Costas Kantouris

Mount Olympus is under consideration for inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, backed by Greek officials and locals who emphasize its rich blend of mythology, cultural heritage, and biodiversity. The nomination faces uncertainty as a draft agenda for the World Heritage Committee meeting in Busan suggests a request for additional information from Greece. Supporters argue that recognition would enhance protection for the mountain, which is increasingly affected by heavy tourism and rule violations. Local authorities are weighing measures such as visitor limits and entry fees to manage environmental pressures. The mountain’s natural dangers also remain a concern, with recent fatalities underscoring the need for caution among hikers.

Greece is seeking UNESCO World Heritage status for Mount Olympus as a mixed cultural and natural site, combining its importance in ancient Greek mythology and Orthodox Christianity with its biodiversity and dramatic landscapes. The nomination is not assured, as the World Heritage Committee is expected to request further details. Local officials and mountain guides hope recognition will bring stronger protection, while warning that growing visitor numbers, rule violations, difficult terrain and severe weather are placing pressure on the ecosystem and creating safety risks.

A Ryanair-operated flight from Thessaloniki to Germany returned shortly after takeoff when a passenger window dislodged, partially pulling a 61-year-old man outside before nearby passengers pulled him back in. The aircraft depressurized, oxygen masks deployed, and the plane descended to burn fuel before landing safely. The injured passenger received medical treatment, and a replacement aircraft completed the journey. Eyewitnesses described panic on board as the cabin lost pressure.

Greek anti‑terrorism police arrested three suspects in connection with coordinated firebomb attacks in Thessaloniki that killed the mother of parliamentary candidate Afroditi Nestora and injured four others. The attacks targeted members of the ruling New Democracy party, continuing a pattern of small‑scale politically motivated bombings by domestic extremist groups. Authorities are searching for additional suspects, while recent similar incidents highlight ongoing concerns over politically driven violence in Greece.

Evacuations were ordered in several suburbs near Thessaloniki as a fast-moving wildfire spread from a ravine toward populated areas, damaging businesses but not homes. Firefighters, volunteers, and aircraft responded, though aerial operations halted after dark. Authorities arrested a 76-year-old man suspected of starting the blaze, while strong winds continued to complicate containment. Additional fires burned in nearby regions, following an earlier deadly wildfire in central Greece.

A fast-moving wildfire near Thessaloniki triggered evacuations in several nearby suburbs and a facility for people with special needs as flames spread rapidly from a ravine into plains areas. Several businesses were burned, and heavy smoke covered western parts of the city. A 76-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of starting the fire. Over 100 firefighters and aircraft responded, though aerial operations paused after dark. Strong winds hampered containment efforts, while additional fires burned in surrounding regions including Halkidiki and Kilkis.

A wildfire in central Greece forced evacuations as more than 135 firefighters and 25 aircraft battled the blaze. It followed a deadly forest fire in northern Greece that killed a father and his 12-year-old son, with the boy’s mother hospitalized for burns. Additional fires in Halkidiki, Salamina and southern Greece were quickly contained. Greece, frequently affected by summer wildfires, is adopting new technology including a satellite array launched in May to monitor fire risks amid worsening conditions linked to climate change.

Three early morning firebomb attacks in Thessaloniki targeted residences linked to members of Greece’s ruling New Democracy party, injuring five people and causing significant damage. The most serious blast injured a parliamentary candidate and left her mother in intensive care, while three other residents suffered smoke inhalation. The incidents follow a pattern of attacks by militant groups against political and authority figures, including previous bombings targeting a prison guards association president and a police officer guarding a senior judge.

Alexis Tsipras returned to Greek politics, launching the Greek Left Alliance ahead of next year’s elections and criticizing the government’s economic agenda and ties with Israel. He aims to draw support from rival opposition groups as he challenges Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who remains strong in polls despite economic pressures and a corruption scandal. The fragmented opposition landscape includes new parties, including an anti‑corruption group formed by the mother of a rail‑disaster victim. Supporters credit Tsipras with protecting citizens during the debt crisis, while critics accuse him of breaking anti‑austerity promises.

Greek authorities released 82-year-old Alexandros Giotopoulos, convicted leader of the militant group November 17, on grounds of age, health and good behavior, though a Supreme Court prosecutor is reviewing the decision and may challenge it. The group carried out decades of assassinations and bombings before being dismantled in 2002, leading to Giotopoulos’s multiple life sentences. His release follows academic work and compliance with furlough terms while incarcerated, with several former members still serving sentences.

