Greece

Greece and Israel signed a landmark defense agreement on August 31, 2026, valued at approximately €3 billion ($3.5 billion), to build a multi-layered air defense system named 'Achilles Shield'. The deal, Israel's largest-ever defense export, includes David's Sling, SPYDER, and BARAK MX systems, plus a command-and-control system and Drone Dome anti-drone systems. It is explicitly framed as a counter to perceived threats from Turkey and Iran, reshaping strategic alliances in the Eastern Mediterranean.

10 reports · 5 sources · Updated Sep 3, 10:30 AM UTC

Severe wildfires, driven by hurricane-force winds up to 108 km/h, are ravaging Greece and Turkey. On Crete, two firefighters died trapped in their engine near Rethymno, and a third died in the Peloponnese. Over 150 firefighters and aircraft battle a 15-km blaze on Crete, forcing evacuations of tourists and villagers. Fires also hit Paros, Lesbos, and southern Turkey, where 90 new fires erupted. Spain and France face renewed heatwave-driven fires, with Spain’s largest-ever wildfire burning 43,000 hectares near Madrid.

11 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 8, 04:00 PM UTC

On August 2-3, 2026, the Italian Navy, leading EU Operation IRINI, intercepted and boarded the Cameroon-flagged tanker *Toa Payoh* in international waters west of Pantelleria, Italy. The vessel, en route from Benin to Istanbul, is suspected of being part of Russia’s shadow fleet evading oil sanctions. Supported by Greek and Polish assets, the two-hour inspection proceeded after initial captain resistance. This marks intensified EU efforts to disrupt sanctions evasion, following a similar boarding on July 22.

8 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 3, 12:22 PM UTC

Devastating wildfires are sweeping across Southern and Western Europe, driven by extreme heat and dry conditions. In southwestern France, over 63,000 people have been evacuated near Bordeaux and the Arcachon Basin, with fires spreading to 10,000 hectares. Spain declared a state of emergency for Madrid and Ávila, evacuating 10,000 people. France activated EU civil protection, requesting aircraft from Croatia, Portugal, Czech Republic, and Slovakia, and is converting an A400M military plane for firefighting. Fires also hit Sicily, where a firefighter died, and Germany’s Saarland region.

52 reports · 10 sources · Updated Aug 1, 12:49 PM UTC

Rafa Mir, a 28-year-old Sevilla striker sentenced to 8.5 years in prison for sexual assault, has terminated his contract with Sevilla and received judicial permission to play abroad. He is set to join Greek club Aris Thessaloniki, with conditions including monthly check-ins at the Spanish consulate. Mir, who claims the relations were consensual, plans to appeal. His departure allows Sevilla to reduce wages and free a squad spot amid their restructuring.

7 reports · 6 sources · Updated Jul 30, 06:35 PM UTC

The European Union has launched a call for tenders to build seven AI gigafactories—three large and four smaller—with €5-10 billion in EU funding, part of a total €30 billion public-private investment. Announced on July 30, 2026, by Commissioner Henna Virkkunen, the initiative aims to reduce reliance on foreign tech (notably Nvidia chips) and comply with the EU AI Act. Eighteen EU countries have expressed interest, with construction expected to start in 2027 and full completion by 2032.

7 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 8, 03:15 AM UTC

Portuguese midfielder Gustavo Sá, captain of Famalicão, is being transferred to Nottingham Forest for a fixed €20 million fee, then immediately loaned to Olympiacos. Both clubs are owned by Greek businessman Evangelos Marinakis, highlighting the multi-club ownership model. Sá left Famalicão’s training camp in Italy to join Forest’s camp in Portugal. The deal follows a similar precedent with David Carmo and was previously close to West Ham United.

9 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 30, 10:28 AM UTC

On July 30, 2026, two firefighters lost their lives while battling a forest fire on the Greek island of Crete. The emergency personnel became trapped by the advancing flames inside their fire engine, resulting in their deaths. The incident highlights the dangers faced by firefighters during wildfire seasons, which have become increasingly severe in the Mediterranean region. The article, published by German news outlet Die Welt, includes an image from the scene but provides limited additional details about the fire's cause, size, or containment status. The tragedy underscores ongoing challenges in wildfire management and firefighter safety in Greece.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 30, 05:48 AM UTC

Italian Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that AS Roma is close to finalizing a deal to sign Greek center-back Konstantinos Koulierakis from Bundesliga club Wolfsburg. The transfer fee is expected to exceed €15 million plus add-ons, with ongoing negotiations over bonus clauses and payment structure. Koulierakis, 22, came through PAOK's youth system and moved to Wolfsburg in summer 2024. He has made 66 appearances for the German club, scoring 4 goals and providing 3 assists, and has earned 22 caps for the Greek national team. The deal could be completed as early as tomorrow.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 11:18 PM UTC

