Athens will enforce heightened security measures over the next days, prompting the temporary closure of the National Garden, one of the city’s most central public parks. The decision comes as Greece prepares for the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the upcoming Polytechnic commemorations, an annual event that traditionally draws large public gatherings.

According to the Athens Municipality, the Greek police (ELAS) requested that the park remain closed for almost 48 hours. The garden will be shut all day Sunday, and on Monday it will reopen only until 12:00 p.m., after which it will close again for the remainder of the day.

In its announcement, the municipality stated on Saturday: “Following a police directive, the National Garden will be closed all day tomorrow and will remain closed until Monday, 17 November, from 12 p.m. until the end of operating hours.”

Protests and Assemblies to Not Take Place

In a separate decision, police imposed a full ban on outdoor public assemblies on Sunday, 16 November 2025, from 06:00 to 22:00, across designated areas of central Athens as well as Psychiko and Filothei-Chalandri. The restricted zones are bounded by major streets including Vasilissis Konstantinou Avenue, Vasilissis Amalias Avenue, Syntagma Square, Stadiou Street, and sections of Kifisias Avenue, among others.

Authorities stated that the ban is necessary due to the heightened risk to public safety, citing the possibility of serious offenses that could endanger lives, physical safety, and property, as well as disrupt social and economic activity.

Heightened Secrecy Around Zelensky’s Schedule

For security reasons, the timing of Zelensky’s meetings in Athens has not been publicly disclosed—standard practice for his international travel.