Greece has introduced a six-day working week to turbocharge productivity. This comes at a time when several countries including Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands have introduced a four-day working week.

Greece has introduced a six-day working week to turbocharge productivity. This comes at a time when several countries including Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands have introduced a four-day working week. The initiative (by the Greek government) came into force on Monday (Jul 1), a report by The Guardian said. The government said that the initiative was made necessary by the twin perils of a shrinking population and a shortage of skilled workers. This initiative is part of a broader set of labour laws passed in 2023, The Guardian report said. A look at the six-day workweek measure According to officials, the six-day work measure would only apply to businesses providing round-the-clock services. Under the extended working week, staff in select industries and manufacturing facilities would have the option of working an additional two hours a day or an extra eight-hour shift. Also read | Four-day workweek: This country to launch six-month pilot programme for workers This would be rewarded with a top-up fee of 40 per cent added to the daily wage, the report added. Fierce criticism of the measure The measure has been fiercely criticised. Citing critics, The Guardian reported that the measure erodes legal protections and rolls back long-established workers’ rights in the name of flexibility. Also watch | Hybrid work vs office mandates × Akis Sotiropoulos, a member of the civil servants’ union Adedy, said a six-day workweek made no sense whatsoever. "When almost every other civilised country is enacting a four-day week, Greece decides to go the other way,” Sotiropoulos said. “In reality, this has been passed by a government ideologically committed to generating ever bigger profits for capital,” Sotiropoulos added and pointed out that better productivity comes with better work conditions and a better quality of life. (With inputs from agencies)

Greece introduces six-day working week to turbocharge productivity; measure criticised

Greece frequently experiences wildfires, but in recent years, due to hotter and drier summers linked to climate change, they have become more destructive. Authorities said they thought the wildfire near Athens last week was caused by arson in addition to the hot, dry weather. Dozens of people were forced to evacuate their homes.

Greece fights worst wildfires in a day: Officials advice people to stay away from forest

Firefighters were battling a series of wildfires near the Greek capital Athens on Sunday afternoon, as the country braces for another scorching summer.

Greece faces a tough wildfire season after its warmest winter and earliest heatwave on record, with temperatures hitting 44°C (111&nbsp;°F).&nbsp;

Two large wildfires were raging in Attica Sunday afternoon, with residents told to evacuate from eight areas near the capital.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hungarys-orban-unveils-new-far-right-bloc-in-european-parliament-736564">Hungary's PM Viktor Orban unveils new far-right bloc in European Parliament</a>

Some 140 firefighters, with teams of forest commandos, 39 vehicles, eight helicopters and nine aircraft were working to control the flames in Keratea, south of Athens.

Ertnews channel reported that at least four houses were completely destroyed.&nbsp;

"The situation is very difficult, as strong winds continue to blow, they have not subsided and the outbreaks are many," the mayor of Lavreotiki, Dimitris Loukas, told Athens News Agency.&nbsp;

"We are fighting a great battle."

He warned that "the wind is very strong and is constantly creating outbreaks".

However he said that the nearby military air base was not currently in danger from the flames.

It came a day after another wildfire had erupted in the same area, sparking evacuation orders but was later successfully controlled.&nbsp;

North of Athens, another blaze ignited in the suburb of Stamata and authorities&nbsp;sent emergency messages for inhabitants to evacuate.

Fire brigade spokesman Vasileios Vathrakogiannis said it was "the most difficult day of the year so far for the Fire Brigade."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-beryl-rare-for-this-time-of-the-year-has-already-set-a-few-records-736651">Hurricane Beryl, rare for this time of the year, has already set a few records</a>

<h2>Island fires</h2>

A fire also broke out Sunday in an industrial zone in Ritsona, near the island of Evia.&nbsp;

Black smoke has filled the sky above Ritsona after the fire started in a recycling factory, burning various flammable materials that were in the grounds around it, including tyres and mattresses.&nbsp;

Firefighters are positioned along the old Ritsona national road and are fighting to prevent the flames from spreading beyond the recycling plant to other factories in the area.

The fire is also near a refugee centre, but the Athens News Agency reported that this was not believed to be in danger.

Separately, a large wildfire broke out on Serifos island on Saturday afternoon, but was also brought under control by firefighters early Sunday.

"All of southwestern Serifos has burned. We are talking about an area where the fire stopped at the sea," Serifos mayor Konstantinos Revintis told MEGA TV.&nbsp;

The fire caused damage to houses, cottages, warehouses and chapels, according to the mayor.

The Fire Danger Forecast Map issued for Sunday by the Civil Protection Ministry predicted a very high category 4 risk of fire for Attica, the Peloponnese, Crete, the North and South Aegean Regions, and central Greece.&nbsp;

A wildfire ignited Saturday afternoon in the area of Mount Parnitha-- known as "the lungs of Athens" -- was controlled Saturday evening with the help of reinforcements from other regions as well as volunteer firefighters.

More than forty wildfires erupted across Saturday in Greece with wind speeds exceeding 100 kilometres (62 miles) per hour, according to fire brigade sources.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called on Greeks to brace for a difficult wildfire season in his weekly Facebook post on Sunday.

"The difficult times are still ahead of us. Our effort is continuous. In this effort, our allies are new tools that build a new culture of prevention and responsibility," he said.

Firefighters were battling a series of wildfires near the Greek capital Athens on Sunday afternoon, as the country braces for another scorching summer. Greece faces a tough wildfire season after its warmest winter and earliest heatwave on record, with temperatures hitting 44°C (111 °F).

