Author: Irini Petrou

British satellite communications company Inmarsat said on Wednesday it is nearing an agreement to move some of its ground communications systems from the Netherlands to Greece, resolving a conflict over 5G bandwidth use. The systems based in Burum, Netherlands, use the 3.5Ghz frequency range for emergency communications with sea traffic. Their location has been in doubt for years as the Dutch government plans to use the 3.5Ghz range for 5G telecommunications. Inmarsat said it received confirmation from the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance last week that it will be able to continue using a new ground station in Thermopylae, Greece.…

Cycling varies widely among European countries, with the Netherlands and the Nordics leading the way. The number of people who never cycle is surprisingly high. Active mobility is one of the significant ways to save energy. Not only do you save energy, but you also boost your physical and mental health by walking or cycling. This is why the European Commission is actively calling on you to “use your own energy”. Bicycle use is already very popular in some European countries, such as the Netherlands and Denmark. Cycling also has a significant share among the main modes of transport in…

A group of around 50 people gathered at Parikia beach on Paros Island, Greece, on 3 September, media reports said. They carried a massive sign reading “Reclaim the Beach,” and one man used a loudspeaker to recite sections of the Greek constitution, speaking about how the beaches belonged to the country’s citizens. This event marked a significant moment in the ongoing “beach towel revolt” campaign, which seeks to restore free access to beaches taken over by beach bars and businesses charging high prices for sun loungers and umbrellas. Origins of the protests The “beach towel revolt” began in May 2023…

Greece can tap up to 2.25 billion euros in European Funds to tackle the impact of a rainstorm that killed at least 15 people, damaged homes, schools and roads and wiped out crops and animal farms, the EU Commission chief said on Tuesday. Storm Daniel pummelled the Thessaly region in central Greece for three days last week at the end of the hottest summer ever recorded in the country. “Our thoughts are with all the women, men and children who are courageously withstanding these disasters and we mourn the lives lost,” EU Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen said after…

As the mythical Greek summer season winds up, visitors pack the small, white-washed streets of one of the country’s most iconic destinations: the island of Santorini. Tourism is a lifeblood of the Greek economy, accounting for about 25 percent of it, and 90 percent of Santorini’s economy is dependent on selfie-stick-wielding visitors. It has become a double-edged sword for Santorini as the island’s 15,000 residents can see up to two million yearly visitors. Placards placed around Santorini’s villages remind tourists to respect the homes and holy sites. George Sarelakos, founder and president of Aegean Rebreath, an organisation working to protect…

Frankfurt (22/09 – 58.33) Since May 2022, the Tajikistani authorities have stepped up their ongoing crackdown on Pamiris, an ethnic, linguistic and religious minority originating from the Pamir mountains in Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast of Tajikistan. They have arbitrarily detained hundreds of Pamiris, including civil society activists and human rights defenders, and imprisoned over 200 of them after convictions in unfair trials, in a campaign aimed at stripping the local communities of their leadership and dismantling their civil society. The authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Pamiri civil society activists, journalists and human rights defenders who have been detained solely…

Rabat wants to continue taking steps towards an increasingly closer relationship with Europe. With the regional leadership increasingly settled in the face of the Algerian crisis, the country chaired by Aziz Akhanouch wants to move towards a future marked by green energies. And this is what the pharaonic investment that Morocco is carrying out in this type of resources shows, with the intention of positioning itself as one of the main alternatives for the Old Continent in terms of supply. Since the middle Five Days, it is noted that “with an accumulated investment of about 16,400 million euros (…) the Kingdom of…

‘We want to export finished products, not rock and sand.’ That was a key message from the South African president at this week’s BRICS summit. Cyril Ramaphosa noted the importance of raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel – and argued their processing should take place in Africa. Developing countries are increasingly determined to move up global value chains. To this end, many leaders are looking to diversify their relationships and thereby reduce their dependence on the West. Indeed, more than 60 governments were invited to this year’s summit, alongside Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Europe’s slow start China…

Innovation in the sector has a beneficial knock-on effect in all of the numerous sectors it touches. To put it more simply, if the space sector flourishes, almost every other sector thrives, too, Bogdan Gogulan writes. Productivity is the cornerstone of economic growth, and across Europe, and in the UK in particular, growth is stalling. Although the latest eurozone data shows record employment, inflation remains well above the European Central Bank’s 2% target, standing at 5.3% for July. And growth, EU Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni said, will likely “remain subdued” for the rest of the year. Discussions of how to solve…

If you are looking for the liveliest time to be in Greece, Dekapentavgoustos (August 15th) should definitely be on top of your list. Marking the Assumption of the Virgin Mary — one of the largest religious celebrations in the country— this period also hosts some of the greatest Panigiria (festivals). Greeks from Athens, Thessaloniki and all the main cities travel to their island homes and villages to mark this day of non-stop celebration. Every region has its own traditions but overall the day is held in honour of Panagia- who is cherished and respected, and asked to perform miracles on people of…