ekathimerini - The Greek Letter - 20 Octocer 2024 - On migration, The rift within on how to deal with Turkey a nd more ...

 

On Migration[Johanna Geron/Reuters] Constantine CapsaskisNewsletter Editor Welcome to the weekly round-up of news by Kathimerini English Edition. The issue of migration dominated the meeting of European leaders in Brussels, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressing the Greek government’s position that those crossing borders illegally must be returned to their point of origin rather than point of entry. “The European Council calls for determined action at all levels to facilitate, increase and speed up returns from the European Union using all relevant EU policies instruments and tools, including diplomacy, development, trade and visas,” stated the written conclusion of the meeting, with many countries feeling the pressure of increased flows of migrants and asylum-seekers. The prime minister pointed out that Europe has moved closer to the Greek position, noting that “the EU has moved closer to the Greek positions regarding asylum […] the European Council is saying […] that ‘if you are not eligible to remain in Europe you must return.’ It is the right policy, Greece always supported [it].” Mitsotakis also highlighted the ineffective implementation of an agreement between Europe and Turkey on the issue. Before the conference began, he said that “I want to remind everyone that returns must also be made to Turkey, as this is part of the EU-Turkey agreement from 2016” and later said that “returns to Turkey do not happen and must happen, but it is a difficult process. Only one in five [illegally entering migrants] return in the in the end”. The prime minister also expressed his reservations on the migration deal between Italy and Albania, stating that foremost it is a bilateral agreement and cannot necessarily be replicated on the European level. “These people are processed according to Italian asylum legislation, and whatever happens to them, they will, in one way or another, be returned to Italy. If we were to do so at the European level […] where would they go?”, he said characteristically. Finally, Prime Minister Mitsotakis met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the council and signed a bilateral security defense cooperation agreement. The deal will open the way for Greece to actively participate in future reconstruction efforts in Ukraine, particularly in Odessa which has strong cultural and historic ties to Greece, but also envisages cooperation and joint ventures in several sectors including energy, maritime transport, economic sectors, and civil protection. Spotlight Even as the scheduled meeting between Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan was finalized for November 8, attitudes on the scope of talks seem to be hardening once more. Turkish officials insist that any conversation must include questions beyond the delimitation of maritime boundaries, something Greece outright refuses, standing firm on the position that the only matter up for negotiation is the continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz conducted an official visit to Istanbul this week, where he met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and discussed, among others, the sale of 40 Eurofighter fighter jets to Turkey, with Germany having already asked for written guarantees that Turkey will not use the new aircraft to violate Greek airspace. Turkish officials have rejected any formal conditions attached to the sale as unacceptable.   Kathimerini organized a two-day conference bringing together industry and political leaders and innovative thinkers to discuss avenues to redefine and reform the future of Greek tourism. The Reimagine Tourism conference included remarks by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay of Bhutan, who discussed issues of sustainability. Yiannis Paraschis, President of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), stated that 2024 will be a landmark year for the Greek tourism industry. Other issues discussed included the temporal and spatial characteristics of tourism in Greece, with a focus on its geographical peculiarities, and how they can be expanded to better attract visitors in other areas of the country and outside the usual high season. Indicatively, 77% of tourist arrivals are concentrated in just five regions of the country. MUST READS Androulakis’ last chanceGo to article > A mutually significant agreementGo to article > Economic ostracism via AirbnbGo to article > OPINION Tom EllisEditor-in-Chief, Kathimerini English Edition The rift within on how to deal with Turkey[AMNA] The rift in New Democracy with respect to the policy Greece should follow towards Turkey is growing, with former prime minister Antonis Samaras indirectly accusing the government of, in essence, getting ready to capitulate to Ankara. Speaking at an event in Cyprus about the present period of relative calm in the Aegean, he declared that “when ‘calm waters’ lead to the silent acceptance of fait accompli, it always brings great storms.” Known for his hardline conservative views, Samaras talked of “disastrous and unjust solutions” that are being worked out not only for the Aegean – he warned of its upcoming partition and the beginning of “Greece’s own shrinking” – but also for Cyprus, saying that a solution for the future of the island is being “cooked up” that would lead to a “disguised partition” and then “Turkification”. The attacks by a former leader of ruling ND and former PM offer an authoritative voice to a portion of the electorate, especially on the right, that opposes the government’s foreign policy in general, and the latest approach with respect to Turkey in particular. As political realism dictates that we seek a cooperative relationship with our neighbor to the East, rather than confrontation, legitimate questions are raised about the rationale behind this harsh rhetoric. During his tenure as prime minister Samaras had participated in two High Cooperation Councils with Turkey, one in Istanbul with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and one in Athens with then Turkish PM Ahmet Davutoglou.  