Firefighters were battling a series of wildfires near the Greek capital Athens on Sunday afternoon, as the country braces for another scorching summer. Greece faces a tough wildfire season after its warmest winter and earliest heatwave on record, with temperatures hitting 44°C (111 °F). Two large wildfires were raging in Attica Sunday afternoon, with residents told to evacuate from eight areas near the capital. Also read | Hungary's PM Viktor Orban unveils new far-right bloc in European Parliament Some 140 firefighters, with teams of forest commandos, 39 vehicles, eight helicopters and nine aircraft were working to control the flames in Keratea, south of Athens. Ertnews channel reported that at least four houses were completely destroyed. "The situation is very difficult, as strong winds continue to blow, they have not subsided and the outbreaks are many," the mayor of Lavreotiki, Dimitris Loukas, told Athens News Agency. "We are fighting a great battle." He warned that "the wind is very strong and is constantly creating outbreaks". However he said that the nearby military air base was not currently in danger from the flames. It came a day after another wildfire had erupted in the same area, sparking evacuation orders but was later successfully controlled. North of Athens, another blaze ignited in the suburb of Stamata and authorities sent emergency messages for inhabitants to evacuate. Fire brigade spokesman Vasileios Vathrakogiannis said it was "the most difficult day of the year so far for the Fire Brigade." Also read | Hurricane Beryl, rare for this time of the year, has already set a few records Island fires A fire also broke out Sunday in an industrial zone in Ritsona, near the island of Evia. Black smoke has filled the sky above Ritsona after the fire started in a recycling factory, burning various flammable materials that were in the grounds around it, including tyres and mattresses. Firefighters are positioned along the old Ritsona national road and are fighting to prevent the flames from spreading beyond the recycling plant to other factories in the area. The fire is also near a refugee centre, but the Athens News Agency reported that this was not believed to be in danger. Separately, a large wildfire broke out on Serifos island on Saturday afternoon, but was also brought under control by firefighters early Sunday. "All of southwestern Serifos has burned. We are talking about an area where the fire stopped at the sea," Serifos mayor Konstantinos Revintis told MEGA TV. The fire caused damage to houses, cottages, warehouses and chapels, according to the mayor. The Fire Danger Forecast Map issued for Sunday by the Civil Protection Ministry predicted a very high category 4 risk of fire for Attica, the Peloponnese, Crete, the North and South Aegean Regions, and central Greece. A wildfire ignited Saturday afternoon in the area of Mount Parnitha-- known as "the lungs of Athens" -- was controlled Saturday evening with the help of reinforcements from other regions as well as volunteer firefighters. More than forty wildfires erupted across Saturday in Greece with wind speeds exceeding 100 kilometres (62 miles) per hour, according to fire brigade sources. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called on Greeks to brace for a difficult wildfire season in his weekly Facebook post on Sunday. "The difficult times are still ahead of us. Our effort is continuous. In this effort, our allies are new tools that build a new culture of prevention and responsibility," he said.

Greece fights dozens of wildfires in 'most difficult day of year'

Greece wildfires Update: Firefighters battle new wildfire near Athens

Wildfires are common in Greece but they have become more devastating in recent years amid hotter and drier summers that scientists link to climate change. Watch in for more details!

Devastating wildfire wreaks havoc in Greece

Dozens of firefighters in Greece on Saturday (June 29) were battling to stop a wildfire from spreading to a nature reserve in a mountainous forest area north of Athens.

Dozens of firefighters in Greece on Saturday (June 29) were battling to stop a wildfire from spreading to a nature reserve in a mountainous forest area north of Athens. A report by the news agency Reuters said that about 80 firefighters assisted by 12 water-carrying planes were trying to control the fire on Mount Parnitha, some 12 kilometres north of Athens, which was being fuelled by gale-force winds. Addressing a press conference, fire brigade spokesperson Vasilis Vathrakogiannis said that sizeable forces on the ground were fighting a huge fire. "Gusts of wind exceeding 100 km per hour were hampering their efforts," Vathrakogiannis said. He added that another 100 firefighters stationed elsewhere in Greece were expected to join those already working at the scene. Authorities advise people to stay indoors Reuters reported that with hot, windy conditions across much of Greece, some 40 landscape fires broke out since the early morning hours on Saturday and authorities advised people to stay out of forest areas. A message was sent to people in nearby areas (of Mount Parnitha) via the emergency number 112 to be on standby due to the fire. A report by the news agency AFP, meanwhile, said that the Fire Danger Forecast Map issued for Sunday by the Civil Protection Ministry predicted a high risk of fire (category 4) for Attica, the Peloponnese, Crete, the North and South Aegean Regions, and Central Greece. Wildfires have become more devastating in Greece Wildfires are common in Greece but have become more devastating in recent years as summers have become hotter, drier, and windier. In 2023, a fierce two-week heatwave was followed by devastating wildfires in which 20 people died. The fire consumed nearly 432,000 acres of forest and farmland, according to the government. (With inputs from agencies)

Dozens of firefighters in Greece battle to stop wildfire ignited north of Athens

According to media reports, Greek authorities indicted 13 members of a luxury yacht's crew on Sunday (June 23) for allegedly setting off fireworks that resulted in a significant blaze on an island close to Athens.

The crew will go on trial on Wednesday on charges of starting a criminal fire, according to the ERT public television.

The crew may face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to 200,000 euros ($214,000) under a recently strengthened law, which has brought attention to the case due to a recent spike in wildfires.

The crew disputed the claims, and prosecutors will not arrest the 17 Kazakh passengers who were on the boat when the fireworks went off on Friday night, according to ERT.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/greeces-summer-tragedy-record-heat-wave-ignites-wildfires-closes-acropolis-and-claims-tourists-lives-733883" hreflang="en">Greece's summer tragedy: Record heat wave ignites wildfires, closes Acropolis, and claims tourists' lives</a>

According to the Civil Protection Service, some of the fireworks fell on the island of Hydra and caused a fire that destroyed roughly 30 hectares (75 acres) of pine forest.

At the hearing on Sunday, the captain of a neighbouring ship who witnessed the fireworks being set off was reportedly questioned.