Piraeus Financial Holdings held its Q2 2026 earnings call on July 29, 2026, led by CEO Christos Megalou and CFO Theodore Gnardellis. The call highlighted sustainable profit growth, strong returns, expanding customer activity, and diversification into a more comprehensive financial services group. The bank is investing in technology and AI-driven productivity while maintaining capital strength, balance sheet resilience, and a low-risk profile. Analysts from Eurobank Equities, Bernstein, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan, and others participated. The presentation emphasized that the strategy is transforming earnings quality and enhancing long-term value creation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 08:43 PM UTC

Borussia Dortmund is actively negotiating to sign 18-year-old Greek attacking midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas from Belgian club Genk. The player has agreed personal terms with Dortmund, but Genk demands a total package of around €35 million, including bonuses and a sell-on clause. Dortmund’s initial €30 million offer was rejected. Karetsas, who contributed 3 goals and 14 assists last season, is seen as a replacement for Julian Brandt and prefers Dortmund over AC Milan. Talks continue.

19 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 29, 06:52 PM UTC

Greek Super League club Olympiacos officially announced the signing of German goalkeeper Stefan Ortega Moreno on July 29. The 33-year-old, born in Hofgeismar, spent the second half of the previous season at Nottingham Forest, helping the team reach the Europa League semi-finals. Ortega previously played for Manchester City from summer 2022 to February 2026, making 56 appearances under Pep Guardiola and contributing to City's treble-winning 2022-2023 season with 14 appearances. He began his career at Arminia Bielefeld at age 15, making 220 appearances and helping the club gain promotion to the Bundesliga in 2020. The transfer marks a new chapter for the experienced goalkeeper in Greek football.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 03:03 PM UTC

The European Defence Agency (EDA) has selected five finalists—Helsing (Germany), Destinus (Netherlands), C-Astral (Slovenia), UAVision (Portugal), and Spirit Aeronautical Systems (Greece)—for the second phase of its Sentinel Strike Challenge, a competition to test loitering munition technologies. Over 140 organizations expressed interest. The finalists will field-test their attack drones during the EU OPEX26 campaign at Portugal’s Santa Margarida military training area this autumn. Military users from EU member states will assess performance, resilience, and operational suitability. Winners share €1.8 million in prizes, with overall results expected in 2027.

7 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 29, 02:19 PM UTC

Greek metals and energy company METLEN has signed a long-term agreement to supply approximately 25% of the annual gallium output from its planned facility in Greece to an unnamed US technology company. The deal is the first major commercial supply agreement between a European gallium producer and a US-based technology operator. Gallium is a critical material used in AI, renewable energy, telecommunications, and defence, and its production is currently concentrated in a few countries, prompting diversification efforts. METLEN is the first European company to establish integrated gallium production and secure a commercial supply agreement for continent-produced gallium. The European Commission has designated the investment as a Strategic Project under the Critical Raw Materials Act, and the European Investment Bank has approved funding through the REPowerEU framework. The terms of the deal remain confidential.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 11:31 AM UTC

Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis held a video call with director Christopher Nolan to thank him for the film The Odyssey, praising it for boosting global interest in ancient Greek civilisation and bridging cultural heritage with contemporary creativity. Mitsotakis commended Nolan's use of Greek filming locations in the Peloponnese region, including Voidokilia Beach and Methoni Castle, and noted the film's great box office success. The Odyssey has earned $639.6 million globally since its July 17 release, becoming Universal's second-highest-grossing R-rated film since Oppenheimer. The article also notes criticism from classical studies professor Emily Wilson, whose 2017 translation inspired the film, who described it as lacking narrative and emotional depth despite visual spectacle. Sales of the original Odyssey text have skyrocketed since the film's release.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 10:51 AM UTC

Croatian midfielder Lovro Majer has ended his tenure at VfL Wolfsburg, departing the Bundesliga club following their relegation. He is joining Greek Super League champions AEK Athens. The transfer not only removes one of Wolfsburg's highest earners from their wage bill but also provides the Lower Saxony club with a significant transfer fee, offering financial relief as they prepare for life in the 2. Bundesliga.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 10:11 AM UTC

