at protesting farmers threatening to blockade Thessaloniki airport","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Greek police fire tear gas at farmers threatening to blockade airport","titleListing2":"Farmers clash with police officers outside the airport \"Macedonia\" - Many blockades nationwide","leadin":"Protesters have argued the delays amount to collective punishment, leaving honest farmers in debt and unable to plant their fields for next season.","summary":"Protesters have argued the delays amount to collective punishment, leaving honest farmers in debt and unable to plant their fields for next season.","keySentence":"","url":"greek-police-fire-tear-gas-at-protesting-farmers-threatening-to-blockade-thessaloniki-airp","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/12\/05\/greek-police-fire-tear-gas-at-protesting-farmers-threatening-to-blockade-thessaloniki-airp","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Riot police in Greece fired tear gas at farmers on Friday who were attempting to block the main access road to the international airport in Thessaloniki as protests escalated over delays in the payment of European Union-backed agricultural subsidies.\n\nAngry farmers have deployed thousands of tractors and other agricultural vehicles at border crossings and key points along motorways across the country, periodically stopping traffic and threatening to completely blockade the roads, as well as airports and ports.\n\nBetween 200 and 300 farmers with more than 100 tractors blocked one of the roads near the airport in the northern city of Thessaloniki.\n\nA smaller group used tractors in an attempt to break through a police cordon and block the airport\u2019s main access road, which would have prevented travellers from entering or leaving the facility.\n\nPolice are enforcing traffic diversions in several parts of northern and central Greece to skirt the blockades.\n\nFarmer roadblocks at the country's northern borders with Bulgaria, Turkey and North Macedonia have already hampered traffic, causing a backup of freight vehicles.\n\nThe payment delays come as authorities review all requests following revelations of widespread fraudulent claims for EU farm subsidies.\n\nProtesters have argued the delays amount to collective punishment, leaving honest farmers in debt and unable to plant their fields for next season.\n\nGreece\u2019s farming sector has also been hit this year by an outbreak of goat and sheep pox that led to a mass cull of livestock.\n\nGovernment open to talks\n\n\"We're out in the street (protesting) whereas we should be sowing. We're bankrupt,\" farmer Vasilis Mavroskas said.\n\nThe inability to plant crops will have a knock-on effect on food supplies to cities, he said. \"It's a matter of survival at this point. If I stop producing, think of what will happen at the table of urban centres. We're appealing for society to join us.\"\n\nMichalis Chrisochoidis, the minister for public order, said this week that the government remained open to talks with protest leaders, but warned that it wouldn't tolerate the shutdown of major transit points.\n\nChristos Tsilias, vice president of the Thessaloniki farmers' union, called on the public to support the farmers' demands and pressure the government to release the payments.\n\n\"At this moment the plains of Thessaloniki (and the nearby areas of) Halkidiki are not planted,\" he said. \"We don't have money to buy raw materials\", such as seeds and fertiliser.\n\nProtests\u00a0by farmers are common\u00a0in Greece and similar blockades in the past have sometimes severed all road traffic between the north and south of the country for weeks.\n\nThe subsidy scandal prompted the\u00a0resignation of five senior government officials\u00a0in June and the phased shutdown of a state agency that handled agricultural subsidies.\n\nDozens of people have been arrested for allegedly filing false claims in response to an investigation led by the European Public Prosecutor\u2019s Office (EPPO).\n\nDuring a preliminary investigation, some 324 people were identified as recipients of subsidies totalling \u20ac19.6 million, according to EPPO.\n\nThe independent EU body dealing with financial crime said at the end of October that the investigation was linked to \"a systematic large-scale subsidy fraud scheme and money-laundering activities.\"\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Riot police in Greece fired tear gas at farmers on Friday who were attempting to block the main access road to the international airport in Thessaloniki as protests escalated over delays in the payment of European Union-backed agricultural subsidies.<\/p>\n<p>Angry farmers have deployed thousands of tractors and other agricultural vehicles at border crossings and key points along motorways across the country, periodically stopping traffic and threatening to completely blockade the roads, as well as airports and ports.<\/p>\n<p>Between 200 and 300 farmers with more than 100 tractors blocked one of the roads near the airport in the northern city of Thessaloniki.<\/p>\n<p>A smaller group used tractors in an attempt to break through a police cordon and block the airport\u2019s main access road, which would have prevented travellers from entering or leaving the facility.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//57//34//42//808x539_cmsv2_1c5d0c2d-1c3f-52ec-b275-24ac01ce2b33-9573442.jpg/" alt=\"Riot police stop farmers trying to block the main access road to Thessaloniki's international airport, 5 December, 2025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/34\/42\/384x256_cmsv2_1c5d0c2d-1c3f-52ec-b275-24ac01ce2b33-9573442.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/34\/42\/640x427_cmsv2_1c5d0c2d-1c3f-52ec-b275-24ac01ce2b33-9573442.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/34\/42\/750x500_cmsv2_1c5d0c2d-1c3f-52ec-b275-24ac01ce2b33-9573442.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/34\/42\/828x552_cmsv2_1c5d0c2d-1c3f-52ec-b275-24ac01ce2b33-9573442.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/34\/42\/1080x720_cmsv2_1c5d0c2d-1c3f-52ec-b275-24ac01ce2b33-9573442.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/34\/42\/1200x800_cmsv2_1c5d0c2d-1c3f-52ec-b275-24ac01ce2b33-9573442.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/34\/42\/1920x1280_cmsv2_1c5d0c2d-1c3f-52ec-b275-24ac01ce2b33-9573442.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Riot police stop farmers trying to block the main access road to Thessaloniki's international airport, 5 December, 2025<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Police are enforcing traffic diversions in several parts of northern and central Greece to skirt the blockades. <\/p>\n<p>Farmer roadblocks at the country's northern borders with Bulgaria, Turkey and North Macedonia have already hampered traffic, causing a backup of freight vehicles.<\/p>\n<p>The payment delays come as authorities review all requests following revelations of widespread fraudulent claims for EU farm subsidies.<\/p>\n<p>Protesters have argued the delays amount to collective punishment, leaving honest farmers in debt and unable to plant their fields for next season.<\/p>\n<p>Greece\u2019s farming sector has also been hit this year by an outbreak of goat and sheep pox that led to a mass cull of livestock.<\/p>\n<h2>Government open to talks<\/h2>\n<p>\"We're out in the street (protesting) whereas we should be sowing. We're bankrupt,\" farmer Vasilis Mavroskas said.<\/p>\n<p>The inability to plant crops will have a knock-on effect on food supplies to cities, he said. \"It's a matter of survival at this point. If I stop producing, think of what will happen at the table of urban centres. We're appealing for society to join us.\"<\/p>\n<p>Michalis Chrisochoidis, the minister for public order, said this week that the government remained open to talks with protest leaders, but warned that it wouldn't tolerate the shutdown of major transit points.<\/p>\n<p>Christos Tsilias, vice president of the Thessaloniki farmers' union, called on the public to support the farmers' demands and pressure the government to release the payments.<\/p>\n<p>\"At this moment the plains of Thessaloniki (and the nearby areas of) Halkidiki are not planted,\" he said. \"We don't have money to buy raw materials\", such as seeds and fertiliser.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//57//34//42//808x539_cmsv2_16a11740-be51-53e4-95e3-89d55947b200-9573442.jpg/" alt=\"Farmers with their tractors try to block the main access road to Thessaloniki's international airport, 5 December, 2025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/34\/42\/384x256_cmsv2_16a11740-be51-53e4-95e3-89d55947b200-9573442.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/34\/42\/640x427_cmsv2_16a11740-be51-53e4-95e3-89d55947b200-9573442.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/34\/42\/750x500_cmsv2_16a11740-be51-53e4-95e3-89d55947b200-9573442.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/34\/42\/828x552_cmsv2_16a11740-be51-53e4-95e3-89d55947b200-9573442.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/34\/42\/1080x720_cmsv2_16a11740-be51-53e4-95e3-89d55947b200-9573442.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/34\/42\/1200x800_cmsv2_16a11740-be51-53e4-95e3-89d55947b200-9573442.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/34\/42\/1920x1280_cmsv2_16a11740-be51-53e4-95e3-89d55947b200-9573442.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Farmers with their tractors try to block the main access road to Thessaloniki's international airport, 5 December, 2025<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Protests by farmers are common in Greece and similar blockades in the past have sometimes severed all road traffic between the north and south of the country for weeks.<\/p>\n<p>The subsidy scandal prompted the resignation of five senior government officials in June and the phased shutdown of a state agency that handled agricultural subsidies.<\/p>\n<p>Dozens of people have been arrested for allegedly filing false claims in response to an investigation led by the European Public Prosecutor\u2019s Office (EPPO).<\/p>\n<p>During a preliminary investigation, some 324 people were identified as recipients of subsidies totalling \u20ac19.6 million, according to EPPO.<\/p>\n<p>The independent EU body dealing with financial crime said at the end of October that the investigation was linked to \"a systematic large-scale subsidy fraud scheme and money-laundering activities.\"<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764951879,"updatedAt":1764952745,"publishedAt":1764952740,"firstPublishedAt":1764952740,"lastPublishedAt":1764952740,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/34\/42\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_9a5634fe-a25f-5688-9c39-ec32a864fb1f-9573442.jpg","altText":"A man kicks a tear gas cannister back toward riot police during clashes near the access road to Thessaloniki's international airport, 5 December, 2025","caption":"A man kicks a tear gas cannister back toward riot police during clashes near the access road to Thessaloniki's international airport, 5 December, 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Giannis Papanikos\/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1620,"height":911},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/34\/42\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_16a11740-be51-53e4-95e3-89d55947b200-9573442.jpg","altText":"Farmers with their tractors try to block the main access road to Thessaloniki's international airport, 5 December, 2025","caption":"Farmers with their tractors try to block the main access road to Thessaloniki's international airport, 5 December, 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1333},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/34\/42\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_1c5d0c2d-1c3f-52ec-b275-24ac01ce2b33-9573442.jpg","altText":"Riot police stop farmers trying to block the main access road to Thessaloniki's international airport, 5 December, 2025","caption":"Riot police stop farmers trying to block the main access road to Thessaloniki's international airport, 5 December, 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1333}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":741,"urlSafeValue":"giagkinis","title":"Ioannis Giagkinis","twitter":null},{"id":2972,"urlSafeValue":"blackburn","title":"Gavin 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News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":128,"urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","url":"\/news\/europe\/greece"},"town":{"id":2162,"urlSafeValue":"thessaloniki","title":"Thessaloniki"},"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":{"id":1,"slug":"deepl","isActive":1},"localisation":{"producerLanguage":"el","storyId":9573422,"online":1},"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":1,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/12\/05\/greek-police-fire-tear-gas-at-protesting-farmers-threatening-to-blockade-thessaloniki-airp","lastModified":1764952740},{"id":2851848,"cid":9571454,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"NC5 GREECE OLYMPICS MILAN FLAME","daletPyramidId":3501814,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Olympic flame lights up Parthenon before heading to Milan Cortina Winter Games","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Olympic flame lights up Parthenon before Milan Cortina Games","titleListing2":"Olympic flame lights up Parthenon before heading to Milan Cortina Winter Games","leadin":"The Olympic flame spent the night at the Parthenon before being handed to Milan Cortina Winter Games officials, marking a moment of tradition amidst preparation challenges.","summary":"The Olympic flame spent the night at the Parthenon before being handed to Milan Cortina Winter Games officials, marking a moment of tradition amidst preparation challenges.","keySentence":"","url":"olympic-flame-lights-up-parthenon-before-heading-to-milan-cortina-winter-games","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/12\/04\/olympic-flame-lights-up-parthenon-before-heading-to-milan-cortina-winter-games","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"The Olympic flame spent Wednesday night at the Parthenon in Athens after a short ceremony atop the Acropolis.\n\nGreek rower Stefanos Ntouskos, an Olympic gold medallist, carried the torch through the site and lit a cauldron set beside the ancient temple.\n\nThe stop marks the final stage before the flame is handed to Milan Cortina Winter Games officials.\n\nItaly will host its third Winter Games, but preparations have faced rising costs and delays linked to major construction work.\n\nFor organisers, the flame's overnight stay in Athens offers a moment of tradition and calm before the challenges ahead.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>The Olympic flame spent Wednesday night at the Parthenon in Athens after a short ceremony atop the Acropolis. <\/p>\n<p>Greek rower Stefanos Ntouskos, an Olympic gold medallist, carried the torch through the site and lit a cauldron set beside the ancient temple. <\/p>\n<p>The stop marks the final stage before the flame is handed to Milan Cortina Winter Games officials. <\/p>\n<p>Italy will host its third Winter Games, but preparations have faced rising costs and delays linked to major construction work. <\/p>\n<p>For organisers, the flame's overnight stay in Athens offers a moment of tradition and calm before the challenges ahead.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764842746,"updatedAt":1764848052,"publishedAt":1764847560,"firstPublishedAt":1764847560,"lastPublishedAt":1764847560,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/14\/54\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_9187357b-3b16-56aa-9ce5-564e16dcd27d-9571454.jpg","altText":"Olympic gold medallist rower Stefanos Ntouskos lights a cauldron with the Olympic flame by the Parthenon during the Milan Cortina 2026 torch relay in Athens on Dec. 3, 2025.","caption":"Olympic gold medallist rower Stefanos Ntouskos lights a cauldron with the Olympic flame by the Parthenon during the Milan Cortina 2026 torch relay in Athens on Dec. 3, 2025.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Thanassis Stavrakis","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1333}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":2134,"urlSafeValue":"mauduit","title":"Frederique Mauduit","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[{"id":2134,"urlSafeValue":"mauduit","title":"Frederique Mauduit","twitter":null}]},"keywords":[{"id":28926,"slug":"flambeau-olympique","urlSafeValue":"flambeau-olympique","title":"Olympic torch","titleRaw":"Olympic 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DEMOS GREEK PM STATEMENT","daletPyramidId":3491198,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Greek farmers block border crossings in escalating dispute over delayed EU subsidies","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Greek farmers block borders in dispute over delayed EU subsidies ","titleListing2":"Greek farmers block border crossing routes in escalating dispute over delayed EU subsidies","leadin":"Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the government is open to dialogue with the farmers but cautioned against disruptive protest action.","summary":"Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the government is open to dialogue with the farmers but cautioned against disruptive protest action.","keySentence":"","url":"greek-farmers-block-border-crossings-in-escalating-dispute-over-delayed-eu-subsidies","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/12\/03\/greek-farmers-block-border-crossings-in-escalating-dispute-over-delayed-eu-subsidies","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Farmers in northern Greece disrupted traffic at border crossings on Wednesday in an escalating protest over delayed European Union-backed subsidy payments linked to an investigation into a corruption scandal.\n\nConvoys of tractors blocked routes to North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey forcing drivers into lengthy detours.\n\nIn the central city of Larissa, farmers emptied milk in the main square before continuing their march to reinforce local motorway blockades.\n\nFurther north in Serres farmers set up road blockades and some bypassed police checkpoints to march on the customs office in Promahona, near the border with Bulgaria.\n\nGreek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the government is open to dialogue with farmers but cautioned against disruptive protests.\n\n\"I think that our farmers also understand that extreme actions, prolonged closures of highways, customs closures, airport closures, these are actions that do not help their efforts,\" Mitsotakis said.\n\n\"They cause problems for other social groups, all the more so when the government has committed itself to making December a month of substantial income support for them, with the payment of substantial amounts,\" he explained.\n\nProtests by farmers are common in Greece, but the latest unrest erupted over delays in subsidy payments following revelations of widespread fraudulent claims for EU funds.\n\nThe scandal prompted the\u00a0resignation in June of five senior government officials and the phased shutdown of a state agency that handled agricultural subsidies.\n\nDozens of people have been arrested across Greece in recent weeks for allegedly filing false claims in response to an investigation led by the European Public Prosecutor\u2019s Office (EPPO).\n\nDuring the preliminary investigation, some 324 people were identified as recipients of subsidies totalling \u20ac19.6 million, according to the EPPO.\n\nThe independent EU body that deals with financial crime said at the end of October that the investigation was linked to \"a systematic large-scale subsidy fraud scheme and money-laundering activities.\"\n\nGreece's Minister for Public Order Michalis Chrysochoidis said this week the government would not tolerate the shutdown of major transit points, including ports and railway hubs.\n\nSerious incidents on Sunday\n\nThe wave of protests began on Sunday and was accompanied by incidents in the villages of Nikaia and Platykampos in Larissa, when farmers attempted to approach the motorway and clashed with riot police.\n\nTwo demonstrators and two police officers were injured, according to a statement by the ELAS resistance movement.\n\nAccording to police, two arrests were made in Platykambos, one for violence against officials, damage and resistance and the second for damage. A third arrest was made at the Nice junction for bodily harm and resistance.\n\nAt the Larissa courthouse, farmers from the Nikaia blockade renewed their \"appointment\" after Sunday's mobilisation outside the Larissa Police Directorate, calling for the release of those arrested.\n\nThe protests are expected to spread across Greece until Friday, with more road blockades, a tactic frequently used by farmers to put pressure on authorities.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Farmers in northern Greece disrupted traffic at border crossings on Wednesday in an escalating protest over delayed European Union-backed subsidy payments linked to an investigation into a corruption scandal.<\/p>\n<p>Convoys of tractors blocked routes to North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey forcing drivers into lengthy detours.<\/p>\n<p>In the central city of Larissa, farmers emptied milk in the main square before continuing their march to reinforce local motorway blockades.<\/p>\n<p>Further north in Serres farmers set up road blockades and some bypassed police checkpoints to march on the customs office in Promahona, near the border with Bulgaria.<\/p>\n<p>Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the government is open to dialogue with farmers but cautioned against disruptive protests.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//57//03//11//808x539_cmsv2_8aff9c9f-073f-5ee0-a7fb-f1607b7f3b4d-9570311.jpg/" alt=\"Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis waits for the arrival of European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in Athens, 28 November, 2025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/03\/11\/384x256_cmsv2_8aff9c9f-073f-5ee0-a7fb-f1607b7f3b4d-9570311.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/03\/11\/640x427_cmsv2_8aff9c9f-073f-5ee0-a7fb-f1607b7f3b4d-9570311.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/03\/11\/750x500_cmsv2_8aff9c9f-073f-5ee0-a7fb-f1607b7f3b4d-9570311.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/03\/11\/828x552_cmsv2_8aff9c9f-073f-5ee0-a7fb-f1607b7f3b4d-9570311.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/03\/11\/1080x720_cmsv2_8aff9c9f-073f-5ee0-a7fb-f1607b7f3b4d-9570311.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/03\/11\/1200x800_cmsv2_8aff9c9f-073f-5ee0-a7fb-f1607b7f3b4d-9570311.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/03\/11\/1920x1280_cmsv2_8aff9c9f-073f-5ee0-a7fb-f1607b7f3b4d-9570311.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis waits for the arrival of European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in Athens, 28 November, 2025<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>\"I think that our farmers also understand that extreme actions, prolonged closures of highways, customs closures, airport closures, these are actions that do not help their efforts,\" Mitsotakis said. <\/p>\n<p>\"They cause problems for other social groups, all the more so when the government has committed itself to making December a month of substantial income support for them, with the payment of substantial amounts,\" he explained.<\/p>\n<p>Protests by farmers are common in Greece, but the latest unrest erupted over delays in subsidy payments following revelations of widespread fraudulent claims for EU funds.<\/p>\n<p>The scandal prompted the resignation in June of five senior government officials and the phased shutdown of a state agency that handled agricultural subsidies.<\/p>\n<p>Dozens of people have been arrested across Greece in recent weeks for allegedly filing false claims in response to an investigation led by the European Public Prosecutor\u2019s Office (EPPO).<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//57//03//11//808x539_cmsv2_2e03c0c9-1d60-5fa7-9b4e-cad97712d585-9570311.jpg/" alt=\"Farmers and supporters block a highway at the Malgara toll stations near Thessaloniki, 3 December, 2025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/03\/11\/384x256_cmsv2_2e03c0c9-1d60-5fa7-9b4e-cad97712d585-9570311.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/03\/11\/640x427_cmsv2_2e03c0c9-1d60-5fa7-9b4e-cad97712d585-9570311.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/03\/11\/750x500_cmsv2_2e03c0c9-1d60-5fa7-9b4e-cad97712d585-9570311.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/03\/11\/828x552_cmsv2_2e03c0c9-1d60-5fa7-9b4e-cad97712d585-9570311.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/03\/11\/1080x720_cmsv2_2e03c0c9-1d60-5fa7-9b4e-cad97712d585-9570311.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/03\/11\/1200x800_cmsv2_2e03c0c9-1d60-5fa7-9b4e-cad97712d585-9570311.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/03\/11\/1920x1280_cmsv2_2e03c0c9-1d60-5fa7-9b4e-cad97712d585-9570311.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Farmers and supporters block a highway at the Malgara toll stations near Thessaloniki, 3 December, 2025<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>During the preliminary investigation, some 324 people were identified as recipients of subsidies totalling \u20ac19.6 million, according to the EPPO.<\/p>\n<p>The independent EU body that deals with financial crime said at the end of October that the investigation was linked to \"a systematic large-scale subsidy fraud scheme and money-laundering activities.\"<\/p>\n<p>Greece's Minister for Public Order Michalis Chrysochoidis said this week the government would not tolerate the shutdown of major transit points, including ports and railway hubs.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Serious incidents on Sunday<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The wave of protests began on Sunday and was accompanied by incidents in the villages of Nikaia and Platykampos in Larissa, when farmers attempted to approach the motorway and clashed with riot police.<\/p>\n<p>Two demonstrators and two police officers were injured, according to a statement by the ELAS resistance movement.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//12//01//greek-farmers-block-athens-motorway-as-fallout-from-illegal-subsidies-fraud-continues/">Greek farmers block Athens motorway as fallout from illegal subsidies fraud continues<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//12//02//greek-farmers-intensify-nationwide-road-blockades/">Greek farmers intensify nationwide road blockades<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>According to police, two arrests were made in Platykambos, one for violence against officials, damage and resistance and the second for damage. A third arrest was made at the Nice junction for bodily harm and resistance.<\/p>\n<p>At the Larissa courthouse, farmers from the Nikaia blockade renewed their \"appointment\" after Sunday's mobilisation outside the Larissa Police Directorate, calling for the release of those arrested.<\/p>\n<p>The protests are expected to spread across Greece until Friday, with more road blockades, a tactic frequently used by farmers to put pressure on authorities.