The Greek Current

The world's attention will be on New York later this month, as world leaders prepare for the UN General Assembly. The Cyprus problem - one of the longest standing issues before the UN - will also be on the agenda, with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres scheduled to meet with President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar. In a slightly different approach to the issue, Michael Rubin, who joins Thanos Davelis, explains that the US has enabled Turkey's occupation in Cyprus by granting Tatar - the illegitimate leader of an illegitimate state - a visa to attend the UNGA, and breaks down how it can correct course.Michael Rubin is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and director of policy analysis at the Middle East Forum.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Rubio Should Correct Course on Turkish Occupation of CyprusShould the Foreign Missions Travel Controls Program Extend to Turkey?US targets China's grip on global ports in sweeping maritime missionGreece stages military exercise in Aegean after Turkish survey warningAnkara halts ship, Athens on alert

Israel's recent airstrike targeting Hamas officials in Qatar seems to send a clear message that it is willing to go anywhere to eliminate Hamas. This has cast a cloud of growing concern in Turkey that it could be a target, especially considering President Erdogan's open embrace of Hamas and his escalating rhetoric against Israel. Henri Barkey, an adjunct senior fellow for Middle East studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and the Cohen chair in international relations at Lehigh University, joins Thanos Davelis as we dig into this story.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Turkey wary of Israeli threat following airstrike on Hamas in QatarIsrael Risks a Gaza Ceasefire in Strike on Qatar—and HamasEcumenical Patriarch discusses Halki, religious freedoms with TrumpRutte signals support for SAFE bid by Turkey 

Earlier this month, as the new school-year kicked off around the world, Greece announced it was closing more than 750 schools as a sharp decline in births over the years has left them without enough students. The story has made the rounds on social media, even getting picked up and shared by figures like Elon Musk. Eleni Varvitstioti, the Financial Times correspondent for Greece and Cyprus and author of this report, joins Thanos Davelis as we take a closer look at this story and the broader demographic challenge facing Greece.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greece suspends 5% of schools as birth rate drops Greek companies tour Europe to lure back skilled nationals Tens of thousands protest against legal crackdown on Turkey's main opposition partyEcumenical Patriarch Bartholomew arrives in Washington

This week a swarm of Russian heavy drones flew into Poland, a NATO member, and several of them were intercepted and shot down. The incident has raised a number of questions, as Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called it “a large-scale provocation”. Thomas Graham, a Russia expert and a distinguished fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, joins Thanos Davelis as we look at what this incident means for Europe, for NATO, and for ongoing talks on Ukraine.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Russia Tests NATO With Poland Drone BreachRussia's Strategy Against the West: Escalate Slowly and See if It RespondsPutin's Message to Ukraine, Europe and Trump: I Won't Back Down‘Intensified interest' in passing Russia sanctions bill, says ThuneCooperation signal on US LNGGreece weighs additional F-35 jets 

US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum - and chair of the influential White House National Energy Dominance Council - will be the first cabinet-level official to travel to Greece this presidential term, highlighting Greece's role as a key US partner on energy. At the same time, it looks like new developments on Capitol Hill could soon pave the way for US ambassador–nominee to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle to finally take up her post in Athens. Lena Argiri, the DC correspondent for ERT - the Greek Public Broadcasting Company - and Kathimerini, joins Thanos Davelis to break all of this down.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greece deemed critical to US energy planSenate GOP advances Guilfoyle's nomination for AthensAthens wary of domino effect of instabilityChevron entry elevates Greece geopolitically

The latest chapter in a nearly year-long crackdown on the main opposition is unfolding in Turkey, where it seems Turkish President Erdogan is using the courts to effectively neuter the opposition. As Erdogan moves Turkey closer to a Russia-style autocracy, what does this mean for the opposition and ultimately for the West? Thanos Davelis breaks these questions down today with Wolfango Piccoli, the co-founder of risk analysis company Teneo. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Turkey's opposition head accuses Erdoğan of legal ‘coup'Turkey's 'tough guy' president says he's tackling corruption. Rivals say he's silencing oppositionGreece deemed critical to US energy planSenate GOP advances Guilfoyle's nomination for Athens 