Greece has approved over €3 billion for the Achilles Shield, an integrated air- and missile-defense architecture designed for modern warfare dominated by drones and precision weapons. The Greek Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence approved total armament programs worth €4.2 billion. Athens will acquire three complementary Israeli systems: Spyder AiO for short-range threats, Barak MX for intermediate coverage, and David's Sling for longer-range missiles. The architecture will be connected through an AI-supported command-and-control system with modern radars. This move replaces aging Russian-made Tor-M1 and Osa-AK systems, which have become difficult to maintain due to the war in Ukraine. The program complements the earlier €656 million PULS rocket artillery system contract, which includes precision-guided missiles and loitering munitions for deployment on Aegean islands. Greece's cooperation with Israel is structural, involving joint exercises and industrial programs. While Athens officially states the shield is not directed against any country, Türkiye's expanding missile and drone capabilities remain a key factor, raising concerns about a regional arms race.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 07:12 AM UTC

Greece has approved over €3 billion for the Achilles Shield, an integrated air- and missile-defense architecture designed for modern warfare dominated by drones, precision weapons, and saturation attacks. The Greek Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence approved armament programs totaling €4.2 billion, with the majority allocated to the Achilles Shield. Athens plans to acquire three complementary Israeli systems: Spyder AiO for short-range threats, Barak MX for intermediate coverage, and David's Sling for longer-range missiles. The entire structure will be connected through a new AI-supported command-and-control system and modern radars. This move replaces aging Russian-made Tor-M1 and Osa-AK systems, which have become difficult to maintain due to the war in Ukraine. The program complements the earlier €656 million PULS rocket artillery system contract, giving Greece both defensive and long-range strike capabilities. The deepening military cooperation with Israel includes joint exercises, pilot training, and discussions on a rapid-reaction unit for critical infrastructure. While Greece officially states the program is not directed against any third country, the development is clearly influenced by Turkey's expanding missile, drone, and defense-industrial capabilities, raising concerns about a regional arms race.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 07:12 AM UTC

Greece has approved over €3 billion for the 'Achilles Shield,' a comprehensive, integrated air and missile defense architecture designed for modern warfare dominated by drones and precision weapons. The program, approved by the Greek Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence, involves acquiring three complementary Israeli systems: Spyder AiO for short-range threats, Barak MX for intermediate coverage, and David's Sling for long-range missiles. These will be linked by an AI-supported command-and-control system. This marks a shift from purchasing individual platforms to building a unified defensive network. The decision is driven by the need to replace aging Russian-made Tor-M1 and Osa-AK systems, which have become unsustainable due to the war in Ukraine. The Achilles Shield complements a previous €656 million deal for PULS rocket artillery, giving Greece both defensive and long-range strike capabilities. While Athens officially states the program is not directed at any third country, the analysis highlights Turkey's expanding missile and drone capabilities as a key factor accelerating the decision, raising concerns about a regional arms race.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 07:12 AM UTC

German Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg and Greek champions AEK Athens have reached an agreement for the transfer of Croatian midfielder Lovro Majer. The 28-year-old is set to move to the Greek Super League side for a transfer fee of six million euros, pending a successful medical and final contract signing. Majer is expected to sign a contract with AEK Athens that will keep him at the club until 2030. The deal represents a significant outgoing transfer for Wolfsburg, who were relegated from the Bundesliga at the end of the previous season. The information was reported by German football magazine kicker.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 08:21 PM UTC

European summers are increasingly defined by severe wildfires, but national response teams have been caught off guard by the scale and speed of blazes in France and Spain. Over 300,000 people have been evacuated, with fires spreading across 42,000 hectares in France and a record 80,000 hectares in Spain. Officials warn the fires may not be extinguished until November. The EU's Civil Protection Mechanism has mobilized planes and helicopters from multiple member states, but one Commission official stated the intensity is 'ten times over the capacity' of available resources. The article also covers the ECB's analysis of China's role in stabilizing oil prices, health risks from wildfire smoke, and other European news including UK drone tech for Ukraine, Italy's football coach controversy, and Ireland's data center strain.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 03:55 PM UTC

According to The Sun, England and Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson vacationed with his wife Millie in Mykonos, Greece after the 2026 World Cup. During the trip, he recreated Jesse Lingard's iconic 'JL' finger celebration, prompting a heart and prayer emoji comment from Lingard. Henderson also mimicked John Stones' famous fake injury prank from the World Cup locker room. The couple married in 2022 at Rome's Villa Miani hotel with Lewis Capaldi performing. They have two children. Millie keeps a low profile with no social media. In 2024, Henderson arranged a private plane for her and family to attend his first England start against Finland.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 11:46 PM UTC

Greece has approved a €600 million procurement of three Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft to replace its aging fleet of U.S.-made C-130 Hercules aircraft. The decision, reported by Army Recognition, marks a significant modernization of the Hellenic Air Force's tactical airlift capabilities. The C-390 Millennium, a twin-engine jet-powered transport, offers superior payload capacity, range, and speed compared to the older C-130s. The deal includes logistics support and training. This acquisition aligns with Greece's broader defense modernization efforts and reduces reliance on older U.S. platforms, while strengthening ties with Brazil, the aircraft's manufacturer. Deliveries are expected within the next few years.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 04:19 PM UTC