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764763545,"updatedAt":1764783216,"publishedAt":1764774757,"firstPublishedAt":1764774757,"lastPublishedAt":1764780789,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/03\/11\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_89e50d6c-529e-515f-b85e-a7f5a0e9c5cb-9570311.jpg","altText":"Farmers and supporters block a highway at the Malgara toll stations near Thessaloniki, 3 December, 2025","caption":"Farmers and supporters block a highway at the Malgara toll stations near Thessaloniki, 3 December, 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1620,"height":911},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/03\/11\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_2e03c0c9-1d60-5fa7-9b4e-cad97712d585-9570311.jpg","altText":"Farmers and supporters block a highway at the Malgara toll stations near Thessaloniki, 3 December, 2025","caption":"Farmers and supporters block a highway at the Malgara toll stations near Thessaloniki, 3 December, 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1333},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/03\/11\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_4b029984-af3a-5e35-8e91-b35fc62dd0d4-9570311.jpg","altText":"Protesting farmers with their tractors take part in a rally outside an agricultural fair in the port city of Thessaloniki, 1 February, 2024","caption":"Protesting farmers with their tractors take part in a rally outside an agricultural fair in the port city of Thessaloniki, 1 February, 2024","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1333},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/03\/11\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_8aff9c9f-073f-5ee0-a7fb-f1607b7f3b4d-9570311.jpg","altText":"Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis waits for the arrival of European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in Athens, 28 November, 2025","caption":"Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis waits for the arrival of European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in Athens, 28 November, 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1333}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":638,"urlSafeValue":"karagiorgas","title":"Ioannis Karagiorgas","twitter":"@IKaragiorgas"},{"id":2972,"urlSafeValue":"blackburn","title":"Gavin Blackburn","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":128,"slug":"greece","urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","titleRaw":"Greece"},{"id":12446,"slug":"kyriakos-mitsotakis","urlSafeValue":"kyriakos-mitsotakis","title":"Kyriakos Mitsotakis","titleRaw":"Kyriakos Mitsotakis"},{"id":18298,"slug":"farmers","urlSafeValue":"farmers","title":"Farmers","titleRaw":"Farmers"},{"id":27110,"slug":"protestas","urlSafeValue":"protestas","title":"Protests","titleRaw":"Protests"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":2},{"slug":"related","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2847040},{"id":2849415},{"id":2847676}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"tvQxWBIrvxA","dailymotionId":"x9uzmui"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/30\/81\/26\/08\/ED_PYR_3081268_20251203173337.mp4","editor":"","duration":88440,"filesizeBytes":15314889,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/30\/81\/26\/08\/SHD_PYR_3081268_20251203173337.mp4","editor":"","duration":88440,"filesizeBytes":22041827,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/30\/81\/26\/08\/FHD_PYR_3081268_20251203173337.mp4","editor":"","duration":88440,"filesizeBytes":70149917,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"AP","additionalReporting":"","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":128,"urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","url":"\/news\/europe\/greece"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":{"id":1,"slug":"deepl","isActive":1},"localisation":{"producerLanguage":"el","storyId":9570040,"online":1},"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":1,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/12\/03\/greek-farmers-block-border-crossings-in-escalating-dispute-over-delayed-eu-subsidies","lastModified":1764780789},{"id":2851228,"cid":9568626,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"RISK OF FOREST FIRES MAP GREECE ","daletPyramidId":3477920,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Forest fires: Greece pinpoints high risk areas with new data-rich map","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Greece tackles forest fires with new risk assessment map","titleListing2":"Greece is pinpointing areas at high risk of forest fires with this new data-rich map.","leadin":"The new map will allow better preparation for and prevention of wildfires.","summary":"The new map will allow better preparation for and prevention of wildfires.","keySentence":"","url":"forest-fires-greece-pinpoints-high-risk-areas-with-new-data-rich-map","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/green\/2025\/12\/03\/forest-fires-greece-pinpoints-high-risk-areas-with-new-data-rich-map","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Greece is transforming its approach to forest fires with a National Forest Fire Risk Assessment Map - the first of its kind in decades.\n\nThe map provides a general overview of the fire risk for different areas, helping guide long-term planning and prevention efforts. It also addresses systemic vulnerabilities worsened by the climate crisis.\n\nIt has been hailed by Civil Protection authorities as a structural breakthrough in improving the country's assessment and prevention of wildfires.\n\nDistinct from the Daily Fire Risk Forecast Map, which is issued during Greece's fire season, the new map is being hailed as one of the most significant reforms in the history of Civil Protection.\n\nWhy does Greece need to reform its approach to forest fires?\n\nIn recent years, Greece has been ravaged by increasingly intense wildfires. These have been driven by extreme heatwaves, strong winds, and issues with the country's forest management and fire prevention policies.\n\nApproved by the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Yannis Kefalogiannis, the National Forest Fire Risk Assessment Map seeks to address some of these problems.\n\nHow is Greece assessing fire risks across the country?\n\nThe map was created using data from the past 20 years on regional climatic conditions, and types and structures of vegetation. It also incorporates the frequency of high-risk days from the Daily Fire Risk Forecast Map.\n\nAs a result, municipalities are now ranked into three risk categories: low, medium and high. Unlike the previous map, which classified areas by county, the new map uses municipalities as the unit of assessment.\n\nCivil Protection authorities emphasise that this allows for more precise planning, targeted fire prevention measures, and, most importantly, a fair and efficient allocation of resources.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Greece is transforming its approach to forest fires with a National Forest Fire Risk Assessment Map - the first of its kind in decades.<\/p>\n<p>The map provides a general overview of the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//08//28//climate-change-intensified-weather-that-fuelled-deadly-wildfires-in-turkiye-greece-and-cyp/">
fire risk<\/strong><\/a> for different areas, helping guide long-term planning and prevention efforts. It also addresses systemic vulnerabilities worsened by the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//11//13//world-has-virtually-exhausted-its-carbon-budget-as-fossil-fuel-emissions-reach-all-time-hi/">climate crisis<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>It has been hailed by Civil Protection authorities as a structural breakthrough in improving the country's assessment and prevention of wildfires.<\/p>\n<p>Distinct from the Daily Fire Risk Forecast Map, which is issued during Greece's <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2023//08//23//bleak-reality-fire-in-northwest-greece-rages-for-a-fourth-day-after-18-bodies-found/">fire season<\/strong><\/a>, the new map is being hailed as one of the most significant reforms in the history of Civil Protection.<\/p>\n<h2>Why does Greece need to reform its approach to forest fires?<\/h2>\n<p>In recent years, Greece has been ravaged by increasingly intense <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2024//07//26//they-dont-work-in-the-communities-why-prevention-is-the-missing-piece-in-greeces-wildfire-/">wildfires/strong>/a>. These have been driven by extreme heatwaves, strong winds, and issues with the country's <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2024//08//12//deadly-heatwaves-in-june-a-climate-scientist-explains-why-extreme-weather-is-battering-gre/">forest management<\/strong><\/a> and fire prevention policies.<\/p>\n<p>Approved by the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Yannis Kefalogiannis, the National Forest Fire Risk Assessment Map seeks to address some of these problems. <\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//12//01//air-pollution-linked-to-over-180000-deaths-in-the-eu-which-country-was-hit-the-hardest/">Air pollution linked to over 180,000 deaths in the EU. Which country was hit the hardest?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//11//28//how-climate-change-is-growing-into-one-of-the-biggest-threats-to-spains-resilient-economy/">How climate change is growing into one of the biggest threats to Spain\u2019s \u2018resilient\u2019 economy <\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2><strong>How is Greece assessing fire risks across the country?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The map was created using data from the past 20 years on regional <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//11//25//uk-dangerously-unprepared-for-growing-threat-of-climate-change-as-2025-wildfires-break-rec/">climatic conditions<\/strong><\/a>, and types and structures of vegetation. It also incorporates the frequency of high-risk days from the Daily Fire Risk Forecast Map.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-freeform\nwidget--size-fullwidth\nwidget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <iframe class=\"scribd_iframe_embed\" title=\"\u0395\u03b8\u03bd\u03b9\u03ba\u03cc\u03c2+\u03a7\u03ac\u03c1\u03c4\u03b7\u03c2 \u0395\u03c0\u03b9\u03ba\u03b9\u03bd\u03b4\u03c5\u03bd\u03ae\u03c4\u03bf\u03c4\u03b1\u03c2 \u03c0\u03c5\u03c1\u03ba\u03b1\u03b3\u03b9\u03ce\u03bd\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.scribd.com//embeds//959599996//content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-58cNzkHe2PlPg4hp8gJJ\%22 tabindex=\"0\" data-auto-height=\"true\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.9474789915966386\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"100%\" height=\"600\" frameborder=\"0\" ><\/iframe> <p style=\"margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; display: block;\"> <a title=\"View \u0395\u03b8\u03bd\u03b9\u03ba\u03cc\u03c2+\u03a7\u03ac\u03c1\u03c4\u03b7\u03c2 \u0395\u03c0\u03b9\u03ba\u03b9\u03bd\u03b4\u03c5\u03bd\u03ae\u03c4\u03bf\u03c4\u03b1\u03c2 \u03c0\u03c5\u03c1\u03ba\u03b1\u03b3\u03b9\u03ce\u03bd on Scribd\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.scribd.com//document//959599996//Εθνικός-Χάρτης-Επικινδυνήτοτας-πυρκαγιών#from_embed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" style=\"color: #098642; text-decoration: underline;\"> \u0395\u03b8\u03bd\u03b9\u03ba\u03cc\u03c2+\u03a7\u03ac\u03c1\u03c4\u03b7\u03c2 \u0395\u03c0\u03b9\u03ba\u03b9\u03bd\u03b4\u03c5\u03bd\u03ae\u03c4\u03bf\u03c4\u03b1\u03c2 \u03c0\u03c5\u03c1\u03ba\u03b1\u03b3\u03b9\u03ce\u03bd <\/a> by <a title=\"View JuankaraGR's profile on Scribd\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.scribd.com//user//240323817//JuankaraGR#from_embed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\" style=\"color: #098642; text-decoration: underline;\" > JuankaraGR <\/a> <\/p> \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>As a result, municipalities are now ranked into three <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//07//18//wildfires-in-europe-burn-area-the-size-of-luxembourg-as-2025-shapes-up-to-be-an-extreme-ye/">risk/strong>/a> categories: low, medium and high. Unlike the previous map, which classified areas by county, the new map uses municipalities as the unit of assessment. <\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//12//01//if-we-wait-it-will-be-too-late-why-500-scientists-are-backing-this-urgent-climate-declarat/">/u2018If we wait it will be too late\u2019: Why 500 scientists are backing this urgent climate declaration<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//11//21//residents-in-rural-greece-struggle-as-bears-and-wolves-make-a-remarkable-comeback/">Residents in rural Greece struggle as bears and wolves make a remarkable comeback<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Civil Protection authorities emphasise that this allows for more precise planning, targeted <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//my-europe//2025//09//09//is-the-eu-failing-to-prevent-forest-fires/">fire prevention<\/strong><\/a> measures, and, most importantly, a fair and efficient allocation of resources.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764670018,"updatedAt":1764746488,"publishedAt":1764746484,"firstPublishedAt":1764746484,"lastPublishedAt":1764746484,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/86\/21\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_73cb58da-f918-55a5-9425-16ad3e288e89-9568621.jpg","altText":"Greece has been ravaged by increasingly intense wildfires in recent years.","caption":"Greece has been ravaged by increasingly intense wildfires in recent years.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Thanassis Stavrakis\/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":128,"slug":"greece","urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","titleRaw":"Greece"},{"id":7994,"slug":"forest-fires","urlSafeValue":"forest-fires","title":"Forest fires","titleRaw":"Forest fires"},{"id":14398,"slug":"environment","urlSafeValue":"environment","title":"Environment ","titleRaw":"Environment "},{"id":25370,"slug":"wildfires","urlSafeValue":"wildfires","title":"Wildfires","titleRaw":"Wildfires"},{"id":14952,"slug":"map","urlSafeValue":"map","title":"map","titleRaw":"map"},{"id":25790,"slug":"risk-assessment","urlSafeValue":"risk-assessment","title":"Risk assessment","titleRaw":"Risk assessment"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"html","count":1},{"slug":"related","count":2}],"related":[{"id":2852273}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"\u0391\u03a0\u0395-\u039c\u03a0\u0395","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"green-news","urlSafeValue":"green-news","title":"Green News","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/green\/green-news\/green-news"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"green","verticals":[{"id":8,"slug":"green","urlSafeValue":"green","title":"Green"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":8,"slug":"green","urlSafeValue":"green","title":"Green"},"themes":[{"id":"green-news","urlSafeValue":"green-news","title":"Green News","url":"\/green\/green-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":35,"urlSafeValue":"green-news","title":"Green News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":128,"urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","url":"\/news\/europe\/greece"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":{"id":1,"slug":"deepl","isActive":1},"localisation":{"producerLanguage":"el","storyId":9568621,"online":1},"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":1,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/green\/2025\/12\/03\/forest-fires-greece-pinpoints-high-risk-areas-with-new-data-rich-map","lastModified":1764746484},{"id":2851382,"cid":9569337,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"NC10 GREECE FARMERS PROTEST","daletPyramidId":3483426,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Greek farmers intensify nationwide road blockades","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Greek farmers intensify nationwide road blockades","titleListing2":"Greek farmers intensify nationwide road blockades","leadin":"Greek farmers escalate protests with road blockades, demanding unpaid subsidies and full compensation for crop and livestock losses as disruptions spread nationwide.","summary":"Greek farmers escalate protests with road blockades, demanding unpaid subsidies and full compensation for crop and livestock losses as disruptions spread nationwide.","keySentence":"","url":"greek-farmers-intensify-nationwide-road-blockades","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/12\/02\/greek-farmers-intensify-nationwide-road-blockades","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Farmers across Greece are tightening road blockades as protests over unpaid subsidies and rising production costs gather pace.\n\nMajor routes, including the E65 and the Athens\u2013Thessaloniki highway, remain disrupted as tractors line key junctions.\n\nIn Larissa, livestock farmers drove into the city and threw milk and wheat to show their frustration with government policy.\n\nProtesters demand immediate payments from ELGA and OPEKEPE and full compensation for lost crops and livestock. More blockades are planned this week as the movement spreads to ports and border stations.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Farmers across Greece are tightening road blockades as protests over unpaid subsidies and rising production costs gather pace. <\/p>\n<p>Major routes, including the E65 and the Athens\u2013Thessaloniki highway, remain disrupted as tractors line key junctions. <\/p>\n<p>In Larissa, livestock farmers drove into the city and threw milk and wheat to show their frustration with government policy. <\/p>\n<p>Protesters demand immediate payments from ELGA and OPEKEPE and full compensation for lost crops and livestock. More blockades are planned this week as the movement spreads to ports and border stations.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764695183,"updatedAt":1764714185,"publishedAt":1764713602,"firstPublishedAt":1764713602,"lastPublishedAt":1764713602,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/93\/37\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_d3ee6add-7d4b-55cc-bd3d-79d1ba4bf993-9569337.jpg","altText":"In protest, Greek farmers spread milk, hay and wheat on the road, Larissa, Greece, Dec. 02, 2025","caption":"In protest, Greek farmers spread milk, hay and wheat on the road, Larissa, Greece, Dec. 02, 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Screenshot from an Elliniki Radiophonia Tileorassi video.","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":2134,"urlSafeValue":"mauduit","title":"Frederique Mauduit","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[{"id":2134,"urlSafeValue":"mauduit","title":"Frederique Mauduit","twitter":null}]},"keywords":[{"id":18012,"slug":"farmer","urlSafeValue":"farmer","title":"farmer","titleRaw":"farmer"},{"id":18298,"slug":"farmers","urlSafeValue":"farmers","title":"Farmers","titleRaw":"Farmers"},{"id":27110,"slug":"protestas","urlSafeValue":"protestas","title":"Protests","titleRaw":"Protests"},{"id":128,"slug":"greece","urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","titleRaw":"Greece"}],"widgets":[],"related":[{"id":2846786},{"id":2847528},{"id":2855559}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"GTIm6SHue-g","dailymotionId":"x9uw8o4"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/30\/71\/50\/09\/ED_PYR_3071509_20251202172053.mp4","editor":"","duration":60000,"filesizeBytes":12164090,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/30\/71\/50\/09\/SHD_PYR_3071509_20251202172053.mp4","editor":"","duration":60000,"filesizeBytes":16982323,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/30\/71\/50\/09\/FHD_PYR_3071509_20251202172053.mp4","editor":"","duration":60000,"filesizeBytes":50138103,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"Elliniki Radiophonia Tileorassi","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"nocomment","urlSafeValue":"nocomment","title":"No Comment","online":1,"url":"\/nocomment"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":128,"urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","url":"\/news\/europe\/greece"},"town":{"id":3414,"urlSafeValue":"larissa","title":"Larissa"},"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/video\/2025\/12\/02\/greek-farmers-intensify-nationwide-road-blockades","lastModified":1764713602},{"id":2848451,"cid":9557230,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"ANCIENT OLYMPIA PRIESTESSES REPORT","daletPyramidId":3381275,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"A day in the life of Ancient Olympia with the priestesses of the Olympic flame lighting ceremony ","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"A day in the life of an Olympic lighting ceremony priestess ","titleListing2":"Exclusive: 24 hours in #Ancient_Olympia with the Priestesses of the #Olympic Flame Lighting Ceremony #Olympic Games","leadin":"This week sees the Olympic flame pass from Greece to Italy en route to Milan for the Winter Games. Euronews spent a day behind the scenes with the dancers and actors who perform at the historic lighting ceremony as it's been practised since the start of the movement in Ancient Olympia.","summary":"This week sees the Olympic flame pass from Greece to Italy en route to Milan for the Winter Games. Euronews spent a day behind the scenes with the dancers and actors who perform at the historic lighting ceremony as it's been practised since the start of the movement in Ancient Olympia.","keySentence":"","url":"a-day-in-the-life-of-ancient-olympia-with-the-priestesses-of-the-olympic-flame-lighting-ce","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/2025\/12\/02\/a-day-in-the-life-of-ancient-olympia-with-the-priestesses-of-the-olympic-flame-lighting-ce","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"The Olympic flame is close to completing its short tour of Greece and soon to be on its way to Italy for the Winter Games next February.\n\nA handover will take place on Thursday 4 December, the start of a 63-day, 12,000-kilometre relay through all 110 Italian provinces, highlighting cultural sites and host venues before reaching Milan\u2019s San Siro Stadium for the opening ceremony.\n\nIts journey officially began a week ago with a spectacular ceremony at the archaeological site where the Olympics began. For several weeks, however, before the flame was lit, dozens of young people, either dancers or actors, volunteered to be part of the historic proceedings.\n\nEuronews spent a day in Ancient Olympia to record the rehearsals behind the scenes which culminate in the iconic images sent around the world. For the second time, after the ceremony in April 2024 for the Paris Olympics, the actress Mary Mina was the Primate of the Year who held aloft the torch lit during the ceremony and passed it on to Petros Gaidatzis, a rowing bronze medalist at Paris.\n\nThe artistic director of the Olympic Flame ceremonies since 2008 is choreographer Artemis Ignatiou who oversaw every single intensive rehearsal in the run-up to the ceremony: \"The team is a group of people who are all artists. They are dance teachers or actors. We all volunteer our services for our country, for Greece and to send the message of the Olympic Truce around the world. This is what we are asking for. Because to the question, to any question, the answer is peace around the world.\"\n\n\"This year's ceremony is titled \"Daughters and Couri, the perpetual awakening\" and is of course inspired by these magnificent statues of antiquity.The Daughters and Kouroi come to life in front of the audience and with rhythm, intensity and movement, they give a new choreography and atmosphere of ancient Greece in modern times.\"\n\n07.30 am - breakfast\n\nEarly in the morning, soft music woke up everyone staying inside the International Olympic Academy (IOA) facilities. The world's leading institution of Olympic Education, founded in the middle of the last century, is located next to the archaeological site where the first Olympic Games were held and is dedicated to the study, enhancement and promotion of Olympism and its values in relation to current global issues of Olympic interest and in accordance with the principles established by the ancient Greeks and the revivalists of the modern Olympic Movement. Residents receive their breakfast in the restaurant area and return to their rooms to get ready.\n\n09.30 Preparations at the IOA\n\nThe approximately 40 priestesses emerged from their rooms on the second level of the International Olympic Academy facilities. Some in overalls, others casually dressed as the rehearsals don't demand formal attire. The girls and boys stay in rooms of two or even three people. Make-up and hairstyling for almost all go hand-in-hand.\n\nA little later, Artemis Ignatiou gathers the whole group in a circle to address them ahead of their first official rehearsal of the day at the archaeological site. Some choreography exercises are done in the open space right in front of the rooms where they are staying.\n\n10.15 a.m. Departure from the IOA\n\nTwo minibuses have been enlisted to facilitate the team's travel from the IOA premises to the Archaeological Site.\n\nEach dancer takes a small bag with his or her absolutely necessary personal belongings for the next two to three hours.\n\nThe distance travelled is no more than 2-3 minutes with the small vans moving around the perimeter of the Archaeological Site and ending at the official entrance.\n\nAfter disembarking from the vans, the whole group enters the Archaeological Site through the main entrance.\n\n10.30 am The first \"relaxed\" rehearsal\n\nThe rehearsals in the Archaeological Area are held with the cooperation of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia, which has provided the necessary permits. The morning rehearsals take place while dozens of tourists are inside the premises. Most of them, realising their... fate, sit and watch the dancing.\n\nInitially, rehearsals take place in the Temple of Hera, or the Heraion of Olympia, within the sacred space of the Althea and on its northwestern side, built at the southern foot of the Cronius Hill.\n\nThis particular building is one of the oldest examples of monumental temple architecture in Greece and it was the place where the most valuable works of the sanctuary were kept, among which was the Sacred Truce Disc and the famous Hermes of Praxiteles (perhaps the most popular exhibit in the nearby Archaeological Museum).\n\nIn front of the temple there is the altar of Hera, where the Olympic flame is lit by the respective Pretender, according to the ritual that has been established for the present time. With Artemis Ignatiou holding the drum and giving instructions, the priestesses make three different passes and rehearse the choreography.\n\nNext, they all move together to the Ancient Stadium. On the small hill between the Stadium and the Temple of Hera the next rehearsals take place, this time involving four boys.\n\nIgnatius is inside the stadium with a microphone to correct any small imperfections she finds, while a loudspeaker next to her conveys the instructions to the dancers.\n\nThe process is repeated two or three more times, to the delight of the lucky spectators who chose that particular day to visit the Archaeological Site. Among them was a renowned high school from Rome with about 50 high school students, who quite by chance, as explained to us by their escorts - teachers, stumbled upon the rehearsals for the touching ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games to be hosted in their home country.\n\n12.45 Visit to the Archaeological Museum\n\nAfter more than two hours at the Archaeological Site, the rehearsal is complete and the entire team leaves on foot for the exit. However, before boarding the vans for the return to the Olympic Academy premises, they are also taken to the adjacent Archaeological Museum for a short tour of the site.\n\n\"We believe in the Olympic idea and what it stands for and that is what unites us,\" say the young dancers.\n\n\"I've been participating in the touch and surrender ceremonies since 2011, in a new choreography each time and the feeling is truly unique. The most important thing in this group is the bonding, the giving and all these shared feelings, with one single goal: to send the message of peace everywhere,\" Priestess Athanasia Muyou explains to Euronews.\n\nFor his part, Theodosis Livadinos, one of the 'kurous' of this year's ceremony, says: \"The experience is special and magical every time. We bond as a team, as one big family and it's incredible. The boys have an active role representing the statues of Zeus, as Olympic athletes and then as Kouroi, in a new choreography each time at the Olympiad.\"\n\n13.45 Return to the IOA, lunch, rest\n\nThe young dancers head first to the restaurant where lunch awaits them. Each of them takes his or her tray, chooses the amount of food he or she wants from the buffet and has to return it to a certain place, just like in the student clubs. Along with the participants of the ceremony, there are about 20 Olympic values students from all corners of the world residing in the IOA premises, who are attending their classes every day, aspiring to get their master's degree at the end of the academic year. Afterwards, everyone has an hour of free time to return to their rooms, rest for a while and get ready for the afternoon - and a more demanding rehearsal.\n\n16.00 Second most formal rehearsal\n\nThe second rehearsal at the Archaeological Site of Olympia will be in formal attire but away from the eyes of ordinary citizens. As the archaeological site closes to the public at 15:30, immediately afterwards Artemis Ignatiou and her team have the opportunity to rehearse until sunset with no people on the premises, except for the few employees of the Ministry of Culture.\n\nAt the same time arrives a two-member team of Red Cross volunteers who have come from Patras to provide their services in case of any need. And it is needed. From a sprain during the dance when one sandal is torn, to mosquito repellent, lots of mosquito repellent. During the evening rehearsal formal wear is worn bare-backed, meaning the priestesses are exposed to the thousands of insects in the area.\n\nThe participants outfits were designed two years ago by the internationally renowned Greek stylist Mary Katrantzou for the Paris ceremonies. These costumes include several ancient Greek elements since they are inspired by Ionic-style capitals.\n\nThe same costumes will be worn by the same dancers at the ceremony of handing over the Olympic Flame to the Italian Olympic Committee. A ceremony that will take place at the Kallimarmaro Panathenaic Stadium on 4 December, after an eight-day torch relay, with the Olympic flame crossing over 2,200 kilometres on Greek territory, passing through 23 prefectures and 7 regions. The ceremony of handing over the flame seems a long way off, however, when the hours are counting down to the touching ceremony.\n\n18.00 Return, dinner, rest\n\nAs we are in the winter season and the sun sets early, the last rehearsal of the day is completed at about six o'clock in the evening. In the afternoon rehearsals with tunics and formal dresses, the order was reversed and first the choreographies were \"tested\" in front of the Ancient Stadium and then in the Temple of Hera.\n\nAccording to Artemis Ignatiou \"everything so far has gone very well, with a wonderful feeling and energy\". The bulk of the work had been practiced and prepared in Athens, before the whole group descended to Ancient Olympia so that the members could meet at the Archaeological Site, dance in it and unite with the earth, nature and the sun.