At the beginning of the summer season, scores of wildfires have left at least one dead and severely damaged resorts and the Greek countryside.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/videos/greece-closes-ancient-tourist-sites-amid-heatwave-strong-winds-expected-to-hit-731718" hreflang="en">Greece closes ancient tourist sites amid heatwave, strong winds expected to hit</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/greece-closes-ancient-tourist-sites-amid-heatwave-strong-winds-expected-to-hit-731718/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Extreme caution has been advised by the public protection agency due to the "very high" potential of fires, especially in the Attica area, the Peloponnese peninsula, and central Greece.

Greece's islands and mainland have seen a plethora of fires, some of which are thought to have been started intentionally.

The disastrous fires of 2023, which forced thousands of people to flee Rhodes, have put the nation on high alert for this summer. The hot and dry weather will be made worse by gusts of up to 46 miles per hour, according to the National Meteorological Service of Greece.

(With inputs from agencies)

According to media reports, Greek authorities indicted 13 members of a luxury yacht's crew on Sunday (June 23) for allegedly setting off fireworks that resulted in a significant blaze on an island close to Athens.

According to media reports, Greek authorities indicted 13 members of a luxury yacht's crew on Sunday (June 23) for allegedly setting off fireworks that resulted in a significant blaze on an island close to Athens. The crew will go on trial on Wednesday on charges of starting a criminal fire, according to the ERT public television. The crew may face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to 200,000 euros ($214,000) under a recently strengthened law, which has brought attention to the case due to a recent spike in wildfires. The crew disputed the claims, and prosecutors will not arrest the 17 Kazakh passengers who were on the boat when the fireworks went off on Friday night, according to ERT. Also read: Greece's summer tragedy: Record heat wave ignites wildfires, closes Acropolis, and claims tourists' lives According to the Civil Protection Service, some of the fireworks fell on the island of Hydra and caused a fire that destroyed roughly 30 hectares (75 acres) of pine forest. At the hearing on Sunday, the captain of a neighbouring ship who witnessed the fireworks being set off was reportedly questioned. At the beginning of the summer season, scores of wildfires have left at least one dead and severely damaged resorts and the Greek countryside. Watch | Greece closes ancient tourist sites amid heatwave, strong winds expected to hit × Extreme caution has been advised by the public protection agency due to the "very high" potential of fires, especially in the Attica area, the Peloponnese peninsula, and central Greece. Greece's islands and mainland have seen a plethora of fires, some of which are thought to have been started intentionally. The disastrous fires of 2023, which forced thousands of people to flee Rhodes, have put the nation on high alert for this summer. The hot and dry weather will be made worse by gusts of up to 46 miles per hour, according to the National Meteorological Service of Greece. (With inputs from agencies)

Greece: Luxury yacht crew faces trial for causing wildfire near Athens with illegal fireworks

Even though summer is only getting started in the Northern Hemisphere, Greece is already experiencing an unheard-of heat wave that is causing wildfires to rage across the nation, visitors to pass out and die, and midday closures of the main tourist attractions.

Warm air from North Africa has caused record-breaking temperatures in Southern Europe. The Athens National Observatory reports that last week's highs in Athens exceeded 107°F, with Crete hitting 112°F and the Peloponnese peninsula hitting 111°F.

In recent weeks, at least five visitors have died or disappeared in Greece, including well-known British TV doctor and journalist Michael Mosley.

American visitor Toby Sheets was discovered dead on a beach on island west of Corfu on Sunday. The day before, the bones of a Dutch tourist were found on the Greek island of Samos in the east, and an American tourist went missing more than a week ago. He went for a trek and didn't come back, assumed to have died due to heat.

Greece's economy, which depends heavily on foreign tourists, has not been spared. The Greek Ministry of Culture declared this week that the Acropolis, the most famous ancient monument in the country overlooking the city, will be closed in the afternoon heat.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hajj-pilgrims-death-98-indians-die-amid-day-temperature-soaring-above-50-degrees-733871">Hajj pilgrims death: 98 Indians die amid day temperature soaring above 50 degrees</a>

Similar regulations were implemented last summer, but they weren't effective until July. The early closure this year was prompted by an incident in which a visitor passed out while awaiting a permit to enter the 3,300-year-old monument, highlighting the risks associated with extreme heat.&nbsp;

"The early start of the heat waves, combined with the dry winter, has led to a very difficult fire season," Greece's minister for civil protection, Vassilis Kikilias, stated. He claimed that the risk of wildfires, which authorities are finding difficult to suppress, was greatly heightened by the combination of high temperatures and strong winds. According to Kikilias, "a new fire breaks out almost every 10 minutes."

Greece's islands and mainland have seen a plethora of fires, some of which are thought to have been started intentionally. The disastrous fires of last summer, which forced thousands of people to flee Rhodes, have put the nation on high alert for this summer. The hot and dry weather will be made worse by gusts of up to 46 miles per hour, according to the National Meteorological Service of Greece.

"Even the smallest fire can rapidly turn into a fiery front," Kikilias added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Even though summer is only getting started in the Northern Hemisphere, Greece is already experiencing an unheard-of heat wave that is causing wildfires to rage across the nation, visitors to pass out and die, and midday closures of the main tourist attractions.