Greece confirms its new biometric screening system for non‑EU travelers is active despite earlier suggestions of a temporary exemption for British visitors. The EU Entry‑Exit System allows suspensions only during high‑traffic periods, meaning some travelers may still pass without biometric checks during early implementation. Greek authorities aim to maintain visitor flow while complying with EU rules, amid concerns from tour operators that additional checks could deter U.K. travel. Greece recorded nearly 38 million visitors last year, with Germany and the U.K. being the top sources.

A dispute has erupted between Greece and Turkey over the origins of a traditional cow‑stomach soup known as patsa in Greece and iskembe in Turkey. A Greek restaurateur is seeking UNESCO cultural recognition for patsa, prompting objections from Turkey, which argues the dish is historically Turkish. Both sides cite historical texts and long‑standing culinary traditions to support their claims, reflecting broader tensions over shared food heritage. The soup remains a popular late‑night and hangover remedy in both countries, with chefs and diners expressing strong cultural attachment to their respective versions.

Visitors from Greece and across Europe travel to Veria each spring to see its vast plains of blooming peach trees, turning the region pink between mid‑March and mid‑April. Local tourism groups and farmers organize events such as photography walks and cycling tours to promote the area and its agricultural products, drawing thousands of attendees and boosting local tourism and hotels. Farmers and travelers alike highlight both the beauty of the blossoms and the value of the celebrations for the region.

A major trial has opened in Greece over the 2023 Tempe train collision that killed 57 people, mostly students, exposing longstanding failures in the country’s rail safety systems. Thirty‑six rail and transport officials face charges related to endangering public transport, with investigators citing human error, malfunctioning signals, inadequate staffing, and prolonged delays in safety upgrades. Victims’ families and demonstrators gathered outside the heavily secured court as proceedings began in a converted campus expected to host a two‑year trial. Relatives expressed frustration over seating limitations and the lack of accountability to date. The crash has fueled nationwide protests and political controversy, and additional investigations, including a parliamentary probe, continue.

Israeli producer Dana Eden, co-creator of the Emmy-winning series Tehran, was found dead in a hotel in Athens while working on the show’s fourth season. Early indications suggested suicide, and authorities reported no signs of foul play. Israel’s public broadcaster KAN and Eden’s production company issued statements honoring her work while rejecting rumors of a criminal motive. Tributes highlighted her influence on Israeli television and her international achievements.

Israeli producer Dana Eden, co-creator of the Emmy-winning series Tehran, was found dead in a hotel in Athens during filming for the show’s fourth season. Greek police indicate no suspicion of foul play, suggesting she took her own life. Her production company denied rumors of criminal or national motives, while Israeli broadcaster KAN and Culture Minister Miki Zohar issued tributes recognizing her impact on Israeli television.

A diver involved in recovering bodies from a migrant boat collision near Chios reported that most victims suffered severe head injuries, raising questions about how the crash with a Greek coast guard vessel occurred. Fifteen people died and 26 were injured as investigations continue into conflicting accounts of the incident, including the coast guard’s claim that the migrant boat ignored signals and abruptly changed course. Calls have been made for camera footage, though officials say the onboard camera was not recording. Most survivors were Afghan nationals, and one Moroccan passenger was arrested on suspicion of smuggling.

Farmers across Greece launched a 48-hour blockade of major highways to protest rising production costs and oppose the EU-Mercosur trade deal, arguing it would overwhelm domestic agriculture with cheaper imports. The government issued concessions such as reduced electricity rates and fuel tax rebates but warned against prolonged disruptions. Farmers highlighted economic pressures, delays in subsidy payments, and disease outbreaks as factors driving the unrest, calling for Greece to align with other EU nations rejecting the agreement.

Riot police used tear gas to stop farmers attempting to block Thessaloniki’s airport access road as nationwide protests intensified over delayed EU-backed agricultural subsidy payments. Farmers have staged widespread blockades with tractors, arguing payment delays caused by fraud investigations leave them unable to plant crops amid livestock disease losses. Authorities report disrupted traffic at key border crossings, while the government says it is open to talks but will not tolerate shutting down major transit points. The subsidy scandal has already triggered high-level resignations and arrests tied to a large-scale fraud scheme.