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>The Olympic flame is close to completing its short tour of Greece and soon to be on its way to Italy for the Winter Games next February.<\/p>\n<p>A handover will take place on Thursday 4 December, the start of a 63-day, 12,000-kilometre relay through all 110 Italian provinces, highlighting cultural sites and host venues before reaching Milan\u2019s San Siro Stadium for the opening ceremony.<\/p>\n<p>Its journey officially began a week ago with a spectacular ceremony at the archaeological site where the Olympics began. For several weeks, however, before the flame was lit, dozens of young people, either dancers or actors, volunteered to be part of the historic proceedings. <\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//72//30//808x454_cmsv2_5a3f8e80-40c5-5e48-a2a9-75fe728150b6-9557230.jpg/" alt=\"High Priestess Mary Mina, left, lights a torch from the Olympic flame during the ceremony at the archaeological museum of Olympia, 26 Nov 2025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/72\/30\/384x216_cmsv2_5a3f8e80-40c5-5e48-a2a9-75fe728150b6-9557230.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/72\/30\/640x360_cmsv2_5a3f8e80-40c5-5e48-a2a9-75fe728150b6-9557230.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/72\/30\/750x422_cmsv2_5a3f8e80-40c5-5e48-a2a9-75fe728150b6-9557230.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/72\/30\/828x466_cmsv2_5a3f8e80-40c5-5e48-a2a9-75fe728150b6-9557230.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/72\/30\/1080x608_cmsv2_5a3f8e80-40c5-5e48-a2a9-75fe728150b6-9557230.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/72\/30\/1200x675_cmsv2_5a3f8e80-40c5-5e48-a2a9-75fe728150b6-9557230.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/72\/30\/1920x1080_cmsv2_5a3f8e80-40c5-5e48-a2a9-75fe728150b6-9557230.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">High Priestess Mary Mina, left, lights a torch from the Olympic flame during the ceremony at the archaeological museum of Olympia, 26 Nov 2025<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Thanassis Stavrakis\/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Euronews spent a day in Ancient Olympia to record the rehearsals behind the scenes which culminate in the iconic images sent around the world. For the second time, after the ceremony in April 2024 for the Paris Olympics, the actress Mary Mina was the Primate of the Year who held aloft the torch lit during the ceremony and passed it on to Petros Gaidatzis, a rowing bronze medalist at Paris. <\/p>\n<p>The artistic director of the Olympic Flame ceremonies since 2008 is choreographer Artemis Ignatiou who oversaw every single intensive rehearsal in the run-up to the ceremony: \"The team is a group of people who are all artists. They are dance teachers or actors. We all volunteer our services for our country, for Greece and to send the message of the Olympic Truce around the world. This is what we are asking for. Because to the question, to any question, the answer is peace around the world.\" <\/p>\n<p><em>\"<em>This year's ceremony is titled \"Daughters and Couri, the perpetual awakening\" and is of course inspired by these magnificent statues of antiquity.The Daughters and Kouroi come to life in front of the audience and with rhythm, intensity and movement, they give a new choreography and atmosphere of ancient Greece in modern times<\/em>.\"<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>07.30 am - breakfast<\/h2>\n<p>Early in the morning, soft music woke up everyone staying inside the International Olympic Academy (IOA) facilities. The world's leading institution of Olympic Education, founded in the middle of the last century, is located next to the archaeological site where the first Olympic Games were held and is dedicated to the study, enhancement and promotion of Olympism and its values in relation to current global issues of Olympic interest and in accordance with the principles established by the ancient Greeks and the revivalists of the modern Olympic Movement. Residents receive their breakfast in the restaurant area and return to their rooms to get ready.<\/p>\n<h2>09.30 Preparations at the IOA<\/h2>\n<p>The approximately 40 priestesses emerged from their rooms on the second level of the International Olympic Academy facilities. Some in overalls, others casually dressed as the rehearsals don't demand formal attire. The girls and boys stay in rooms of two or even three people. Make-up and hairstyling for almost all go hand-in-hand. <\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5628140703517588\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//66//88//808x454_cmsv2_2f03177c-fe77-5d9d-a0f6-a691d52a0c2a-9556688.jpg/" alt=\"Priestesses comb each other's hair\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/384x216_cmsv2_2f03177c-fe77-5d9d-a0f6-a691d52a0c2a-9556688.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/640x360_cmsv2_2f03177c-fe77-5d9d-a0f6-a691d52a0c2a-9556688.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/750x422_cmsv2_2f03177c-fe77-5d9d-a0f6-a691d52a0c2a-9556688.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/828x466_cmsv2_2f03177c-fe77-5d9d-a0f6-a691d52a0c2a-9556688.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1080x608_cmsv2_2f03177c-fe77-5d9d-a0f6-a691d52a0c2a-9556688.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1200x675_cmsv2_2f03177c-fe77-5d9d-a0f6-a691d52a0c2a-9556688.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1920x1081_cmsv2_2f03177c-fe77-5d9d-a0f6-a691d52a0c2a-9556688.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Priestesses comb each other's hair.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>A little later, Artemis Ignatiou gathers the whole group in a circle to address them ahead of their first official rehearsal of the day at the archaeological site. Some choreography exercises are done in the open space right in front of the rooms where they are staying.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5685279187817259\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//66//88//808x459_cmsv2_dee2ba61-8e3e-5770-9f9d-abf5c9721018-9556688.jpg/" alt=\"Rehearsal inside the IOA premises\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/384x218_cmsv2_dee2ba61-8e3e-5770-9f9d-abf5c9721018-9556688.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/640x364_cmsv2_dee2ba61-8e3e-5770-9f9d-abf5c9721018-9556688.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/750x426_cmsv2_dee2ba61-8e3e-5770-9f9d-abf5c9721018-9556688.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/828x471_cmsv2_dee2ba61-8e3e-5770-9f9d-abf5c9721018-9556688.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1080x614_cmsv2_dee2ba61-8e3e-5770-9f9d-abf5c9721018-9556688.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1200x682_cmsv2_dee2ba61-8e3e-5770-9f9d-abf5c9721018-9556688.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1920x1092_cmsv2_dee2ba61-8e3e-5770-9f9d-abf5c9721018-9556688.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Rehearsal inside the IOA premises<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>10.15 a.m. Departure from the IOA<\/h2>\n<p>Two minibuses have been enlisted to facilitate the team's travel from the IOA premises to the Archaeological Site.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5610367892976589\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//66//88//808x454_cmsv2_b9870925-3110-5955-b7ae-5708f3839139-9556688.jpg/" alt=\"Departure from the IOA\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/384x215_cmsv2_b9870925-3110-5955-b7ae-5708f3839139-9556688.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/640x359_cmsv2_b9870925-3110-5955-b7ae-5708f3839139-9556688.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/750x421_cmsv2_b9870925-3110-5955-b7ae-5708f3839139-9556688.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/828x465_cmsv2_b9870925-3110-5955-b7ae-5708f3839139-9556688.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1080x606_cmsv2_b9870925-3110-5955-b7ae-5708f3839139-9556688.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1200x673_cmsv2_b9870925-3110-5955-b7ae-5708f3839139-9556688.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1920x1077_cmsv2_b9870925-3110-5955-b7ae-5708f3839139-9556688.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Departure from the IOA<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Each dancer takes a small bag with his or her absolutely necessary personal belongings for the next two to three hours.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5571309424520434\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//66//88//808x451_cmsv2_609aafa8-d8a2-5322-8522-1983e5ce7fd5-9556688.jpg/" alt=\"Leaving the IOA\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/384x214_cmsv2_609aafa8-d8a2-5322-8522-1983e5ce7fd5-9556688.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/640x357_cmsv2_609aafa8-d8a2-5322-8522-1983e5ce7fd5-9556688.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/750x418_cmsv2_609aafa8-d8a2-5322-8522-1983e5ce7fd5-9556688.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/828x461_cmsv2_609aafa8-d8a2-5322-8522-1983e5ce7fd5-9556688.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1080x602_cmsv2_609aafa8-d8a2-5322-8522-1983e5ce7fd5-9556688.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1200x669_cmsv2_609aafa8-d8a2-5322-8522-1983e5ce7fd5-9556688.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1920x1070_cmsv2_609aafa8-d8a2-5322-8522-1983e5ce7fd5-9556688.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Leaving the IOA<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The distance travelled is no more than 2-3 minutes with the small vans moving around the perimeter of the Archaeological Site and ending at the official entrance.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5604670558798999\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//66//88//808x454_cmsv2_329753ef-c90f-5a8a-af40-6f6cf0c2855b-9556688.jpg/" alt=\"Inside the van carrying the team\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/384x215_cmsv2_329753ef-c90f-5a8a-af40-6f6cf0c2855b-9556688.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/640x359_cmsv2_329753ef-c90f-5a8a-af40-6f6cf0c2855b-9556688.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/750x420_cmsv2_329753ef-c90f-5a8a-af40-6f6cf0c2855b-9556688.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/828x464_cmsv2_329753ef-c90f-5a8a-af40-6f6cf0c2855b-9556688.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1080x605_cmsv2_329753ef-c90f-5a8a-af40-6f6cf0c2855b-9556688.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1200x673_cmsv2_329753ef-c90f-5a8a-af40-6f6cf0c2855b-9556688.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1920x1076_cmsv2_329753ef-c90f-5a8a-af40-6f6cf0c2855b-9556688.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Inside the van carrying the group<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>After disembarking from the vans, the whole group enters the Archaeological Site through the main entrance.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5609348914858097\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//66//88//808x454_cmsv2_cc7b783c-909f-58a8-b5fe-2c48423638c3-9556688.jpg/" alt=\"The priestesses in the Archaeological Site of Olympia\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/384x215_cmsv2_cc7b783c-909f-58a8-b5fe-2c48423638c3-9556688.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/640x359_cmsv2_cc7b783c-909f-58a8-b5fe-2c48423638c3-9556688.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/750x421_cmsv2_cc7b783c-909f-58a8-b5fe-2c48423638c3-9556688.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/828x464_cmsv2_cc7b783c-909f-58a8-b5fe-2c48423638c3-9556688.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1080x606_cmsv2_cc7b783c-909f-58a8-b5fe-2c48423638c3-9556688.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1200x673_cmsv2_cc7b783c-909f-58a8-b5fe-2c48423638c3-9556688.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1920x1077_cmsv2_cc7b783c-909f-58a8-b5fe-2c48423638c3-9556688.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The priestesses in the Archaeological Site of Olympia<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>10.30 am The first \"relaxed\" rehearsal<\/h2>\n<p>The rehearsals in the Archaeological Area are held with the cooperation of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia, which has provided the necessary permits. The morning rehearsals take place while dozens of tourists are inside the premises. Most of them, realising their... fate, sit and watch the dancing.<\/p>\n<p>Initially, rehearsals take place in the Temple of Hera, or the Heraion of Olympia, within the sacred space of the Althea and on its northwestern side, built at the southern foot of the Cronius Hill.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5604026845637584\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//66//88//808x454_cmsv2_3bcf5f97-0054-5bf0-b627-2b7af01c2acb-9556688.jpg/" alt=\"Artemis Ignatius giving instructions to the priestesses\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/384x215_cmsv2_3bcf5f97-0054-5bf0-b627-2b7af01c2acb-9556688.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/640x359_cmsv2_3bcf5f97-0054-5bf0-b627-2b7af01c2acb-9556688.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/750x420_cmsv2_3bcf5f97-0054-5bf0-b627-2b7af01c2acb-9556688.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/828x464_cmsv2_3bcf5f97-0054-5bf0-b627-2b7af01c2acb-9556688.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1080x605_cmsv2_3bcf5f97-0054-5bf0-b627-2b7af01c2acb-9556688.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1200x672_cmsv2_3bcf5f97-0054-5bf0-b627-2b7af01c2acb-9556688.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1920x1076_cmsv2_3bcf5f97-0054-5bf0-b627-2b7af01c2acb-9556688.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Artemis Ignatius instructs the priestesses<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>This particular building is one of the oldest examples of monumental temple architecture in Greece and it was the place where the most valuable works of the sanctuary were kept, among which was the Sacred Truce Disc and the famous Hermes of Praxiteles (perhaps the most popular exhibit in the nearby Archaeological Museum).<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5601001669449082\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//66//88//808x451_cmsv2_3022d382-ed95-504d-a432-6f0d90b18bfa-9556688.jpg/" alt=\"Rehearsal in front of the Temple of Hera\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/384x215_cmsv2_3022d382-ed95-504d-a432-6f0d90b18bfa-9556688.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/640x358_cmsv2_3022d382-ed95-504d-a432-6f0d90b18bfa-9556688.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/750x420_cmsv2_3022d382-ed95-504d-a432-6f0d90b18bfa-9556688.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/828x464_cmsv2_3022d382-ed95-504d-a432-6f0d90b18bfa-9556688.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1080x605_cmsv2_3022d382-ed95-504d-a432-6f0d90b18bfa-9556688.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1200x672_cmsv2_3022d382-ed95-504d-a432-6f0d90b18bfa-9556688.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1920x1075_cmsv2_3022d382-ed95-504d-a432-6f0d90b18bfa-9556688.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Rehearsal in front of the Temple of Hera<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>In front of the temple there is the altar of Hera, where the Olympic flame is lit by the respective Pretender, according to the ritual that has been established for the present time. With Artemis Ignatiou holding the drum and giving instructions, the priestesses make three different passes and rehearse the choreography.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5664983164983165\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//66//88//808x456_cmsv2_04f57926-3918-590b-b462-a0849b27eb31-9556688.jpg/" alt=\"Artemis Ignatiou (with drum) giving instructions\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/384x218_cmsv2_04f57926-3918-590b-b462-a0849b27eb31-9556688.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/640x363_cmsv2_04f57926-3918-590b-b462-a0849b27eb31-9556688.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/750x425_cmsv2_04f57926-3918-590b-b462-a0849b27eb31-9556688.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/828x469_cmsv2_04f57926-3918-590b-b462-a0849b27eb31-9556688.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1080x612_cmsv2_04f57926-3918-590b-b462-a0849b27eb31-9556688.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1200x680_cmsv2_04f57926-3918-590b-b462-a0849b27eb31-9556688.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1920x1088_cmsv2_04f57926-3918-590b-b462-a0849b27eb31-9556688.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Artemis Ignatiou (holding the drum) giving instructions<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Next, they all move together to the Ancient Stadium. On the small hill between the Stadium and the Temple of Hera the next rehearsals take place, this time involving four boys.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5537948290241869\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//66//88//808x446_cmsv2_085ac8ca-4377-59cd-9260-5559de184b14-9556688.jpg/" alt=\"Rehearsal of the priests for the touching ceremony\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/384x213_cmsv2_085ac8ca-4377-59cd-9260-5559de184b14-9556688.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/640x354_cmsv2_085ac8ca-4377-59cd-9260-5559de184b14-9556688.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/750x415_cmsv2_085ac8ca-4377-59cd-9260-5559de184b14-9556688.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/828x459_cmsv2_085ac8ca-4377-59cd-9260-5559de184b14-9556688.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1080x598_cmsv2_085ac8ca-4377-59cd-9260-5559de184b14-9556688.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1200x665_cmsv2_085ac8ca-4377-59cd-9260-5559de184b14-9556688.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1920x1063_cmsv2_085ac8ca-4377-59cd-9260-5559de184b14-9556688.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The rehearsal of the priests in preparation for the touching ceremony<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Ignatius is inside the stadium with a microphone to correct any small imperfections she finds, while a loudspeaker next to her conveys the instructions to the dancers.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5610367892976589\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//66//88//808x454_cmsv2_0c0d24b4-c088-553f-8aa9-02733fb97c17-9556688.jpg/" alt=\"Artemis Ignatiou giving instructions\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/384x215_cmsv2_0c0d24b4-c088-553f-8aa9-02733fb97c17-9556688.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/640x359_cmsv2_0c0d24b4-c088-553f-8aa9-02733fb97c17-9556688.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/750x421_cmsv2_0c0d24b4-c088-553f-8aa9-02733fb97c17-9556688.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/828x465_cmsv2_0c0d24b4-c088-553f-8aa9-02733fb97c17-9556688.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1080x606_cmsv2_0c0d24b4-c088-553f-8aa9-02733fb97c17-9556688.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1200x673_cmsv2_0c0d24b4-c088-553f-8aa9-02733fb97c17-9556688.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1920x1077_cmsv2_0c0d24b4-c088-553f-8aa9-02733fb97c17-9556688.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Artemis Ignatiou gives instructions<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The process is repeated two or three more times, to the delight of the lucky spectators who chose that particular day to visit the Archaeological Site. Among them was a renowned high school from Rome with about 50 high school students, who quite by chance, as explained to us by their escorts - teachers, stumbled upon the rehearsals for the touching ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games to be hosted in their home country.<\/p>\n<h2>12.45 Visit to the Archaeological Museum<\/h2>\n<p>After more than two hours at the Archaeological Site, the rehearsal is complete and the entire team leaves on foot for the exit. However, before boarding the vans for the return to the Olympic Academy premises, they are also taken to the adjacent Archaeological Museum for a short tour of the site.<\/p>\n<p><em>\"<em>We believe in the Olympic idea and what it stands for and that is what unites us,<\/em>\"<\/em> say the young dancers. <\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5618729096989966\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//66//88//808x454_cmsv2_17496dcc-9771-54f3-a86b-a698e46c3eac-9556688.jpg/" alt=\"Moments of rest between rehearsals\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/384x216_cmsv2_17496dcc-9771-54f3-a86b-a698e46c3eac-9556688.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/640x360_cmsv2_17496dcc-9771-54f3-a86b-a698e46c3eac-9556688.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/750x421_cmsv2_17496dcc-9771-54f3-a86b-a698e46c3eac-9556688.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/828x465_cmsv2_17496dcc-9771-54f3-a86b-a698e46c3eac-9556688.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1080x607_cmsv2_17496dcc-9771-54f3-a86b-a698e46c3eac-9556688.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1200x674_cmsv2_17496dcc-9771-54f3-a86b-a698e46c3eac-9556688.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1920x1079_cmsv2_17496dcc-9771-54f3-a86b-a698e46c3eac-9556688.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Moments of rest between rehearsals<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p><em>\"<em>I've been participating in the touch and surrender ceremonies since 2011, in a new choreography each time and the feeling is truly unique. The most important thing in this group is the bonding, the giving and all these shared feelings, with one single goal: to send the message of peace everywhere,<\/em>\"<\/em> Priestess Athanasia Muyou explains to Euronews.<\/p>\n<p>For his part, Theodosis Livadinos, one of the 'kurous' of this year's ceremony, says: <em>\"<em>The experience is special and magical every time. We bond as a team, as one big family and it's incredible. The boys have an active role representing the statues of Zeus, as Olympic athletes and then as Kouroi, in a new choreography each time at the Olympiad.<\/em>\"<\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5618729096989966\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//66//88//808x454_cmsv2_6d6dfe0a-d67c-5aa5-ab0b-2790e184862a-9556688.jpg/" alt=\"Kouri and Daughters\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/384x216_cmsv2_6d6dfe0a-d67c-5aa5-ab0b-2790e184862a-9556688.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/640x360_cmsv2_6d6dfe0a-d67c-5aa5-ab0b-2790e184862a-9556688.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/750x421_cmsv2_6d6dfe0a-d67c-5aa5-ab0b-2790e184862a-9556688.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/828x465_cmsv2_6d6dfe0a-d67c-5aa5-ab0b-2790e184862a-9556688.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1080x607_cmsv2_6d6dfe0a-d67c-5aa5-ab0b-2790e184862a-9556688.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1200x674_cmsv2_6d6dfe0a-d67c-5aa5-ab0b-2790e184862a-9556688.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1920x1079_cmsv2_6d6dfe0a-d67c-5aa5-ab0b-2790e184862a-9556688.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Kouri and Daughters<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>13.45 Return to the IOA, lunch, rest<\/h2>\n<p>The young dancers head first to the restaurant where lunch awaits them. Each of them takes his or her tray, chooses the amount of food he or she wants from the buffet and has to return it to a certain place, just like in the student clubs. Along with the participants of the ceremony, there are about 20 Olympic values students from all corners of the world residing in the IOA premises, who are attending their classes every day, aspiring to get their master's degree at the end of the academic year. Afterwards, everyone has an hour of free time to return to their rooms, rest for a while and get ready for the afternoon - and a more demanding rehearsal.<\/p>\n<h2>16.00 Second most formal rehearsal<\/h2>\n<p>The second rehearsal at the Archaeological Site of Olympia will be in formal attire but away from the eyes of ordinary citizens. As the archaeological site closes to the public at 15:30, immediately afterwards Artemis Ignatiou and her team have the opportunity to rehearse until sunset with no people on the premises, except for the few employees of the Ministry of Culture.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5652173913043478\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//66//88//808x456_cmsv2_68811a31-9e03-5251-b5af-9649a2e544a1-9556688.jpg/" alt=\"Preparing for the afternoon rehearsal\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/384x217_cmsv2_68811a31-9e03-5251-b5af-9649a2e544a1-9556688.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/640x362_cmsv2_68811a31-9e03-5251-b5af-9649a2e544a1-9556688.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/750x424_cmsv2_68811a31-9e03-5251-b5af-9649a2e544a1-9556688.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/828x468_cmsv2_68811a31-9e03-5251-b5af-9649a2e544a1-9556688.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1080x610_cmsv2_68811a31-9e03-5251-b5af-9649a2e544a1-9556688.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1200x678_cmsv2_68811a31-9e03-5251-b5af-9649a2e544a1-9556688.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1920x1085_cmsv2_68811a31-9e03-5251-b5af-9649a2e544a1-9556688.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Preparing for the afternoon rehearsal<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>At the same time arrives a two-member team of Red Cross volunteers who have come from Patras to provide their services in case of any need. And it is needed. From a sprain during the dance when one sandal is torn, to mosquito repellent, lots of mosquito repellent. During the evening rehearsal formal wear is worn bare-backed, meaning the priestesses are exposed to the thousands of insects in the area.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5636515912897823\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//66//88//808x456_cmsv2_a2590a6c-b873-5a3e-a4dd-f7da951d978e-9556688.jpg/" alt=\"Preparing for the afternoon rehearsal\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/384x216_cmsv2_a2590a6c-b873-5a3e-a4dd-f7da951d978e-9556688.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/640x361_cmsv2_a2590a6c-b873-5a3e-a4dd-f7da951d978e-9556688.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/750x423_cmsv2_a2590a6c-b873-5a3e-a4dd-f7da951d978e-9556688.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/828x467_cmsv2_a2590a6c-b873-5a3e-a4dd-f7da951d978e-9556688.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1080x609_cmsv2_a2590a6c-b873-5a3e-a4dd-f7da951d978e-9556688.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1200x676_cmsv2_a2590a6c-b873-5a3e-a4dd-f7da951d978e-9556688.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1920x1082_cmsv2_a2590a6c-b873-5a3e-a4dd-f7da951d978e-9556688.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Preparation for the evening rehearsal<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The participants outfits were designed two years ago by the internationally renowned Greek stylist Mary Katrantzou for the Paris ceremonies. These costumes include several ancient Greek elements since they are inspired by Ionic-style capitals.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5618729096989966\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//66//88//808x454_cmsv2_0cc5b153-dcc7-5ac1-be2b-748a05af1137-9556688.jpg/" alt=\"The Priestesses in the Archaeological Site\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/384x216_cmsv2_0cc5b153-dcc7-5ac1-be2b-748a05af1137-9556688.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/640x360_cmsv2_0cc5b153-dcc7-5ac1-be2b-748a05af1137-9556688.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/750x421_cmsv2_0cc5b153-dcc7-5ac1-be2b-748a05af1137-9556688.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/828x465_cmsv2_0cc5b153-dcc7-5ac1-be2b-748a05af1137-9556688.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1080x607_cmsv2_0cc5b153-dcc7-5ac1-be2b-748a05af1137-9556688.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1200x674_cmsv2_0cc5b153-dcc7-5ac1-be2b-748a05af1137-9556688.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1920x1079_cmsv2_0cc5b153-dcc7-5ac1-be2b-748a05af1137-9556688.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The Priestesses in the Archaeological Site<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The same costumes will be worn by the same dancers at the ceremony of handing over the Olympic Flame to the Italian Olympic Committee. A ceremony that will take place at the Kallimarmaro Panathenaic Stadium on 4 December, after an eight-day torch relay, with the Olympic flame crossing over 2,200 kilometres on Greek territory, passing through 23 prefectures and 7 regions. The ceremony of handing over the flame seems a long way off, however, when the hours are counting down to the touching ceremony.