Even though summer is only getting started in the Northern Hemisphere, Greece is already experiencing an unheard-of heat wave that is causing wildfires to rage across the nation, visitors to pass out and die, and midday closures of the main tourist attractions. Warm air from North Africa has caused record-breaking temperatures in Southern Europe. The Athens National Observatory reports that last week's highs in Athens exceeded 107°F, with Crete hitting 112°F and the Peloponnese peninsula hitting 111°F. In recent weeks, at least five visitors have died or disappeared in Greece, including well-known British TV doctor and journalist Michael Mosley. American visitor Toby Sheets was discovered dead on a beach on island west of Corfu on Sunday. The day before, the bones of a Dutch tourist were found on the Greek island of Samos in the east, and an American tourist went missing more than a week ago. He went for a trek and didn't come back, assumed to have died due to heat. Greece's economy, which depends heavily on foreign tourists, has not been spared. The Greek Ministry of Culture declared this week that the Acropolis, the most famous ancient monument in the country overlooking the city, will be closed in the afternoon heat. Also read: Hajj pilgrims death: 98 Indians die amid day temperature soaring above 50 degrees Similar regulations were implemented last summer, but they weren't effective until July. The early closure this year was prompted by an incident in which a visitor passed out while awaiting a permit to enter the 3,300-year-old monument, highlighting the risks associated with extreme heat. "The early start of the heat waves, combined with the dry winter, has led to a very difficult fire season," Greece's minister for civil protection, Vassilis Kikilias, stated. He claimed that the risk of wildfires, which authorities are finding difficult to suppress, was greatly heightened by the combination of high temperatures and strong winds. According to Kikilias, "a new fire breaks out almost every 10 minutes." Greece's islands and mainland have seen a plethora of fires, some of which are thought to have been started intentionally. The disastrous fires of last summer, which forced thousands of people to flee Rhodes, have put the nation on high alert for this summer. The hot and dry weather will be made worse by gusts of up to 46 miles per hour, according to the National Meteorological Service of Greece. "Even the smallest fire can rapidly turn into a fiery front," Kikilias added. (With inputs from agencies)

Greece's summer tragedy: Record heat wave ignites wildfires, closes Acropolis, and claims tourists' lives

Greek authorities have been accused of pushing asylum seekers and migrants to their deaths in the Mediterranean Sea over the last three years, according to an investigation by UK broadcaster BBC. The report, based on statements by witnesses, reveals more than 40 people have died following illegal pushbacks by Greek coastguard from Greek islands or waters. In a few cases, migrants were thrown in water allegedly with their hands tied, the report claimed.

<h2>Migrants put on punctured rafts</h2>

BBC analysed 15 such incidents that took place between May 2020 and 2023 that ended up killing 43 people in and around Greek waters.

It found that migrants were directly thrown into the sea in at least five incidents. In four cases, the migrants were put on punctured and sinking inflatable rafts without motors.

"They wanted me to die,” BBC quoted a Somalian man who was caught by Greek authorities on the island of Chios as saying. “They threw me zip-tied in the middle of the sea," he added.

A Syrian man, Mohamed, told the broadcaster that&nbsp;Greek authorities had left "seven to eight" children to die on a sinking raft in September 2020.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj-tdLJxOKGAxXLb2wGHWBaC484ChDF9AEoAHoECAcQAQ" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-greece-wants-to-be-the-gateway-of-india-into-europe-minister-tells-wion-692892" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-greece-wants-to-be-the-gateway-of-india-into-europe-minister-tells-wion-692892&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj-tdLJxOKGAxXLb2wGHWBaC484ChDF9AEoAHoECAcQAQ">Exclusive: Greece wants to be the gateway of India into Europe, minister tells WION</a>

Mohamed himself was dropped in Turkish waters after being put in life rafts, only to discover later that the raft was sinking as its valve was not closed properly.

“They heard us all screaming, and yet they still left us,” he was quoted as saying by BBC.

“The first child who died was my cousin’s son… After that it was one by one. Another child, another child, then my cousin himself disappeared. By the morning seven or eight children had died.

“My kids didn’t die until the morning… right before the Turkish coastguard arrived.”

<h2>Undercover agents</h2>

Migrants are legally entitled to seek asylum in Greece, and special centres have been erected on several Greek islands to help migrants register their claims.

Watch:&nbsp;Greece migrant boat tragedy: A survivor's tale of 2023 boat disaster

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/greece-migrant-boat-tragedy-a-survivors-tale-of-2023-boat-disaster-729783/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

However, in the incidents analysed by BBC, all of the migrants were caught before they could reach these special centres by non-uniformed, masked and apparently undercover agents.

<h2>Response by Greek Coastguard</h2>

Greek Coastguard has vehemently denied these claims. It highlighted how it rescued 250,834 refugees/migrants in 6,161 incidents at sea in the past nine years.

“It should be highlighted that from 2015 to 2024, the Hellenic Coast Guard has rescued 250,834 refugees/migrants in 6,161 incidents at sea. The impeccable execution of this noble mission has been positively recognised by the international community,” the coastguard said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

Greek authorities have been accused of pushing asylum seekers and migrants to their deaths in the Mediterranean Sea over the last three years, according to an investigation by UK broadcaster BBC.

Greek authorities have been accused of pushing asylum seekers and migrants to their deaths in the Mediterranean Sea over the last three years, according to an investigation by UK broadcaster BBC. The report, based on statements by witnesses, reveals more than 40 people have died following illegal pushbacks by Greek coastguard from Greek islands or waters. In a few cases, migrants were thrown in water allegedly with their hands tied, the report claimed. Migrants put on punctured rafts BBC analysed 15 such incidents that took place between May 2020 and 2023 that ended up killing 43 people in and around Greek waters. It found that migrants were directly thrown into the sea in at least five incidents. In four cases, the migrants were put on punctured and sinking inflatable rafts without motors. "They wanted me to die,” BBC quoted a Somalian man who was caught by Greek authorities on the island of Chios as saying. “They threw me zip-tied in the middle of the sea," he added. A Syrian man, Mohamed, told the broadcaster that Greek authorities had left "seven to eight" children to die on a sinking raft in September 2020. Also read: Exclusive: Greece wants to be the gateway of India into Europe, minister tells WION Mohamed himself was dropped in Turkish waters after being put in life rafts, only to discover later that the raft was sinking as its valve was not closed properly. “They heard us all screaming, and yet they still left us,” he was quoted as saying by BBC. “The first child who died was my cousin’s son… After that it was one by one. Another child, another child, then my cousin himself disappeared. By the morning seven or eight children had died. “My kids didn’t die until the morning… right before the Turkish coastguard arrived.” Undercover agents Migrants are legally entitled to seek asylum in Greece, and special centres have been erected on several Greek islands to help migrants register their claims. Watch: Greece migrant boat tragedy: A survivor's tale of 2023 boat disaster × However, in the incidents analysed by BBC, all of the migrants were caught before they could reach these special centres by non-uniformed, masked and apparently undercover agents. Response by Greek Coastguard Greek Coastguard has vehemently denied these claims. It highlighted how it rescued 250,834 refugees/migrants in 6,161 incidents at sea in the past nine years. “It should be highlighted that from 2015 to 2024, the Hellenic Coast Guard has rescued 250,834 refugees/migrants in 6,161 incidents at sea. The impeccable execution of this noble mission has been positively recognised by the international community,” the coastguard said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Greek coastguard threw migrants into sea after tying their hands: Report

