Prime Minister of Greece since 2019, leader of New Democracy
A record summer of heat, drought and wildfires has prompted an emergency Cobra meeting and voluntary retailer suspensions of disposable-barbecue sales. Green groups have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging him to call the crisis 'climate change' and stop new North Sea drilling; Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has questioned net zero and urged adaptation and celebration of warmer weather.
Lebanon and Israel are engaged in direct talks mediated by the US, after Hezbollah-triggered conflict escalations. A framework signed in June calls for Hezbollah disarmament and a staged Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon, with Greece and Athens’ arms deal cited as regional context. Lebanon seeks renewed UNIFIL support as violence persists.
Israel has secured a nearly €3 billion defense export deal with Greece, delivering a multi-layered air‑defense array including David’s Sling, SPYDER and BARAK MX, plus radars and a national command system. A supplementary €26 million deal covers Rafael’s Drone Dome. The package elevates relations amid regional tensions and Europe’s security recalibration.
The twin-seat F‑4 Phantom crashed during a low-altitude display at Athens Flying Week. The crash killed two pilots; a large fire followed, prompting emergency crews and evacuations. Organisers cancelled remaining events as Greece mourns.
Greece and Israel have strengthened defense, security and energy cooperation over the past decade. A 3 billion euro deal to build an air defence shield in Greece has been signed, with Greece spending at least 3.5% of GDP on core defence. Greece plans further engagements, including a visit to Cairo, as tensions with Turkey persist.
Greece has pressed for the permanent return of the Parthenon sculptures from the British Museum. Prime Minister Mitsotakis has argued that any arrangement must recognise Greece’s ownership and reject a “borrowed” solution, framing reunification as essential to cultural integrity. The conversation follows recent remarks about a Bayeux Tapestry loan model as a potential template for a deal.
Bulgarian authorities have received the remains of Tsar Samuel in Sofia, marking a formal handover under a bilateral cultural accord with Greece. The ceremony includes state honours and a procession to Saint Sofia Church. Greece will receive artefacts taken from Greek monasteries during World War I as part of the agreement; both sides emphasise cultural heritage over historic grievance.
Greece has received 22 antiquities from Israel in a ceremony at Athens’ National Archaeological Museum. The items, dating from 700 B.C. to 320 B.C., were illegally removed from Greece and returned as part of a bilateral effort to protect cultural heritage. This marks the first time Israel has returned antiquities to Greece, highlighting closer cooperation on heritage protection.
Protests in Greece have intensified across multiple cities as students and teachers demand more state funding for education and better facilities amid rising living costs. About 10,000 demonstrators have gathered in central Athens, with rallies spreading to Thessaloniki, Patras, and other cities. Authorities report peaceful marches, but disruptions to schools and public services persist as the government faces mid-2027 elections and ongoing inflation.