<\/p>\n<h2>18.00 Return, dinner, rest<\/h2>\n<p>As we are in the winter season and the sun sets early, the last rehearsal of the day is completed at about six o'clock in the evening. In the afternoon rehearsals with tunics and formal dresses, the order was reversed and first the choreographies were \"tested\" in front of the Ancient Stadium and then in the Temple of Hera.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5585284280936454\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//66//88//808x451_cmsv2_273e92e5-f4f3-5e9c-a2f9-95abd9e1e3b3-9556688.jpg/" alt=\"The priestesses with A. Ignatius in front of the Temple of Hera\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/384x214_cmsv2_273e92e5-f4f3-5e9c-a2f9-95abd9e1e3b3-9556688.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/640x357_cmsv2_273e92e5-f4f3-5e9c-a2f9-95abd9e1e3b3-9556688.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/750x419_cmsv2_273e92e5-f4f3-5e9c-a2f9-95abd9e1e3b3-9556688.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/828x462_cmsv2_273e92e5-f4f3-5e9c-a2f9-95abd9e1e3b3-9556688.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1080x603_cmsv2_273e92e5-f4f3-5e9c-a2f9-95abd9e1e3b3-9556688.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1200x670_cmsv2_273e92e5-f4f3-5e9c-a2f9-95abd9e1e3b3-9556688.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1920x1072_cmsv2_273e92e5-f4f3-5e9c-a2f9-95abd9e1e3b3-9556688.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The priestesses with A. Ignatius in front of the Temple of Hera<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5551839464882943\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//66//88//808x449_cmsv2_3bbf41ea-6ff6-5475-9d21-dbd5e527395a-9556688.jpg/" alt=\"The priestesses, the Kouroi and Artemis Ignatius in front of the Temple of Hera\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/384x213_cmsv2_3bbf41ea-6ff6-5475-9d21-dbd5e527395a-9556688.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/640x355_cmsv2_3bbf41ea-6ff6-5475-9d21-dbd5e527395a-9556688.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/750x416_cmsv2_3bbf41ea-6ff6-5475-9d21-dbd5e527395a-9556688.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/828x460_cmsv2_3bbf41ea-6ff6-5475-9d21-dbd5e527395a-9556688.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1080x600_cmsv2_3bbf41ea-6ff6-5475-9d21-dbd5e527395a-9556688.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1200x666_cmsv2_3bbf41ea-6ff6-5475-9d21-dbd5e527395a-9556688.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/1920x1066_cmsv2_3bbf41ea-6ff6-5475-9d21-dbd5e527395a-9556688.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The priestesses, the Kouroi and Artemis Ignatiou in front of the Temple of Hera<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>According to Artemis Ignatiou \"everything so far has gone very well, with a wonderful feeling and energy\". The bulk of the work had been practiced and prepared in Athens, before the whole group descended to Ancient Olympia so that the members could meet at the Archaeological Site, dance in it and unite with the earth, nature and the sun.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1763740263,"updatedAt":1764699709,"publishedAt":1764699702,"firstPublishedAt":1764699702,"lastPublishedAt":1764699702,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/66\/88\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_1572c6b6-2f4f-5c8f-a3d5-b032bbb3e7f1-9556688.jpg","altText":"The priestesses dance in the Archaeological Site of Olympia during a rehearsal","caption":"The priestesses dance in the Archaeological Site of Olympia during a rehearsal","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1192,"height":674},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/72\/30\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_5a3f8e80-40c5-5e48-a2a9-75fe728150b6-9557230.jpg","altText":"High Priestess Mary Mina, left, lights a torch from the Olympic flame during the ceremony at the archaeological museum of Olympia, 26 Nov 2025","caption":"High Priestess Mary Mina, left, lights a torch from the Olympic flame during the ceremony at the archaeological museum of Olympia, 26 Nov 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Thanassis Stavrakis\/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":576}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":741,"urlSafeValue":"giagkinis","title":"Ioannis Giagkinis","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":128,"slug":"greece","urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","titleRaw":"Greece"},{"id":4145,"slug":"dance","urlSafeValue":"dance","title":"Dance","titleRaw":"Dance"},{"id":4162,"slug":"archaeology","urlSafeValue":"archaeology","title":"Archaeology","titleRaw":"Archaeology"},{"id":4165,"slug":"olympic-games","urlSafeValue":"olympic-games","title":"Olympic Games","titleRaw":"Olympic Games"},{"id":5561,"slug":"ceremony","urlSafeValue":"ceremony","title":"Ceremony","titleRaw":"Ceremony"},{"id":10885,"slug":"winter-olympics","urlSafeValue":"winter-olympics","title":"Winter Olympics","titleRaw":"Winter Olympics"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":19}],"related":[{"id":2842346},{"id":2785078}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"PQi3RrUub2U","dailymotionId":"x9uam6w"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/29\/90\/43\/00\/ED_PYR_2990430_20251123152653.mp4","editor":"","duration":231200,"filesizeBytes":33407070,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/29\/90\/43\/00\/SHD_PYR_2990430_20251123152653.mp4","editor":"","duration":231200,"filesizeBytes":50846047,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/29\/90\/43\/00\/FHD_PYR_2990430_20251123152653.mp4","editor":"","duration":231200,"filesizeBytes":177360797,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Giannis Sarigiannis (camera)","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"culture-news","urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture News","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/culture-news\/culture-news"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"culture","verticals":[{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"},{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"},"themes":[{"id":"culture-news","urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture news","url":"\/culture\/culture-news"},{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"},{"id":"sport","urlSafeValue":"sport","title":"Sport","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":53,"urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture news"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":128,"urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","url":"\/news\/europe\/greece"},"town":{"id":1712,"urlSafeValue":"athens","title":"Athens"},"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":{"id":1,"slug":"deepl","isActive":1},"localisation":{"producerLanguage":"el","storyId":9556688,"online":1},"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":1,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/culture\/2025\/12\/02\/a-day-in-the-life-of-ancient-olympia-with-the-priestesses-of-the-olympic-flame-lighting-ce","lastModified":1764699702},{"id":2850876,"cid":9567176,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"GREECE FARMERS ROADBLOCKS UPD","daletPyramidId":3465802,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Greek farmers block Athens motorway as fallout from illegal subsidies fraud continues","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Greek farmers block motorway as fallout from subsidies fraud continues","titleListing2":"Greek farmers block main motorway as fallout from illegal subsidies fraud continues","leadin":"The blockade comes after dozens of people were arrested last week in a spiralling farm fraud case that revealed millions of euros were paid in illegal subsidies by the organisation in charge of distributing EU farm funds.","summary":"The blockade comes after dozens of people were arrested last week in a spiralling farm fraud case that revealed millions of euros were paid in illegal subsidies by the organisation in charge of distributing EU farm funds.","keySentence":"","url":"greek-farmers-block-athens-motorway-as-fallout-from-illegal-subsidies-fraud-continues","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/12\/01\/greek-farmers-block-athens-motorway-as-fallout-from-illegal-subsidies-fraud-continues","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Greek farmers have blocked major national roads with tractors, effectively dividing the country's main north-south highway in protest against the increased cost of production, low prices and delays in payments from the government.\n\nThe blockade comes after several people were arrested last week in a spiralling farm fraud case that revealed millions of euros were paid in illegal subsidies by OPEKEPE, the organisation in charge of distributing EU farm funds, a scandal that has provoked farmers and brought extra scrutiny to subsidy payments in the country.\n\nDuring the preliminary investigation, some 324 people were found to be recipients of subsidies worth \u20ac19.6 million, according to the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO).\n\nFarmers and agricultural associations are staging demonstrations on the critical Athens-Thessaloniki motoway, bringing in more farm machinery and tractors to reinforce their blockade.\n\nEarlier on Monday, the Athens-Thessaloniki motorway remained closed around Nikaia in Larissa, the capital and largest city of the northwestern Thessaly region, where the tractors were lined up as traffic police continued to divert traffic through alternative routes in order to avoid major disruptions.\n\nAhead of a planned meeting between the unions on Monday, farmers have warned they will extend the closures unless their demands are met.\n\nAccording to an announcement of the Federation of Agricultural Associations, \"a blockade at the junction, Megalochori, will proceed, and the farmers of Trikala will protest next Wednesday.\" A blockade is also expected in eastern Thessaloniki.\n\nSerious incidents on first day of action\n\nThe first day of the mobilisation began on Sunday and was accompanied by incidents in the villages of Nikaia and Platykampos in Larissa, when farmers attempted to approach the motorway and clashed with riot police.\n\nTwo farmers and two police officers were injured, according to a statement by the ELAS resistance movement.\n\nAccording to police, two arrests were made in Platykambos, one for violence against officials, damage and resistance and the second for damage. A third arrest was made at the Nice junction for bodily harm and resistance.\n\nAt the Larissa courthouse, farmers from the Nikaia blockade renewed their \"appointment\" after Sunday's mobilisation outside the building of the Larissa Police Directorate, asking for the release of those arrested.\n\nWith no assurances or statement from the government yet, the protests are expected to spread across Greece until 5 December, with more road blockades, a tactic frequently used by farmers to put pressure on authorities.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Greek farmers have blocked major national roads with tractors, effectively dividing the country's main north-south highway in protest against the increased cost of production, low prices and delays in payments from the government.<\/p>\n<p>The blockade comes after several people were arrested last week in a spiralling farm fraud case that revealed millions of euros were paid in illegal subsidies by OPEKEPE, the organisation in charge of distributing EU farm funds, a scandal that has provoked farmers and brought extra scrutiny to subsidy payments in the country.<\/p>\n<p>During the preliminary investigation, some 324 people were found to be recipients of subsidies worth \u20ac19.6 million, according to the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO).<\/p>\n<p>Farmers and agricultural associations are staging demonstrations on the critical Athens-Thessaloniki motoway, bringing in more farm machinery and tractors to reinforce their blockade. <\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//70//92//808x539_cmsv2_32f0de66-8a5e-5359-8586-0776b12c1f19-9567092.jpg/" alt=\"Farmers line up their tractors during the agricultural mobilizations on the PATHE at the Nice Larissa junction,\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/92\/384x256_cmsv2_32f0de66-8a5e-5359-8586-0776b12c1f19-9567092.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/92\/640x427_cmsv2_32f0de66-8a5e-5359-8586-0776b12c1f19-9567092.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/92\/750x500_cmsv2_32f0de66-8a5e-5359-8586-0776b12c1f19-9567092.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/92\/828x552_cmsv2_32f0de66-8a5e-5359-8586-0776b12c1f19-9567092.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/92\/1080x720_cmsv2_32f0de66-8a5e-5359-8586-0776b12c1f19-9567092.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/92\/1200x800_cmsv2_32f0de66-8a5e-5359-8586-0776b12c1f19-9567092.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/92\/1920x1280_cmsv2_32f0de66-8a5e-5359-8586-0776b12c1f19-9567092.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Farmers line up their tractors during the agricultural mobilization on the PATHE, at the Nice Larissa junction,<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">ΑΠΕ ΜΠΕ<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Earlier on Monday, the Athens-Thessaloniki motorway remained closed around Nikaia in Larissa, the capital and largest city of the northwestern Thessaly region, where the tractors were lined up as traffic police continued to divert traffic through alternative routes in order to avoid major disruptions.<\/p>\n<p>Ahead of a planned meeting between the unions on Monday, farmers have warned they will extend the closures unless their demands are met.<\/p>\n<p>According to an announcement of the Federation of Agricultural Associations, \"a blockade at the junction, Megalochori, will proceed, and the farmers of Trikala will protest next Wednesday.\" A blockade is also expected in eastern Thessaloniki. <\/p>\n<h2>Serious incidents on first day of action<\/h2>\n<p>The first day of the mobilisation began on Sunday and was accompanied by incidents in the villages of Nikaia and Platykampos in Larissa, when farmers attempted to approach the motorway and clashed with riot police. <\/p>\n<p>Two farmers and two police officers were injured, according to a statement by the ELAS resistance movement.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//56//70//92//808x539_cmsv2_268196f7-d34c-5e4f-96d9-269aab9a9dce-9567092.jpg/" alt=\"Policemen use chemicals during the agricultural mobilizations in Nikaia Larissa, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/92\/384x256_cmsv2_268196f7-d34c-5e4f-96d9-269aab9a9dce-9567092.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/92\/640x427_cmsv2_268196f7-d34c-5e4f-96d9-269aab9a9dce-9567092.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/92\/750x500_cmsv2_268196f7-d34c-5e4f-96d9-269aab9a9dce-9567092.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/92\/828x552_cmsv2_268196f7-d34c-5e4f-96d9-269aab9a9dce-9567092.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/92\/1080x720_cmsv2_268196f7-d34c-5e4f-96d9-269aab9a9dce-9567092.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/92\/1200x800_cmsv2_268196f7-d34c-5e4f-96d9-269aab9a9dce-9567092.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/92\/1920x1280_cmsv2_268196f7-d34c-5e4f-96d9-269aab9a9dce-9567092.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Police officers use chemical agents during the farmers' demonstrations in Nikaia, Larissa, Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">ΑΠΕ ΜΠΕ<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>According to police, two arrests were made in Platykambos, one for violence against officials, damage and resistance and the second for damage. A third arrest was made at the Nice junction for bodily harm and resistance.<\/p>\n<p>At the Larissa courthouse, farmers from the Nikaia blockade renewed their \"appointment\" after Sunday's mobilisation outside the building of the Larissa Police Directorate, asking for the release of those arrested. <\/p>\n<p>With no assurances or statement from the government yet, the protests are expected to spread across Greece until 5 December, with more road blockades, a tactic frequently used by farmers to put pressure on authorities.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764577607,"updatedAt":1764589051,"publishedAt":1764585289,"firstPublishedAt":1764585289,"lastPublishedAt":1764585289,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/70\/92\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_7528e867-be30-5b5f-91e8-68c79459cc80-9567092.jpg","altText":"Farmers line up their tractors during the agricultural mobilizations on the PATHE, at the Nikaia Larissa junction","caption":"Farmers line up their tractors during the agricultural mobilizations on the PATHE, at the Nikaia Larissa junction","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"\u0391\u03a0\u0395 \u039c\u03a0\u0395","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1333}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":646,"urlSafeValue":"tsellos","title":"Konstantinos Tsellos","twitter":"@costastse"}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":128,"slug":"greece","urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","titleRaw":"Greece"},{"id":12952,"slug":"clashes","urlSafeValue":"clashes","title":"Clashes","titleRaw":"Clashes"},{"id":18298,"slug":"farmers","urlSafeValue":"farmers","title":"Farmers","titleRaw":"Farmers"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":2}],"related":[{"id":2848857},{"id":2847040}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"gPCBVvEZzd4","dailymotionId":"x9urv6q"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/30\/57\/35\/00\/ED_PYR_3057350_20251201113733.mp4","editor":"","duration":75680,"filesizeBytes":14663779,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/30\/57\/35\/00\/SHD_PYR_3057350_20251201113733.mp4","editor":"","duration":75680,"filesizeBytes":21333338,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/30\/57\/35\/00\/FHD_PYR_3057350_20251201113733.mp4","editor":"","duration":75680,"filesizeBytes":60042332,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"APE BE\/ertnews.gr","additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":128,"urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","url":"\/news\/europe\/greece"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":{"id":1,"slug":"deepl","isActive":1},"localisation":{"producerLanguage":"el","storyId":9567092,"online":1},"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":1,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/12\/01\/greek-farmers-block-athens-motorway-as-fallout-from-illegal-subsidies-fraud-continues","lastModified":1764585289},{"id":2849415,"cid":9560692,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"GREECE TSIPRAS CRITICISES VAROUFAKIS IN MEMOIR","daletPyramidId":3408996,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Former Greek PM Tsipras says no one 'could stand' ex-finance minister Varoufakis","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Former Greek PM Tsipras says no one 'could stand' Varoufakis","titleListing2":"Former Greek PM Tsipras says everyone disliked ex-finance minister Varoufakis","leadin":"On Tuesday, Varoufakis told Greek state TV ERT that he has not read the book, saying that he would instead \"wait for the movie to be released\".","summary":"On Tuesday, Varoufakis told Greek state TV ERT that he has not read the book, saying that he would instead \"wait for the movie to be released\".","keySentence":"","url":"former-greek-pm-tsipras-says-no-one-could-stand-ex-finance-minister-varoufakis","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/11\/25\/former-greek-pm-tsipras-says-no-one-could-stand-ex-finance-minister-varoufakis","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Greece's former PM Alexis Tsipras has launched a scathing attack on his ex-finance minister Yanis Varoufakis, claiming that no one could stomach the firebrand economist.\n\nIn his 762-page memoir Ithaki, meaning Ithaca, released on Monday, the leftist recounted his political journey and criticised many of his former allies, including Varoufakis.\n\nTsipras argued that Varoufakis was \"more celebrity than economist\" and said that he \"underestimated the human factor\" when appointing him as finance minister during Greece's debt crisis in 2015.\n\n\"Varoufakis went from being an asset to a negative protagonist. Not only could our potential allies not stand him, but neither could his own colleagues,\" Tsipras wrote.\n\nTsipras became leader of the radical left-wing Syriza party in 2008 and oversaw its meteoric rise, culminating in his election as Greek prime minister in 2015.\n\nHaving stormed to power on an anti-austerity agenda, Tsipras \u2014 backed by Varoufakis \u2014 appeared on track to lead Greece out of the eurozone in 2015.\n\nDespite a referendum in which Greeks resoundingly rejected the EU's proposed bailout terms, Tsipras ultimately ignored the results and accepted a new package with even harsher austerity measures. Varoufakis resigned over Tsipras' decision to reverse course.\n\nIn the memoir, Tsipras said he had harboured doubts about his finance minister from an early stage of his tenure, claiming that Varoufakis was confrontational and egotistical.\n\n\"Varoufakis had proved himself to be unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling,\" Tsipras wrote.\n\n\"He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over \u2026 he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.\"\n\nOn Tuesday, Varoufakis told Greek state TV ERT that he has not read the book, saying that he would instead \"wait for the movie to be released\".\n\n\"Tsipras is the creditors\u2019 greatest achievement,\" Varoufakis said. \"He had given them everything, and they punished him. They didn\u2019t just want him to sign a memorandum, they wanted to humiliate him.\"\n\nGreece's former prime minister, who left office in 2019, resigned from his parliamentary seat and left Syriza in October, fuelling speculation that he will form a new party.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Greece's former PM Alexis Tsipras has launched a scathing attack on his ex-finance minister Yanis Varoufakis, claiming that no one could stomach the firebrand economist. <\/p>\n<p>In his 762-page memoir Ithaki, meaning Ithaca, released on Monday, the leftist recounted his political journey and criticised many of his former allies, including Varoufakis.<\/p>\n<p>Tsipras argued that Varoufakis was \"more celebrity than economist\" and said that he \"underestimated the human factor\" when appointing him as finance minister during Greece's debt crisis in 2015.<\/p>\n<p>\"Varoufakis went from being an asset to a negative protagonist. Not only could our potential allies not stand him, but neither could his own colleagues,\" Tsipras wrote.<\/p>\n<p>Tsipras became leader of the radical left-wing Syriza party in 2008 and oversaw its meteoric rise, culminating in his election as Greek prime minister in 2015.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2023//06//29//tsipras-steps-down-as-greeces-opposition-leader-after-election-defeat/">Tsipras steps down as Greece's opposition leader after election defeat<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//10//07//former-greek-pm-tsipras-quits-parliament-amid-new-party-speculation/">Former Greek PM Tsipras quits parliament amid new party speculation<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Having stormed to power on an anti-austerity agenda, Tsipras \u2014 backed by Varoufakis \u2014 appeared on track to lead Greece out of the eurozone in 2015. <\/p>\n<p>Despite a referendum in which Greeks resoundingly rejected the EU's proposed bailout terms, Tsipras ultimately ignored the results and accepted a new package with even harsher austerity measures. Varoufakis resigned over Tsipras' decision to reverse course.<\/p>\n<p>In the memoir, Tsipras said he had harboured doubts about his finance minister from an early stage of his tenure, claiming that Varoufakis was confrontational and egotistical. <\/p>\n<p>\"Varoufakis had proved himself to be unsuitable for an agreement that required complex and delicate handling,\" Tsipras wrote.<\/p>\n<p>\"He was the face of negotiation, the man who attracted publicity, who graced the covers of magazines the world over \u2026 he gave the impression he was enjoying his new role.\"<\/p>\n<p>On Tuesday, Varoufakis told Greek state TV ERT that he has not read the book, saying that he would instead \"wait for the movie to be released\".<\/p>\n<p>\"Tsipras is the creditors\u2019 greatest achievement,\" Varoufakis said. \"He had given them everything, and they punished him. They didn\u2019t just want him to sign a memorandum, they wanted to humiliate him.\"<\/p>\n<p>Greece's former prime minister, who left office in 2019, resigned from his parliamentary seat and left Syriza in October, fuelling speculation that he will form a new party.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764065621,"updatedAt":1764081512,"publishedAt":1764070591,"firstPublishedAt":1764070591,"lastPublishedAt":1764070591,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/06\/92\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_0abe7bc3-a9cf-583b-81df-c7969a94454c-9560692.jpg","altText":"FILE: Greek Minister Alexis Tsipras, right and his Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis look on during the vote for the president of Greece's parliament in Athens, Feb. 6, 2015.","caption":"FILE: Greek Minister Alexis Tsipras, right and his Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis look on during the vote for the president of Greece's parliament in Athens, Feb. 6, 2015.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Petros Giannakouris\/AP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":945,"height":531}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3238,"urlSafeValue":"guilbert","title":"Kieran Guilbert","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":128,"slug":"greece","urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","titleRaw":"Greece"},{"id":10531,"slug":"greek-politics","urlSafeValue":"greek-politics","title":"Greek politics","titleRaw":"Greek politics"},{"id":11760,"slug":"alexis-tsipras","urlSafeValue":"alexis-tsipras","title":"Alexis Tsipras","titleRaw":"Alexis Tsipras"},{"id":11862,"slug":"yanis-varoufakis","urlSafeValue":"yanis-varoufakis","title":"Yanis Varoufakis","titleRaw":"Yanis Varoufakis"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"related","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2851551},{"id":2852773},{"id":2854978}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"O-d1_kPpNpU","dailymotionId":"x9uevnw"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/30\/11\/77\/05\/ED_PYR_3011775_20251125143832.mp4","editor":"","duration":62000,"filesizeBytes":12270534,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/30\/11\/77\/05\/SHD_PYR_3011775_20251125143832.mp4","editor":"","duration":62000,"filesizeBytes":17300013,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/30\/11\/77\/05\/FHD_PYR_3011775_20251125143832.mp4","editor":"","duration":62000,"filesizeBytes":50477653,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World 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News","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":128,"urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","url":"\/news\/europe\/greece"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/11\/25\/former-greek-pm-tsipras-says-no-one-could-stand-ex-finance-minister-varoufakis","lastModified":1764070591},{"id":2847552,"cid":9554083,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"CULT MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY","daletPyramidId":3353820,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Centenary celebrations: Martha Graham's dance company hits Athens for its anniversary ","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Athens anniversary for Martha Graham's dance centenary celebrations ","titleListing2":"Janet Eilber: Martha Graham's goal was to get to the essence of human expression with her works","leadin":"The legendary American contemporary dance outfit, the Martha Graham Dance Company is staging six performances at the Athens Concert Hall to mark the 100th anniversary of its founding in New York in 1926.","summary":"The legendary American contemporary dance outfit, the Martha Graham Dance Company is staging six performances at the Athens Concert Hall to mark the 100th anniversary of its founding in New York in 1926.","keySentence":"","url":"centenary-celebrations-martha-grahams-dance-company-hits-athens-for-its-anniversary","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/2025\/11\/21\/centenary-celebrations-martha-grahams-dance-company-hits-athens-for-its-anniversary","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"After a rapturous reception in and sold out performances in four French cities, the legendary Martha Graham Dance Company, America's greatest and longest-running contemporary dance company is now in the Greek capital with \"The Fast and the Future\" to celebrate its centenary.\n\nMartha Graham is universally regarded as the founder of contemporary dance and one of the most influential figures of the 20th century.\n\nIt was she who created an entirely new dance technique, known as the \"Graham Technique\", which allowed dance to become a means of expressing the human soul and its emotions and is characterised by dramatic, intense and angular movements. Her work was revolutionary and remains, to this day, a reference point for generations of dancers and choreographers around the world.