The Greek Current

One of the legacies Pope Francis leaves behind is his commitment to climate action and the environment, a legacy Catholic activists around the world are maintaining. What many people do not realize is that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, often called the green Patriarch, played a key role in bringing this movement into existence. Bruce Clark, a journalist, author, and commentator on international affairs, religion, and history, joins Thanos Davelis to explore the story of how the green Patriarch led to a green Pope, and look into the close friendship shared by Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Francis.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:How a green patriarch led to a green popePope Francis, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew shared deep bondPM Mitsotakis unveils railway safety bill following Tempe tragedyGreece to install train control systems by September in reform after deadly 2023 crashGreece, Turkey to continue talking in May

Since SYRIZA’s collapse in the 2023 national elections, the focus has been on who can lead the opposition. PASOK is the official opposition in parliament, but now another party is stepping into second place in the polls - the anti-establishment left wing Course of Freedom led by Zoe Konstantopoulou. Nektaria Stamouli, the deputy editor in chief of Kathimerini’s English Edition and Politico’s Eastern Mediterranean correspondent, joins Thanos Davelis as we look into the rise of Zoe Konstantopoulou in the polls and Greece’s shifting political landscape.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:The (near) one-woman show courting Greek votersZoe Konstantopoulou’s rise and the shifting political landscapeTempe train crash back to the foreGerman ruling opens door to Greece deportationsFrance supports Greece-Cyprus energy link

In a surprise move after the Easter break, Prime Minister Mitsotakis announced 1 billion euros in benefits. This followed the release of data showing Greece had secured a budget surplus of 1.3 percent. The announcement is also putting a spotlight on Greece’s politics, with many asking if Mitsotakis is charting a course for a third term with this move. Nick Malkoutzis, the co-founder and editor of Macropolis.gr, joins Thanos Davelis as we look into Greece’s standout fiscal performance, discuss this latest support package, and break down how it ties into Greece’s politics.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Greece announces 1 billion euros in financial benefits after posting 1.3% budget surplusPM charts course to third term with promises of more handoutsTrump avoids labeling Armenian mass killings as ‘genocide’UAE offers free-of-charge portable desalination plants to cover arid Cyprus’ summer water needs

Germany’s parliament blocked the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey earlier this month. This decision follows the arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, and comes amid reports that Turkey is pressing the US to lift CAATSA sanctions and sell it F-35s. Sinan Ciddi, a non-resident senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and an expert on Turkish politics, and Bradley Bowman, senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at FDD, join Thanos Davelis as we break down why Germany’s move is significant and whether it should serve as an example to the Trump administration.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:‘Attack on Democracy’: Germany Blocks Eurofighter Sale to Turkey for Imprisoning Opposition LeaderTime For a New Policy Toward ErdoganFinMin sends message of recovery from IMF Spring MeetingsGreece announces 1 billion euros in financial benefits after posting 1.3% budget surplus

Earlier this month we saw Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan - Central Asian countries that are also members of the Organization of Turkic States - pledge their support for Cyprus’ sovereignty. The move followed a meeting with top EU officials in Samarkand, and saw Turkish media describe it as a blow for Turkey. Harris Georgiades, the Chairman of the Foreign and European Affairs Committee of Cyprus’ Parliament, Chairman of the “Clerides Institute” and a former Minister of Finance, joins Thanos Davelis as we break down why this is an important diplomatic win, effectively halting Ankara’s efforts to use those states as a vehicle for recognition of the occupied northern part of Cyprus.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Central Asian states send envoys to Cyprus, accept UN resolutions on occupied northBanks discovering Greek startupsGreek leaders mourn Pope Francis, praise his moral leadershipPope Francis, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew shared deep bond

As Greece prepares for another hectic tourism season, it’s not just the popular island destinations that are bracing for the arrival of travelers from around the world. Over the past years, however, we’ve seen almost every region of Greece turn to tourism, a shift experts highlight is unique across the European Union. This trend of touristification - at the expense of other industries - raises concerns about the sustainability of Greece’s tourism model. Alexia Kalaitzi, an award-winning journalist and features reporter for Kathimerini, joins Thanos Davelis as we look into this touristification phenomenon taking shape across Greece. You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Τουριστικοποίηση: Πρωταθλήτρια Ευρώπης η Ελλάδα‘Attack on Democracy’: Germany Blocks Eurofighter Sale to Turkey for Imprisoning Opposition LeaderUS lawmakers against Turkish plans to transfer S-400 to Syria

Since Turkish President Erdogan arrested Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, the country has been rocked by protests and political uncertainty. In the meantime, the main opposition is looking to keep up the pressure on Erdogan and translate anger over Imamoglu’s arrest into a cause that resonates broadly with voters. Dr. Lisel Hintz, Assistant Professor of International Relations at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies and an expert on Turkey, joins Thanos Davelis to look at how Imamoglu’s arrest continues to impact Turkish politics, and break down why Turkey’s democratic future matters beyond its own borders.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:How Turkey’s opposition plans to take on ErdoğanTurkish court rejects appeal to release Imamoglu as protests persistWhy Turkey’s democratic future matters for the worldGreece declares EEZ in Ionian Sea after unveiling maritime spatial plan''This isn’t about headscarves, it’s about who we are''

For five months Serbs have been taking to the streets, resulting in an unprecedented anti-corruption protest movement. The movement’s sustained momentum has put longtime Serbian President Alexandar Vucic under pressure, and has seen him step up efforts to quash the protests. Professor James Ker-Lindsay, who has worked extensively on the EU, the Balkans and Southeast Europe, joins Thanos Davelis as we look into why Serbs have taken to the streets over the past months, what this means for President Vucic, and the broader spillover effect these protests could have on the region.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Serbia’s unfinished revolutionSerbia's president issues threats to silence student protestsEU confronts Vučić as protests rage in SerbiaECB cuts rates on weak growth, markets bet on more easingF-16 upgrade negotiations with the US continue as key differences persist

For over two decades Turkey’s President Erdogan has endured a number of challenges to his power - from court corruption investigations and close elections to a failed coup in 2016 - and has emerged more powerful. The decision to arrest Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and Turkey’s assertive presence in Syria are Erdogan’s latest gambles. Ryan Gingeras, a professor in the Department of National Security Affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School and an expert on Turkish, Balkan, and Middle East history, joins Thanos Davelis as we break down whether this could be Erdogan’s last great gamble. The views expressed in this interview do not reflect the views of the US government.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Erdogan’s last great gambleGerapetritis highlights importance of maritime spatial planGreece finalizes marine spatial planning, releases official mapFrontex: Illegal crossings into Europe down one third in a year

From tariffs to Greenland, Ukraine and European security, it seems Europeans have been left guessing when it comes to what President Trump wants. This is spurring Europe into action, as EU states look to America-proof their defense and security in the face of Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine. Shashank Joshi, defense editor at The Economist, joins Thanos Davelis as we explore what this lack of clarity from Washington means for Europe, and break down Europe’s response - particularly on the defense front.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Europe cannot fathom what Trumpian America wants from itTrump May Blow Up U.S. Defense Sales to EuropeEurope’s armsmakers have ramped up capacityEurope should buy from Ukraine’s defence industryHow Turkey’s opposition plans to take on ErdoğanPresident unveils ''Brain Gain'' campaign