This weekend in Thessaloniki Prime Minister Mitsotakis laid out his vision for the coming year, announcing 1.6 billion euros in tax cuts - a package he called the boldest tax reform enforced in Greece in more than 50 years - and various measures to tackle the cost of living challenge facing many Greeks and the demographic crisis. John Psaropoulos joins Thanos Davelis as we break down these announcements and what they mean heading into the upcoming national elections in 2027.John Psaropoulos is an independent journalist and Al Jazeera's correspondent in southeast Europe. He also publishes Hellenica, a weekly deep dive into Greek current affairs and history that you can find on Substack.com.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Tax cuts nudge Greece towards prosperity, but will they save it?Greek premier rules out snap election, says tax cuts will help familiesGreece announces €1.6bn relief package to tackle population declineGreece's population decline and its need for growthBenghazi won't ratify Turkey dealTurkey opposition uses tables, chairs to block police besieging headquarters

In July Turkey hosted the 17th International Defense Industry Fair, and over 100 countries sent representatives to see what's behind all the hype around Ankara's defense industry. Despite the attention it's gotten over the last years, a lot of Ankara's new military technology remains in development and untested, posing the question: Can Turkey deliver on its defense ambitions? Ryan Gingeras, a professor in the Department of National Security Affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School and an expert on Turkish, Balkan, and Middle East history, joins Thanos Davelis as we try to answer this question.The views expressed by Professor Gingeras in this interview do not reflect the views of the US government.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Can Turkey Deliver on Its Armament Ambitions?Greece announces €1.6bn relief package to tackle population declineGreece, OpenAI agree deal to boost innovation in schools, small businesses

With the US focused on Ukraine, the Middle East, and President Trump's trade deals, it seems the Western Balkans are flying under the radar in Washington. In fact, there are growing concerns in the region about a quiet US withdrawal and what this could mean as countries like Russia, China and Turkey vie for influence. Professor James Ker-Lindsay, who has worked extensively on the EU, the Balkans and Southeast Europe, joins Thanos Davelis as we take a closer look at these developments.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Risky jockeying for position in the BalkansSerb separatist Dodik defies Bosnian state in government reshuffleGreece toughens penalties for rejected asylum seekers, speeds up returnsPM to unveil tax breaks as popularity dips

The Economist just ran a story about the Shanghai Co-operation Organization summit that took place, calling it Xi Jinping's anti-American party. This party also included world leaders like Turkish President Erdogan. Sinan Ciddi, a non-resident senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and an expert on Turkish politics, joins Thanos Davelis as we look into Erdogan's cozying up to China and what it means for the US.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Xi Jinping's anti-American partyTurkey's Erdogan holds hands with Iran's Pezeshkian, sparks online buzzPutin, Modi and Erdoğan among leaders in China for talks with XiMitsotakis and Erdogan likely to meet this monthAthens sends message to Nicosia over power cable project

This weekend Prime Minister Mitsotakis is heading to Thessaloniki, where he's going to deliver a sort of state of the union address, outlining his agenda and key priorities for the year ahead. Today Thanos Davelis brings on Nick Malkoutzis, the co-founder of Macropolis.gr, as we break down what issues are top of the list, and what moves Mitsotakis is planning for the year ahead. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:PM finalises relief measures in ambitious but risky move to sway votersTurkish court ousts main opposition's Istanbul head over congress irregularitiesEU foreign policy chief: Turkey-Libya maritime deal violates rights of third countries

Constantine Cavafy, the Greek poet whose work not only charted a new path for Greek poetry, but also inspired countless readers around the world - including figures like David Hockney, Leonard Cohen, and Jackie Kennedy Onassis - is back in the spotlight thanks to the publication of his first biography in roughly 50 years. Professors Gregory Jusdanis and Peter Jeffreys, the authors of the book, join Thanos Davelis as we take a deeper dive into the life and work of Constantine Cavafy.For those who are interested, the book is available for purchase in the US and the UK, and is expected in early October in Greece as well.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Constantine Cavafy: A New BiographyAlexandrian Sphinx: The Hidden Life of Constantine Cavafy‘Constantine Cavafy' Review: A Poet's Odyssey WithinThe mysterious life of Constantine CavafyAnkara bristles at Athens' energy movesGreece suspends 5% of schools as birth rate drops