\n\nHer choreographies emphasize the theatricality of body language, highlighting all aspects of human experience and emphasizing the \"grounding\" of her own language. The 181 choreographies she has created over 70 years of continuous work have included, at various times, famous personalities, including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Margot Fontaine, Liza Minnelli, Rudolf Nureyev, Maya Plisetskaya and Kathleen Turner.\n\nThe American artist was inspired by modern painting, the American frontier, Native American religious ceremonies and Greek mythology.\n\nJanet Eilber has been the group's artistic director since 2005. She has been the company's lead dancer in the past and has worked closely with Martha Graham herself, who has choreographed her in great works.\n\n\"Martha Graham is known as a great inventor of modern dance because she was the first choreographer to put people on stage. She moved away from a style of dance that was unreal, dreamlike, a product of fantasy, with swans, flowers, kings and queens, and really showed us the human condition on stage,\" says Eilber. \"This is the essence of Martha Graham's discoveries: she found a way of moving that communicated to the audience what the dancer was thinking and feeling.\n\nMartha Graham's goal was to reach, with her choreographies, the essence of human expression. She did a piece on Medea. What she was interested in was Medea's anger and jealousy. In other choreographic works, she spoke about the essence of love or social activism, about the power of the people. These themes have endured over time. They are as recognizable to today's generations as they were to generations 100 years ago when Martha Graham was creating these works. They speak eloquently and remain relevant to today's audiences.\"\n\nA national cultural treasure for Americans, the company has performed in more than 60 countries, appearing in the world's greatest cultural centers. The First and The Future production was created especially to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the famous company's founding in New York City in 1926.\n\nIt is a dialogue between iconic works by Martha Graham, such as \"Chronicle\" and \"Errand into the Maze\" and bold new productions such as Hophes Schechter's \"Cave\":\n\n\"The program we present to our performance audiences these days includes not only the classics of Martha Graham, but also new works by some of the leading choreographers of our time,\" says Eilber.\n\n\"We find that there is a real communication between the classics and the works being created today, because they all speak to the human condition and these works have something to say to each other. Martha Graham's classical works are about the essence, the primary essence of being human. Hofes Schechter has created a work that, as you will see, is so primal, so much about the animal instinct of humans, that the two works fit perfectly into one program. They converse with each other.\"\n\nImmediately afterwards, the American contemporary dance company returns to its home base, it will embark on a major American tour of the production celebrating the company's 100th anniversary in 15 cities. It will be back in Europe in the spring, with performances in Italy and Latvia.\n\nThe Martha Graham Dance Company is performing 'The Fast and Future' at Athens Concert Hall, Alexandra Trianti Hall, until 23 November 2025.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>After a rapturous reception in and sold out performances in four French cities,the legendary Martha Graham Dance Company, America's greatest and longest-running contemporary dance company is now in the Greek capital with \"The Fast and the Future\" to celebrate its centenary.<\/p>\n<p>Martha Graham is universally regarded as the founder of contemporary dance and one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. <\/p>\n<p>It was she who created an entirely new dance technique, known as the \"Graham Technique\", which allowed dance to become a means of expressing the human soul and its emotions and is characterised by dramatic, intense and angular movements. Her work was revolutionary and remains, to this day, a reference point for generations of dancers and choreographers around the world.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-extended widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//24//84//1280x853_cmsv2_7848553e-dfe2-572d-a611-4c217043551e-9552484.jpg/" alt=\"Martha Graham Dance Company\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/384x256_cmsv2_7848553e-dfe2-572d-a611-4c217043551e-9552484.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/640x427_cmsv2_7848553e-dfe2-572d-a611-4c217043551e-9552484.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/750x500_cmsv2_7848553e-dfe2-572d-a611-4c217043551e-9552484.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/828x552_cmsv2_7848553e-dfe2-572d-a611-4c217043551e-9552484.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/1080x720_cmsv2_7848553e-dfe2-572d-a611-4c217043551e-9552484.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/1200x800_cmsv2_7848553e-dfe2-572d-a611-4c217043551e-9552484.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/1920x1280_cmsv2_7848553e-dfe2-572d-a611-4c217043551e-9552484.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Martha Graham Dance Company<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Melissa Sherwood<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Her choreographies emphasize the theatricality of body language, highlighting all aspects of human experience and emphasizing the \"grounding\" of her own language. The 181 choreographies she has created over 70 years of continuous work have included, at various times, famous personalities, including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Margot Fontaine, Liza Minnelli, Rudolf Nureyev, Maya Plisetskaya and Kathleen Turner.<\/p>\n<p>The American artist was inspired by modern painting, the American frontier, Native American religious ceremonies and Greek mythology.<\/p>\n<p>Janet Eilber has been the group's artistic director since 2005. She has been the company's lead dancer in the past and has worked closely with Martha Graham herself, who has choreographed her in great works.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-extended widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5925\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//24//84//1280x757_cmsv2_5ba1d5f6-f53d-5ad3-9d10-824cd109d87f-9552484.jpg/" alt=\"Janet Eilber\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/384x228_cmsv2_5ba1d5f6-f53d-5ad3-9d10-824cd109d87f-9552484.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/640x379_cmsv2_5ba1d5f6-f53d-5ad3-9d10-824cd109d87f-9552484.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/750x444_cmsv2_5ba1d5f6-f53d-5ad3-9d10-824cd109d87f-9552484.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/828x491_cmsv2_5ba1d5f6-f53d-5ad3-9d10-824cd109d87f-9552484.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/1080x640_cmsv2_5ba1d5f6-f53d-5ad3-9d10-824cd109d87f-9552484.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/1200x711_cmsv2_5ba1d5f6-f53d-5ad3-9d10-824cd109d87f-9552484.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/1920x1138_cmsv2_5ba1d5f6-f53d-5ad3-9d10-824cd109d87f-9552484.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Janet Eilber<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Hibbard Nash Photography<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>\"Martha Graham is known as a great inventor of modern dance because she was the first choreographer to put people on stage. She moved away from a style of dance that was unreal, dreamlike, a product of fantasy, with swans, flowers, kings and queens, and really showed us the human condition on stage,\" says Eilber. \"This is the essence of Martha Graham's discoveries: she found a way of moving that communicated to the audience what the dancer was thinking and feeling.<\/p>\n<p>Martha Graham's goal was to reach, with her choreographies, the essence of human expression.She did a piece on Medea. What she was interested in was Medea's anger and jealousy. In other choreographic works, she spoke about the essence of love or social activism, about the power of the people. These themes have endured over time. They are as recognizable to today's generations as they were to generations 100 years ago when Martha Graham was creating these works. They speak eloquently and remain relevant to today's audiences.\"<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-extended widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//24//84//1280x640_cmsv2_856820fc-50e3-58d7-af39-3ee025856586-9552484.jpg/" alt=\" Martha Graham Dance Company\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/384x192_cmsv2_856820fc-50e3-58d7-af39-3ee025856586-9552484.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/640x320_cmsv2_856820fc-50e3-58d7-af39-3ee025856586-9552484.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/750x375_cmsv2_856820fc-50e3-58d7-af39-3ee025856586-9552484.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/828x414_cmsv2_856820fc-50e3-58d7-af39-3ee025856586-9552484.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/1080x540_cmsv2_856820fc-50e3-58d7-af39-3ee025856586-9552484.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/1200x600_cmsv2_856820fc-50e3-58d7-af39-3ee025856586-9552484.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/1920x960_cmsv2_856820fc-50e3-58d7-af39-3ee025856586-9552484.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\"> Martha Graham Dance Company<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Hibbard Nash Photography<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>A national cultural treasure for Americans, the company has performed in more than 60 countries, appearing in the world's greatest cultural centers. <em>The First and The Future<\/em> production was created especially to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the famous company's founding in New York City in 1926.<\/p>\n<p>It is a dialogue between iconic works by Martha Graham, such as \"Chronicle\" and \"Errand into the Maze\" and bold new productions such as Hophes Schechter's \"Cave\":<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-extended widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.75\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//24//84//1280x962_cmsv2_377f9170-9e12-5189-8660-0b840cd6d685-9552484.jpg/" alt=\" Martha Graham Dance Company\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/384x288_cmsv2_377f9170-9e12-5189-8660-0b840cd6d685-9552484.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/640x480_cmsv2_377f9170-9e12-5189-8660-0b840cd6d685-9552484.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/750x563_cmsv2_377f9170-9e12-5189-8660-0b840cd6d685-9552484.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/828x621_cmsv2_377f9170-9e12-5189-8660-0b840cd6d685-9552484.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/1080x810_cmsv2_377f9170-9e12-5189-8660-0b840cd6d685-9552484.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/1200x900_cmsv2_377f9170-9e12-5189-8660-0b840cd6d685-9552484.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/1920x1440_cmsv2_377f9170-9e12-5189-8660-0b840cd6d685-9552484.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\"> Martha Graham Dance Company<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Isabella Pagano<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>\"The program we present to our performance audiences these days includes not only the classics of Martha Graham, but also new works by some of the leading choreographers of our time,\" says Eilber. <\/p>\n<p>\"We find that there is a real communication between the classics and the works being created today, because they all speak to the human condition and these works have something to say to each other. Martha Graham's classical works are about the essence, the primary essence of being human.Hofes Schechter has created a work that, as you will see, is so primal, so much about the animal instinct of humans, that the two works fit perfectly into one program. They converse with each other.\"<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-extended widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.75\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//24//84//1280x962_cmsv2_0b707b7d-7c5a-5900-b1f4-2c0464d8a311-9552484.jpg/" alt=\"Martha Graham Dance Company\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/384x288_cmsv2_0b707b7d-7c5a-5900-b1f4-2c0464d8a311-9552484.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/640x480_cmsv2_0b707b7d-7c5a-5900-b1f4-2c0464d8a311-9552484.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/750x563_cmsv2_0b707b7d-7c5a-5900-b1f4-2c0464d8a311-9552484.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/828x621_cmsv2_0b707b7d-7c5a-5900-b1f4-2c0464d8a311-9552484.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/1080x810_cmsv2_0b707b7d-7c5a-5900-b1f4-2c0464d8a311-9552484.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/1200x900_cmsv2_0b707b7d-7c5a-5900-b1f4-2c0464d8a311-9552484.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/84\/1920x1440_cmsv2_0b707b7d-7c5a-5900-b1f4-2c0464d8a311-9552484.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Martha Graham Dance Company<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Isabella Pagano<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Immediately afterwards, the American contemporary dance company returns to its home base, it will embark on a major American tour of the production celebrating the company's 100th anniversary in 15 cities. It will be back in Europe in the spring, with performances in Italy and Latvia.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Martha Graham Dance Company is performing '<em>The Fast and Future<\/em>' at Athens Concert Hall, Alexandra Trianti Hall, until 23 November 2025.<\/strong> <\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1763547142,"updatedAt":1763716598,"publishedAt":1763716593,"firstPublishedAt":1763716593,"lastPublishedAt":1763716597,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/40\/83\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_6794dc08-3055-5967-88f8-0a1c77a2c536-9554083.jpg","altText":"Martha Graham Dance Company ","caption":"Martha Graham Dance Company ","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Credit: Hibbard Nash Photography","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1351,"height":760}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":4145,"slug":"dance","urlSafeValue":"dance","title":"Dance","titleRaw":"Dance"},{"id":13370,"slug":"performance","urlSafeValue":"performance","title":"performance","titleRaw":"performance"},{"id":23230,"slug":"music-megaron","urlSafeValue":"music-megaron","title":"Music Megaron","titleRaw":"Music Megaron"},{"id":15436,"slug":"performance-art","urlSafeValue":"performance-art","title":"Performance art","titleRaw":"Performance art"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":5}],"related":[{"id":2808559}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x9u5bqs"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/29\/68\/57\/01\/ED_PYR_2968571_20251120180644.mp4","editor":"","duration":157360,"filesizeBytes":24237490,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/29\/68\/57\/01\/SHD_PYR_2968571_20251120180644.mp4","editor":"","duration":157360,"filesizeBytes":36890623,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/29\/68\/57\/01\/FHD_PYR_2968571_20251120180644.mp4","editor":"","duration":157360,"filesizeBytes":122634781,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Giorgos Mitropoulos & Emma De Ruiter","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"culture-news","urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture News","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/culture-news\/culture-news"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"culture","verticals":[{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"},"themes":[{"id":"culture-news","urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture news","url":"\/culture\/culture-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":53,"urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture news"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":128,"urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","url":"\/news\/europe\/greece"},"town":{"id":3230,"urlSafeValue":"athens","title":"Athens"},"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":{"id":1,"slug":"deepl","isActive":1},"localisation":{"producerLanguage":"el","storyId":9552484,"online":1},"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":1,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/culture\/2025\/11\/21\/centenary-celebrations-martha-grahams-dance-company-hits-athens-for-its-anniversary","lastModified":1763716597},{"id":2847892,"cid":9554243,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"HEALTH TOBACCO ALCOHOL SALES TO MINORS GREECE","daletPyramidId":3355289,"channels":[{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14},{"id":1},{"id":2}],"status":2,"title":"How Greece is using digital tools to enforce its alcohol and tobacco sales bans for minors","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Greece launches digital tools to enforce alcohol and tobacco sales ban","titleListing2":"How Greece is using digital tools to enforce alcohol and tobacco sales bans for minors","leadin":"Three digital tools aim to help Greece curb the sale of tobacco and alcohol products to children and teenagers.","summary":"Three digital tools aim to help Greece curb the sale of tobacco and alcohol products to children and teenagers.","keySentence":"","url":"how-greece-is-using-digital-tools-to-enforce-its-alcohol-and-tobacco-sales-bans-for-minors","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/next\/2025\/11\/20\/how-greece-is-using-digital-tools-to-enforce-its-alcohol-and-tobacco-sales-bans-for-minors","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"The Greek government introduced three new digital tools on Monday that aim to make bans on tobacco and alcohol sales to children more effective.\n\nLast July, the Greek government passed legislation to restrict young people's smoking and alcohol intake. It required shops to check the age of tobacco and alcohol buyers, with very severe penalties for offenders.\n\n\"The time has come to use all the tools we have at our disposal, so as to give the control mechanisms and the Greek Police the ability to implement this law,\" said Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.\n\nUnder the new law, businesses that sell or offer alcohol or tobacco to minors can be fined from \u20ac500 to \u20ac10,000. Violators can also lose their business licences \u2013 temporarily for a first offense, and permanently for repeat offenders.\n\nPeople can also face fines and up to three years of jail time if they sell tobacco or alcohol to minors, use children to sell tobacco, sell alcohol through vending machines, or employ or allow children to spend time in bars or similar venues.\n\nThe law also comes with restrictions on the advertising on tobacco products, such as cigarettes and vapes. Those who violate these rules can also be fined \u20ac500 to \u20ac10,000.\n\nNow, the three new tools are becoming available to help implement the law.\n\nThe first application is an online register where businesses hosting private events involving minors will be required announce them in advance. The registration will include the date and type of event, for example whether it is a prom or graduation celebration.\n\nThe second tool is another register for the control of tobacco and alcohol products. Every shop that sells tobacco or alcoholic beverages will have to declare the types of products it sells, for example cigarettes and heated tobacco products.\n\nThis will give authorities a map of all tobacco and alcohol retailers nationwide, making it easy for inspectors to conduct checks given they will know which products each shop has declared.\n\nThe third application is a secure mechanism to verify the age of a customer who wants to buy tobacco products or alcoholic beverages from any brick-and-mortar retail outlet.\n\nThe tool is based on the verification system already designed for the KidsWallet application, and promises complete security for the users' data.\n\nIn e-commerce, the same check will be automatically applied. A QR code will be displayed on the seller's website, and the buyer will scan it with their mobile phones.\n\n\"Technology now enables us to make this verification very easy,\" Mitsotakis said. \"I would like to point out that Greece is at the forefront of Europe when it comes to digital verification of the age of Greek citizens.\"\n\nHe added that the age-verification technology \"will be extremely useful for any decisions we take regarding the access of minors and social media\".\n\n","htmlText":"<p>The Greek government introduced three new digital tools on Monday that aim to make bans on tobacco and alcohol sales to children more effective.<\/p>\n<p>Last July, the Greek government passed legislation to restrict young people's smoking and alcohol intake. It required shops to check the age of tobacco and alcohol buyers, with very severe penalties for offenders.<\/p>\n<p>\"The time has come to use all the tools we have at our disposal, so as to give the control mechanisms and the Greek Police the ability to implement this law,\" said Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.<\/p>\n<p><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//health//2025//07//04//greece-passes-law-to-jail-people-for-selling-alcohol-or-tobacco-to-children/">Under the new law<\/strong><\/a>, businesses that sell or offer alcohol or tobacco to minors can be fined from \u20ac500 to \u20ac10,000. Violators can also lose their business licences \u2013 temporarily for a first offense, and permanently for repeat offenders.<\/p>\n<p>People can also face fines and up to three years of jail time if <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//health//2025//06//30//with-new-tobacco-rules-greece-wants-to-stop-parents-from-sending-children-to-buy-cigarette/">they sell tobacco<\/strong><\/a> or alcohol to minors, use children to sell tobacco, sell alcohol through vending machines, or employ or allow children to spend time in bars or similar venues.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//health//2025//05//21//europes-teens-are-less-likely-to-try-drugs-and-drink-alcohol-but-more-likely-to-vape/">Europe's teenagers are less likely to try drugs and drink alcohol but more likely to vape<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The law also comes with restrictions on the advertising on tobacco products, such as cigarettes and vapes. Those who violate these rules can also be fined \u20ac500 to \u20ac10,000.<\/p>\n<p>Now, the three new tools are becoming available to help implement the law.<\/p>\n<p>The first application is an online register where businesses hosting private events involving minors will be required announce them in advance. The registration will include the date and type of event, for example whether it is a prom or graduation celebration.<\/p>\n<p>The second tool is another register for the control of tobacco and alcohol products. Every shop that sells tobacco or alcoholic beverages will have to declare the types of products it sells, for example cigarettes and heated tobacco products.<\/p>\n<p>This will give authorities a map of all tobacco and alcohol retailers nationwide, making it easy for inspectors to conduct checks given they will know which products each shop has declared.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//health//2025//09//11//spain-moves-to-tighten-tobacco-rules-fine-parents-if-their-underage-children-smoke/">Spain moves to tighten tobacco rules, fine parents if their underage children smoke<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The third application is a secure mechanism to verify the age of a customer who wants to buy tobacco products or alcoholic beverages from any brick-and-mortar retail outlet.<\/p>\n<p>The tool is based on the verification system already designed for the KidsWallet application, and promises complete security for the users' data.<\/p>\n<p>In e-commerce, the same check will be automatically applied. A QR code will be displayed on the seller's website, and the buyer will scan it with their mobile phones.<\/p>\n<p>\"Technology now enables us to make this verification very easy,\" Mitsotakis said. \"I would like to point out that Greece is at the forefront of Europe when it comes to digital verification of the age of Greek citizens.\"<\/p>\n<p>He added that the age-verification technology \"will be extremely useful for any decisions we take regarding the access of minors and social media\".<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1763551700,"updatedAt":1763618469,"publishedAt":1763618430,"firstPublishedAt":1763618430,"lastPublishedAt":1763618468,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Greek government","altText":"Presentation of tools for alcohol and cigarettes","callToActionText":null,"width":1619,"caption":"Presentation of tools for alcohol and 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GREECE STUDENT UPRISING ANNIVERSARY","daletPyramidId":3341003,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Over 10,000 march in Athens to mark the anniversary of the 1973 student uprising","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"Over 10,000 march in Athens to mark the anniversary of the 1973 student uprising","leadin":"Thousands marched in Athens to commemorate the 1973 student uprising that helped end Greece\u2019s military dictatorship.","summary":"Thousands marched in Athens to commemorate the 1973 student uprising that helped end Greece\u2019s military dictatorship.","keySentence":"","url":"over-10000-march-in-athens-to-mark-the-anniversary-of-the-1973-student-uprising","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/11\/18\/over-10000-march-in-athens-to-mark-the-anniversary-of-the-1973-student-uprising","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Thousands of people marched in Athens on Monday to mark the anniversary of the 1973 student uprising that contributed to the fall of Greece\u2019s military junta.\n\nDemonstrators walked toward the US Embassy, continuing a tradition held every year since 1974 to protest Washington\u2019s support for the regime at the time.\n\nAuthorities deployed thousands of riot police and closed major roads and metro stations along the route.\n\nThe 1973 crackdown saw police and troops open fire on unarmed protesters, with an army tank breaking through the gates of the Polytechnic University.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Thousands of people marched in Athens on Monday to mark the anniversary of the 1973 student uprising that contributed to the fall of Greece\u2019s military junta. <\/p>\n<p>Demonstrators walked toward the US Embassy, continuing a tradition held every year since 1974 to protest Washington\u2019s support for the regime at the time. <\/p>\n<p>Authorities deployed thousands of riot police and closed major roads and metro stations along the route. <\/p>\n<p>The 1973 crackdown saw police and troops open fire on unarmed protesters, with an army tank breaking through the gates of the Polytechnic University. <\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1763450908,"updatedAt":1763454425,"publishedAt":1763453998,"firstPublishedAt":1763453998,"lastPublishedAt":1763453998,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/24\/10\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_8aef8537-6ace-5041-86a0-95899ec09145-9552410.jpg","altText":"Greek police, right, secure the perimeter of the US embassy during a rally marking the 52nd anniversary of the 1973 student uprising","caption":"Greek police, right, secure the perimeter of the US embassy during a rally marking the 52nd anniversary of the 1973 student uprising","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights 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GREECE DRONE","daletPyramidId":3316638,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Greece showcases domestic drones in military drill","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"Greece showcases domestic drones in military drill","leadin":"Greece demonstrated a broad range of domestically developed drones and counter-drone systems during a major military exercise near Alexandroupolis.","summary":"Greece demonstrated a broad range of domestically developed drones and counter-drone systems during a major military exercise near Alexandroupolis.","keySentence":"","url":"greece-showcases-domestic-drones-in-military-drill","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/11\/15\/greece-showcases-domestic-drones-in-military-drill","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Greece tested a wide array of domestically developed drones and counter-drone systems in a major military drill near the northeastern city of Alexandroupolis.\n\nOfficers from several NATO countries observed as helicopters, infantry units and multiple drone types worked together in a high-intensity mock battle.