Latest Greece News
A neglected burial ground for migrants on Greek island of Lesbos has been given a drastic overhaul
LESBOS, Greece (AP) — Most drowned making the hazardous sea crossing from nearby Turkey, while others died of natural causes in migrant camps on the Greek island of Lesbos. After years of neglect, a makeshift burial ground for migrants on the island has been cleaned up and...
Greek minister says 2 major new marine parks will be created by the end of this year
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece will be able to create the two new major marine parks it has announced for the Ionian Sea and the Aegean Sea by the end of this year, the country’s environment and energy minister said Wednesday. Speaking during an international ocean conference in...
Greece names a convicted politician from Albania’s ethnic Greek minority as candidate in EU election
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece’s governing conservative party added a convicted politician from Albania’s ethnic Greek minority to its list of candidates for the upcoming European Parliament election, adding to the already existing tension between the two countries. Fredi Beleris...
Unions in Greece call widespread strikes, seeking a return to bargaining rights axed during bailouts
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Strikes called by Greece’s largest labor union halted ferries, disrupted public transport services and left some state-run hospitals running on emergency staffing levels in Athens and elsewhere Wednesday. The General Confederation of Greek Labor, GSEE, led...
Countdown clock for Paris Olympics hits 100-day mark on same day Olympic Torch is lit
PARIS (AP) — The Olympic Torch is lit and the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics is 100 days away. The countdown clock in Paris hit the 100-day mark Tuesday. That came on the same day the torch was lit at the birthplace of the sporting competition in Ancient Olympia, Greece. ...
Greece plans 2 marine protected areas. But rival Turkey and environmental groups aren't impressed
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece aims to create two large marine parks as part of a 780-million-euro ($830 million) program to protect biodiversity and marine ecosystems that includes banning bottom trawling and tackling plastic and microplastic pollution, the prime minister announced during an...
Torch and sandals: What to know about the flame-lighting ceremony in Greece for the Paris Olympics
ANCIENT OLYMPIA, Greece (AP) — A priestess prays to a dead sun god in front of a fallen Greek temple. If the sky is clear, a flame spurts that will burn in Paris throughout the world’s top sporting event. Speeches ensue. On Tuesday, the flame for this summer’s Paris Olympics...
The French connection: Paris flame to make first stop in Greece at heart of modern games' founder
ANCIENT OLYMPIA, Greece (AP) — Just outside the site of the ancient Olympic Games, hooting owls break the nighttime silence at a white marble monument containing what’s left of a singular Frenchman’s heart. Baron Pierre de Coubertin was the driving force behind the modern...
3 girls found dead and 16 rescued after a boat carrying migrants is lost near a Greek island
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Rescuers on the eastern Greek island of Chios on Wednesday recovered the bodies of three girls who died after a boat carrying migrants from nearby Turkey hit rocks, officials said. Fourteen people, including eight other children, were rescued by the coast...
Eid prayers held in a historic former mosque in northern Greece for the first time in 100 years
THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — The Stars of David adorning the balconies along the top of the building catch the first glimmers of the dawn light as worshipers pass through the gates of the historic Yeni Cami, or New Mosque, for morning prayers. Wednesday marked the first time since...