It is obvious that relations with Turkey are complex and sensitive, and navigating through their multifaceted dimensions is always a challenge. But to go so far as to insinuate, as some have done lately, that we are witnessing preparations for some kind of treasonous acts, is not only unacceptable, but dangerous as the only thing that is accomplished is an internal division which is obviously the last thing the country needs. For its part, the government has to explain to the public in clear terms what its goals are – both in the short term, and the immediate next steps, as well as its long term strategy – and how it plans to achieve them. CHART OF THE WEEK The issue of traffic congestion in the capital region of Attica continues to adversely impact the region’s residents. Experts have begun calling for a comprehensive review of the existing ‘Daktylios’ system, which limits entry to the center of Athens based on whether license plates end on an odd or even number, as it is now seen to be contributing to the severe congestion problems. They argue that the number of cars today is significantly more than those in 1982 when the scheme was first introduced. Other experts highlight the city’s inadequate infrastructure, including narrow roads and insufficient public transport, which leaves residents dependent on private vehicles. Proposals include reducing the speed limit to 30 km/h, increasing public transport options, and investing in bike infrastructure to shift away from car dependency, as well as replacing the current system with a “green ring” that limits vehicles based on environmental criteria, such as emissions levels, to reduce pollution and manage traffic more effectively   ESCAPADE Tsagarada reborn: A mountain paradise awaits Plane trees, chestnuts, and towering beeches surround the four neighborhoods of this village, which has recovered from the damage caused by Storm Daniel and is once again welcoming autumn visitors. Go to article > ECONOMY IN A NUTSHELL “The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 1,443.57 points, up 1.89% on a weekly basis.” “The state budget saw a primary surplus of 8.743 billion euros over the first nine months of the year, against a target of 5.3 billion euros. Overall, the state budget balance for the same period showed a surplus of 1.57 billion euros against a target deficit of 1.44 billion.” “The Greek gambling industry continues its strong performance, with turnover increasing significantly in the first eight months of the year. The Total Gaming Revenue (value of bets made by players) over the period stood at 28.3 billion euros, up 14.1% year-on-year.” WHAT'S ON THE AGENDA 23/10/2024Empress Theophano Prize: The annual Empress Theophano Prize will be awarded to the Special Olympics, presented to their chairman Dr. Timothy Shriver, in the Rotunda Church of Thessaloniki. 23/10/2024Strikes: Several unions have announced their intention to strike next week including Greece’s seamen, employees in the tourism sector, and primary teachers. 25/10/202428th of October: Events commemorating the 28th of October will begin across the country on Friday. Editor's PickPlaka’s prettier corners were like balsam on our souls, and despite the throngs of tourists, the graffiti messing up the walls and the many neglected houses languishing beside many more that have been reborn, we felt Athens’ special value.Nikos VatopoulosRead the article PODCAST 16/10/2024 • 12:11Germany’s occupation of Greece and the lingering question of reparations and a forced loanA few days ago, on October 12th, Athens celebrated 80 years since the liberation of the city from a brutal Nazi German occupation that left its mark not just on Athens, but on all of Greece. Today, we take a look back at this historic moment, but also at a question that has lingered ever since, impacting Greece’s relations with Germany: the issue of reparations and a forced loan taken from Greece. John Psaropoulos joins Thanos Davelis as we dive into this issue and look at why it is still on the table. Psaropoulos is an independent journalist and Al Jazeera’s correspondent in southeast Europe. We’d like to hear from youShare your feedback at newsletters@ekathimerini.com Did you receive this email from a friend?Subscribe to our newsletters here NEWS ECONOMY OPINION SOCIETY CULTURE SPORTS IN DEPTH Kathimerini English Edition is published as a single paper with the International Edition of NYTimes Kathimerines Ekdoseis Single Member SA, Ethnarhou Makariou Avenue & 2, D. Falireos Street, Piraeus 185 47, Greece You’re receiving this email because you signed up for news and updates from ekathimerini. Manage your email preferences or Unsubscribe from all future emails. Copyright © 2024 Kathimerines Ekdoseis All rights reserved.