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Tinker, Tailor, Airman, Spy [InTime News]
Welcome to the weekly round-up of news by Kathimerini English Edition. A Hellenic Air Force Colonel is facing espionage charges, with the 54-year-old facing allegations of collecting and transmitting classified military information to third parties. The Air Force Colonel was arrested after being placed under surveillance by the National Intelligence Service (EYP), following information passed on by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The Colonel, who has reportedly admitted his actions and provided details, stated that he had been recruited by Chinese intelligence services. The Air Force officer had extensive access to both Greek Armed Forces classified communications networks, as well as those operated by NATO. In fact, this is what triggered the CIA to approach the Greek security service, which monitored the man for a few months in full coordination with the country’s military command. However, his arrest was moved forward as the Colonel seemed intent on transmitting more information to his handlers. According to government sources, the man was found in possession of encrypted communications software that was installed on his phone and other devices, that was used to transmit the files straight to his handlers. Authorities are now investigating whether the alleged spy had been working alone, or whether he had been successful in recruiting further military personnel following reported moves by the Colonel to expand the network, efforts that are known to the investigative authorities. The alleged spy is facing a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, while under the new Military Penal Code, he even faces the threat of losing his Greek citizenship if convicted. Spotlight
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 [Shutterstock]The role of Greece and Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean and their cooperation with the US in promoting a number of common interests, and dealing with common threats, was highlighted during this year‘s annual conference in Washington organized by Kathimerini English Edition, the Hellenic American Leadership Council, and the Delphi Economic Forum. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, who met with his US counterpart at the Pentagon, participated in a number of public events and closed sessions with leading personalities from think tanks, and held meetings with members of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Similarly, Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou, participated in other sessions and had her own exchanges on a wide range of issues, from the US – Greece bilateral relationship, to developments in the Balkans as well ongoing efforts in bringing peace to Ukraine. For his part, the Cypriot Foreign Minister, Costantinos Combos, who also participated in the conference, presented Nicosia‘s role, including in the 3+1 cooperation scheme of Greece, Cyprus and Israel with the active support of the US. Special emphasis was given by the Greek and Cypriot officials to the India Middle East Corridor (IMEC) which got an added dynamic after President Trump and Prime Minister Modi opened the way for a trade agreement between Washington and New Delhi. Most sessions were closed, which allowed for a healthy exchange of ideas, with the aim being the promotion of an even closer and cooperation. The network established by HALC and its Executive Director, Endy Zemenides, facilitated the contacts and conversations with officials and opinion makers on a wide range of areas, from defense and energy, to trade, including a spirited discussion on China. |
 The number of short-term letting properties in central Athens increased by 11% in 2025, despite the introduction of regulations that sought to limit their growth rate. The rate is even higher in certain popular central areas, such as the Commercial Triangle ( the area between the squares of Syntagma, Omonoia, and Monastiraki) where the number of available properties increased from 2,353 in 2024 to 2,834 in 2025. Thus, one of the primary conclusions is that the government’s announcement that it will be freezing all new licensing for short-term lets in central Athens acted as a serious motivator for owners to ensure they applied for all relevant provisions before the deadline. It also points to the fact that short-term letting in many areas of central Athens remains far more profitable for landlords than a more traditional long-term lease. |
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| “The Athens Exchange (ATHEX) general index closed at 2,362.35 points, up 2.05% from last week in its eighth consecutive week of gains.” |
| “The Supreme Court ruled in favor of an interpretation of the so-called Katseli Law, introduced in 2010 by the PASOK government of George Papandreou, that defines the monthly instalment of a loan, rather than its total principal sum, as the basis for calculating the interest due. This ruling means that banks and funds will likely have to reprice loans subject to this law, estimated to affect approximately 250,000 individuals and 200,000 primary residences.” |
| “Greece’s four main banks, also known as the country’s systemic banks, are set to announce profits of 4.7 billion euros for 2025, up from 4.3 billion euros the year before. This means that the dividends that will be distributed by the banks are also expected to increase to approximately 2.5 billion euros, compared to 1.9 billion in 2024 and just 873 million euros in 2023.” |
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Editor's Pick But when the government emits such arrogance and lack of restraint, it is no wonder social media platforms are flooded with outrage, hyperbole and extremist outburstsRead the article |
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