Brown bears and wolves have rebounded significantly in Greece due to protected status, leading to more frequent encounters with humans and concerns among farmers and rural residents. Rising wild boar populations and habitat pressures further contribute to wildlife entering villages. Local authorities and experts highlight mitigation measures while cautioning against calls to relax protections or resort to lethal control. Similar debates are emerging across Europe as EU policymakers revise wolf protection rules.

An explosive device detonated outside the home of Konstantinos Varsamis, president of the Greek association of prison guards, damaging nearby buildings and causing minor injuries to two people. Authorities reported the blast involved roughly three kilograms of explosives and occurred in a Thessaloniki suburb. Investigators are focusing on criminal gangs rather than terrorist groups, and the police Organized Crime Unit is overseeing the case.

Greek authorities detained an unidentified American man on Skiathos under a European arrest warrant in connection with the deaths of an American woman and her infant in a Rome park. Italian investigators linked him to the case using fingerprints and evidence from a shelter near the Vatican. The suspect faces an extradition hearing in Greece, while Italian police continue the investigation into the killings found days apart in Villa Pamphili park.

Unmarked graves containing 14 civil war–era prisoners were uncovered during renovations at a park near Thessaloniki. The bodies, believed to be communist prisoners executed between 1946 and 1953 at the Yedi Kule fortress, were found in disordered condition, unlike a previous cluster discovered earlier this year. Local officials expect more remains nearby, while relatives are seeking DNA testing that has yet to begin.

A monk from Mount Athos was hospitalised in Thessaloniki after being allegedly attacked by members of a rival monastic faction amid a long-running dispute involving Esphigmenou Monastery, which rejects the authority of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Authorities report the monk suffered facial and rib injuries, while the breakaway brotherhood denies involvement and accuses opponents of staging the incident. The conflict, rooted in decades of legal and religious disagreements, continues to provoke clashes and tensions within the monastic community.

Monks from diverse national backgrounds living at the Simonos Petra monastery on Mount Athos describe their spiritual journeys and the significance of the Holy Mountain, emphasizing its role as a center of Orthodox monasticism that transcends borders and offers peace, tradition, and spiritual truth.

A monastery on Mount Athos known as Simonos Petra hosts a diverse community of monks from many countries, reflecting an ecumenical Orthodox tradition rooted in Byzantine history. Despite the peninsula’s ban on women visitors and its adherence to centuries-old monastic practices, the monastery is described as welcoming to men of all nationalities, offering a spiritual home centered on love and shared faith. Several monks recount personal journeys that led them to the monastery, highlighting its openness, enduring traditions, and emphasis on spiritual connection.

A mass grave uncovered during park renovations in Thessaloniki revealed remains believed to belong to victims of executions carried out during Greece’s Civil War. The site, associated with the Yedi Kule prison where Communist sympathizers were tortured and executed, has renewed public attention to the conflict’s legacy. Families of the missing are seeking DNA testing as officials expand excavations. Historians highlight the broader Cold War context and the enduring reluctance of Greek authorities to fully confront the era’s abuses, while local leaders call for accountability and remembrance.

A mass grave discovered in Thessaloniki has revived public attention to Greece’s 1946–49 Civil War, with 33 bodies unearthed near the former Yedi Kule prison where Communist sympathizers were executed. Local authorities are pursuing DNA testing to help families identify missing relatives, while the find highlights the lingering sensitivity surrounding the conflict and the absence of past political efforts to investigate similar sites. Historians note the executions’ Cold War context, shaped partly by U.S. anti‑communist policy, and the ongoing struggle in Greece to confront this traumatic period. An expanded excavation is planned as officials call for remembrance and accountability.

Thousands of protesters in Skopje demanded accountability after a nightclub fire in Kocani killed 59 people and injured many others. Demonstrators criticized inadequate fire safety measures and called for responsibility from officials, while opposition parties demanded the interior minister’s resignation. The prime minister acknowledged public anger but accused rivals of exploiting the tragedy. A corruption probe has resulted in multiple arrests, including senior police officials, amid allegations of illegal permits and bribery. Protests spread across North Macedonia and into Greece, where survivors are being treated for severe injuries.

Demonstrations in more than 100 cities demanded justice for the 57 victims of Greece’s 2023 Tempi train crash, with major marches in Athens and Thessaloniki and additional protests across Europe. Victims’ families accused the government of concealing evidence, conducting an opaque investigation and shifting blame to a stationmaster, while concerns over hazardous freight cargo fueled public anger. Delays in technical reports have postponed the trial, expected to involve 50–60 officials. Despite political fallout and attempts by opposition parties to leverage the tragedy, the ruling conservative government has remained electorally unaffected.