Endy Zemenides, HALC's Executive Director, is joined by Michael Rubin, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, to break down reports that Israel is closing in on a security deal with Syria as a U.S. envoy meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and to analyze what this means for the region, from Turkey to broader U.S. strategy in the Middle East.You can read the article we discuss on our podcast here:Syria's Sharaa confirms 'advanced' talks with Israel on security deal; US envoy meets NetanyahuBirth rate decline a threat to universitiesGreece issues very high wildfire risk alert for Aegean islands and Crete

HALC Executive Director and host Endy D. Zemenides is joined by Mariam Wahba, Research Analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, to analyze the Egyptian government's efforts to control St. Catherine's monastery, the world's oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery.You can read the articles we discuss in the podcast here:Egypt's War Against the World's Oldest Christian MonasteryOn migration, Greece takes a Trumpian turn - The Washington PostEnergy minister dismisses report on possible Turkey-Libya maritime deal approval | eKathimerini.com

HALC Executive Director and host Endy D. Zemenides is joined by Tyler Stapleton, Director of Government Relations at FDD Action, to analyze the State Department's response to a Congressional letter calling on holding Turkey accountable and the F-35 program. You can read the articles we discuss in the podcast here:State Department: The US position regarding Turkey's acquisition of F-35s remains unchanged | eKathimerini.comA Gaza-bound ship that left Cyprus with 1,200 tons of food aid nears Israeli portGiannis leads way for Greece in Eurobasket exhibition game

HALC Executive Director and host Endy D. Zemenides is joined by Patrick Theros, former U.S. Ambassador to Qatar, member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and former Deputy Coordinator for Counterterrorism, to analyze the freezing of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem's bank accounts. You can read the articles we discuss in the podcast here:Jerusalem freezes Greek Orthodox Patriarchate's bank accounts over tax dispute | The Times of IsraelSerbia rocked by ongoing anti-government clashes – DW – 08/19/2025President of Syria Al-Shara met Patriarch of Antioch in Damascus | Orthodox Times (en)

HALC Executive Director and host Endy D. Zemenides is joined by Ilan Berman, Senior Vice President of the American Foreign Policy Council, Board Member at Radio Free Europe, and author of Implosion: The End of Russia and What It Means for America to analyze the aftermath and impact of President Trump's meeting with with President Zelensky and European Leaders.You can read the articles we discuss in the podcast here:Major Takeaways From Trump's Meeting With Zelenskyy and European Leaders | Council on Foreign RelationsUN publishes Greek response rejecting Libya hydrocarbon claims | eKathimerini.comRhodes beach violations persist despite crackdown | eKathimerini.comConstruction on the islands getting worse every year | eKathimerini.com

Host Endy D. Zemenides, HALC Executive Director, welcomes Matthew Boyle, Washington, D.C. Bureau Chief for Breitbart News, for a deep dive into the implications of President Trump's recent meeting with President Vladimir Putin, the latest developments in the war in Ukraine, and what all of this means for international relations.

Greece - and much of southern Europe - has faced a series of wildfires over the past weeks, prompting evacuations and even resulting in deaths. As Greece grapples with another summer of wildfires, questions abound over how to combat this phenomenon and build resilience, and the role of the media, the government, and civil society. Niko Efstathiou, an Athens based journalist and author, joins Thanos Davelis as we dig into these questions.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Wildfires: What we don't know is what burns usOverhead power lines under scrutiny after wildfiresRiyadh requests Greek mission renewalTurkey's deepening ties with Italy, Spain

Earlier this week we took a look at the stakes ahead of President Trump's meeting with Russian President Putin in Alaska. Today, Professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, the president of the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute who has advised the White House, the State and Treasury Departments, and the Council of Economic Advisers on Russian economic sanctions and business retreats, joins Thanos Davelis as we explore how sanctions have crippled Russia's economy, leaving Putin with very few cards. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Trump Has the Upper Hand Going into His Meeting with PutinIn a Trump-Putin Summit, Ukraine Fears Losing Say Over Its FutureFirefighters contain most wildfires across Greece, but risk remainsGovernment makes relief measures top priorityAfter inking military pact, Turkey to provide Syria with weapons, trainingTurkey to help Syria with weapon systems, equipment under signed MoU, source says

