Greece's traditional street markets are shrinking as traders struggle with rising costs and falling shopper spending. In Kallithea, Athens, the number of stalls has fallen by around 30 to 40 per cent, according to a vendors' association representative. Traders point to high taxation, debt and long working hours. Producers say transport and farming costs have made growing crops less profitable, and some are selling to supermarkets instead. Licensing has not opened for new applicants since 2006, though a new call is being considered for 2027.
Greece's basketball federation chief, Vangelis Liolios, was held on Wednesday in a broad match-fixing investigation, state agency ANA said. He is due to appear before a magistrate on Thursday. Warrants also target three referees, a referee advisor and a former athlete. One suspect, an active Euroleague referee, was arrested at Athens airport. Police reportedly found more than 800,000 euros in cash at one suspect's home. Around 50 games are under investigation, dating back to 2016.
The Greek National Tourism Organisation has reopened its Australian office in Melbourne, housed at the Consulate General of Greece. The office began operating on 11 November 2025 and is led by Georgia Dimopoulou. The inauguration on 19 October was attended by Greek and Australian officials, community leaders and tourism professionals. Dimopoulou said the office will promote sustainable tourism, Greek culture, cuisine and lesser-known destinations, and build partnerships with Australian travel businesses. The office replaces a Sydney office that closed in 2013.
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Libya's eastern-based parliament has unanimously approved a contested maritime agreement with Turkey, reviving a dispute over rights in the eastern Mediterranean. Greece's Foreign Ministry rejected the vote, calling the memorandum illegal and saying it disregards the rights of Greek islands. Cyprus also condemned the vote. Egypt, which opposes the accord, now faces a situation where its main allies in Libya back the deal. The European Union has said the agreement violates the rights of third countries.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has urged Greeks abroad, including Greek Australians, to vote, invest and engage more closely with Greece. New laws now let eligible Greek citizens registered in Greece vote by post from overseas in national elections. Mitsotakis said he remains committed to visiting Australia after postponing a planned trip because of events in the Middle East. He also said Greece's ties with Israel, Egypt and the UAE are strong, and that the cost of living remains the government's top problem ahead of elections expected in spring 2027.
Greek Australian poet Paraskevi Dentsas has written about her participation in the 9th Patras International Poetry Festival, which ended on 20 September. She read six of her poems in Greek and English alongside poets from 23 countries. The festival's theme, "The revolution begins with words," shaped her reflections on poetry's power to unite people. She describes events held across the city, including school visits, bookstore talks and workshops. Dentsas also says the experience strengthened her hope for a poetic link between Patras and Melbourne.
Severe weather has hit Greece, with Attica and Athens worst affected. Torrential rain and strong storms caused flooding and travel problems in the capital on Tuesday evening, with several streets turning into rivers. Authorities have placed eight regions, including Attica and Crete, on a Red Code alert due to the risk of flooding and strong winds. Rainfall of 30 to 60 millimetres is forecast for parts of Crete on Wednesday. Residents are urged to take care, as local flooding can occur quickly.
The Greek Embassy in Skopje has lodged a formal diplomatic protest with North Macedonia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs over a banner showing a map of Greater Macedonia. The banner was displayed by MZT Skopje supporters during a basketball match against Iraklis on 6 October, part of the FIBA Europe Cup qualifiers. The map included parts of Greece, including Halkidiki, along with territory belonging to Serbia, Albania and Bulgaria. The embassy said the banner's content and symbolism were contrary to the spirit of the Prespa Agreement. Iraklis Basketball Club also lodged a complaint with the match commissioner.
Team Greece began its 2026 All Nations Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over Chile. Greece dominated early and missed several chances, while Chile created openings of their own later in the first half. Greece regained control and scored the winning goal five minutes before full time. Greek Community board member Michael Karamitos praised the side and thanked the coaches and major sponsor. Greece next face Somalia in their second group phase match next Sunday, 18 October, at 1pm.
Billy Cotsis writes about his long attachment to Athens, a city he has visited about 40 times. He describes its history, its neighbourhood cafes and kiosks, and its lively nightlife. He also praises the city's beaches along the coast towards Sounion and nearby islands. Cotsis says he hated Athens until a 2004 trip to the Olympic Games changed his view. He now calls it the city he truly belongs in. The piece is promoted alongside his film Magna Graecia: GRIKO, which plays at the Greek Film Festival.
Maria Efthymiou, a woman widely known for raising 18 children, has died in the village of Kyparissos in western Greece. Her funeral was held on Thursday, 8 October 2026, at 4pm, and a large crowd attended to honour her kindness and hospitality. The Kyparissos Cultural Association paid tribute to her warm personality and welcoming nature. The Efthymiou family first drew media attention in January 1976, when they welcomed their 16th child. Villagers will remember her for her simplicity, generosity and warmth.
Canadian company Eldorado Gold has inaugurated Greece's largest gold and copper mine at Skouries in northern Greece. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended the ceremony and called the project one of the largest foreign productive investments in Greece in recent decades. Commercial production is expected to begin by the end of the year. Eldorado says the mine will create around 3,000 jobs and help meet growing global demand for copper. Dozens of protesters gathered nearby, and police blocked them from approaching the site. The company has invested around $2 billion and expects the mine to run for about 20 years.
Haralambos Kafkarides has commenced his role as Cyprus' High Commissioner to Australia, formally presenting his credentials to DFAT's Acting Deputy Secretary Natalie Cohen. The Greek Ambassador, Stavros Venizelos, extended a warm welcome, underscoring the strong bilateral ties between Greece and Cyprus. Kafkarides will focus on enhancing diplomatic relations and cooperation between Australia and Cyprus. The Greek Embassy emphasised the enduring and constructive partnership between the two nations within Australia. This appointment marks a significant step in fortifying the relationship between the Republic of Cyprus and Australia.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis says the return of the Parthenon Marbles from Britain must be part of any debate about closer EU-UK ties. He told a conference in Athens that years of talks with the British Museum, which has held the ancient sculptures for over 200 years, have not progressed. Mitsotakis said he would intensify Greece’s claim with the British government and the British Museum, offering temporary access to other archaeological treasures in return for the Marbles.