A 2,000-year-old Hellenistic-era marble statue of a woman was found in a rubbish bag near Thessaloniki, prompting an investigation by Greek police. Archaeologists confirmed its ancient origin and transferred it for further study by local antiquities authorities. The discovery highlights Greece’s frequent accidental archaeological finds, including recent Roman-era artefacts found during construction projects in Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as earlier discoveries such as a Roman stone head uncovered in County Durham.

Handwriting analysis has strengthened the case that the medieval painter known as Panselinos was actually Ioannis Astrapas of Thessaloniki. Using comparisons between lettering in a 14th‑century manuscript and inscriptions on the Protato church paintings, experts argue that the nickname “Panselinos” was applied to Astrapas, a leading figure of the Macedonian School. Scholars find the theory credible while noting that more research is needed, as multiple painters contributed to works at Mount Athos. The findings support a clearer identification of a major Byzantine artist whose work helped shape a renaissance in Orthodox religious painting.

Thessaloniki inaugurated its new driverless metro line after decades of delays caused by legal disputes, archaeological findings and contract issues. Officials highlighted the system’s anticipated environmental and transport benefits, including reduced car traffic and high expected daily ridership. The project cost exceeded 3 billion euros, with further line extensions planned through 2025 and beyond.

Thessaloniki’s new subway line opens after decades of delays caused by extensive archaeological discoveries, which are now displayed within station areas. The inaugural 9.6‑kilometer driverless line includes 13 stations and preserves major Roman-era remains uncovered during construction. Costs have reached €3 billion, and a second line is nearing completion, with construction led by Aktor, Webuild, and Hitachi Rail.

Yiannis Boutaris, former mayor of Thessaloniki and prominent winemaker, died after a period of declining health. Celebrated for his progressive, non‑conformist approach, he reshaped the city’s image, promoted multicultural heritage, strengthened regional diplomatic ties, and supported the creation of the Holocaust Museum. His efforts sometimes drew hostility from nationalist groups and the Orthodox Church, culminating in a 2018 attack. Before politics, he founded the Kir‑Yianni winery and later created the environmental NGO Arktouros. He remained influential in local culture and sports, published a memoir about his struggles with alcoholism, and is survived by his three children and six grandchildren.

Severe drought and successive heat waves have left regions of Greece facing water shortages, dried lakes, and declining groundwater, intensified by a surge in summer tourism that strains already limited resources. Residents report prolonged water cuts while environmental damage spreads from the Halkidiki peninsula to the Evros River delta, where increased salinity is killing wild horses. Local officials and experts call for major investments in water management, emphasizing conservation, storage, and reuse to adapt to worsening climate‑driven conditions.

About 15,000 people joined the EuroPride parade in Thessaloniki under heavy police protection, as authorities intervened to prevent counterdemonstrations and detained several individuals. Tensions reflected broader national debates following Greece’s legalization of same-sex marriage, which contributed to gains by far‑right parties. The event received strong institutional backing, including support from the city and several foreign ambassadors who highlighted themes of equality and human rights. A man who promoted a banned anti‑gay protest was arrested and faces charges. The parade concluded a week of events, with next year’s EuroPride set for Lisbon.

Greece’s largest labor union staged nationwide strikes that halted ferries, disrupted transportation and limited staffing at public hospitals while demanding the reinstatement of collective bargaining rights removed during the bailout era. Thousands protested in Athens and Thessaloniki, arguing that key labor protections cut during the financial crisis have not been restored despite economic recovery. Union leaders called for government-set wage policies to be replaced by negotiated agreements, citing European Union labor rights protections.

A historic former mosque in Thessaloniki, the Yeni Cami, hosted Eid al‑Fitr prayers for the first time in a century. Built in 1902 for a community of Jewish converts to Islam, the mosque ceased religious use after the 1923 population exchange between Greece and Turkey and later became a museum and cultural venue. Around 70 worshipers from Greece’s Muslim minority, refugees, students, and visiting Turks attended the prayers. Participants expressed joy and appreciation for the reopening, while the imam highlighted the compatibility of Muslim identity with Greek citizenship. The event occurred amid Greece’s complex history with mosque operations, including the recent establishment of Athens’ first state‑sponsored mosque in 2020.