Archaeologists in Greece have discovered a mysterious&nbsp;4,000-year-old circular structure on a hilltop that may have been&nbsp;used for ancient Minoan rituals. The structure comprises&nbsp;eight superimposed stone rings with small walls intersecting them to form rooms.&nbsp;

A report by LiveScience on Thursday (June 13) said that the structure&nbsp;measures 157 feet in diameter, and was discovered about 51 kilometres&nbsp;southeast of Heraklion while&nbsp;construction workers were installing a surveillance radar system for a new airport.&nbsp;

Based on the style&nbsp;of pottery fragments discovered during the excavation, archaeologists have tentatively dated the building to 2000 BC to 1700 BC, in the middle of the Minoan civilization, LiveScience reported.

<h2>Building unlikely to have been used as residence</h2>

A statement from Greece's culture ministry said that the building was&nbsp;unlikely to have been used as a residence.&nbsp;

The building near the town of Kastelli&nbsp;appears to have had&nbsp;two main zones-&nbsp;a circular building with a diameter of 49 feet at the very centre and an area created by the walls radiating out from it.&nbsp;

The site has been earmarked&nbsp;for a radar station to serve a new airport under construction near&nbsp;Kastelli. The airport, which is set to open in 2027, is projected&nbsp;to replace Greece’s second-biggest airport at Heraklion.

The airport will be designed to&nbsp;handle up to 18 million travellers annually.

Meanwhile, the culture ministry said that so far, at least another 35 archaeological sites have been uncovered during work on the new Kastelli airport and its road connections.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Archaeologists in Greece have discovered a mysterious 4,000-year-old circular structure on a hilltop that may have been used for ancient Minoan rituals. The structure comprises eight superimposed stone rings with small walls intersecting them to form rooms.

Archaeologists in Greece have discovered a mysterious 4,000-year-old circular structure on a hilltop that may have been used for ancient Minoan rituals. The structure comprises eight superimposed stone rings with small walls intersecting them to form rooms. A report by LiveScience on Thursday (June 13) said that the structure measures 157 feet in diameter, and was discovered about 51 kilometres southeast of Heraklion while construction workers were installing a surveillance radar system for a new airport. Based on the style of pottery fragments discovered during the excavation, archaeologists have tentatively dated the building to 2000 BC to 1700 BC, in the middle of the Minoan civilization, LiveScience reported. Building unlikely to have been used as residence A statement from Greece's culture ministry said that the building was unlikely to have been used as a residence. The building near the town of Kastelli appears to have had two main zones- a circular building with a diameter of 49 feet at the very centre and an area created by the walls radiating out from it. The site has been earmarked for a radar station to serve a new airport under construction near Kastelli. The airport, which is set to open in 2027, is projected to replace Greece’s second-biggest airport at Heraklion. The airport will be designed to handle up to 18 million travellers annually. Meanwhile, the culture ministry said that so far, at least another 35 archaeological sites have been uncovered during work on the new Kastelli airport and its road connections. (With inputs from agencies)

4,000-year-old structure in Greece may have been used for ancient Minoan rituals

Yemen's Houthis on Friday said they targeted two vessels in the Red Sea with drones and missiles, but there was no independent confirmation of the purported attacks.

Greece-owned coal carrier attacked by Yemeni Houthi militants

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reshuffled his cabinet on Friday to boost the government's battle with a cost-of-living crisis, but kept his foreign and finance ministers in place to show policy continuity.

Greek PM Mitsotakis reshuffles his cabinet

Residents and tourists in Athens sought relief in the sea as Greece continues to swelter under unseasonably high temperatures. The temperatures are expected to exceed 40 degrees celsius in much of central and southern Greece, including greater Athens, the cyclades islands and crete.

Greece closes ancient tourist sites amid heatwave, strong winds expected to hit

Tourists worldwide are disappointed as Greek authorities closed the famous Acropolis site in Athens due to rising temperatures. Now decision was made as temperatures were expected to reach a scorching 39° C in the Greek Capital.

Greece: Acropolis closed due to scorching temperature; Athens reach 39 degree celsius

Athens Acropolis closes due to heatwave

Tourists worldwide are disappointed as Greek authorities closed the famous Acropolis archaeological site in Athens due to soaring temperatures. The decision was made as the temperatures were expected to reach a scorching 39° C in the Greek Capital.

Greece: Athens Acropolis closes due to heatwave

In the face of Russia's war on Ukraine - Poland and Greece have called the European Union to create an air defence sheild to better protect the block.

Poland & Greece propose creation of European Air Defence shield

Charges against nine Egyptian men accused over a 2023 migrant boat disaster off Greece were dropped on Tuesday, after a Greek court said it had no jurisdiction to hear the case as the shipwreck happened in international waters.

The men, aged between 21 and 41, were arrested hours after the boat sank and have remained in pre-trial detention since on charges of migrant smuggling, causing a shipwreck and participating in a criminal organisation. They have denied any wrongdoing.

The trial of nine Egyptian men accused of causing a shipwreck that killed hundreds of migrants off Greece last year began amid protests on Tuesday in the city of Kalamata.

Up to 700 migrants from Pakistan, Syria and Egypt boarded a fishing trawler in Libya that was bound for Italy but sank off the coast of Pylos, in southwestern Greece, on June 14. Some 104 survivors were rescued and 82 bodies were recovered in one of the deadliest boat accidents in the Mediterranean.

