Migrant Rescue Off Crete Amid Rising Arrivals

  • 42 migrants rescued Sunday off Crete, 30 nautical miles southeast of Gavdos.
  • Operation led by the Hellenic Joint Rescue Coordination Center with EU support.
  • Migrants brought to Agia Galini and processed by local authorities.
  • Over 500 migrants rescued near Crete in the past two days.
  • Authorities suspect links to trafficking networks.
  • Warmer weather expected to increase migrant flows via sea routes from Africa and Turkey.

Violent Monastic Dispute Erupts on Mount Athos

  • Monk injured during altercation in Karyes, center of Mount Athos.
  • Attack occurred amid preparations for the Feast of the Ascension.
  • Victim struck in the head and face; others verbally threatened.
  • Incident tied to property dispute involving the Esphigmenou Monastery.
  • Abbot Bartholomew calls it an “attempted homicide”, blames a schismatic group.
  • 74 court rulings allegedly ignored; monastery criticizes lack of law enforcement action.
  • Dispute centers on canonical recognition within the Orthodox Church.

Greece Tops EU in Long-Term Unemployment

  • 5.4% long-term unemployment—highest in the EU, per Eurostat.
  • EU average is 1.9%, with overall unemployment at 5.9%.
  • Discrepancy in national figures: Greece’s Public Employment Service reports 458,000 long-term unemployed vs. Eurostat’s 257,000.
  • Youth unemployment in Greece fell to 22.5%, down from 2015 levels but still among EU’s highest.
  • Greece holds the widest gender employment gap in the EU:
    • 12.8% female unemployment vs. 8% male.

Bachelor Party Turns Tragic on Lefkada

  • 30-year-old man drowned during bachelor party on a Lefkada beach.
  • Wedding was scheduled for June 14; fiancée on a separate celebration.
  • Victim overpowered by strong, choppy waves shortly after entering the water.
  • Friends attempted rescue but couldn’t reach him in time.
  • Body found at far end of the beach and taken to local hospital.
  • Pronounced dead on arrival by emergency responders.

Athens Taxi Drivers to Strike Over Transport Reforms

  • 48-hour strike from 6 a.m. May 28 to 6 a.m. May 30 announced by Attica Taxi Union.
  • Protest against Alternate Transport Minister’s refusal to meet and proposed reforms.
  • Union opposes:
    • Loss of taxi access to bus lanes.
    • Shift to “Swedish model” for urban transport.
  • Use of taxis for subsidized nightlife transport.
  • Concerns raised over Uber operations at Athens airport.
  • Demands include:
    • Stricter app regulation.
    • Clear legal separation of taxis and chauffeured rentals.
    • Fare updates tied to wage growth.
    • Fuel and tax relief.
  • Union seeks meeting with Prime Minister, warns of further actions.