The United States has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale of Switchblade loitering munitions to Greece, valued at an estimated $80.1 million. The sale, announced by the State Department, includes 350 Switchblade 300 Block 20 systems, 35 fire control systems, Switchblade 600 anti-armour munitions, and associated support equipment, training, and logistics. The State Department stated the sale supports US foreign policy by enhancing the security of NATO ally Greece, improving its ability to deter threats and increase interoperability with US forces. The principal contractor is AeroVironment of California. The notification to Congress is a standard procedural step and does not represent a final contract; quantities and costs may change during negotiations. Both Switchblade variants have been widely used in Ukraine since 2022.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 04:00 AM UTC

The U.S. Defense Logistics Agency has awarded Rockwell Collins ESA Vision Systems an estimated $333 million contract to supply spare parts and repair services for the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS). This system allows fighter pilots to target enemy aircraft simply by looking at them, enhancing close-in dogfight capabilities when paired with AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles. The six-year contract, running through July 2032, covers F-15, F-16, and F/A-18 aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and 13 allied nations including Greece, Morocco, Singapore, and Australia. The contract is a sole-source acquisition, reflecting the company's unique position as the sole provider of JHMCS hardware. Work will be performed in Texas, Oregon, and Israel, with funding from fiscal years 2026-2032.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 10:57 AM UTC

The U.S. Defense Logistics Agency has awarded Rockwell Collins ESA Vision Systems an estimated $333 million contract to supply spare parts and repair services for the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), a fighter pilot helmet that functions as a targeting computer. The six-year contract, running through July 23, 2032, covers F-15, F-16, and F-18 aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and 13 allied nations including Greece, Morocco, Singapore, and Australia. The system allows pilots to lock missiles onto targets simply by looking at them, enabling high off-boresight targeting. The contract was awarded as a sole-source acquisition, citing the company's unique position as the sole provider of JHMCS hardware. Work will be performed in Texas, Oregon, and Israel, with funding from fiscal years 2026 through 2032.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 10:57 AM UTC

On July 20-21, 2026, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen declared an immediate maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, threatening to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—a critical chokepoint for global oil trade. The blockade, retaliation for a Saudi-led siege on Yemen and an attack on Sanaa airport, escalates the ongoing U.S.-Iran war. It threatens Saudi oil exports via the Red Sea port of Yanbu, already strained by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Tankers carrying Saudi crude have turned back, and global oil markets face severe supply disruptions.

48 reports · 14 sources · Updated Jul 29, 05:36 PM UTC

Greece approved a €3.5 billion ($4 billion) multi-layer air defense system from Israel, named 'Achilles Shield,' using Israeli radars and missiles from Rafael and IAI, with 25% Greek production. The deal, approved by security council KYSEA, also includes drones, C-390 aircraft, mini-submarines, and UAVs. Greece, spending 3.5% of GDP on defense due to tensions with Turkey, plans €28 billion in military modernization by 2036, including F-35 jets and frigates.

6 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 24, 03:24 PM UTC

FC St. Pauli right-back Manolis Saliakas (29) has officially completed a transfer to Olympiacos Piraeus for a fee of 1.3 million euros. Saliakas, who previously played for Olympiacos from 2013 to 2019 (mostly on loan), returns to the Greek club where he is now planned as a key figure to achieve their big goals, including Champions League qualifying against Nijmegen. St. Pauli's sporting director Andreas Bornemann thanked Saliakas for his passion and leadership on the pitch, noting the player's desire to play internationally for his former club. Saliakas made 120 competitive appearances for St. Pauli since joining from Giannina in 2022. The club will seek a new right-back but faces no immediate pressure as Arkadiusz Pyrka (23) can cover the position. Other potential departures from St. Pauli include Eric Smith and Joel Chima Fujita.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 11:51 AM UTC

Greece has approved a €600 million procurement of three Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft to replace its aging fleet of U.S.-made C-130 Hercules aircraft. The decision, reported by Army Recognition, marks a significant shift in Greece's military logistics capabilities, opting for the Brazilian-made multi-mission aircraft over potential American or European alternatives. The C-390 Millennium offers advanced cargo capacity, aerial refueling capability, and compatibility with NATO standards. This acquisition is part of Greece's broader defense modernization efforts, aiming to enhance its airlift capacity and reduce reliance on older platforms. The deal underscores growing international interest in the C-390, which has already been ordered by several other nations including Portugal, Hungary, and the Netherlands.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 08:38 AM UTC