Is Israel risking overplaying its hand in Gaza and the Middle East, and, as European countries like France and Britain move to recognize Palestine, what are the broader ramifications for the region? Steven Cook, the Eni Enrico Mattei senior fellow for Middle East and Africa studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, joins Thanos Davelis as we look to answer these questions, and more.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Israel Risks Overplaying Its Hand in Gaza and the Middle EastWhy Recognizing Palestine Is Meaningless or Even HarmfulSenegalese diplomat set to lead UN mission in CyprusSouda, Larissa base upgrades on agenda

Are Armenia and Azerbaijan on a path to peace, or is the latest deal signed at the White House a rushed agreement that lets Baku off the hook for its aggression - from the ethnic cleansing of Nagorno Karabakh to its unlawful detention of Armenian POWs? Thanos Davelis digs into this question with Aram Hamparian, the executive director of the Armenian National Committee of America, as we look at what this deal means for peace and stability in the region.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan Sign Peace Pledge at White HouseIf Azerbaijan Breaks its Agreements, Are Armenians Prepared to Resist?Donald Trump brokers a peace plan in the CaucasusWildfires sweep Greece, trigger mass evacuationsBrussels wants to ditch Russian gas. Turkey could keep it flowing undetected.

All eyes will be on Alaska this Friday as President Trump meets with President Putin to discuss Ukraine, a high stakes summit with risks for Europe, Ukraine, and President Trump. Will Ukraine's fear of a deal struck between Trump and Putin - and excluding Kyiv - be realized? What about the political risks for President Trump both at home and with US allies? David Sanger, the White House and National Security Correspondent for the New York Times, joins Thanos Davelis as we dig into all of these questions. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:In a Trump-Putin Summit, Ukraine Fears Losing Say Over Its FutureAthens walks Middle East tightropeSeoul offers Athens major defense proposal

Almost a month since Kimberly Guilfoyle received the nod from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, we are still waiting for her to take up the job of US ambassador in Athens. Endy Zemenides, HALC's Executive Director, joins Thanos Davelis as we try to answer the question everyone's thinking in Greece: “When is Kimberly arriving?”You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Another hurdle delays Guilfoyle's arrivalUS Senate gridlock further delays Guilfoyle's arrival to GreeceCongress is in August recess, but tensions lie ahead on spending and Trump nominationsGreece, US discuss possible new military basesAnkara blocks research on cable routeGreece may extend North Africa asylum ban if migrant flow resurges

Syria stands at a pivotal moment. As the violent persecution of Syria's minorities intensifies, key voices are calling on the US and the international community to help steer the country away from authoritarianism and toward a future that ensures equal citizenship for all Syrians. Two of those voices  - Nadine Maenza and Aykan Erdemir - join Thanos Davelis as we break down why these steps are needed, before it's too late.Nadine Maenza is the chair of the Institute for Global Engagement, co-chair of the International Religious Freedom Roundtable, and former chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. Aykan Erdemir is the Anti-Defamation League's senior director of Global Research and Diplomatic Affairs.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:The path to security for Syria's minorities goes through equal citizenship As Trump warms to Syria, US pushes UN to lift Sharaa sanctionsEgypt reaffirms support for Sinai Monastery amid speculation over its futureCyprus property disputes threaten UN peace talks

Despite Cyprus being better prepared than ever ahead of the wildfire season, last month Cyprus was hit with its worst wildfire in decades. As Cypriots look for answers, countries in the region - including Greece - are also facing similar challenges as they struggle to build resilience and keep up with the impacts of climate change. Nektaria Stamouli, the deputy editor in chief of Kathimerini's English Edition and Politico's Eastern Mediterranean correspondent, joins Thanos Davelis as we dig into this story.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Confused politics fans the flames of Southern Europe's wildfiresTurkish parliamentary committee begins work on PKK peace initiativeAnti-drone system propels Greek plans for home-grown defence industry

With the summer holiday season kicking into full gear, Greek politics doesn't seem ready for a break just yet. Nick Malkoutzis, the co-founder and editor of Macropolis.gr, joins Thanos Davelis as we dig into what's keeping Greek politicians busy in the summer heat - whether it's the continued fallout over an EU farm subsidy scandal, speculation that former prime minister Antonis Samaras could form his own party, or new relief measures set to be announced after the summer.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Gov't faces battles on multiple frontsParliamentary chicanery raises doubt about PM's grip on party as he looks ahead to relief packageGreece, US discuss possible new military basesGreek, Egyptian FMs meet; Sinai in spotlight

