Significant developments in the economy, politics, and international security
The focus of international news is the open letter from Ukrainian President Zelensky to Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin confirmed that the Russian President has been informed of its content. At the same time, the explosion of a sea drone in the port of Constanta, Romania, is causing concern. According to the authorities, the drone is similar to those used in the war in Ukraine, a fact that has put the region on alert.
In economic news, Greece received the "green light" from the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and the EFSF for the early repayment of debt amounting to 6.94 million euros. This decision reflects the steady progress of the Greek economy and the strengthening of the country's credibility in international markets, as Greece continues to improve its economic figures.
Domestically, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the first day of voluntary female conscription in Greece as "historic." The Prime Minister emphasized that military service is now a matter that concerns both genders. Meanwhile, in the Greek Parliament, Konstantinos Kollias was sworn in as a new MP, taking the seat following the loss of Nikolaos Tagaras.
A new poll by the company Prorata presents interesting data on the political landscape. The gap between New Democracy and Hellenic Solution is now in the single digits, with ND garnering 24% and Hellenic Solution 14.5%. Furthermore, the survey shows that PASOK is now in fourth place in terms of electoral influence.
In the field of foreign policy, Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis underlined that Greece possesses significant geopolitical capital. He stressed that unilateral actions violating the law of the sea do not produce law nor create accomplished facts. Additionally, Nikitas Kaklamanis congratulated Annita Demetriou on her re-election to the presidency of the Cypriot Parliament and invited her to officially visit Athens.
Finally, global food prices saw a slight decline of 0.2% in May, although they remain near three-year highs due to grain prices. In the transport sector, Athens International Airport announced a 5.3% increase in passenger traffic for the first five months of the year, confirming the dynamic course of tourism despite international challenges.