\n\nDefense Minister Nikos Dendias said the exercise signaled a new era for Greek-built unmanned systems as the country ramps up local production to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Greece tested a wide array of domestically developed drones and counter-drone systems in a major military drill near the northeastern city of Alexandroupolis. <\/p>\n<p>Officers from several NATO countries observed as helicopters, infantry units and multiple drone types worked together in a high-intensity mock battle. <\/p>\n<p>Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said the exercise signaled a new era for Greek-built unmanned systems as the country ramps up local production to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1763159177,"updatedAt":1763189826,"publishedAt":1763189467,"firstPublishedAt":1763189467,"lastPublishedAt":1763189467,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/95\/35\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_7c632b96-974b-522f-993e-b70f49467a2a-9549535.jpg","altText":"Greece's Defense Minister Nikolaos Dendias, second right, touches a drone during a live-fire exercise near the northeastern city of Alexandroupolis","caption":"Greece's Defense Minister Nikolaos Dendias, second right, touches a drone during a live-fire exercise near the northeastern city of Alexandroupolis","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. 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found.","keySentence":"","url":"researchers-discover-giant-spider-megacity-in-cave-on-albania-greece-border","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/11\/08\/researchers-discover-giant-spider-megacity-in-cave-on-albania-greece-border","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Researchers have discovered a vast spider \u201cmegacity\u201d inside Sulfur Cave, a cavern on the Albania-Greece border, according to the journal Subterranean Biology.\n\nThe colony, spanning nearly 110 square meters, is home to about 69,000 Tegenaria domestica and 42,000 Prinerigone vagans spiders living in a single interconnected web.\n\nScientists say the web could be the largest of its kind ever recorded, thriving in a dark, humid ecosystem.\n\nThe footage was filmed by Istv\u00e1n Ur\u00e1k, with photographs by Czech cave explorer Marek Audy.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Researchers have discovered a vast spider \u201cmegacity\u201d inside Sulfur Cave, a cavern on the Albania-Greece border, according to the journal Subterranean Biology. <\/p>\n<p>The colony, spanning nearly 110 square meters, is home to about 69,000 Tegenaria domestica and 42,000 Prinerigone vagans spiders living in a single interconnected web.<\/p>\n<p>Scientists say the web could be the largest of its kind ever recorded, thriving in a dark, humid ecosystem. <\/p>\n<p>The footage was filmed by Istv\u00e1n Ur\u00e1k, with photographs by Czech cave explorer Marek Audy.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1762638307,"updatedAt":1763201430,"publishedAt":1762639649,"firstPublishedAt":1762639649,"lastPublishedAt":1763201430,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/18\/24\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_9aecad31-f304-5bf7-807e-125e651c1dd4-9541824.jpg","altText":"Researchers discover giant spider \u2018Megacity\u2019 in cave on Albania-Greece border","caption":"Researchers discover giant spider \u2018Megacity\u2019 in cave on Albania-Greece border","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"\u00a9 Marek Audy","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1200,"height":675}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":17406,"slug":"spider","urlSafeValue":"spider","title":"spider","titleRaw":"spider"},{"id":13558,"slug":"cave","urlSafeValue":"cave","title":"cave","titleRaw":"cave"},{"id":128,"slug":"greece","urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","titleRaw":"Greece"},{"id":5,"slug":"albania","urlSafeValue":"albania","title":"Albania","titleRaw":"Albania"}],"widgets":[],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"dXzXGSU1Kao","dailymotionId":"x9tgefe"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/28\/84\/26\/08\/ED_PYR_2884268_20251108220606.mp4","editor":"","duration":31960,"filesizeBytes":7494966,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/28\/84\/26\/08\/SHD_PYR_2884268_20251108220606.mp4","editor":"","duration":31960,"filesizeBytes":9481792,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/28\/84\/26\/08\/FHD_PYR_2884268_20251108220606.mp4","editor":"","duration":31960,"filesizeBytes":24467304,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"nocomment","urlSafeValue":"nocomment","title":"No Comment","online":1,"url":"\/nocomment"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":128,"urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","url":"\/news\/europe\/greece"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/video\/2025\/11\/08\/researchers-discover-giant-spider-megacity-in-cave-on-albania-greece-border","lastModified":1763201430},{"id":2844696,"cid":9540277,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"GREECE MEASURES AFTER CRETE SHOOTING","daletPyramidId":3234561,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Athens vows 'Greek FBI' crackdown on 'cyclone' of crime in Crete","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Athens vows 'Greek FBI' crackdown on 'cyclone' of crime in Crete","titleListing2":"Athens vows 'Greek FBI' crackdown on 'cyclone' of crime in Crete","leadin":"Greek Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis announced a crackdown on organised crime in Crete, including stricter gun penalties, after a deadly shooting in Vorizia.","summary":"Greek Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis announced a crackdown on organised crime in Crete, including stricter gun penalties, after a deadly shooting in Vorizia.","keySentence":"","url":"athens-vows-greek-fbi-crackdown-on-cyclone-of-crime-in-crete","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/11\/07\/athens-vows-greek-fbi-crackdown-on-cyclone-of-crime-in-crete","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Greek Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis announced a comprehensive crackdown on crime in Crete, including stricter gun penalties and permanent deployment of an elite organised crime unit following a deadly shooting in Vorizia that killed two people and injured at least six others.\n\n\"The glass is overflowing ... no more bullies and local mafias in Crete,\" Chrysochoidis said at a Heraklion press conference, unveiling legislative changes and reinforced police presence on the island.\n\nThe measures follow Saturday's shooting in Vorizia village near Heraklion, where gunfire erupted during what authorities described as a family feud, killing two and wounding at least six others including a child, according to domestic reports.\n\nA section of the Directorate for the Fight against Organised Crime, described by officials as Greece's equivalent to the FBI, will be permanently stationed in Crete. The unit specialises in dismantling criminal networks and investigating serious organised crime.\n\nChrysochoidis warned against a \"cyclone of unrest and uncertainty\" affecting ordinary citizens, laying the blame for it on emerging \"delinquent and anti-social behaviour, criminal groups that loot, bullies who think they are above the law, and rats in the state coffers who steal the fair labour of citizens.\"\n\n\"This will stop,\" the minister in charge of public security services pledged.\n\n\"The progress made since the crisis is not a given. The biggest danger is our own pathologies that may lead us to new crises, now that the world is more demanding than ever.\"\n\nCrete has experienced recurring incidents of gun violence in recent years, often linked to family disputes, property disagreements and organised criminal activity.\n\nDetails of the specific legislative changes and enhanced penalties for illegal possession of weapons are expected to be announced in the coming days as the Greek government prepares to present measures to parliament.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Greek Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis announced a comprehensive crackdown on crime in Crete, including stricter gun penalties and permanent deployment of an elite organised crime unit following a deadly shooting in Vorizia that killed two people and injured at least six others.<\/p>\n<p>\"The glass is overflowing ... no more bullies and local mafias in Crete,\" Chrysochoidis said at a Heraklion press conference, unveiling legislative changes and reinforced police presence on the island.<\/p>\n<p>The measures follow Saturday's shooting in Vorizia village near Heraklion, where gunfire erupted during what authorities described as a family feud, killing two and wounding at least six others including a child, according to domestic reports.<\/p>\n<p>A section of the Directorate for the Fight against Organised Crime, described by officials as Greece's equivalent to the FBI, will be permanently stationed in Crete. The unit specialises in dismantling criminal networks and investigating serious organised crime.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5865\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//54//00//60//808x473_cmsv2_db6369f3-6579-558a-a27a-6bbe0046f9e7-9540060.jpg/" alt=\"From the press conference in Crete\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/00\/60\/384x225_cmsv2_db6369f3-6579-558a-a27a-6bbe0046f9e7-9540060.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/00\/60\/640x375_cmsv2_db6369f3-6579-558a-a27a-6bbe0046f9e7-9540060.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/00\/60\/750x440_cmsv2_db6369f3-6579-558a-a27a-6bbe0046f9e7-9540060.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/00\/60\/828x486_cmsv2_db6369f3-6579-558a-a27a-6bbe0046f9e7-9540060.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/00\/60\/1080x633_cmsv2_db6369f3-6579-558a-a27a-6bbe0046f9e7-9540060.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/00\/60\/1200x704_cmsv2_db6369f3-6579-558a-a27a-6bbe0046f9e7-9540060.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/00\/60\/1920x1126_cmsv2_db6369f3-6579-558a-a27a-6bbe0046f9e7-9540060.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">From the press conference of Chrysochoidis in Crete<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Chrysochoidis warned against a \"cyclone of unrest and uncertainty\" affecting ordinary citizens, laying the blame for it on emerging \"delinquent and anti-social behaviour, criminal groups that loot, bullies who think they are above the law, and rats in the state coffers who steal the fair labour of citizens.\"<\/p>\n<p>\"This will stop,\" the minister in charge of public security services pledged. <\/p>\n<p>\"The progress made since the crisis is not a given. The biggest danger is our own pathologies that may lead us to new crises, now that the world is more demanding than ever.\"<\/p>\n<p>Crete has experienced recurring incidents of gun violence in recent years, often linked to family disputes, property disagreements and organised criminal activity. <\/p>\n<p>Details of the specific legislative changes and enhanced penalties for illegal possession of weapons are expected to be announced in the coming days as the Greek government prepares to present measures to parliament.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1762512080,"updatedAt":1762528454,"publishedAt":1762528451,"firstPublishedAt":1762528451,"lastPublishedAt":1762528451,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/18\/14\/08\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_5692f0e3-5eb0-5bea-b940-efc143ffa4cb-8181408.jpg","altText":"FILE: Police officers block a street in Athens, 13 November 2018","caption":"FILE: Police officers block a street in Athens, 13 November 2018","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":741,"urlSafeValue":"giagkinis","title":"Ioannis Giagkinis","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":128,"slug":"greece","urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","titleRaw":"Greece"},{"id":7950,"slug":"shootings","urlSafeValue":"shootings","title":"Shootings","titleRaw":"Shootings"},{"id":11642,"slug":"police","urlSafeValue":"police","title":"Police","titleRaw":"Police"},{"id":12392,"slug":"massacre","urlSafeValue":"massacre","title":"Massacre","titleRaw":"Massacre"},{"id":13468,"slug":"crete","urlSafeValue":"crete","title":"Crete","titleRaw":"Crete"},{"id":13876,"slug":"possession-of-weapons","urlSafeValue":"possession-of-weapons","title":"possession of weapons","titleRaw":"possession of weapons"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2846939}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":128,"urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","url":"\/news\/europe\/greece"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":{"id":1,"slug":"deepl","isActive":1},"localisation":{"producerLanguage":"el","storyId":9540060,"online":1},"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":1,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/11\/07\/athens-vows-greek-fbi-crackdown-on-cyclone-of-crime-in-crete","lastModified":1762528451},{"id":2842947,"cid":9532408,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"Greece still buries its waste","daletPyramidId":null,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Greece still buries nearly 80% of its waste despite billions spent and bins everywhere","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Why does Greece continues to bury its rubbish and recycle very little?","titleListing2":"Greece still buries nearly 80% of its waste despite billions spent and bins everywhere","leadin":"The waste problem is particularly critical in Athens and the wider area of the Greek capital.","summary":"The waste problem is particularly critical in Athens and the wider area of the Greek capital.","keySentence":"","url":"greece-still-buries-nearly-80-of-its-waste-despite-billions-spent-and-bins-everywhere","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/green\/2025\/10\/31\/greece-still-buries-nearly-80-of-its-waste-despite-billions-spent-and-bins-everywhere","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Billions of euros have been spent on recycling infrastructure in Greece. Dozens of information and awareness-raising campaigns have been carried out.\n\nThe streets of Greek cities are full of bins collecting all kinds of materials: plastic and aluminium packaging, paper, food scraps, footwear and clothing.In many different retail stores, there are special bins that collect batteries and electrical appliances for recycling.\n\nAnd yet, Greece continues to bury around 79 per cent of its waste, according to figures presented by the Association of Recycling and Energy Recovery Industries and Enterprises (SEPAN).\n\nThe Association's president, Lena Belsi, stresses that a majority of Greece's waste is still buried while recycling rates barely reach 17 per cent, a level that is one of the lowest in Europe.\n\nShe explains that there are two main reasons for this phenomenon.\n\nThe first is the absence of disincentives (mainly specific taxes or fines) that would force households and businesses to recycle more.\n\n\"Burial is the easiest and cheapest solution in Greece\", Belsi tells Euronews.\n\n\"Burial remains a cheap solution because the special burial fee remains low in the country, especially compared to other EU countries. In other EU countries, the landfill fee was the main disincentive that worked and increased recycling rates. But in Greece it remains at \u20ac35 per tonne. There are countries, such as Italy, where this fee exceeds \u20ac100 per tonne.\"\n\nThe second reason for the reduced recycling rates has to do with the mentality of Greek citizens, according to Belsi.\n\n\"Citizens take their rubbish outside their house and then think it disappears. They forget about it, they have the feeling that the garbage goes somewhere where they don't see it and it doesn't bother them, so they don't pay much attention to it. But that is not the case. Landfilling garbage does great harm to the environment. \"\n\nGreek capital plagued by waste\n\nWhile Greece lags behind in recycling overall, the problem is particularly critical in Athens and the wider area of the Greek capital.\n\n\"Attica is lagging far behind,\" Belsi warns, stressing that there is an urgent need to move forward with modern infrastructure projects for waste recovery and the development of the circular economy in the Greek capital.\n\nWaste management in Attica remains one of the most persistent and intractable problems in the country.\n\nDespite an ongoing 'green transition' and the adoption of European targets for a circular economy, the system is still largely based on landfilling.\n\nThe landfill site at Fili, which has been operating for over two decades, receives around 90 per cent of Attica's waste, although it is at its limits and is now seen as an environmental and social problem.\n\nThe lack of alternative infrastructure, combined with delays in the implementation of new treatment plants, creates a deadlock that is threatening to create a management crisis in the near future.\n\nRecycling in Attica is at disappointing levels: only around 15 per cent, well below the European average.\n\n\"If the problem of Attica is not solved, no matter how much progress is made in the rest of the country, it will not be enough to improve the overall picture of Greece\", she said.\n\nSuccessful exceptions\n\nThe island of Tilos is one of the most successful examples of a green transition in Greece, having reduced its waste to almost zero through its \"Just Go Zero\" programme.\n\nThrough source sorting, reuse and composting, the island recycles over 85 per cent of its waste.\n\nThere are a few other net zero examples, not as successful as the one on Tilos, which are mainly in the pilot stage, on the islands of Antiparos, Alonissos, Paros and Naxos.\n\nBut individual examples, such as that of Tilos, are not sufficient to reverse the overall picture.\n\nIn order to increase the national recycling rates, the Association of Recycling and Energy Recovery Industries and Enterprises is calling on the Greek state to make the procedures for the licensing of recycling workshops simpler and faster. It is also asking for stricter controls on the implementation of the recycling obligations of businesses and to impose stricter sanctions on those who do not fulfil their obligations.\n\nThe EU has set a target of recycling at least 70 per cent of all waste by 2030.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Billions of euros have been spent on recycling infrastructure in Greece. Dozens of information and awareness-raising campaigns have been carried out.<\/p>\n<p>The streets of Greek cities are full of bins collecting all kinds of materials:<a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//04//14//fossil-fuels-in-another-form-plastic-recycling-rate-stagnates-at-under-10-report-finds/"> <strong>plastic<\/strong> <\/a>and aluminium packaging, paper, food scraps, footwear and clothing.In many different retail stores, there are special bins that collect batteries and electrical appliances for recycling.<\/p>\n<p>And yet, Greece continues to bury around 79 per cent of its waste, according to figures presented by the Association of Recycling and Energy Recovery Industries and Enterprises (SEPAN).<\/p>\n<p>The Association's president, Lena Belsi, stresses that a majority of Greece's waste is still buried while recycling rates barely reach 17 per cent, a level that is <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//10//23//eu-produces-353kg-of-plastic-packaging-waste-per-person-each-year-which-country-recycles-t/">one of the lowest in Europe<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>She explains that there are two main reasons for this phenomenon.<\/p>\n<p>The first is the absence of disincentives (mainly specific taxes or fines) that would force households and businesses to recycle more.<\/p>\n<p>\"Burial is the easiest and cheapest solution in Greece\", Belsi tells Euronews. <\/p>\n<p>\"Burial remains a cheap solution because the special burial fee remains low in the country, especially compared to other EU countries. In other EU countries, the landfill fee was the main disincentive that worked and increased recycling rates. But in Greece it remains at \u20ac35 per tonne. There are countries, such as Italy, where this fee exceeds \u20ac100 per tonne.\"<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//10//23//eu-produces-353kg-of-plastic-packaging-waste-per-person-each-year-which-country-recycles-t/">EU produces 35.3kg of plastic packaging waste per person each year: Which country recycles the most?<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The second reason for the reduced recycling rates has to do with the mentality of Greek citizens, according to Belsi.<\/p>\n<p>\"Citizens take their rubbish outside their house and then think it disappears. They forget about it, they have the feeling that the garbage goes somewhere where they don't see it and it doesn't bother them, so they don't pay much attention to it. But that is not the case. Landfilling garbage does great harm to the environment. \"<\/p>\n<h2>Greek capital plagued by waste<\/h2>\n<p>While Greece lags behind in recycling overall, the problem is particularly critical in Athens and the wider area of the Greek capital.<\/p>\n<p>\"Attica is lagging far behind,\" Belsi warns, stressing that there is an urgent need to move forward with modern infrastructure projects for waste recovery and the development of the circular economy in the Greek capital.<\/p>\n<p>Waste management in Attica remains one of the most persistent and intractable problems in the country.<\/p>\n<p>Despite an ongoing 'green transition' and the adoption of European targets for a circular economy, the system is still largely based on landfilling.<\/p>\n<p>The landfill site at Fili, which has been operating for over two decades, receives around 90 per cent of Attica's waste, although it is at its limits and is now seen as an environmental and social problem. <\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//10//27//europes-water-crisis-how-waste-is-amplifying-the-climate-crisis-and-costing-millions/">Europe/u2019s water crisis: How waste is \u2018amplifying\u2019 the climate crisis and costing millions<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The lack of alternative infrastructure, combined with delays in the implementation of new treatment plants, creates a deadlock that is threatening to create a management crisis in the near future. <\/p>\n<p>Recycling in Attica is at disappointing levels: only around 15 per cent, well below the European average.<\/p>\n<p>\"If the problem of Attica is not solved, no matter how much progress is made in the rest of the country, it will not be enough to improve the overall picture of Greece\", she said.<\/p>\n<h2>Successful exceptions<\/h2>\n<p>The island of Tilos is one of the most successful examples of a green transition in Greece, having reduced its waste to almost zero through its\"Just Go Zero\" programme.<\/p>\n<p>Through source sorting, reuse and composting, the island recycles over 85 per cent of its waste.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//53//23//06//808x539_cmsv2_666dbf4a-1c73-5d4b-b002-751f92ec28c7-9532306.jpg/" alt=\"A member of the waste collection crew uses a portable scale to weigh garbage for recycling on the island of Tilos in the Aegean Sea\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/53\/23\/06\/384x256_cmsv2_666dbf4a-1c73-5d4b-b002-751f92ec28c7-9532306.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/53\/23\/06\/640x427_cmsv2_666dbf4a-1c73-5d4b-b002-751f92ec28c7-9532306.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/53\/23\/06\/750x500_cmsv2_666dbf4a-1c73-5d4b-b002-751f92ec28c7-9532306.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/53\/23\/06\/828x552_cmsv2_666dbf4a-1c73-5d4b-b002-751f92ec28c7-9532306.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/53\/23\/06\/1080x720_cmsv2_666dbf4a-1c73-5d4b-b002-751f92ec28c7-9532306.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/53\/23\/06\/1200x800_cmsv2_666dbf4a-1c73-5d4b-b002-751f92ec28c7-9532306.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/53\/23\/06\/1920x1280_cmsv2_666dbf4a-1c73-5d4b-b002-751f92ec28c7-9532306.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">A member of the waste collection crew uses a portable scale to weigh garbage for recycling on the island of Tilos in the Aegean Sea<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>There are a few other net zero examples, not as successful as the one on Tilos, which are mainly in the pilot stage, on the islands of Antiparos, Alonissos, Paros and Naxos.<\/p>\n<p>But individual examples, such as that of Tilos, are not sufficient to reverse the overall picture.<\/p>\n<p>In order to increase the national <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//my-europe//2025//10//31//reduce-reuse-recycle-how-much-packaging-waste-do-eu-citizens-produce/">recycling rates<\/strong><\/a>, the Association of Recycling and Energy Recovery Industries and Enterprises is calling on the Greek state to make the procedures for the licensing of recycling workshops simpler and faster. It is also asking for stricter controls on the implementation of the recycling obligations of businesses and to impose stricter sanctions on those who do not fulfil their obligations.<\/p>\n<p>The EU has set a target of recycling at least 70 per cent of all waste by 2030.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1761912518,"updatedAt":1761915694,"publishedAt":1761915691,"firstPublishedAt":1761915691,"lastPublishedAt":1761915691,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/53\/23\/06\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_071d9c34-402c-5262-8418-8d60f68ae563-9532306.jpg","altText":"Members of a recycling plant separate waste at a sorting bench on the island of Tilos in the Aegean Sea, southeastern Greece, 2022","caption":"Members of a recycling plant separate waste at a sorting bench on the island of Tilos in the Aegean Sea, southeastern Greece, 2022","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1333}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":574,"urlSafeValue":"touchtidou","title":"Symela Touchtidou","twitter":"@stouchtidou"}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":105,"slug":"european-union","urlSafeValue":"european-union","title":"European Union","titleRaw":"European Union"},{"id":128,"slug":"greece","urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","titleRaw":"Greece"},{"id":8913,"slug":"recycling","urlSafeValue":"recycling","title":"Recycling","titleRaw":"Recycling"},{"id":9507,"slug":"environmental-protection","urlSafeValue":"environmental-protection","title":"Environmental protection","titleRaw":"Environmental protection"},{"id":29838,"slug":"dechets-plastiques","urlSafeValue":"dechets-plastiques","title":"plastic waste","titleRaw":"plastic waste"},{"id":1712,"slug":"athens","urlSafeValue":"athens","title":"Athens","titleRaw":"Athens"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":1},{"slug":"related","count":2}],"related":[{"id":2825144},{"id":2846939}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"green-news","urlSafeValue":"green-news","title":"Green News","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/green\/green-news\/green-news"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"green","verticals":[{"id":8,"slug":"green","urlSafeValue":"green","title":"Green"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":8,"slug":"green","urlSafeValue":"green","title":"Green"},"themes":[{"id":"green-news","urlSafeValue":"green-news","title":"Green News","url":"\/green\/green-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":35,"urlSafeValue":"green-news","title":"Green News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":128,"urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","url":"\/news\/europe\/greece"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":{"id":1,"slug":"deepl","isActive":1},"localisation":{"producerLanguage":"el","storyId":9532306,"online":1},"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":1,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/green\/2025\/10\/31\/greece-still-buries-nearly-80-of-its-waste-despite-billions-spent-and-bins-everywhere","lastModified":1761915691},{"id":2842667,"cid":9531040,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"GREEN PLAN TO COMBAT ATHENS WATER SHORTAGE ","daletPyramidId":3157332,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Greece announces \u20ac2.5 billion plan to tackle drought and secure water supply","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Greece puts in place a plan to immediately bolster water supplies","titleListing2":"Water scarcity: Athens puts in place a plan for immediate replenishment of water reserves","leadin":"Climate change and the drought \"threaten\" Athens with water scarcity for the first time in 30 years. The emergency plan aims to avoid this.","summary":"Climate change and the drought \"threaten\" Athens with water scarcity for the first time in 30 years. The emergency plan aims to avoid this.","keySentence":"","url":"greece-announces-25-billion-plan-to-tackle-drought-and-secure-water-supply","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/green\/2025\/10\/30\/greece-announces-25-billion-plan-to-tackle-drought-and-secure-water-supply","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Greece has just launched \u20ac2.5 billion worth of projects to implement its water management plan and tackle the growing threat of water scarcity.\n\nEnvironment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou announced the investment alongside Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company's (EYDAP) 100th anniversary event. They stressed that water would remain a public good and maintain its status as some of the highest quality in Europe.