Over the past month we've seen a battle of maps in the Eastern Mediterranean, with the Tripoli-based government in Libya, backed by Turkey, raising the temperature with Greece. Thanos Davelis brings on Constantinos Filis, the director of the Institute of Global Affairs and a professor of international relations at the American College of Greece, as we dig into Greece's Libya conundrum and break down whether it's time for Athens - given Ankara's role here - to rethink its Turkey strategy.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greece's tricky Libyan balancing actTime for Athens to rethink its Turkey strategyWarming waters transforming Greece's seasGreece condemns Turkey's marine parks as ‘unacceptable, unilateral and illegal'

Earlier this week we dug into the EU-US trade deal, a deal that many Europeans feel is a humiliation and a surrender. As the dust settles around the details of this agreement, Thanos Davelis brings on Yiannis Mouzakis, the co-founder and editor of Macropolis.gr - a political and economic analysis site that focuses on Greece, to take a closer look at what this deal could mean for Greece.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greece digests EU-US trade deal amid mixed reactionFirst foreign universities to be approvedTurkey government 'manufactures' enemies, opposition tells AFP

The past week has seen a number of developments on defense making headlines in Greece, whether it's news that Athens will tap into Europe's SAFE program, or plans that foresee self-sufficient military units on Greece's islands. Vassilis Nedos, Kathimerini's diplomatic and defense editor, joins Thanos Davelis to break down why these moves matter, and look at what else he is paying attention to, including Turkey's deal for Eurofighter jets and its expected response to Greece's new maritime park in the Aegean.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greece to tap EU loans to aid defense industriesGreece, 17 EU states apply for SAFE defense financing toolArmed Forces plan foresees self-sufficient army units on islandsGreece awaiting Turkey's marine park responseAthens not surprised by Turkey's Eurofighter acquisitionLibyan coast guards train in Greece under plan to stem migrant flowsErdogan shouldn't bank on Trump 

Earlier this month about 30 Kurdish PKK fighters put their assault rifles in a cauldron and set them on fire, a symbolic move after Abdullah Ocalan, the PKK's imprisoned leader, issued a call for the PKK to lay down its arms. Thanos Davelis is joined by Piotr Zalewski, The Economist's Turkey correspondent, as we look into whether Kurds and Turks, after more than four decades of conflict, are closer than ever to peace. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Kurds and Turks are closer than ever to peacePeace in Turkey must not become a smokescreen for repressionAwaiting the details of the EU-US trade dealMPs vote to probe subsidies scandal

Surrender, submission, humiliation. Those are the words floating around in Europe after the US and the EU reached a tariff deal this weekend that President Trump described as the “biggest deal” ever made. Thanos Davelis brings on Simon Nixon, an independent journalist, Kathimerini columnist, and the publisher of the Wealth of Nations newsletter, as we ask the question: big beautiful deal, humiliating surrender, or a little bit of both?You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Europe's SurrenderPaying to Play: Europe's Costly Concessions in Trump's New Trade WarTrump and EU Reach Tariff Deal, Avoiding Trade WarEurope averts its Trumpian trade nightmareYemen's Houthi rebels threaten to escalate attacks on ships linked to companies dealing with IsraelWildfire burns 1.3% of Cyprus' land, satellite data showsReal cost of Cyprus fire near €20 mln

With President Trump's tariffs putting a sharp focus on China, most will likely be closely watching negotiations between the two as they look to avoid a full-blown trade war. In the meantime, the EU also has its eye on China, as Beijing's wide trade surplus with the bloc and its backing of Moscow are key concerns. Brad Setser, the Whitney Shepardson senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations with an expertise in global trade, joins Thanos Davelis today as we take a closer look at how Europe is shifting when it comes to China.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Ursula von der Leyen tells Xi Jinping EU-China ties are at ‘inflection point'Wildfires rage in Greece and Turkey as extreme heat persistsNew legislation will grant legal status to Mt Sinai monastery

