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The “big announcement” and “good news” of President Erdogan in Cyprus: cause for increased concern
The “big announcement” and “good news” of President Erdogan in Cyprus: cause for increased concern by Antonis D. Papagiannidis Will the presence of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Cyprus on 19/20 July to mark the anniversary of the 1974 military intervention/invasion of the island (with an Turkish occupation that still persists), add insult to injury in the troubled area of Eastern Mediterranean? Erdogan talked of “good news” he would share with a Turkish-Cypriot community; he even added that “messages [...]
Mykonos: Mini lockdown
New restrictions have been imposed in the island of Mykonos. They were deemed to be indispensable after the 250% surge of new coronavirus cases in the island in the past week. From Saturday evening, a curfew is in place from 1.00 pm to 06.00 am. There is also a 24-hour ban of music at all cafes, bars and restaurants. The mini lockdown will last until Monday, 26. Furthermore, in Mykonos, as in all areas of Greece, only vaccinated people are [...]
Greece: Anti- vaccination movement
The anti-vaccination rally, organized on Wendesday 14, in Syntagma square, Athens, was surprisingly big. Thousands of citizens protested against the government’s decision to make vaccination against Covid-19 compulsory for part of the workforce (healthcare workers and nursing home staff). They also oppose government plans to expand compulsory vaccination further in the coming months. “Vaccination should be a free choice” many said. “ We say “no” to the fake vaccine” was written on a banner. Many of the protesters were [...]
A game of musical chairs around the growth rate for Greece
A game of musical chairs around the growth rate for Greece by Antonis D. Papagiannidis Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was the latest to join in the game of musical chairs orchestrated around the growth rate the Greek economy will be able to reach in 2021 and - even more importantly - in 2022. (In this game, whoever proves close to the growth rate that will be reached will get a chair; those who will have missed it, will be [...]
Greece: The party is over (for now)
The renewed Covid-19 outbreak forced the Greek government to bring back some of the restrictions lifted in early summer. The restrictions mainly concern bars and restaurants, that are considered “superspreading” sites. From Thursday 8, bars, clubs and other entertainment venues will only be allowed to serve seated customers. Restaurants and cafés will have to operate only within the capacity limits dictated by the Civil Protection Service. Penalties will be severe in case of violation of the rules. Any venue that is found [...]
E- commerce in EU: VAT everywhere
New VAT rules for e-commerce have come into force in the European Union, from July 1, 2021. Everyone in the e-commerce supply chain is affected, from online sellers and marketplaces/platforms both inside and outside the EU, to postal operators and couriers, customs and tax administrations, right through to consumers. Here are the main points: All goods imported in the EU are now subject to VAT - even the ones of a value up to €22 (that were previously exempted from [...]
DEF back to Delphi: a case of applied resiliency
DEF back to Delphi: a case of applied resiliency by Antonis D. Papagiannidis The Delphi Economic Forum/DEF, the non-profit outfit that ever since 2016 strives to engage business, political, academic and other such talent in discussing current global European and regional challenges from a (mainly) Greek point of view, missed last year’s event and had to convene the 2021/6th edition in Athens at the Zappeion (in hybrid format). Braving a heat wave, DEF organized – last Thursday and Friday – [...]
Greece starts sponsoring foster families
For the first time the Greek state sponsors foster families. In July 2021, 116 foster families received a “foster care allowance”. The allowance will be paid on a monthly basis, ranging from 325 to 375 euros for children with disabilities. Presenting the new legal framework, deputy minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Domna Michailidou, stressed that the central priority of the new measures is "getting children out of institutions and giving them a family and a better future." The Ministry [...]