Mitsotakis Highlights Greece’s Economic Growth on CNBC

  • PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis appeared on CNBC’s Europe Early Edition to showcase Greece’s economic recovery.
  • Cited reforms since 2019, reduced unemployment, and early debt repayments as key success factors.
  • Emphasized restored investor confidence and Greece’s role in securing EU recovery funds.
  • Rejected opposition claims, noting Greece’s resistance to populism and increased vote share in 2023 elections.
  • Identified inflation and disposable income as major public concerns.
  • Government aims: lower taxes, raise wages, create jobs, and ensure stability.
  • Stressed the need for consistent governance heading into the next election cycle.

OPEKEPE Fraud Scandal: Millions in EU Funds Misused

  • EPPO is investigating massive fraud at Greece’s agricultural subsidy agency OPEKEPE.
  • Suspects falsely claimed to be new farmers or landowners to access EU funds.
  • Crimes date from 2019–2024; EPPO raids carried out in Athens and Crete.
  • 100 cases worth €3 million already referred to court; total fraud may reach hundreds of millions.
  • Serious delays and non-cooperation from OPEKEPE reported.
  • Agriculture Minister demanded resignation of OPEKEPE President Nikos Salatas—he refused and threatened legal action.
  • Whistleblower removed from internal audit role now faces disciplinary action and lawsuits.

Seventeen Coast Guard Officers Charged in Pylos Shipwreck

  • Charges filed against 17 Coast Guard members over the deadly Adriana shipwreck in June 2023.
  • Boat carried 750 migrants; only 104 rescued, 82 bodies found, hundreds still missing.
  • Accusations: negligence, interference with navigation, and failure to assist.
  • Involved: crew of patrol vessel PPLS 920 and high-ranking Coast Guard officials.
  • Greek Ombudsman report highlights serious failures, including delayed rescue and missing camera footage.
  • Allegations include possible towing attempt that destabilized the boat.
  • Ongoing judicial probe draws international attention and could set accountability precedent.

Greece Sees Reversal of Brain Drain

  • Labor Minister Niki Kerameus announces that 2 out of 3 emigrant Greeks have returned, reversing the brain drain.
  • Eurostat data: 420,000 of 680,000 who left in the past decade are back.
  • Return driven by higher wages, lower living costs, and tax incentives.
  • Tourism sector minimum wage now €950 under new agreement.
  • Launched “Job Match” platform to connect job seekers with tourism roles.
  • Career Days events led to over 9,000 job placements.

Greece Bolsters Firefighting Force Amid Severe Risk

  • 18,000 firefighting personnel deployed for 2025—an all-time high.
  • Drone fleet expanded from 45 to 82 for enhanced surveillance and response.
  • Fire season expected to be severe due to high temperatures and low rainfall.
  • Past wildfires in 2021 and 2023 exceeded 10-year average damage, per EU data.
  • Elite fire units expanded; major drills conducted near Athens with drones and evacuations.
  • International cooperation includes 300 firefighters from five EU countries.
  • Officials stress the need for tech, vigilance, and coordination.