Seeing little progress in its effort to get back into the F-35 program, Turkey is now turning to the Eurofighter, with reports this week indicating a deal with both the UK and Germany for 40 jets. Tyler Stapleton and Sinan Ciddi, two experts tracking this issue closely, join Thanos Davelis today to look at what this deal means for Turkey and President Erdogan, and whether this could pose a risk for Europe in the long run.Sinan Ciddi is a non-resident senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and an expert on Turkish politics.Tyler Stapleton serves as director of congressional relations at FDD Action. He previously spent eight years working in Congress where he served as a senior advisor on national security, foreign policy, defense, and intelligence for two members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:UK and Germany Agree to Sell Eurofighter Typhoon Fighter Jets to TurkeyUK, Turkey Sign Eurofighter Deal After Germany Gives NodCyprus gets help from other countries to battle huge wildfire that has killed 2Mitsotakis invites Tripoli to engage in EEZ delimitation talks

Syria has been rocked lately by sectarian violence, something that's not only putting the country's minorities on edge, but is also posing a challenge to ongoing US efforts led by Ambassador Tom Barrack to push for the Syrian Kurds' full integration into the Syrian government. Amberin Zaman, Al-Monitor's chief correspondent covering major stories on the Middle East and North Africa, joins Thanos Davelis today as we dig into this story.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Suwayda violence boosts Kurds' leverage as US Syria envoy, SDF chief meetUS envoy urges Syria's Sharaa to revise policy or risk fragmentationGreece unveils five-pillar plan to tackle growing water scarcityTurkey nears Eurofighter jet purchase after UK, German agreementsAthens not surprised by Turkey's Eurofighter acquisition

While Libya - and the Turkish presence there - has long been on Greece's radar, the war-torn country is now attracting Brussels' attention as well amid concerns about migration and Russia's expanding influence there. Jalel Harchaoui, a Libya specialist based in Paris, joins Thanos Davelis as we dig into Europe's concerns about migration and Russia's expanding footprint in Libya, and look at Turkey's charm offensive toward the government in the east.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:We must work with Libyans to stop Putin weaponizing migrants, top EU official saysTripoli asserts claims against AthensAJC and HALC urge Congress to block Turkey's reentry into the F35 program and uphold CAATSA sanctionsGreek companies tour Europe to lure back skilled nationals

Greece is in the middle of a new heatwave that will see temperatures pass 40 degrees celsius - or 104 Fahrenheit - this week. While the government issues warnings to stay out of the sun and remain cool indoors, this is not an option for many Greeks living in buildings that are not designed to cope with these high temperatures. Today we're bringing on Alexia Kalaitzi, an award-winning journalist and features reporter for Kathimerini, who joins Thanos Davelis as we look into the question: How hot is too hot when you're inside your own home?You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:How hot is too hot when you're inside your home?Greece to create two national marine parks in Ionian and Aegean Seas, PM saysSea parks an assertion of sovereigntyTurkey Nears Preliminary Deal for Eurofighter Combat Jet Order, Sources Say

At the beginning of the year Lebanon found itself with a new president, a weakened Hezbollah, and the collapse of Assad in Syria, and many - including leaders in Athens - were asking if now was an opportunity to reimagine Lebanon's future. Today Vassilis Nedos, Kathimerini's diplomatic and defense editor, joins Thanos Davelis as we look into Greece's ties to Lebanon and its message of support as the country looks to rebuild.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greece backs Lebanon's efforts to restructure its armed forcesGreek PM calls for reunification of Cyprus on anniversary of 1974 invasionErdogan visits Turkish-occupied north Cyprus on 51st anniversary of 1974 invasionAthens hits back at Tripoli sea claims

Over the last decade we've gotten used to Congress driving policy on the East Med, yet since President Trump's inauguration in January, all eyes have been on the executive. Endy Zemenides, HALC's executive Director, joins Thanos Davelis today to see how Congress - on the heels of passing Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill” - is stepping back into the spotlight, introducing key bills on Greece and Cyprus.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Bill proposes 5-year extension of Cyprus arms embargo waiverMeng, Bilirakis, Titus, And Malliotakis Introduce Legislation To Support The US-Hellenic RelationshipKimberly Guilfoyle receives nod as US ambassador to GreeceTripoli asserts claims against AthensUS lawmakers launch bipartisan effort to block Turkey's return to F-35 program 