The Egyptian men, aged between 21 and 41, were arrested hours after the boat sank and have remained in police custody on charges of migrant smuggling, causing a shipwreck and participating in a criminal organisation. They deny any wrongdoing.

But international rights groups, defence lawyers and witnesses dispute that the men were to blame. Many claim that the coastguard was at fault, which it denies.

"What is ... unbearable is to convict a person for acts that he never committed and to paint his hands with blood through your own acts," defence lawyer Efi Doussi told journalists last week.

Early on Tuesday, the men, some of them wearing shirts, were brought into a packed courtroom as relatives, witnesses, and supporters watched from a distance.

Outside the court, protesters in support of the defendants briefly scuffled with police who had cordoned off the area.

"This crime will not be forgotten," protesters chanted. "We will become the voices of the dead."

Survivors told Reuters last year that a disastrous attempt by the coastguard to tow the boat caused it to capsize in some of the deepest waters in the Mediterranean.

Defence lawyers said the men were charged after a rushed investigation and on insufficient evidence. They accuse the coastguard of monitoring the vessel for hours before launching a rescue operation and that the coastguard tried to pull the boat into Italian waters. The coastguard has denied the accusations and has said that the those aboard the boat refused help.

Charges against nine Egyptian men accused over a 2023 migrant boat disaster off Greece were dropped on Tuesday, after a Greek court said it had no jurisdiction to hear the case as the shipwreck happened in international waters.

Charges against nine Egyptian men accused over a 2023 migrant boat disaster off Greece were dropped on Tuesday, after a Greek court said it had no jurisdiction to hear the case as the shipwreck happened in international waters. The men, aged between 21 and 41, were arrested hours after the boat sank and have remained in pre-trial detention since on charges of migrant smuggling, causing a shipwreck and participating in a criminal organisation. They have denied any wrongdoing. The trial of nine Egyptian men accused of causing a shipwreck that killed hundreds of migrants off Greece last year began amid protests on Tuesday in the city of Kalamata. Up to 700 migrants from Pakistan, Syria and Egypt boarded a fishing trawler in Libya that was bound for Italy but sank off the coast of Pylos, in southwestern Greece, on June 14. Some 104 survivors were rescued and 82 bodies were recovered in one of the deadliest boat accidents in the Mediterranean. The Egyptian men, aged between 21 and 41, were arrested hours after the boat sank and have remained in police custody on charges of migrant smuggling, causing a shipwreck and participating in a criminal organisation. They deny any wrongdoing. But international rights groups, defence lawyers and witnesses dispute that the men were to blame. Many claim that the coastguard was at fault, which it denies. "What is ... unbearable is to convict a person for acts that he never committed and to paint his hands with blood through your own acts," defence lawyer Efi Doussi told journalists last week. Early on Tuesday, the men, some of them wearing shirts, were brought into a packed courtroom as relatives, witnesses, and supporters watched from a distance. Outside the court, protesters in support of the defendants briefly scuffled with police who had cordoned off the area. "This crime will not be forgotten," protesters chanted. "We will become the voices of the dead." Survivors told Reuters last year that a disastrous attempt by the coastguard to tow the boat caused it to capsize in some of the deepest waters in the Mediterranean. Defence lawyers said the men were charged after a rushed investigation and on insufficient evidence. They accuse the coastguard of monitoring the vessel for hours before launching a rescue operation and that the coastguard tried to pull the boat into Italian waters. The coastguard has denied the accusations and has said that the those aboard the boat refused help.

Charges dropped against nine men over 2023 migrant shipwreck off Greece

Turkiye and Greece are NATO allies, but on a historic front the two have been foes. Recently, the two nations have opened diplomatic pathways for each other. Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan even hosted Greece Prime Minister Kyriako Mitsotakis.

Turkiye-Greece hit refresh button

Archaeologists claim to have uncovered Alexander the Great's bathing quarters and combat gymnasium at the Aigai Palace in the northern part of Greece.

The discovery was first revealed in the conclusive episode of the Channel 4 series “Bettany Hughes’ Treasures of the World.”

Positioned in the heart of the ancient Macedonian kingdom, the magnificent Aigai palace is spread across 15,000 square metres and exceeds even the magnificence of the Parthenon.

Constructed during Philip II's reign, the palace comprises courtyards, temples, sanctuaries, a theatre, a palaestra (boxing school), and tombs.

“There’s a significant drain carved into the rock, along with a communal bathroom. This area is believed to be where Alexander the Great would have bathed alongside his companions, including his renowned favourite, Hephaestion, and the multitude of young men who accompanied him during campaigns and later vied for control of his empire following his demise," said Bettany Hughes, host of the series, about the discovery.

Alexander’s favourite Hephaestion was also known as his second-in-command and used to also go on trips with him.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesias-mt-ibu-erupts-spewing-ash-clouds-720838">WATCH: Mount Ibu erupts once more, spewing 5 km high ash tower in Indonesia</a>

They were both trained in activities like wrestling and hunting, however, the archaeologists have not yet been able to identify his bedroom.

Greece in the month of January uncovered the Palace of Aigai, which holds immense historical significance as it was where Alexander the Great took over the throne as an emperor.

Constructed during Philip II's reign on an upraised site in northern Greece's Vergina, the palace was a colossal structure that served as formidable evidence of authority and aesthetics.

The findings by the archaeologists show that the site was continuously inhabited since the Early Bronze Age (3rd millennium BC).

Its significance raked up during the Early Iron Age (11th to 8th centuries BC) when it transformed into a densely populated, prosperous hub

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Archaeologists claim to have uncovered Alexander the Great's bathing quarters and combat gymnasium at the Aigai Palace in the northern part of Greece. The discovery was first revealed in the conclusive episode of the Channel 4 series “Bettany Hughes’ Treasures of the World.

