Mitsotakis to Attend Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit

  • Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis will join the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit in Odessa.
  • Confirmed during a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
  • Topics discussed: intensified sanctions on Russia, military aid, air defense, and domestic arms production.
  • Summit aims to deepen Ukraine’s ties with Southeastern Europe.
  • Greece hosted the first summit in 2023; Croatia hosted the next.
  • Zelensky thanked Greece for backing the 17th EU sanctions package against Russia.
  • Mitsotakis also supported a 30-day ceasefire in a recent call with leaders Macron and Starmer.

Strong Earthquake Rattles Crete

  • A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck off Crete’s coast early Thursday.
  • Tremors felt across Athens, Peloponnese, and Dodecanese.
  • No tsunami warning issued; no injuries reported.
  • Minor aftershock of 3.1 magnitude followed.
  • A landslide closed a road east of Heraklion temporarily.
  • Minor damages included fallen items in shops; schools remain open.
  • Structural inspections ongoing; no expectation of major aftershocks.

Thousands Protest Gaza Blockade in Athens

  • Mass protest held in Syntagma Square against Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
  • Organized by the Palestinian Community of Greece, unions, and activists.
  • Calls for ceasefire and full humanitarian aid delivery.
  • Protest followed FM Gerapetritis’ call with Palestinian PM Mohammad Mustafa.
  • Opposition parties joined rally, criticized government’s cautious stance.
  • Greece has abstained from key EU votes condemning Israel.
  • Critics cite strategic ties with Israel and U.S. as reason for muted response.

Scam Hits Euroleague Final Four Fans

  • A woman posing as a PR agent linked to the Church defrauded 30 people.
  • Victims paid for fake VIP travel packages to the Euroleague Final Four in Abu Dhabi.
  • She vanished after taking large advances; total losses may reach €500,000.
  • Some victims posed as new clients to confront her in Athens.
  • Woman blamed an alleged “hacker partner” in Abu Dhabi.
  • Similar scam linked to her in 2023; legal proceedings now underway.

Metallica Announces Athens Concert for 2026 Tour

  • Metallica will return to Greece for the first time in 16 years.
  • Athens Olympic Stadium will host their European tour opener on May 9, 2026.
  • The show will feature their 360° “in-the-round” stage from the M72 Tour.
  • This will be the band’s fifth concert in Greece (past shows: 1993, 1999, 2007, 2010).
  • General ticket sales start May 30 at 10 a.m.; fan presales open May 27.
  • Rock fans are gearing up for one of 2026’s biggest live music events.