Farmer protests across Europe have intensified over inflation, foreign competition and climate-related costs, prompting governments and EU institutions to offer concessions. The EU proposed shielding farmers from cheaper Ukrainian imports and relaxing fallow land requirements, while France pledged over €400 million in relief. Italy blamed EU climate policies but expanded aid, Germany softened planned tax cuts, and Poland and Spain faced demands for stronger support. In Greece, recent climate disasters deepened grievances, leading to new government assistance that farmers say remains insufficient.

Flooding in Thessaly devastated farmland, infrastructure and livestock, causing billions of euros in damage and compounding cost-of-living pressures. The Greek government is preparing additional budget measures while stressing the need to maintain fiscal discipline as it seeks a credit upgrade. EU assistance will support immediate repairs, particularly to the damaged railway network. Officials report extensive crop losses, threats to the upcoming harvest and potential rises in food prices, while tourism in affected coastal areas faces severe disruption.

Wildfires in northeastern Greece forced the evacuation of eight villages and a hospital in Alexandroupolis as strong winds and high temperatures fueled rapid spread. More than 100 patients were moved, including 65 transported to a ferry. Multiple regions reported damage to homes and infrastructure, with additional fires near Kavala, the Evros border region, and near Athens. International support arrived from Romania, Cyprus, and France. Greece continues to face severe summer wildfires, with several fatalities already recorded this season.

Greece’s center-right New Democracy is positioned for a decisive victory in repeat elections, but up to five fringe parties on the far right and far left may surpass the 3% threshold to enter Parliament, potentially complicating efforts to secure an outright majority. Far-right groups including Greek Solution, Niki and the Spartans are polling competitively, fueled by nationalist, religious and anti-immigration rhetoric, while two left-wing Syriza breakaway parties also approach viability. Increased fragmentation could raise the barrier for New Democracy to govern alone and create legislative challenges over the next four years.

Greece plans a major expansion of its steel border wall with Turkey, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis making the project a central election pledge. The government argues the wall deters illegal migration, citing a large number of prevented crossings, while accusing Syriza of obstructing EU funding for the project. Syriza rejects these accusations, contending the government is appealing to far‑right voters and deflecting from public anger over a recent train disaster. EU institutions have already ruled out direct funding for border walls, though support for other security measures remains possible.

Two men of Pakistani origin were arrested in Athens on terrorism charges for allegedly planning an imminent attack on a Jewish restaurant and possibly other civilian targets. Authorities believe they are part of an overseas network and conducted searches across multiple locations in Greece. A third suspect abroad was charged in absentia. Greek police and the National Intelligence Service made the arrests with assistance from an unnamed foreign intelligence service, and officials stated the plot aimed to cause mass casualties and destabilize the country’s sense of security.

Three additional Greek rail officials were charged with endangering rail safety following the train collision that killed 57 people, as nationwide protests continued over the government’s response. The charges parallel those faced by a station manager already in custody. Ongoing demonstrations have disrupted government plans for an early election, while Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis pledged immediate and long-term safety improvements and accepted responsibility, prompting criticism from the opposition Syriza party.

Greece’s prime minister apologized for government responsibility in the country’s deadliest train collision, which killed 57 people after two trains were mistakenly directed onto the same track. Reports highlighted longstanding railway mismanagement and a malfunctioning signaling system. The stationmaster accused in the crash testified on charges including negligent homicide. Protests erupted across Greece, with demonstrators blaming systemic failures and criticizing the state and railway company for the disaster.

A station master implicated in Greece’s deadliest train crash postponed his court deposition after his lawyer cited new evidence. The crash, which killed at least 57 people, has sparked nationwide protests over safety failures in the rail system. Authorities have filed multiple criminal charges while investigators continue gathering evidence. One member of a government-appointed expert panel resigned amid criticism of his past role in the rail sector. Ongoing rallies, infrastructure concerns, and the identification of victims continue as scrutiny intensifies over longstanding mismanagement in Greece’s rail network.

A fatal head-on train collision in northern Greece that killed 43 people triggered national mourning, rail worker strikes and protests over poor safety and outdated infrastructure. A stationmaster was arrested as investigations began, prompting the transport minister’s resignation. Leaders from Europe, Turkey and Ukraine sent condolences while Greece’s prime minister pledged accountability and reforms to prevent similar disasters.