Archaeologists claim to have uncovered Alexander the Great's bathing quarters and combat gymnasium at the Aigai Palace in the northern part of Greece. The discovery was first revealed in the conclusive episode of the Channel 4 series “Bettany Hughes’ Treasures of the World.” Positioned in the heart of the ancient Macedonian kingdom, the magnificent Aigai palace is spread across 15,000 square metres and exceeds even the magnificence of the Parthenon. Constructed during Philip II's reign, the palace comprises courtyards, temples, sanctuaries, a theatre, a palaestra (boxing school), and tombs. “There’s a significant drain carved into the rock, along with a communal bathroom. This area is believed to be where Alexander the Great would have bathed alongside his companions, including his renowned favourite, Hephaestion, and the multitude of young men who accompanied him during campaigns and later vied for control of his empire following his demise," said Bettany Hughes, host of the series, about the discovery. Alexander’s favourite Hephaestion was also known as his second-in-command and used to also go on trips with him. Also read: WATCH: Mount Ibu erupts once more, spewing 5 km high ash tower in Indonesia They were both trained in activities like wrestling and hunting, however, the archaeologists have not yet been able to identify his bedroom. Greece in the month of January uncovered the Palace of Aigai, which holds immense historical significance as it was where Alexander the Great took over the throne as an emperor. Constructed during Philip II's reign on an upraised site in northern Greece's Vergina, the palace was a colossal structure that served as formidable evidence of authority and aesthetics. The findings by the archaeologists show that the site was continuously inhabited since the Early Bronze Age (3rd millennium BC). Its significance raked up during the Early Iron Age (11th to 8th centuries BC) when it transformed into a densely populated, prosperous hub (With inputs from agencies)

Archaeologists uncover Alexander the Great’s bathroom in Greece

A recent report suggests that Greece is facing a significant population decline, possibly becoming the first country to experience "population collapse." This news has sparked discussions on social media, with even billionaire Elon Musk expressing worry.

The report throws light on&nbsp;alarming trends, citing increased mortality rates among young, healthy individuals due to conditions like heart failure, stroke, blood clots, and cancer. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has described the situation as a "ticking time bomb" and a "national threat."

Reacting to the report, Elon Musk said in a post on X, "Greece is one of dozens of countries experiencing population collapse due to low birth rates."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Greece is one of dozens of countries experiencing population collapse due to low birth rates <a href="https://t.co/2qFA087SLJ">https://t.co/2qFA087SLJ</a>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1779844281781322004?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Understanding population collapse</h2>

Population collapse, also known as depopulation, describes a sudden and irreversible decrease in the number of people living in a society.

"This is one of the most serious problems we face not only in Greece but in the EU as a whole," Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis told news agency Reuters last week, referring to the rapidly declining population in his country. "It is our priority ... whatever it takes."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-launches-free-seven-day-holiday-program-for-tourists-who-escaped-2023-rhodes-wildfires-710324">Also read |&nbsp;Greece launches free seven-day holiday programme for tourists who escaped 2023 Rhodes wildfires</a>

Greece's birth rate fell by 30 per cent from 2011 to 2021 to under 84,000 per year, slipping below the death rate, according to the country's national Hellenic Statistical Service, also known as ELSTAT.

According to a report by Al-Jazeera, this decline represents a loss of nearly 2 billion euros a year in state revenue over the long term, considering each Greek pays on average 5,758 euros ($6,125) in taxes and social security contributions.

The data further indicates that Greece's population is projected to decrease by over a million by 2050. Prime Minister Mitsotakis stated that the country effectively recorded just one birth per two deaths in 2022.

In 1932, Greece had over 185,000 births and fewer than 118,000 deaths, according to ELSTAT.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-greece-wants-to-be-the-gateway-of-india-into-europe-minister-tells-wion-692892">Also read |&nbsp;Exclusive: Greece wants to be the gateway of India into Europe, minister tells WION</a>

The OECD also forecasts Greece's population to decrease from 10.4 million last year to just over 10 million in 2030.

(With inputs from agencies)

A recent report suggests that Greece is facing a significant population decline, possibly becoming the first country to experience "population collapse." This news has sparked discussions on social media, with even billionaire Elon Musk expressing worry.

A recent report suggests that Greece is facing a significant population decline, possibly becoming the first country to experience "population collapse." This news has sparked discussions on social media, with even billionaire Elon Musk expressing worry. The report throws light on alarming trends, citing increased mortality rates among young, healthy individuals due to conditions like heart failure, stroke, blood clots, and cancer. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has described the situation as a "ticking time bomb" and a "national threat." Reacting to the report, Elon Musk said in a post on X, "Greece is one of dozens of countries experiencing population collapse due to low birth rates." Greece is one of dozens of countries experiencing population collapse due to low birth rates https://t.co/2qFA087SLJ — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 15, 2024 × Understanding population collapse Population collapse, also known as depopulation, describes a sudden and irreversible decrease in the number of people living in a society. "This is one of the most serious problems we face not only in Greece but in the EU as a whole," Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis told news agency Reuters last week, referring to the rapidly declining population in his country. "It is our priority ... whatever it takes." Also read | Greece launches free seven-day holiday programme for tourists who escaped 2023 Rhodes wildfires Greece's birth rate fell by 30 per cent from 2011 to 2021 to under 84,000 per year, slipping below the death rate, according to the country's national Hellenic Statistical Service, also known as ELSTAT. According to a report by Al-Jazeera, this decline represents a loss of nearly 2 billion euros a year in state revenue over the long term, considering each Greek pays on average 5,758 euros ($6,125) in taxes and social security contributions. The data further indicates that Greece's population is projected to decrease by over a million by 2050. Prime Minister Mitsotakis stated that the country effectively recorded just one birth per two deaths in 2022. In 1932, Greece had over 185,000 births and fewer than 118,000 deaths, according to ELSTAT. Also read | Exclusive: Greece wants to be the gateway of India into Europe, minister tells WION The OECD also forecasts Greece's population to decrease from 10.4 million last year to just over 10 million in 2030. (With inputs from agencies)

Greece prepares for ‘population collapse’ amid rising deaths, potentially 1st country to face such crisis

Greece has launched a free seven-day holiday programme for the tourists who fled Rhodes due to deadly wildfires in July 2023.

