Stories from Athens · Greece

Central and northern Greece are expected to experience strong winds and heavy rainfall through the evening hours. Localized thunderstorms are possible in the foothills of mountains. Winds in the Aegean Sea are expected to reach Beaufort scale 8. Temperatures are forecast to reach 16 degrees Celsius in Attica and 14 degrees Celsius in Thessaloniki. Unusually increased cloudiness with local rain showers is expected, mainly in the afternoon and evening. Isolated thunderstorms will occur in the early morning hours in northern Ionia and western Peloponnese. Local snowfall will be noted in the northern and eastern mountains. The wind will blow from the north, 4-6 Beaufort in the Aegean, reaching 7 and possibly locally 8 Beaufort. The temperature will show a slight further drop and will remain low for the season.

areas including Plaka, Venice, Dubrovnik, and Corfu are facing challenges due to overtourism. Residents in Plaka report issues with local infrastructure and the conversion of residential properties into tourist accommodations.

Axia Group has signed major commercial agreements with partners from Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina for the transport of American liquefied natural gas (LNG). These agreements are expected to turn Greece into an energy hub.

The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Greek authorities are in coordination with Israeli officials regarding the transfer of activists detained by Israel. Israel announced late Thursday that activists from the humanitarian flotilla will be disembarked on a Greek beach in the coming hours. This decision replaces previous expectations that the activists would be brought back to Israel. Militants aboard approximately 20 vessels illegally intercepted by the Israeli military in international waters will be disembarked in Greece instead of Israel. The move comes as international pressure mounts regarding the legality of the naval operation. The decision follows reports from Italy and Germany. Spain, Turkey, and Pakistan have denounced Israel's actions as flagrant violations of international law.

A student collapsed and was taken to Achilleion Hospital following protests regarding the 'karonism' of student dormitories. The student's health condition is currently described as good.

Greece and Ukraine have encountered friction regarding a cooperation agreement for unmanned sea vehicles. According to reports from the Greek newspaper Kathimerini, Athens seeks control over the use of these vehicles in potential war scenarios. This requirement has reportedly not been accepted by the Ukrainian administration. The dispute specifically concerns the maritime supply and primary joint production of these unmanned vessels in Greece. The Israeli Navy and the Greek government have issued conflicting reports regarding the location of a recent naval interception. Israeli fleet officials claim the interception occurred within Greek territorial waters. Conversely, the Greek government stated the interception took place in international waters, which served as the justification for the coast guard not intervening.

Portuguese Ambassador Paulo Rangel has requested explanations regarding the detention of three pro-Palestinian Portuguese activists. The activists were part of a freedom flotilla heading toward Gaza before being intercepted by Israeli authorities.

Transport services are undergoing modifications in Athens, Piraeus, and Thessaloniki. In Athens and Piraeus, metro lines 1, 2, and 3, along with tram services, will not operate today. Bus and trolley workers are conducting strikes from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

A proposal from the PASOK party to establish a pre-trial investigative committee was submitted last night. The inquiry aims to examine allegations involving former Minister Pilió Livano and former Minister Fotini Rampazi.

Authorities in Athens are implementing a traffic ban for all heavy-duty trucks at national highway exits. Traffic delays are occurring in central Athens due to May Day gatherings. The center of the city is experiencing congestion as people gather for the labor holiday. The source noted that smaller delays are also being faced at exits. The center of Athens is seeing immobilized transport in certain areas. These measures are expected to remain in effect until 9:00 PM. The restrictions are a response to planned gatherings and protests. These measures are expected to impact traffic flow through the evening.