Greece’s PM Mitsotakis, in hot water over EU farm‑fraud probes and fast-moving Strait of Hormuz tension chatter, backs swift EU action. Born 1968, in office since 2019.
As of March 13, 2026, the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed due to ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. Iranian missile and drone attacks, alongside US and Israeli strikes, have halted tanker traffic through this vital waterway, which carries about 20% of global oil. The closure has caused surging oil prices, soaring insurance costs, and widespread shipping disruptions, with major powers considering naval escorts to reopen the route.
A Greek court sentenced four individuals linked to spyware use, including Israeli and Greek nationals, for illegal phone hacking. The case involves the misuse of Predator software against over 90 targets, including politicians and officials, amid ongoing political fallout and appeals.
The United States has pledged to begin naval escorts for vessels exporting energy through the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing strikes on Iran and regional retaliation that have disrupted Middle East oil flows and pushed prices higher.
France has deployed multiple naval assets, including the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, to the Mediterranean amid escalating Middle East conflict. The mission aims to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz and bolster regional security following Iranian drone attacks and regional war escalation. The deployment involves several European nations and is described as defensive.
Iran has imposed tolls on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, violating international maritime law and escalating tensions in the region. Despite a fragile US-Iran ceasefire, Iran controls passage through the strait via a permissions-based system, charging up to $2 million per vessel. The closure has disrupted global oil and fertilizer supplies, with hundreds of ships stranded and trade volumes down over 90%.
President Trump has announced a halt of all ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz until Iran allows unobstructed oil flow. Iran's IRGC Navy claims full control and warns against military approaches. The US has reported passing two destroyers through the strait and downed an Iranian drone amid ongoing tensions.
Greek authorities are investigating a scandal involving EU farm subsidy fraud, with dozens of stockbreeders accused of faking land ownership to claim millions. Several ministers resigned, and lawmakers' immunity is being challenged to facilitate further investigation. The case highlights ongoing issues with EU fund management in Greece.
The UK is testing bans, curfews, and app time limits on social media to assess their impact on sleep, family life, and schoolwork. The government is consulting the public before potentially implementing a ban for under 16s, following examples set by Australia and Greece.
European countries are advancing laws to restrict social media access for children, following examples set by Australia, Greece, and Turkey. The measures include age verification, bans for under 15s, and penalties for non-compliance, aiming to protect minors from online harm and addictive content. The legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
As of April 2026, multiple countries including the UK, Turkey, Australia, and others have passed or are considering laws to restrict social media access for children under 15 or 16. The UK government has committed to imposing age restrictions for under-16s following consultations, while Turkey has passed a law banning under-15s from social media accounts. Australia’s ban on under-16s began in December 2025, with other nations planning similar measures.