Earlier this week it seems President Trump took a new stance on Ukraine, announcing a new plan to speed weapons to the war-torn country along with the threat of a new round of punishing sanctions. At the same time, he doubled down on tariffs this past weekend, threatening 30% tariffs on the EU. Ian Lesser, the vice president and Brussels chief of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, joins Thanos Davelis to look into what these shifts mean for Europe.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Trump's Shift on Ukraine Is Good News for Europe, for NowTrump intensifies trade war with threat of 30% tariffs on EU, MexicoEurope's freedom faces greatest threat since WW2, Macron saysTurkish court sentences Erdoğan's top rival to almost 2 years in prisonTourism receipts fall despite visitor surge

Recent statistics show that home ownership is declining in Greece, while the number of people living on rent is shooting up. At the same time, the supply of apartments for sale or rent in the center of Athens continues to drop, while prices are on the rise. This is all contributing to a deepening housing crisis for many Greeks. Nikos Roussanoglou, a journalist at Kathimerini covering the economy and the housing market, joins Thanos Davelis to break down these trends, and look at what they mean for Greeks. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Share of tenants is growingHouse supply keeps decliningTripoli evasive on maritime boundariesBill proposes 5-year extension of Cyprus arms embargo waiverMeng, Bilirakis, Titus, And Malliotakis Introduce Legislation To Support The US-Hellenic Relationship

Italy and Greece are sounding the alarm in Brussels over a spike in migrant flows from Libya which has seen at least 9,000 people arrive in Crete since the start of the year, most of them in recent weeks. Athens has responded with new tough migration rules, and the Greek navy is also present in the area. Angeliki Dimitriadi, an independent researcher and expert on migration, joins Thanos Davelis as we dig into this latest migration challenge facing the region.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Italy and Greece sound the alarm over Libya. But allies aren't rushing to help.Athens rethinks southern sea strategyEU trade ministers plan countermeasures to Trump's ‘unacceptable' 30% tariffsLibya files UN complaint over Greek maritime zones

There are few media outlets - let alone businesses or organizations - around the world that can boast 100 years of existence. As of this weekend, Apogevmatini, the Greek newspaper founded in 1925 in Istanbul, can do just that. Niko Efstathiou, an Athens based journalist and author, joins Thanos Davelis to look into the legacy of Apogevmatini, the paper of the Greeks of Istanbul, tracing its history over the last century and exploring the challenges it faces today - from a shrinking Greek community to media freedom in Turkey.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Apogevmatini marks centenary as voice of Istanbul's Greek community«Απογευματινή»: η ελληνόφωνη εφημερίδα της Κωνσταντινούπολης που κοντεύει να κλείσει 100 χρόνια ζωήςNiko Efstathiou's tweet on Apogevmatini's 100 year anniversaryAthens rethinks southern sea strategyTurkish president hails the start of disarmament by militant Kurdish separatists

It seems Erdogan's main political opponents - primarily from the main opposition - are up against an unprecedented crackdown over the past months that has seen more than 500 people detained. Erdogan has said this government probe targets what he has called a network that is like "an octopus,” both within Turkey and abroad. Ayla Jean Yackley, an Istanbul-based journalist covering Turkey with stories in The Financial Times, Politico, and other major outlets, joins Thanos Davelis as we take a closer look at this story.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Turkey detains hundreds of Erdogan opponents in pursuit of 'octopus' of corruptionTurkey's Erdoğan makes high-stakes Kurdish gambleGreece PM defends halt to asylum processing for North African migrantsDemographic crisis spells end for 146-year-old village school

We're turning our attention to Libya today, as a surge in the number of migrants traveling from the divided country to Greece's shores is sounding alarms in Athens and in Brussels. As Greece and the European Union look to tackle this new challenge, Athens is also looking to engage diplomatically with the two rival factions in Libya's east and west. Alexandra Voudouri, Kathimerini's Brussels correspondent, joins Thanos Davelis with the latest analysis.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Brussels gets blamed for Libya trip fiascoBenghazi expels EU migration envoysAthens adopts measured response to recent diplomatic incident with LibyaAthens steps up efforts to build links with Libya as EU steps in to assistPM unveils tough new migration measuresTrump's pick for US ambassador completes senate hearing smoothly