Greece reported blocking 260,000 attempted illegal border crossings in 2022 while urging stronger EU support during a visit by European ambassadors to its expanding border wall with Turkey. Officials called for greater solidarity among EU members as Greece extends the steel barrier to cover most of the 192‑kilometer frontier. The discussion highlighted tensions with Turkey, which Greece accuses of enabling migrant crossings, while Ankara accuses Greece of dangerous pushbacks. EU leaders remain concerned that Turkey’s president could allow a mass movement of migrants toward Europe. Frontex plans to increase its deployment in Greece with 400 additional border guards.

A Greek court on Lesbos rejected charges against 24 aid workers involved in migrant rescues, citing procedural errors including untranslated documents and vague espionage accusations. The decision effectively ends the misdemeanor case as the statute of limitations is about to expire, though one defendant still faces a forgery charge and two others remain under felony investigation. Human rights groups, including the UN Human Rights Office and Amnesty International, condemned the prosecution and urged Greek authorities to drop all remaining charges. The case highlights broader concerns about Greece’s increasingly strict migration policies and alleged pushbacks at its borders.

A 16-year-old Roma boy shot in the head by a police officer during a chase over an unpaid gas station bill in Thessaloniki died after more than a week in critical condition. His death sparked protests amid allegations of racist motives and broader concerns about discrimination against the Roma community. The officer accused of firing the shot faces charges including attempted manslaughter and remains under house arrest as the case proceeds. Government officials expressed condolences and called for respect for the judicial investigation.

A Greek police officer appeared in court over the shooting of a 16-year-old Roma boy during a pursuit linked to an unpaid gas station bill, prompting protests in Thessaloniki, Athens and other areas. Roma community leaders accused police of racist motives and demanded the officer be held in custody. The teen remains in critical condition, while the officer faces attempted manslaughter and weapons charges and claims he fired out of concern for colleagues’ safety. The incident has triggered days of unrest, including arson attacks and clashes with police.

Researchers examining thousands of Ottoman‑era manuscripts in Mount Athos monasteries have uncovered documents older than any known Ottoman archives, offering new insight into the region’s administration under Ottoman rule. The records reveal that Ottoman authorities protected the autonomy of the monastic community, preserved its legal structures and refrained from imposing Islamic law for centuries. Decrees and court decisions show consistent recognition of Mount Athos as a center of peace and cultural coexistence. The project aims to catalog and digitize roughly 25,000 documents, with the potential to uncover even earlier materials.

Two strong aftershocks on Kos intensified panic following a powerful earthquake that killed two people and injured hundreds across Greece and Turkey. Residents and tourists remained outdoors fearing further damage as engineers inspected historic structures and damaged infrastructure, including the island’s main port. Emergency transfers of the seriously injured continued while authorities and local officials reported gradual restoration of normal activity and minimal tourist cancellations.

Police in northern Greece arrested a retired policeman and a house painter after discovering a 4th‑century BC gold wreath and armband in their car, believed to have been taken from an illegally excavated Macedonian grave. Authorities say the artifacts, found hidden in a shoebox, were being offered for sale for hundreds of thousands of euros. The items, including a gold wreath decorated with oak leaves and a snake‑shaped armband, add to concerns about ongoing antiquities smuggling that deprives archaeologists of critical contextual information.

Police blocked protesters attempting to enter Mount Athos to support monks at Esphigmenou Monastery who oppose improved relations between the Orthodox Church and the Vatican. The monks, declared schismatic and ordered to leave by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, continue to resist eviction with backing from supporters who say they are denied access to offer food, medicine and prayer. The standoff persists after decades of dispute over religious authority and doctrine.

Twenty-six migrants, believed to be from Pakistan, drowned while attempting to cross the Evros River along the Greece–Turkey border. Greek army patrols found the bodies over two days, and a local coroner confirmed drowning as the cause of death. Authorities reported the victims were mostly young adults, including two women, and noted the hazardous river conditions. The incident reflects ongoing high levels of irregular migration into Greece from Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.

Protesters prepared banners and gathered in Thessaloniki ahead of demonstrations aligned with the European Union summit, with larger anti-EU and anti-war groups expected to join. The Greek Civil Servants Federation called a strike to support participation, while delegates from communist parties signaled renewed opposition to the Iraq War. Authorities deployed over 15,000 security personnel as European leaders arrived for the summit in Porto Carras.