Over 25,000 tourists, mainly from Britain, who were evacuated from their hotels during the fires, are eligible for the latest compensation scheme by the government.

Under this initiative, those particular individuals can avail their e-vouchers worth 536.58 USD (€500).

The vouchers can be used to cover the cost of accommodation for a week-long stay in the country.

The programme is set to be executed in two phases, i.e. an initial phase that will run till May 31 starting from now, and a second phase that will run until Nov 15 starting from Oct 1.

“The scheme is up and running as the prime minister promised,” the Greek tourism ministry’s general secretary, Myron Flouris, told the Guardian. “It’s been a very complicated process not least, I think, because we’re the first country in the world to do this.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-concerned-over-potential-organized-attack-in-us-after-russian-concert-hall-shooting-710179">FBI concerned over potential 'organised attack' in US after Russian concert hall shooting</a>

Over 5,000 travellers have already signed up for this programme, as per reports.

“Anyone who was staying in areas that were affected by the fires is eligible,” said Yannis Papavasiliou, the head of the island’s union of hoteliers.

“The response has been very good and we are told will be even stronger come the autumn,” he said.

“It will apply only to hotels, not Airbnb-style private accommodation. At the end of the day, Greece is making good on its promise to recompense all those who lost their holidays because of climate change,” he added.

Last year in the month of August, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that the tourists who were forced to escape the island due to the wildfires would be given a free one-week holiday.

Speaking on a British morning show, Mitsotakis said the tourists could take up the offer in the spring or autumn of 2024.&nbsp;

“For all those whose holiday was cut short as a result of wildfires, the Greek government in cooperation with local authorities will offer one week of free holidays on Rhodes next spring, the next fall, so that we make sure they come back to the island and enjoy its natural beauty," Mitsotakis said.

"Not a single human life was lost in Rhodes, and no injuries were reported... We understand that guests have been inconvenienced, but I am happy to tell you that Rhodes is more welcoming than ever. The island is back to normal."

Local people as well as tourists were forced to flee their homes and hotels during the wildfires that ravaged the island in July 2023.&nbsp;

As many as 20,000 tourists were rescued from danger&nbsp;in what was the largest evacuation undertaken by the country.&nbsp;

Greece, whose economy has been heavily battered over the past decade, relies heavily on tourism to generate revenue. Rhodes, the ninth-largest island in the eastern Mediterranean, is a popular holiday spot and Mitsotakis wants tourism to quickly return to previous levels.

(With inputs from agencies)

Greece has launched a free seven-day holiday programme for the tourists who fled Rhodes due to deadly wildfires in July 2023. Over 25,000 tourists, mainly from Britain, who were evacuated from their hotels during the fires, are eligible for the latest compensation scheme by the government.

Greece has launched a free seven-day holiday programme for the tourists who fled Rhodes due to deadly wildfires in July 2023. Over 25,000 tourists, mainly from Britain, who were evacuated from their hotels during the fires, are eligible for the latest compensation scheme by the government. Under this initiative, those particular individuals can avail their e-vouchers worth 536.58 USD (€500). The vouchers can be used to cover the cost of accommodation for a week-long stay in the country. The programme is set to be executed in two phases, i.e. an initial phase that will run till May 31 starting from now, and a second phase that will run until Nov 15 starting from Oct 1. “The scheme is up and running as the prime minister promised,” the Greek tourism ministry’s general secretary, Myron Flouris, told the Guardian. “It’s been a very complicated process not least, I think, because we’re the first country in the world to do this.” Also read: FBI concerned over potential 'organised attack' in US after Russian concert hall shooting Over 5,000 travellers have already signed up for this programme, as per reports. “Anyone who was staying in areas that were affected by the fires is eligible,” said Yannis Papavasiliou, the head of the island’s union of hoteliers. “The response has been very good and we are told will be even stronger come the autumn,” he said. “It will apply only to hotels, not Airbnb-style private accommodation. At the end of the day, Greece is making good on its promise to recompense all those who lost their holidays because of climate change,” he added. Last year in the month of August, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that the tourists who were forced to escape the island due to the wildfires would be given a free one-week holiday. Speaking on a British morning show, Mitsotakis said the tourists could take up the offer in the spring or autumn of 2024. “For all those whose holiday was cut short as a result of wildfires, the Greek government in cooperation with local authorities will offer one week of free holidays on Rhodes next spring, the next fall, so that we make sure they come back to the island and enjoy its natural beauty," Mitsotakis said. "Not a single human life was lost in Rhodes, and no injuries were reported... We understand that guests have been inconvenienced, but I am happy to tell you that Rhodes is more welcoming than ever. The island is back to normal." Local people as well as tourists were forced to flee their homes and hotels during the wildfires that ravaged the island in July 2023. As many as 20,000 tourists were rescued from danger in what was the largest evacuation undertaken by the country. Greece, whose economy has been heavily battered over the past decade, relies heavily on tourism to generate revenue. Rhodes, the ninth-largest island in the eastern Mediterranean, is a popular holiday spot and Mitsotakis wants tourism to quickly return to previous levels. (With inputs from agencies)

Greece launches free seven-day holiday programme for tourists who escaped 2023 Rhodes wildfires

Much of Europe is struggling with tumbling birth rates and Greece is becoming an example of how hard it will become to reverse this trend. With social and economic repercussions we ask if governments are doing enough to avert a doomed future? Watch in for more details!

Greece: How & why childbirth has fallen over the years?

Greece's conservative government survived a vote of no-confidence on Thursday triggered by the opposition over its handling of a deadly train crash. Watch in for more details!

Greek PM survives no-confidence vote over deadly Tempi train crash

greece

Greece, News on Greece, stories on Greece, articles on Greece, Greece stories at Wion, Greece news, Greece latest news