Originally by today - July 9th - we were supposed to have 90 trade deals in 90 days, and new tariffs were supposed to go into effect. This week, the Trump administration extended the deadline to August 1st. President Trump is now insisting that there will not be another extension to this deadline. Maria Demertzis, the chief economist for Europe at the Conference Board in Brussels, joins Thanos Davelis as we look at what message this latest extension of the tariff deadline sends to America's trading partners, particularly Europe.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:No TACO Tuesday: Trump insists Aug. 1 tariff deadline won't be extendedTrump delays tariffs as the rest of the world plays hardballWhat Trump Trade Policy Has Achieved Since ‘Liberation Day'Greek PM to brief Parliament on migration surge from LibyaBenghazi expels EU migration envoysHouthi rebels release video of attack on Greek ship Magic SeasDeath toll from Red Sea attack on Greek-owned vessel rises to three

Speaking at an event organized by Kathimerini last week in Athens, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel reflected on her tenure, touching on a number of issues, from her relationship with leaders like former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to the Greek financial crisis. Iliana Magra, a journalist with Kathimerini, joins Thanos Davelis as we break down the main takeaways from this visit.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Τι είπε και τι είδε η Μέρκελ στην ΑθήναMerkel says Trump is an attention seeker and Greek debt crisis brought her to tearsMerkel: Tsipras' call about 2015 referendum was ‘most surprising' in her careerWithdrawing 2011 referendum idea was ‘best possible decision,' says MerkelCyprus goes high-tech in search for people missing from past conflictUS transforms Souda base into fortress

Recent reports indicate that the White House is looking to find a way to move past Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 missiles, and pave the way for Ankara to return to the F-35 program. Sinan Ciddi and Bradley Bowman, the authors of the recent op-ed “S-400s or not, don't give Turkey the F-35”, join Thanos Davelis to make the case that even if Turkey gives up the S-400s, F-35s should be off the table for both practical and moral reasons.Bradley Bowman is senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), and Sinan Ciddi is a senior fellow at FDD and director of its Turkey Program.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:S-400s or not, don't give Turkey the F-35US expands military footprint in Greece as priorities evolveForeign minister in Benghazi Sunday for high-level talks

While everyone's attention has been on the Middle East over the past weeks, I want to turn us to the Black Sea. The Black Sea is not just critical to Russian President Vladimir Putin's war on Ukraine, but it is a key part of the wider standoff between Moscow and the West, raising questions about European security and drawing in other powers as well like Turkey and the US. Dimitar Bechev, a senior fellow with Carnegie Europe, joins Thanos Davelis as we take a closer look at why the Black Sea is increasingly on the West and Europe's radar.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:The Black Sea Has Become the Fulcrum of Europe's SecurityUS sanctions on Turkey could be lifted, envoy saysS-400s or not, don't give Turkey the F-35Rival leaders in Cyprus will meet informally with UN chief this month

A scandal involving EU funds and farm subsidies has rocked the Greek government and is the lead story coming out of Greece. Over the weekend we saw the resignation of a few ministers, including migration minister and former agriculture minister Makis Voridis, and we've seen Prime Minister Mitsotakis acknowledge the government's failure while announcing steps to address the issue. Nektaria Stamouli, the deputy editor in chief of Kathimerini's English Edition and Politico's Eastern Mediterranean correspondent, joins Thanos Davelis to look into this story.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greece names new ministers after high-level resignations over farm scandalGreek farm scandal triggers top-level government resignationsMitsotakis: Task force to trace illegal farmer subsidies‘We failed': Mitsotakis addresses OPEKEPE scandal and party's roleTurkey detains 120 opposition officials including former mayor

We're turning to Turkey today, where Turkish markets rallied on Monday after a Turkish court adjourned a case that could force the removal of the main opposition party's leader. Despite this decision, there is still rising political uncertainty in the country as Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu remains imprisoned, and questions remain about the direction Turkey's economy is heading. Wolfango Piccoli, the co-founder of risk analysis company Teneo, joins Thanos Davelis as we dig into these developments.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Turkish Markets Rally After Key Opposition Case AdjournedTurkey's economic woes catch up with Erdoğan Cyprus invites Erdogan to summit despite long rift over 1974 invasionInviting the invader?Trump Lifts Sanctions on Syria, Tightening His Embrace of Its New Leader