Greece has recently been in the news due to a series of significant events. Severe storms have battered the Greek islands, particularly Crete, leading to emergency declarations and evacuations. Additionally, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis faced scrutiny over the government's handling of a deadly train crash two years ago, with rising public anger and calls for accountability. The country is also grappling with ongoing seismic activity, prompting precautionary measures and evacuations on islands like Santorini. In a notable cultural development, an ancient bronze griffin head was returned to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia after being stolen nearly a century ago.
Greece, officially known as the Hellenic Republic, is located in Southeast Europe and has a population of approximately 10.7 million. Its capital, Athens, is renowned for its historical significance and cultural heritage. Greece is a member of the European Union and the Eurozone, having adopted the euro as its currency. The country has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, being the cradle of Western civilization and democracy. Today, Greece is known for its stunning landscapes, Mediterranean coastline, and significant archaeological sites, making it a popular tourist destination.
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Boxing has been reinstated in the Olympic program for the Los Angeles 2028 Games after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognized World Boxing as the sport's new governing body. This decision follows the disbandment of the International Boxing Association due to governance issues. The announcement was made by IOC President Thomas Bach, marking a significant turnaround for the sport.
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The ancient bronze head of a griffin, a 7th-century B.C. artifact, has been returned to Greece from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Culture Minister Lina Mendoni hailed the return as significant, coinciding with the election of the first female president of the International Olympic Committee, Kirsty Coventry.
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Kirsty Coventry, Zimbabwe's sports minister and Olympic champion, has been elected as the first woman and first African president of the International Olympic Committee. Her election comes amid political changes in Zimbabwe, including the appointment of a new army commander. Coventry will resign from her ministerial role to assume her IOC duties in June.
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Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a comprehensive defense strategy, including the 'Shield of Achilles' system, aimed at modernizing military capabilities amid rising tensions with Turkey. This initiative reflects a shift towards advanced technologies and increased defense spending, aligning with broader European security efforts.
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On April 3, 2025, two separate migrant boat accidents occurred in the Aegean Sea, resulting in multiple fatalities and rescues. Greek and Turkish coast guards responded to emergencies involving a total of 66 people, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe.
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Frontex is reviewing 12 serious incidents involving Greece's migrant policies from 2024 amid increased scrutiny over alleged pushbacks. The Greek government denies these allegations, asserting compliance with international law. This follows a European Court ruling condemning Greece's practices, raising concerns about human rights violations in migration management.
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Recent incidents involving unruly passengers on flights have raised concerns about safety. One American Airlines flight returned to JFK after a passenger charged at crew members, while a Ryanair flight had to abort landing due to a disruptive passenger. Both incidents highlight the growing issue of in-flight misconduct.
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Italy has begun transferring rejected asylum seekers to Albania, marking a controversial shift in its migration policy. This move, part of a broader strategy to manage migration, has faced legal challenges and criticism from human rights advocates. The first group of 40 men arrived in Albania on April 11, 2025.
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On April 14, 2025, the group Revolutionary Class Struggle claimed responsibility for a bombing near Hellenic Train's offices, linking it to public outrage over a 2023 rail disaster that killed 57. The group dedicated the attack to the Palestinian people and criticized state failures. No injuries were reported in the incident.
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On April 14, 2025, Greece's Defense Minister Nikos Dendias signed a deal for 16 Exocet missiles with France. This agreement is part of Greece's broader military modernization plan, which includes significant purchases from France amid ongoing tensions with Turkey. The cost of the deal remains undisclosed.
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Rachel Dancyg was joyfully reunited with her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Billy, on April 16, 2025, after the dog was abducted during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Billy was found by an IDF reservist in Gaza and returned to Dancyg's family, who had feared she was dead.
