Greece - ekathimerini.com (English)

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1. Commission opens infringement proceedings against Greece over money laundering

   The European Commission has launched infringement proceedings against Greece for failing to correctly transpose parts of an EU directive aimed at combating money laundering into national law.

2. Government spokesperson rejects Tsipras proposal for ‘patriotic contribution’ tax

   Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis has dismissed a proposal by former prime minister Alexis Tsipras and his newly launched Greek Left Alliance, or ELAS, party for a “patriotic contribution,” arguing that tax increases cannot be considered either “good” or “patriotic.”

3. Why does Greece have the highest cancer mortality rate in Europe?

   Greece has the highest cancer mortality rate in Europe and the second highest among OECD countries, according to a new study by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

4. Mitsotakis highlights strategic importance of Vertical Corridor in meeting with Bulgarian PM

   Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has highlighted the strategic importance of the Vertical Corridor infrastructure initiative during talks with his newly elected Bulgarian counterpart, Rumen Radev, saying the project could strengthen energy security and transport links across southeastern Europe.

5. Elderly man arrested after fatal shooting of brother in Trikala

   An 86-year-old man in Trikala, central Greece, is in custody after allegedly shooting and killing his 82-year-old brother, according to state broadcaster ERT.

6. Over 100 migrants rescued off Crete

   A total of 101 migrants were rescued from two boats off the coast of Crete on Thursday, authorities said. 

7. Journalist petitions Supreme Court to reopen spyware probe

   Financial journalist Thanasis Koukakis has asked prosecutors to reopen a high-profile wiretapping investigation, citing recent statements by Intellexa founder Tal Dilian that he says warrant a fresh examination of the case.

8. First female army volunteers report for service

   The first group of women to join Greece’s armed forces under a new voluntary military service program reported for duty Thursday, marking the launch of a pilot initiative aimed at expanding opportunities for women in the military.

9. EU to look for ways to make it quicker for the Western Balkan countries to join the bloc

   The European Union will look for new ways to speed up the membership process for six candidate countries from the Western Balkans at an upcoming summit, European Council President Antonio Costa has said.

10. Beekeepers seen behind blaze in northern Athens suburb

    A fire that broke out in a wooded park in the northern Athens suburb of Filothei on Thursday may have been sparked by beekeepers using smokers on their hives, according to officials investigating the blaze.