Kyriakos Mitsotakis asked at the European Council for a coordinated European response to the energy burden and greater fiscal flexibility, judging that the draft conclusions do not meet the urgent nature of the situation. Greece together with Italy, Poland, Czechia, Hungary and Slovakia are asking that the new ETS2 environmental charges be postponed until 2030, while Emmanuel Macron is pressing the "27" to close the seven-year budget before the end of the year.
Why it matters This negotiation determines the fiscal room to support households and businesses against energy prices.
Clash in Parliament over the photos with bones from Tempi
The president of Greek Solution, Kyriakos Velopoulos, displayed in Parliament photographs with bones that, as he claims, belong to victims of Tempi, withdrew the first ones after reactions from relatives and submitted new ones. Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis countered that they are animal bones, as an anthropologist ruled, speaking of a vile spectacle.
Why it matters The handling of the Tempi tragedy remains one of the most charged issues in public life and the confrontation was moved to Parliament.
Guilfoyle's dismissal was made official – Josh Hack at the helm of the embassy
Kimberly Guilfoyle's photograph and biography were removed from the website of the American embassy, while Josh Hack is now also officially performing the duties of head of mission until a replacement is chosen. Donald Trump said he was disappointed by the former ambassador and avoided answering about a possible pardon, while Presidency sources note that no farewell event is planned unless she herself requests it.
Why it matters The change at the top of the American diplomatic mission in Athens directly touches Greek-American relations.
The Prime Minister is going to the Summit seeking a reduction in energy costs and measures to support households and businesses. The agenda of the '27' also includes the new multiannual financial framework of 1.6 trillion euros, competitiveness and Ukraine.
Why it matters The decisions of the Summit determine energy prices and the amount of European funding that Athens is claiming.
Step for the resumption of seabed surveys for the Greece – Cyprus cable
The French contractor Nexans submitted a work permit application for the ship 'VB Abeille Marengo', opening the way for the resumption of seabed surveys on the Greece – Cyprus electricity interconnection, with notification of the authorities 72 hours before each operation. It is not yet known whether there has been coordination with the Turkish authorities, who demand that permission be given by Turkey.
Why it matters This is a project of strategic importance, with the Turkish request for approval remaining open.
Fuel subsidies and 30% increase in heating allowance – reactions from PASOK and ELAS
The government package provides total support of up to 40 cents per liter for heating oil and an increase of the heating allowance by 30%. PASOK and ELAS speak of deception, saying that the fuel subsidy lasts 17 days and does not respond to the high cost of the whole winter.
Why it matters It directly concerns the heating and transport costs of households ahead of winter.
The White House asked US Ambassador to Athens Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign, following reports implicating her in seeking money, gifts and hospitality in exchange for access to officials of the American administration. She accepted the request, calling the claims against her false, while PASOK, ELAS and SYRIZA demand explanations from the government and the Foreign Ministry speaks of an internal matter of the American administration.
Why it matters The departure of the American ambassador, with a tenure that did not last a year, affects Greek-American relations and fuels internal confrontation.
Tsipras's tour in Crete and concentrated moves in the center-left space
Alexis Tsipras continues his tour in Crete, speaking of a strong progressive faction, about inflation and heating oil, while he attempts to tone down the rhetoric with PASOK. Nikos Androulakis replies that the opponent is the government and that for political change to happen PASOK must be the first party, while a PASOK MP leaves open the possibility of cooperation with ELAS.
Why it matters The ELAS-PASOK clash and the conflicting messages about cooperation shape the center-left scene.
Josh Huck temporarily takes over the American embassy in Athens
The embassy's "number two" until today, career diplomat Josh Huck, assumed the duties of temporary chargé d'affaires on orders from the State Department. It remains open who will be the next ambassador, with scenarios for a Greek-American, a MAGA cadre or a career diplomat.
Why it matters It determines who holds the helm of American diplomacy in Athens until the appointment of a new ambassador.