\n\nThe centrepiece of the plan is a project to partially divert the flow of the Krikeliotis and Karpenisiotis rivers into the Evinos reservoir, which supplies the Greek capital. It is designed to secure Attica's water supply for the next three decades.\n\nPapastavrou warned that climate change is worsening water scarcity at a time when Greece's water availability is near historic lows. The new measures aim to safeguard drinking water for more than half the country's population and bring greater coordination to water management nationwide.\n\nThe key river diversion project\n\nThe centrepiece of the plan is a partial diversion of the Krikeliotis and Karpenisiotis rivers into the Evinos reservoir. The project is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2029 \u2013 a century after the Marathon Dam was finished.\n\nMeanwhile, EYDAP is pursuing short-term measures to immediately bolster Attica's water supply. These include exploiting new wells in Mavrosouvala, Ymittos and the Boeotian Kifisos, which together could provide around 150 million cubic metres of water annually once operational.\n\nPapastavrou said two significant medium-term projects are also in the pipeline if needed. The first involves a water pipeline to link the External Water Supply System with desalination facilities. The second is a new onshore desalination plant with a capacity of up to 87.5 million cubic metres per year.\n\nThe government also plans to expand EYDAP and EYATH's geographical remit to include irrigation within their service areas, while streamlining Greece's fragmented water management landscape by consolidating 750 providers.\n\nMitsotakis: 1990s water crisis 'must not be repeated'\n\nSpeaking at EYDAP's centenary event at the Goulandris Natural History Museum, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis warned of the very real danger of water shortages facing Attica.\n\n\"Attica faces a very big problem in terms of water supply if no drastic measures are taken. Hope is not a strategy and we have to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.\"\n\nHe added that the partial diversion of the Krikeliotis and Karpenisiotis rivers could transfer more than 200 million cubic metres of water by natural flow, without pumping stations.\n\n\"This project will ensure that for the next thirty years Attica will not face a water supply problem\", the Greek Prime Minister stressed, recalling \"the water supply crisis of the 1990s, which must never be repeated\".\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Greece has just launched \u20ac2.5 billion worth of projects to implement its water management plan and tackle the growing threat of water scarcity.<\/p>\n<p>Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou announced the investment alongside Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company's (EYDAP) 100th anniversary event. They stressed that water would remain a public good and maintain its status as some of the highest quality in Europe.<\/p>\n<p>The centrepiece of the plan is a project to partially divert the flow of the Krikeliotis and Karpenisiotis rivers into the Evinos reservoir, which supplies the Greek capital. It is designed to secure Attica's water supply for the next three decades.<\/p>\n<p>Papastavrou warned that climate change is worsening water scarcity at a time when Greece's water availability is near historic lows. The new measures aim to safeguard drinking water for more than half the country's population and bring greater coordination to water management nationwide.<\/p>\n<h2>The key river diversion project<\/h2>\n<p>The centrepiece of the plan is a partial diversion of the Krikeliotis and Karpenisiotis rivers into the Evinos reservoir. The project is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2029 \u2013 a century after the Marathon Dam was finished.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, EYDAP is pursuing short-term measures to immediately bolster Attica's water supply. These include exploiting new wells in Mavrosouvala, Ymittos and the Boeotian Kifisos, which together could provide around 150 million cubic metres of water annually once operational.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//green//2025//07//24//greek-pm-unveils-national-plan-to-combat-worsening-water-scarcity-and-climate-driven-droug/">Greek PM unveils national plan to combat worsening water scarcity and climate-driven droughts<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Papastavrou said two significant medium-term projects are also in the pipeline if needed. The first involves a water pipeline to link the External Water Supply System with desalination facilities. The second is a new onshore desalination plant with a capacity of up to 87.5 million cubic metres per year.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//53//09//93//808x539_cmsv2_1ed7e900-e341-5de0-8c6c-3bc467137d54-9530993.jpg/" alt=\"Kyriakos Mitsotakis\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/53\/09\/93\/384x256_cmsv2_1ed7e900-e341-5de0-8c6c-3bc467137d54-9530993.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/53\/09\/93\/640x427_cmsv2_1ed7e900-e341-5de0-8c6c-3bc467137d54-9530993.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/53\/09\/93\/750x500_cmsv2_1ed7e900-e341-5de0-8c6c-3bc467137d54-9530993.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/53\/09\/93\/828x552_cmsv2_1ed7e900-e341-5de0-8c6c-3bc467137d54-9530993.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/53\/09\/93\/1080x720_cmsv2_1ed7e900-e341-5de0-8c6c-3bc467137d54-9530993.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/53\/09\/93\/1200x800_cmsv2_1ed7e900-e341-5de0-8c6c-3bc467137d54-9530993.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/53\/09\/93\/1920x1280_cmsv2_1ed7e900-e341-5de0-8c6c-3bc467137d54-9530993.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Kyriakos Mitsotakis<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">amna<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The government also plans to expand EYDAP and EYATH's geographical remit to include irrigation within their service areas, while streamlining Greece's fragmented water management landscape by consolidating 750 providers.<\/p>\n<h2>Mitsotakis: 1990s water crisis 'must not be repeated'<\/h2>\n<p>Speaking at EYDAP's centenary event at the Goulandris Natural History Museum, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis warned of the very real danger of water shortages facing Attica.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//news//2025//10//06//athenians-embrace-urban-beekeeping-hosting-hives-on-rooftops-to-support-local-ecosystems/">Athenians embrace urban beekeeping, hosting hives on rooftops to support local ecosystems<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>\"Attica faces a very big problem in terms of water supply if no drastic measures are taken. Hope is not a strategy and we have to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.\" <\/p>\n<p> He added that the partial diversion of the Krikeliotis and Karpenisiotis rivers could transfer more than 200 million cubic metres of water by natural flow, without pumping stations.<\/p>\n<p>\"This project will ensure that for the next thirty years Attica will not face a water supply problem\", the Greek Prime Minister stressed, recalling \"the water supply crisis of the 1990s, which must never be repeated\".<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1761822386,"updatedAt":1761832412,"publishedAt":1761832402,"firstPublishedAt":1761832402,"lastPublishedAt":1761832402,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/53\/09\/93\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_20ac8aef-984e-5969-9c70-45c956c3c19c-9530993.jpg","altText":"stock photo","caption":"stock photo","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Thanassis Stavrakis\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":638,"urlSafeValue":"karagiorgas","title":"Ioannis Karagiorgas","twitter":"@IKaragiorgas"}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":128,"slug":"greece","urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","titleRaw":"Greece"},{"id":9403,"slug":"drought","urlSafeValue":"drought","title":"Drought","titleRaw":"Drought"},{"id":9513,"slug":"water-shortage","urlSafeValue":"water-shortage","title":"Water shortage","titleRaw":"Water shortage"},{"id":15386,"slug":"climate-change","urlSafeValue":"climate-change","title":"climate change","titleRaw":"climate change"},{"id":12170,"slug":"water-crisis","urlSafeValue":"water-crisis","title":"Water Crisis","titleRaw":"Water Crisis"},{"id":1712,"slug":"athens","urlSafeValue":"athens","title":"Athens","titleRaw":"Athens"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":1},{"slug":"related","count":2}],"related":[{"id":2818028}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"\u0391\u03a0\u0395-\u039c\u03a0\u0395","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"green-news","urlSafeValue":"green-news","title":"Green News","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/green\/green-news\/green-news"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"green","verticals":[{"id":8,"slug":"green","urlSafeValue":"green","title":"Green"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":8,"slug":"green","urlSafeValue":"green","title":"Green"},"themes":[{"id":"green-news","urlSafeValue":"green-news","title":"Green News","url":"\/green\/green-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":35,"urlSafeValue":"green-news","title":"Green News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":128,"urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","url":"\/news\/europe\/greece"},"town":{"id":1712,"urlSafeValue":"athens","title":"Athens"},"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":{"id":1,"slug":"deepl","isActive":1},"localisation":{"producerLanguage":"el","storyId":9530993,"online":1},"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":1,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/green\/2025\/10\/30\/greece-announces-25-billion-plan-to-tackle-drought-and-secure-water-supply","lastModified":1761832402},{"id":2840612,"cid":9522524,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"TRAVEL GREECE VISITORS 2025 ","daletPyramidId":3077019,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Strong rise in non-EU tourists boosts Greece\u2019s travel sector amid drop in EU visitor numbers","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Greece sees tourism growth despite decline in EU visitors","titleListing2":"Tourism: increase in tourist arrivals in Greece - decrease in arrivals from EU countries","leadin":"Both tourism spending and visitor numbers in Greece increased in the eight months between January and August 2025","summary":"Both tourism spending and visitor numbers in Greece increased in the eight months between January and August 2025","keySentence":"","url":"strong-rise-in-non-eu-tourists-boosts-greeces-travel-sector-amid-drop-in-eu-visitor-number","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/2025\/10\/22\/strong-rise-in-non-eu-tourists-boosts-greeces-travel-sector-amid-drop-in-eu-visitor-number","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Tourist arrivals in Greece in 2025 have shown a new increase in the period January-August. At the same time, spending by tourists also increased in both August and overall during the eight-month period.\n\nAccording to the Bank of Greece report, travel spending increased by 10.5 per cent in August 2025 and by 12.0 per cent in the period January-August 2025.\n\nInbound travel increased by 8.1 per cent in August 2025 and by 4.1 per cent in January-August 2025.\n\nGreece's travel balance\n\nAccording to provisional data from the Bank of Greece, the travel balance in August 2025 showed a surplus of \u20ac4.15 billion, compared to a surplus of \u20ac3.8 billion in the same month of 2024.\n\nIn particular, a 10.5 per cent increase in spending by travellers was recorded in August 2025, which stood at \u20ac4.5 billion, compared to \u20ac4.09 billion in the corresponding month of 2024.\n\nAn increase of 41.4 per cent was also seen in the amount of money Greek travellers spent while abroad: \u20ac375.0 million in August 2025 compared to \u20ac265.3 million in August 2024.\n\nThe increase in spending by tourists in Greece was due to both an 8.1 per cent rise in inbound travel and a 1.7 per cent rise in average expenditure per trip.\n\nFrom January to August 2025, Greece recorded a travel surplus of \u20ac14.3 billion, compared to \u20ac13.0 billion during the same period in 2024. This improvement was mainly due to an increase in the amount spent in Greece by foreign visitors, which reached \u20ac16.7 billion, up \u20ac1.8 billion or 12.0 per cent from the previous year.\n\nThe rise in spending was driven by a 4.1 per cent increase in the number of travellers coming to Greece, as well as a 7.2 per cent increase in how much each person spent on average during their stay.\n\nSpending by Greek residents abroad also increased during this period. It reached \u20ac2.4 billion, an increase of \u20ac500 million or 26 per cent compared to January to August 2024.\n\nTravel spending: Which countries are spending more in Greece?\n\nIn August 2025 alone, the amount spent by foreign visitors in Greece rose by 10.5 per cent compared to the same month the year before. Spending by travellers from non-EU countries jumped by 30.5 per cent to \u20ac1.86 billion. In contrast, spending by visitors from EU-27 countries fell slightly, decreasing by 2.0 per cent to \u20ac2.44 billion, down from \u20ac2.49 billion in August 2024.\n\nWithin the EU, the drop was due to a 5.4 per cent decrease in spending by visitors from euro area countries, which totalled \u20ac1.85 billion. However, spending by visitors from EU countries outside the euro area rose by 10.9 per cent to \u20ac587.8 million.\n\nAmong the main countries using the euro, spending by visitors from Germany dropped by 16.5 per cent to \u20ac612.3 million. Spending from France decreased by 13.7 per cent to \u20ac262.7 million, and spending from Italy fell by 8.0 per cent to \u20ac337.5 million. On the other hand, visitors from the United Kingdom spent \u20ac848.7 million, a sharp increase of 40.0 per cent.\n\nSpending by visitors from the United States declined by 3.1 per cent to \u20ac205.3 million, while spending by Russian visitors increased to \u20ac4.9 million.\n\nLooking at the full eight-month period from January to August 2025, total money spent in Greece by foreign travellers rose by 12.0 per cent compared to the same time in 2024, amounting to \u20ac16.7 billion.\n\nOf that, \u20ac9.18 billion came from visitors from EU-27 countries, marking an increase of 9.4 per cent. Visitors from countries outside the EU spent \u20ac6.71 billion, a rise of 14.9 per cent. Within the EU total, spending by travellers from euro area countries reached \u20ac7.11 billion, up by 7.2 per cent. Travellers from EU countries outside the euro area spent \u20ac2.07 billion, an increase of 17.4 per cent.\n\nAmong key markets, visitors from Germany spent \u20ac2.64 billion, up by 6.6 per cent. Spending from France increased by 5.5 per cent to \u20ac1.02 billion, and from Italy by 1.4 per cent to \u20ac984.3 million.\n\nVisitors from the United Kingdom spent \u20ac2.49 billion, up by 8.7 per cent, while those from the United States spent \u20ac1.17 billion, marking a strong increase of 20.6 per cent. Spending from Russian visitors increased to \u20ac22.6 million.\n\nWhere are tourists visiting Greece from?\n\nIn terms of visitor numbers, August 2025 saw 7.47 million arrivals in Greece, up by 8.1 per cent compared to the same month in 2024.\n\nAir travel increased by 2.7 per cent, while arrivals through road border crossings jumped by 22.7 per cent. The total increase was supported by a 4.5 per cent rise in visitors from EU-27 countries and a 14.6 per cent increase in arrivals from other countries.\n\nSpecifically, the number of travellers from euro area countries rose by 3.1 per cent to 2.93 million, while those from non-euro EU countries increased by 6.8 per cent to 1.71 million. Travel from Germany was up by 7.2 per cent to 1.08 million people. Visitor numbers from France dipped slightly by 0.7 per cent to 450,700, while those from Italy rose by 0.4 per cent to 555,300.\n\nArrivals from the United Kingdom grew strongly by 12.4 per cent to 978.4 thousand, while the number of visitors from the United States fell by 23.5 per cent to 174.2 thousand. Travel from Russia increased slightly to 4.1 thousand visitors.\n\nOver the full January to August period, Greece welcomed 25.92 million inbound travellers, a 4.1 per cent increase compared to 24.89 million during the same time in 2024. Arrivals by air were up by 4.2 per cent, while road arrivals increased by 4.8 per cent.\n\nA total of 15.29 million travellers came from EU-27 countries, which was nearly unchanged from the previous year, with a slight increase of 0.2 per cent. Within that group, visitors from the euro area rose by 3.8 per cent, while those from non-euro EU countries fell by 6.9 per cent. Arrivals from countries outside the EU rose more significantly, by 10.4 per cent, reaching 10.64 million people.\n\nAmong individual countries, Germany sent the most visitors, with 3.89 million arrivals, up by 7.8 per cent. France saw a decline of 6.3 per cent to 1.42 million visitors, while travel from Italy rose by 2.1 per cent to 1.58 million. Visitor numbers from the United Kingdom increased by 4.5 per cent to 3.28 million, and travel from the United States rose by 6.1 per cent to 1.08 million. Visitor arrivals from Russia increased to 20.1 thousand.\n\nIt is important to note that these figures do not include cruise ship passengers, except for those recorded through the Border Survey.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Tourist arrivals in Greece in 2025 have shown a new increase in the period January-August. At the same time, spending by tourists also increased in both August and overall during the eight-month period.<\/p>\n<p>According to the Bank of Greece report, travel spending increased by 10.5 per cent in August 2025 and by 12.0 per cent in the period January-August 2025. <\/p>\n<p>Inbound travel increased by 8.1 per cent in August 2025 and by 4.1 per cent in January-August 2025.<\/p>\n<h2>Greece's travel balance<\/h2>\n<p>According to provisional data from the Bank of Greece, the travel balance in August 2025 showed a surplus of \u20ac4.15 billion, compared to a surplus of \u20ac3.8 billion in the same month of 2024.<\/p>\n<p>In particular, a 10.5 per cent increase in spending by travellers was recorded in August 2025, which stood at \u20ac4.5 billion, compared to \u20ac4.09 billion in the corresponding month of 2024.<\/p>\n<p>An increase of 41.4 per cent was also seen in the amount of money <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2025//07//25//greek-travellers-chose-longer-breaks-and-staying-with-family-or-friends-in-2024/">Greek travellers spent while abroad<\/strong><\/a>: \u20ac375.0 million in August 2025 compared to \u20ac265.3 million in August 2024.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2025//10//18//japan-approves-countrys-highest-ever-hotel-tax-in-kyoto-heres-how-much-you-will-have-to-pa/">Japan smashes visitor records amid overtourism cries. Will its new tourist tax calm the surge?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2025//10//20//worlds-top-10-countries-for-digital-nomads-revealed-and-seven-are-in-europe/">World/u2019s top 10 countries for digital nomads revealed - and seven are in Europe<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The increase in spending by tourists in Greece was due to both an 8.1 per cent rise in inbound travel and a 1.7 per cent rise in average expenditure per trip.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6669921875\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//52//25//18//808x539_cmsv2_1242f0c2-2511-5acd-98ed-e2f0d3f0da45-9522518.jpg/" alt=\"stock photo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/25\/18\/384x256_cmsv2_1242f0c2-2511-5acd-98ed-e2f0d3f0da45-9522518.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/25\/18\/640x427_cmsv2_1242f0c2-2511-5acd-98ed-e2f0d3f0da45-9522518.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/25\/18\/750x500_cmsv2_1242f0c2-2511-5acd-98ed-e2f0d3f0da45-9522518.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/25\/18\/828x552_cmsv2_1242f0c2-2511-5acd-98ed-e2f0d3f0da45-9522518.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/25\/18\/1080x720_cmsv2_1242f0c2-2511-5acd-98ed-e2f0d3f0da45-9522518.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/25\/18\/1200x800_cmsv2_1242f0c2-2511-5acd-98ed-e2f0d3f0da45-9522518.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/25\/18\/1920x1281_cmsv2_1242f0c2-2511-5acd-98ed-e2f0d3f0da45-9522518.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">File photo<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Petros Giannakouris\/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>From January to August 2025, Greece recorded a travel surplus of \u20ac14.3 billion, compared to \u20ac13.0 billion during the same period in 2024. This improvement was mainly due to an increase in the amount spent in Greece by foreign visitors, which reached \u20ac16.7 billion, up \u20ac1.8 billion or 12.0 per cent from the previous year. <\/p>\n<p>The rise in spending was driven by a 4.1 per cent increase in the number of travellers coming to Greece, as well as a 7.2 per cent increase in how much each person spent on average during their stay.<\/p>\n<p>Spending by Greek residents abroad also increased during this period. It reached \u20ac2.4 billion, an increase of \u20ac500 million or 26 per cent compared to January to August 2024.<\/p>\n<h2>Travel spending: Which countries are spending more in Greece?<\/h2>\n<p>In August 2025 alone, the amount spent by foreign visitors in Greece rose by 10.5 per cent compared to the same month the year before. Spending by travellers from non-EU countries jumped by 30.5 per cent to \u20ac1.86 billion. In contrast, spending by visitors from EU-27 countries fell slightly, decreasing by 2.0 per cent to \u20ac2.44 billion, down from \u20ac2.49 billion in August 2024.<\/p>\n<p>Within the EU, the drop was due to a 5.4 per cent decrease in spending by visitors from euro area countries, which totalled \u20ac1.85 billion. However, spending by visitors from EU countries outside the euro area rose by 10.9 per cent to \u20ac587.8 million.<\/p>\n<p>Among the main countries using the euro, spending by visitors from Germany dropped by 16.5 per cent to \u20ac612.3 million. Spending from France decreased by 13.7 per cent to \u20ac262.7 million, and spending from Italy fell by 8.0 per cent to \u20ac337.5 million. On the other hand, visitors from the United Kingdom spent \u20ac848.7 million, a sharp increase of 40.0 per cent. <\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6669921875\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//03//79//30//808x539_cmsv2_9a40842b-d00e-5c18-b70c-845e2e07d69d-9037930.jpg/" alt=\"stock photo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/79\/30\/384x256_cmsv2_9a40842b-d00e-5c18-b70c-845e2e07d69d-9037930.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/79\/30\/640x427_cmsv2_9a40842b-d00e-5c18-b70c-845e2e07d69d-9037930.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/79\/30\/750x500_cmsv2_9a40842b-d00e-5c18-b70c-845e2e07d69d-9037930.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/79\/30\/828x552_cmsv2_9a40842b-d00e-5c18-b70c-845e2e07d69d-9037930.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/79\/30\/1080x720_cmsv2_9a40842b-d00e-5c18-b70c-845e2e07d69d-9037930.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/79\/30\/1200x800_cmsv2_9a40842b-d00e-5c18-b70c-845e2e07d69d-9037930.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/79\/30\/1920x1281_cmsv2_9a40842b-d00e-5c18-b70c-845e2e07d69d-9037930.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Stock photo<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Petros Giannakouris\/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Spending by visitors from the United States declined by 3.1 per cent to \u20ac205.3 million, while spending by Russian visitors increased to \u20ac4.9 million.<\/p>\n<p>Looking at the full eight-month period from January to August 2025, total money spent in Greece by foreign travellers rose by 12.0 per cent compared to the same time in 2024, amounting to \u20ac16.7 billion.<\/p>\n<p>Of that, \u20ac9.18 billion came from visitors from EU-27 countries, marking an increase of 9.4 per cent. Visitors from countries outside the EU spent \u20ac6.71 billion, a rise of 14.9 per cent. Within the EU total, spending by travellers from euro area countries reached \u20ac7.11 billion, up by 7.2 per cent. Travellers from EU countries outside the euro area spent \u20ac2.07 billion, an increase of 17.4 per cent.<\/p>\n<p>Among key markets, visitors from Germany spent \u20ac2.64 billion, up by 6.6 per cent. Spending from France increased by 5.5 per cent to \u20ac1.02 billion, and from Italy by 1.4 per cent to \u20ac984.3 million. <\/p>\n<p>Visitors from the United Kingdom spent \u20ac2.49 billion, up by 8.7 per cent, while those from the United States spent \u20ac1.17 billion, marking a strong increase of 20.6 per cent. Spending from Russian visitors increased to \u20ac22.6 million.<\/p>\n<h2>Where are tourists visiting Greece from?<\/h2>\n<p>In terms of <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2025//05//15//this-greek-island-is-europes-most-overtouristed-destination-according-to-new-report/">visitor numbers,<\/strong><\/a> August 2025 saw 7.47 million arrivals in Greece, up by 8.1 per cent compared to the same month in 2024. <\/p>\n<p>Air travel increased by 2.7 per cent, while arrivals through road border crossings jumped by 22.7 per cent. The total increase was supported by a 4.5 per cent rise in visitors from EU-27 countries and a 14.6 per cent increase in arrivals from other countries.<\/p>\n<p>Specifically, the number of travellers from euro area countries rose by 3.1 per cent to 2.93 million, while those from non-euro EU countries increased by 6.8 per cent to 1.71 million. Travel from Germany was up by 7.2 per cent to 1.08 million people. Visitor numbers from France dipped slightly by 0.7 per cent to 450,700, while those from Italy rose by 0.4 per cent to 555,300. <\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2025//10//15//iceland-to-propose-higher-tourist-tax-following-record-breaking-number-of-visitors/">Iceland to \u2018propose\u2019 higher tourist tax following record-breaking number of visitors<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2025//10//02//spain-smashes-summer-visitor-records-in-2025-despite-overtourism-measures/">Spain smashes summer visitor records in 2025 despite overtourism measures<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Arrivals from the United Kingdom grew strongly by 12.4 per cent to 978.4 thousand, while the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//my-europe//2025//08//11//spain-malta-finland-which-eu-countries-are-international-tourists-visiting-the-most/">number of visitors<\/strong><\/a> from the United States fell by 23.5 per cent to 174.2 thousand. Travel from Russia increased slightly to 4.1 thousand visitors.<\/p>\n<p>Over the full January to August period, Greece welcomed 25.92 million inbound travellers, a 4.1 per cent increase compared to 24.89 million during the same time in 2024. Arrivals by air were up by 4.2 per cent, while road arrivals increased by 4.8 per cent.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6669921875\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//52//25//18//808x539_cmsv2_7f3c7360-315e-59e1-a9d2-4b67627da098-9522518.jpg/" alt=\"stock photo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/25\/18\/384x256_cmsv2_7f3c7360-315e-59e1-a9d2-4b67627da098-9522518.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/25\/18\/640x427_cmsv2_7f3c7360-315e-59e1-a9d2-4b67627da098-9522518.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/25\/18\/750x500_cmsv2_7f3c7360-315e-59e1-a9d2-4b67627da098-9522518.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/25\/18\/828x552_cmsv2_7f3c7360-315e-59e1-a9d2-4b67627da098-9522518.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/25\/18\/1080x720_cmsv2_7f3c7360-315e-59e1-a9d2-4b67627da098-9522518.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/25\/18\/1200x800_cmsv2_7f3c7360-315e-59e1-a9d2-4b67627da098-9522518.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/25\/18\/1920x1281_cmsv2_7f3c7360-315e-59e1-a9d2-4b67627da098-9522518.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Stock photo<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Petros Giannakouris\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved.<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>A total of 15.29 million travellers came from EU-27 countries, which was nearly unchanged from the previous year, with a slight increase of 0.2 per cent. Within that group, visitors from the euro area rose by 3.8 per cent, while those from non-euro EU countries fell by 6.9 per cent. Arrivals from countries outside the EU rose more significantly, by 10.4 per cent, reaching 10.64 million people.<\/p>\n<p>Among individual countries, <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2025//08//22//german-british-and-american-tourists-are-choosing-greece-this-and-they-are-spending-more/">Germany/strong>/a> sent the most visitors, with 3.89 million arrivals, up by 7.8 per cent. France saw a decline of 6.3 per cent to 1.42 million visitors, while travel from Italy rose by 2.1 per cent to 1.58 million. Visitor numbers from the United Kingdom increased by 4.5 per cent to 3.28 million, and travel from the United States rose by 6.1 per cent to 1.08 million. Visitor arrivals from Russia increased to 20.1 thousand.