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With its recent decision to completely lift the Cyprus arms embargo, Washington is now in a position to take its relations with Nicosia to the next level. At the same time, as three scholars at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies argue, this move also presents a valuable opportunity to reach an agreement with Nicosia to transfer some of its Russian-made arms to Ukraine in return for the...

19 λεπτά

While the world’s attention is on Ukraine, recent deadly clashes between political factions in Tripoli are a reminder not only that there is still an open conflict in Libya, but also of the role of outside forces in the country, like Turkey. In the meantime, Greece, given its geography, its historic ties to Libya, and naturally the illegal Turkey-Libya memorandum, can’t remain above the fray,...

13 λεπτά

This week Turkey announced that its research ship, the Oruc Reis, is going to make a return to the Eastern Mediterranean to carry out exploratory research for natural gas and oil. Turkey didn’t specify the exact location, but the Oruc Reis was deployed in 2020 to conduct surveys in what Greece claims as its exclusive economic zone, leading to a summer of tensions. Greece and Cyprus are...

11 λεπτά

Aside from key elections next year in both Turkey and Greece, 2023 also marks the 100th anniversary of the Treaty of Lausanne, the treaty that established Turkey’s modern borders and is at the heart of Greek-Turkish relations, and the centennial of the founding of the Turkish Republic. While Turkish President Erdogan has been dangerously ramping up tensions with Greece in the Aegean in the...

18 λεπτά

As the world leaders gathered in London for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth, the focus was naturally on the British royal family. It seems in their efforts to add a veneer of royalty to their coverage, outlets like CNN and BBC made a move that has prompted a sharp reaction in the Greek world - they featured the son of Greece’s former King, referring to him as Crown Prince. Professor Alexander...

14 λεπτά

On Friday the Biden administration announced that the US would fully lift the arms embargo on Cyprus, a landmark decision that confirms the deepening of the strategic partnership between the two countries. This move follows the partial lifting of the embargo in 2020. It also comes after years of advocacy work on Capitol Hill, where Congressional leaders like Senators Menendez and Rubio, and...

15 λεπτά

On Tuesday Azerbaijan unleashed a colossal artillery barrage deep into Armenian territory, kicking off two days of heavy fighting before a ceasefire was agreed to. This unprovoked attack was widely condemned, especially on Capitol Hill, where members of Congress called for an end to US military aid to Azerbaijan. While the State Department also called for the immediate cessation of hostilities,...

18 λεπτά

This past weekend Prime Minister Mitsotakis gave what is the equivalent of the State of the Union address at the Thessaloniki International Fair, outlining the key priorities of his government, touching on the economy, domestic politics, and foreign policy. This included announcing a new 5.5 billion euro package of relief measures designed to support Greeks in anticipation of what will be a...

18 λεπτά

A Pennsylvania race for the US Senate is attracting more and more attention as Dr. Mehmet Oz’s ties to Turkey come under the radar. The Republican candidate and former TV personality has come under scrutiny not only for his financial ties to the Turkish government, but also his proximity to the Turkish Diyanet, lobbyists, businessmen, and politicians beholden to the Erdogan regime in Ankara....

14 λεπτά

Greece is the place to be this summer, and the number of tourists arriving to the country is expected to surpass the pre-pandemic records set in 2019, contributing to a celebratory mood across the country. All it takes is a visit to the Greek islands or a stroll through Athens to realize that a huge change is currently afoot as a result of this surge in tourism. Professor Stathis Kalyvas, the...

15 λεπτά

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is rapidly raising the strategic profile and potential of Alexandroupolis, a Greek port town in Thrace on the northern Aegean Sea. Alexandroupolis has become emblematic of Greece’s growth as an energy hub and U.S. security partner, and is ideally situated to help the US and its allies achieve shared transatlantic objectives on energy diversification, strengthening...

17 λεπτά

A new report by an international group of scientists is sounding the alarm for the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, warning that this region and its inhabitants are especially at risk from the threats posed by a warming planet and changing climate. As this report points out, this region is warming almost twice as fast as the global average. The report aims to underscore the impact of...

11 λεπτά

Liz Truss officially became Britain's fourth prime minister in six years this week, taking the reins from her predecessor, Boris Johnson, at a time when the UK faces serious economic and energy issues. But, what does her election mean for Greece’s relations with the UK? Is this an opportunity for renewed momentum for Greek-British ties? Ioannis Chountis, a political affairs adviser at the...

14 λεπτά

This weekend Turkey’s President Erdogan accused Greece of “occupying” islands in the Aegean Sea, and said Turkey was prepared to "do what is necessary" when the time comes. He has even threatened Turkey could “come down suddenly one night,” a phrase he’s previously used to hint at looming military operations into Syria and Iraq. These threats, which Erdogan doubled down on this Tuesday, come as...

14 λεπτά

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine Turkey has been sitting on the fence, pursuing a “balanced approach” to Moscow, Ukraine, and the West. In fact, Turkish President Erdogan has spared no effort in trying to play a go-between when it comes to Russia and Ukraine. What has become increasingly clear is that both Moscow and Ankara are benefiting from Turkey’s mediating role. Ambassador Marc...

11 λεπτά

With energy prices breaking record after record as a result of the war in Ukraine, the EU is now rushing to intervene in its energy market, drafting an emergency plan to tackle the issue amid pressure from member states. This marks a significant shift in approach from the EU, as countries that had originally pushed back on proposals by Greece and other southern European countries for a price...

12 λεπτά

With elections coming up in Turkey next year it looks like Turkey’s President Erdogan is in an increasingly difficult spot as the country’s economy has been in a freefall and voters are angry and many demand change. Erdogan also faces a united coalition of opposition parties whose stated goal is to restore Turkey as an institutional democracy which they blame Erdogan for undermining. Beyond...

15 λεπτά

Taking a page out of the Russian disinformation playbook, Turkey has stepped up its efforts to spin a new narrative in the Aegean, pushing fake news stories that attempt to portray Athens as the one provoking Ankara. Most recently we saw this with its unfounded allegations - which were denied by the top Greek officials - that the Greek S-300 missile system locked on to Turkish jets, or that...

13 λεπτά

A new natural gas discovery off Cyprus’ southern coast that’s estimated to contain around 2.5 trillion cubic feet of the hydrocarbon has observers debating whether this can unlock additional potential for the East Med and provide further gas supplies to Europe as the continent grapples with an energy crisis. The discovery was made at the Cronos-1 well in the Cypriot EEZ by partners Eni of Italy...

18 λεπτά

Endy Zemenides, HALC’s Executive Director, joins Thanos Davelis to discuss a number of developments - from the East Med to the halls of Congress. We look at a story unfolding that indicates that Cyprus has reportedly secured a deal to procure Israel’s cutting-edge Iron Dome air defense system, the latest reaction from a bipartisan group of US lawmakers to reports that Turkey is moving forward...

15 λεπτά