<\/p>\n<p>It is important to note that these figures do not include cruise ship passengers, except for those recorded through the Border Survey.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1761135873,"updatedAt":1761139700,"publishedAt":1761139695,"firstPublishedAt":1761139695,"lastPublishedAt":1761139695,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/75\/53\/42\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_cd6d332b-3fc8-52a2-9752-3523015efaf3-7755342.jpg","altText":"stock photo","caption":"stock photo","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Thanassis Stavrakis\/Copyright 2023 The AP. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":686}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":638,"urlSafeValue":"karagiorgas","title":"Ioannis Karagiorgas","twitter":"@IKaragiorgas"}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":105,"slug":"european-union","urlSafeValue":"european-union","title":"European Union","titleRaw":"European Union"},{"id":128,"slug":"greece","urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","titleRaw":"Greece"},{"id":4221,"slug":"tourism","urlSafeValue":"tourism","title":"Tourism","titleRaw":"Tourism"},{"id":12860,"slug":"money","urlSafeValue":"money","title":"money","titleRaw":"money"},{"id":11019,"slug":"air-transport","urlSafeValue":"air-transport","title":"Air transport","titleRaw":"Air transport"},{"id":20944,"slug":"road","urlSafeValue":"road","title":"road","titleRaw":"road"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":3},{"slug":"related","count":2}],"related":[{"id":2840641}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"travel-news","urlSafeValue":"travel-news","title":"Travel News","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/travel-news\/travel-news"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"travel","verticals":[{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"},"themes":[{"id":"travel-news","urlSafeValue":"travel-news","title":"Travel News","url":"\/travel\/travel-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":21,"urlSafeValue":"travel-news","title":"Travel News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":128,"urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","url":"\/news\/europe\/greece"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":{"id":1,"slug":"deepl","isActive":1},"localisation":{"producerLanguage":"el","storyId":9522518,"online":1},"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":1,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/travel\/2025\/10\/22\/strong-rise-in-non-eu-tourists-boosts-greeces-travel-sector-amid-drop-in-eu-visitor-number","lastModified":1761139695},{"id":2840364,"cid":9521300,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"GREEK PROTEST BAN TOMB OF UNKNOWN SOLDIER ","daletPyramidId":3066921,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Greek plan to ban protests at Tomb of Unknown Soldier in Athens sparks backlash","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Greek plan to ban protests at Tomb of Unknown Soldier sparks backlash","titleListing2":"Greek plan to ban protests at Tomb of Unknown Soldier in Athens sparks backlash","leadin":"Opposition parties claim the move is an attempt to stop anti-government rallies from taking place at the site.","summary":"Opposition parties claim the move is an attempt to stop anti-government rallies from taking place at the site.","keySentence":"","url":"greek-plan-to-ban-protests-at-tomb-of-unknown-soldier-in-athens-sparks-backlash","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/10\/21\/greek-plan-to-ban-protests-at-tomb-of-unknown-soldier-in-athens-sparks-backlash","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Greece's conservative government has proposed banning protests at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens, triggering an outcry from the opposition.\n\nPrime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' government on Tuesday submitted an amendment to the law governing the care of the monument, resulting in a fiery parliamentary debate.\n\nFour opposition parties lodged objections, saying that the amendment is unconstitutional and curbs citizens' right to free expression and protest. Greece's left-wing Syriza party called for a protest on Tuesday evening.\n\nThe monument \u2014 a cenotaph in honour of those who have died fighting for Greece \u2014 is a popular tourist stop for visitors wanting to see the hourly changing of the presidential guard. It is also frequently the site of anti-government demonstrations.\n\nThe amendment tabled by the government would allow visitors but would ban protests or physical changes to the area. Offenders would face a fine or up to one year in prison.\n\n\"The aim (of the amendment) is not divisive. The aim is the respect, the reinforcement of respect for a sacred monument,\" government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis claimed on Monday.\n\nHowever, opposition parties argue the move is a direct reaction to anti-government rallies over the 2023 Tempi disaster, the country's most deadly ever rail accident.\n\nAfter the fatal crash in February 2023, the space in front of the monument became the focal point for demonstrations led by some of the relatives of the victims.\n\nThe disaster, in which a freight train and a passenger train heading in opposite directions collided after being put on the same track, killed 57 people, mostly university students.\n\nThe crash has become a major political issue in Greece.\n\nIt exposed severe deficiencies in Greece\u2019s railway network, including in safety systems, and triggered mass anti-government protests. Critics accuse authorities of failing to take political responsibility for the disaster or holding senior officials accountable.\n\nThe trial of 36 people charged in connection with the crash is scheduled to start in March 2026.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Greece's conservative government has proposed banning protests at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens, triggering an outcry from the opposition.<\/p>\n<p>Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' government on Tuesday submitted an amendment to the law governing the care of the monument, resulting in a fiery parliamentary debate.<\/p>\n<p>Four opposition parties lodged objections, saying that the amendment is unconstitutional and curbs citizens' right to free expression and protest. Greece's left-wing Syriza party called for a protest on Tuesday evening.<\/p>\n<p>The monument \u2014 a cenotaph in honour of those who have died fighting for Greece \u2014 is a popular tourist stop for visitors wanting to see the hourly changing of the presidential guard. It is also frequently the site of anti-government demonstrations. <\/p>\n<p>The amendment tabled by the government would allow visitors but would ban protests or physical changes to the area. Offenders would face a fine or up to one year in prison.<\/p>\n<p>\"The aim (of the amendment) is not divisive. The aim is the respect, the reinforcement of respect for a sacred monument,\" government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis claimed on Monday.<\/p>\n<p>However, opposition parties argue the move is a direct reaction to anti-government rallies over the 2023 Tempi disaster, the country's most deadly ever rail accident. <\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//52//13//00//808x454_cmsv2_464674b1-0bb2-5272-b5ee-2e4172966f2a-9521300.jpg/" alt=\"Tourists watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Greek parliament, in Athens, Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/13\/00\/384x216_cmsv2_464674b1-0bb2-5272-b5ee-2e4172966f2a-9521300.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/13\/00\/640x360_cmsv2_464674b1-0bb2-5272-b5ee-2e4172966f2a-9521300.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/13\/00\/750x422_cmsv2_464674b1-0bb2-5272-b5ee-2e4172966f2a-9521300.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/13\/00\/828x466_cmsv2_464674b1-0bb2-5272-b5ee-2e4172966f2a-9521300.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/13\/00\/1080x608_cmsv2_464674b1-0bb2-5272-b5ee-2e4172966f2a-9521300.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/13\/00\/1200x675_cmsv2_464674b1-0bb2-5272-b5ee-2e4172966f2a-9521300.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/13\/00\/1920x1080_cmsv2_464674b1-0bb2-5272-b5ee-2e4172966f2a-9521300.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Tourists watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Greek parliament, in Athens, Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Petros Giannakouris\/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>After the fatal crash in February 2023, the space in front of the monument became the focal point for demonstrations led by some of the relatives of the victims. <\/p>\n<p>The disaster, in which a freight train and a passenger train heading in opposite directions collided after being put on the same track, killed 57 people, mostly university students.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//my-europe//2025//03//11//how-greek-protests-over-a-deadly-train-crash-triggered-a-deluge-of-disinformation/">How Greek protests over a deadly train crash triggered a deluge of disinformation<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//07//29//pro-palestine-group-in-greece-protests-arrival-of-israeli-cruise-ship-on-crete-island/">Pro-Palestine group in Greece protests arrival of Israeli cruise ship on Crete island<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The crash has become a major political issue in Greece. <\/p>\n<p>It exposed severe deficiencies in Greece\u2019s railway network, including in safety systems, and triggered mass anti-government protests. Critics accuse authorities of failing to take political responsibility for the disaster or holding senior officials accountable.<\/p>\n<p>The trial of 36 people charged in connection with the crash is scheduled to start in March 2026.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1761057924,"updatedAt":1761061498,"publishedAt":1761061487,"firstPublishedAt":1761061487,"lastPublishedAt":1761061487,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/13\/00\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_afaf0379-d33b-54c8-98eb-3306b590bd73-9521300.jpg","altText":"FILE: People with Greek flags attend a rally in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018.","caption":"FILE: People with Greek flags attend a rally in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Thanassis Stavrakis\/Copyright 2018 The AP. All rights reserved.","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":576},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/52\/13\/00\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_464674b1-0bb2-5272-b5ee-2e4172966f2a-9521300.jpg","altText":"Tourists watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Greek parliament, in Athens, Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025","caption":"Tourists watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Greek parliament, in Athens, Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Petros Giannakouris\/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":576}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3238,"urlSafeValue":"guilbert","title":"Kieran Guilbert","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":128,"slug":"greece","urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","titleRaw":"Greece"},{"id":4378,"slug":"protest","urlSafeValue":"protest","title":"Protest","titleRaw":"Protest"},{"id":10531,"slug":"greek-politics","urlSafeValue":"greek-politics","title":"Greek politics","titleRaw":"Greek politics"},{"id":1712,"slug":"athens","urlSafeValue":"athens","title":"Athens","titleRaw":"Athens"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":1},{"slug":"related","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2838045},{"id":2836483}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"AP","additionalReporting":"","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},{"id":2,"slug":"my-europe","urlSafeValue":"my-europe","title":"Europe"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"},{"id":"europe-news","urlSafeValue":"europe-news","title":"Europe News","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":128,"urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","url":"\/news\/europe\/greece"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/10\/21\/greek-plan-to-ban-protests-at-tomb-of-unknown-soldier-in-athens-sparks-backlash","lastModified":1761061487},{"id":2839175,"cid":9514751,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"GREECE NEW LABOUR LAW","daletPyramidId":3024947,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Greece's parliament approves bill extending working hours despite nationwide protests","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Greece approves bill extending working hours despite protests","titleListing2":"Greece's parliament approves bill extending working hours despite nationwide protests","leadin":"Greece's conservative government says the \"Fair Work for All\" legislation aims to make the labour market more flexible and effective.","summary":"Greece's conservative government says the \"Fair Work for All\" legislation aims to make the labour market more flexible and effective.","keySentence":"","url":"greeces-parliament-approves-bill-extending-working-hours-despite-nationwide-protests","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/10\/17\/greeces-parliament-approves-bill-extending-working-hours-despite-nationwide-protests","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Greece's parliament approved a bill on Thursday which allows employers in the private sector to extend\u00a0the number of hours an employee can work, despite protests across the country from workers grappling with a cost-of-living crisis.\n\nThe bill, entitled \"Fair Work for All,\" allows employers to extend the work day to 13 hours, up from the current eight.\n\nGreece's conservative government, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, says the new legislation aims to make the labour market more flexible and effective.\n\nBut the proposal has already triggered two general strikes this month, with unions denouncing it as a violation of fundamental labour rights.\n\n\"The enactment of the 13-hour single-employer working week is the final phase of deregulation of labour relations. Together with the other provisions of the bill, they form the new mosaic of work based on burnout,\" the Civil Servants' Confederation (ADEDY) said in a statement.\n\nWhile the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) trade union slammed it as a \"tool of profitability at the expense of human dignity\" and demanded the government \u00a0stop legislating in the absence of society.\"\n\nWithin the European Union, Greek employees\u00a0already work some of the longest shifts at an average of around 40\u00a0hours, compared to 34\u00a0hours\u00a0in Germany and 32 in the Netherlands, according to Eurostat data.\n\nSimilar conclusions were reached in a similar OECD survey for 2023. That survey found that Greeks worked around 1,897 hours across the year, leading Europe in hours worked.\n\nA 2024 Eurostat survey on long hours - defined by the EU's statistics agency as working 49 hours or more a week in a main job -found that Greece had the highest proportion of people in the EU working long hours, at 12.4%.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Greece's parliament approved a bill on Thursday which allows employers in the private sector to extend the number of hours an employee can work, despite protests across the country from workers grappling with a cost-of-living crisis.<\/p>\n<p>The bill, entitled \"Fair Work for All,\" allows employers to extend the work day to 13 hours, up from the current eight.<\/p>\n<p>Greece's conservative government, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, says the new legislation aims to make the labour market more flexible and effective.<\/p>\n<p>But the proposal has already triggered two general strikes this month, with unions denouncing it as a violation of fundamental labour rights.<\/p>\n<p>\"The enactment of the 13-hour single-employer working week is the final phase of deregulation of labour relations. Together with the other provisions of the bill, they form the new mosaic of work based on burnout,\" the Civil Servants' Confederation (ADEDY) said in a statement.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//51//47//51//808x539_cmsv2_efdd9e23-9a48-5f38-a6f9-d2f9eee2261f-9514751.jpg/" alt=\"Protesters take part in a nationwide 24-hour strike against extended working hours in Athens, 14 October, 2025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/51\/47\/51\/384x256_cmsv2_efdd9e23-9a48-5f38-a6f9-d2f9eee2261f-9514751.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/51\/47\/51\/640x427_cmsv2_efdd9e23-9a48-5f38-a6f9-d2f9eee2261f-9514751.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/51\/47\/51\/750x500_cmsv2_efdd9e23-9a48-5f38-a6f9-d2f9eee2261f-9514751.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/51\/47\/51\/828x552_cmsv2_efdd9e23-9a48-5f38-a6f9-d2f9eee2261f-9514751.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/51\/47\/51\/1080x720_cmsv2_efdd9e23-9a48-5f38-a6f9-d2f9eee2261f-9514751.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/51\/47\/51\/1200x800_cmsv2_efdd9e23-9a48-5f38-a6f9-d2f9eee2261f-9514751.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/51\/47\/51\/1920x1280_cmsv2_efdd9e23-9a48-5f38-a6f9-d2f9eee2261f-9514751.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Protesters take part in a nationwide 24-hour strike against extended working hours in Athens, 14 October, 2025<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>While the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) trade union slammed it as a \"tool of profitability at the expense of human dignity\" and demanded the government stop legislating in the absence of society.\"<\/p>\n<p>Within the European Union, Greek employees already work some of the longest shifts at an average of around 40 hours, compared to 34 hours in Germany and 32 in the Netherlands, according to Eurostat data.<\/p>\n<p>Similar conclusions were reached in a similar OECD <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.oecd.org//en//data//indicators//hours-worked.html?oecdcontrol-324c268e53-var1=CZE%7CDNK%7CEST%7CFIN%7CFRA%7CDEU%7CGRC%7CHUN%7CIRL%7CITA%7CLVA%7CLTU%7CLUX%7CNLD%7CPOL%7CPRT%7CSVK%7CSVN%7CESP%7CSWE%7CEU27%7CAUT%7CBEL&oecdcontrol-d7f68dbeee-var3=2023\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\">survey<\/a> for 2023. That survey found that Greeks worked around 1,897 hours across the year, leading Europe in hours worked.<\/p>\n<p><a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////gr.euronews.com//my-europe//2025//08//26//ellada-kai-kypros-arnhtiko-didymo-koryfhs-sthn-ee-sthn-polywrh-ergasia-ana-ebdomada/">A 2024 Eurostat survey on long hours<\/a> - defined by the EU's statistics agency as working 49 hours or more a week in a main job -found that Greece had the highest proportion of people in the EU working long hours, at 12.4%.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1760631620,"updatedAt":1760698103,"publishedAt":1760698099,"firstPublishedAt":1760698099,"lastPublishedAt":1760698099,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/51\/47\/51\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_732e52ed-e500-57a6-9ff1-14f6f1fc99d9-9514751.jpg","altText":"Lawmakers applaud Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his speech in parliament in Athens, 5 March, 2025","caption":"Lawmakers applaud Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his speech in parliament in Athens, 5 March, 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1620,"height":911},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/51\/47\/51\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_efdd9e23-9a48-5f38-a6f9-d2f9eee2261f-9514751.jpg","altText":"Protesters take part in a nationwide 24-hour strike against extended working hours in Athens, 14 October, 2025","caption":"Protesters take part in a nationwide 24-hour strike against extended working hours in Athens, 14 October, 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1333}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":690,"urlSafeValue":"drougka","title":"Nicoleta Drougka","twitter":"@NicoleDrouga"},{"id":2972,"urlSafeValue":"blackburn","title":"Gavin 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PARTHENON NO SCAFFOLDING","daletPyramidId":2976095,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Free view: Greece's famed Parthenon clear of scaffolding for first time in decades ","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Greece's Parthenon free of scaffolding for first time in 20 years ","titleListing2":"The Parthenon, Greece's most famous temple, is now free of scaffolding for the first time in decades ","leadin":"The iron constructions inevitably hid certain details and altered the aesthetic experience on the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis, however the scaffolding is set to return for restoration work to continue.","summary":"The iron constructions inevitably hid certain details and altered the aesthetic experience on the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis, however the scaffolding is set to return for restoration work to continue.","keySentence":"","url":"free-view-greeces-famed-parthenon-clear-of-scaffolding-for-first-time-in-decades","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/2025\/10\/12\/free-view-greeces-famed-parthenon-clear-of-scaffolding-for-first-time-in-decades","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"For the first time in two decades, Athenians and people visiting the Greek capital now have a clear view of the Parthenon, free from scaffolding.\n\nSupports erected for conservation work 20 years ago along the 5th century B.C temple's western fa\u00e7ade have now been taken down, allowing an uncluttered view of the UNESCO World Heritage site.\n\nIron structures inevitably hid certain details and altered the aesthetic experience on the Holy Rock.\n\nThe removal of the equipment, however, is temporary and is expected to last until November.\n\nMore modern, but more discreet, scaffolding will return as it is necessary to continue the maintenance and restoration works of the unique monument, which are expected to be completed in spring 2026.\n\nThe Acropolis is by far the most popular tourist attraction in Greece. About 4.5 million visitors visited it in 2024, according to ELSTAT.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>For the first time in two decades, Athenians and people visiting the Greek capital now have a clear view of the Parthenon, free from scaffolding.<\/p>\n<p>Supports erected for conservation work 20 years ago along the 5th century B.C temple's western fa\u00e7ade have now been taken down, allowing an uncluttered view of the UNESCO World Heritage site.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//50//73//12//808x539_cmsv2_a817d234-a10a-535a-a23e-5f0c8ab39da2-9507312.jpg/" alt=\"Presidential Guards walk past the free of scaffolding Parthenon temple on the Acropolis hill in Athens, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/50\/73\/12\/384x256_cmsv2_a817d234-a10a-535a-a23e-5f0c8ab39da2-9507312.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/50\/73\/12\/640x427_cmsv2_a817d234-a10a-535a-a23e-5f0c8ab39da2-9507312.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/50\/73\/12\/750x500_cmsv2_a817d234-a10a-535a-a23e-5f0c8ab39da2-9507312.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/50\/73\/12\/828x552_cmsv2_a817d234-a10a-535a-a23e-5f0c8ab39da2-9507312.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/50\/73\/12\/1080x720_cmsv2_a817d234-a10a-535a-a23e-5f0c8ab39da2-9507312.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/50\/73\/12\/1200x800_cmsv2_a817d234-a10a-535a-a23e-5f0c8ab39da2-9507312.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/50\/73\/12\/1920x1280_cmsv2_a817d234-a10a-535a-a23e-5f0c8ab39da2-9507312.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Presidential Guards walk past the free of scaffolding Parthenon temple on the Acropolis hill in Athens, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo\/Yorgos Karahalis<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"6724212,8483654\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2023//11//28//why-britain-should-want-to-return-the-parthenon-marbles-argued-by-a-professor-of-aegean-hi/">The Aegean archaeologist who says Britain has moral duty to return the Parthenon Marbles <\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2024//06//06//turkish-official-says-no-record-of-legitimate-sale-of-the-parthenon-marbles/">Turkish official says no record of legitimate sale of the Parthenon Marbles<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Iron structures inevitably hid certain details and altered the aesthetic experience on the Holy Rock.<\/p>\n<p>The removal of the equipment, however, is temporary and is expected to last until November.<\/p>\n<p>More modern, but more discreet, scaffolding will return as it is necessary to continue the maintenance and restoration works of the unique monument, which are expected to be completed in spring 2026.<\/p>\n<p>The Acropolis is by far the most popular tourist attraction in Greece. About 4.5 million visitors visited it in 2024, according to ELSTAT.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1760268430,"updatedAt":1760302182,"publishedAt":1760288023,"firstPublishedAt":1760288023,"lastPublishedAt":1760288023,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/50\/72\/31\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_028d9f2f-82dd-530c-822b-189c29119d3f-9507231.jpg","altText":"The Parthenon without scaffolding. Sunday 12 October 2025","caption":"The Parthenon without scaffolding. Sunday 12 October 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Yorgos Karahalis\/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved.","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/50\/73\/12\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_a817d234-a10a-535a-a23e-5f0c8ab39da2-9507312.jpg","altText":"Presidential Guards walk past the free of scaffolding Parthenon temple on the Acropolis hill in Athens, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025","caption":"Presidential Guards walk past the free of scaffolding Parthenon temple on the Acropolis hill in Athens, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Yorgos Karahalis","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1333}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":128,"slug":"greece","urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","titleRaw":"Greece"},{"id":574,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture","titleRaw":"Culture"},{"id":12582,"slug":"acropolis","urlSafeValue":"acropolis","title":"Acropolis","titleRaw":"Acropolis"},{"id":26422,"slug":"parthenon","urlSafeValue":"parthenon","title":"Parthenon","titleRaw":"Parthenon"},{"id":25440,"slug":"world-heritage-site","urlSafeValue":"world-heritage-site","title":"World Heritage Site","titleRaw":"World Heritage Site"},{"id":15948,"slug":"unesco-kultur-miras-listesi","urlSafeValue":"unesco-kultur-miras-listesi","title":"UNESCO Cultural Heritage List","titleRaw":"UNESCO Cultural Heritage List"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":1},{"slug":"related","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2391876},{"id":2837940},{"id":2840364}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"k-bHr8o0UJk","dailymotionId":"x9s1aaq"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/26\/70\/64\/03\/ED_PYR_2670643_20251012204947.mp4","editor":"","duration":39040,"filesizeBytes":8892944,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/26\/70\/64\/03\/SHD_PYR_2670643_20251012204947.mp4","editor":"","duration":39040,"filesizeBytes":11804654,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/26\/70\/64\/03\/FHD_PYR_2670643_20251012204947.mp4","editor":"","duration":39040,"filesizeBytes":32076476,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"Tokunbo Salako ","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Euronews Greece ","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"culture-news","urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture News","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/culture-news\/culture-news"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"culture","verticals":[{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"},"themes":[{"id":"culture-news","urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture news","url":"\/culture\/culture-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":53,"urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture news"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":104,"urlSafeValue":"europe","title":"Europe"},"country":{"id":128,"urlSafeValue":"greece","title":"Greece","url":"\/news\/europe\/greece"},"town":{"id":1712,"urlSafeValue":"athens","title":"Athens"},"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":{"id":1,"slug":"deepl","isActive":1},"localisation":{"producerLanguage":"el","storyId":9507231,"online":1},"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":1,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/culture\/2025\/10\/12\/free-view-greeces-famed-parthenon-clear-of-scaffolding-for-first-time-in-decades","lastModified":1760288023}]">