Iran to play closed-door FIFA World Cup warm-up against Mali before Mexico departure

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 18:33:30 GMT

Tehran [Iran], June 3 (ANI): Iran will play their FIFA World Cup warm-up fixture behind closed doors against Mali in Turkey on Thursday before travelling to Mexico on Saturday, the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) announced on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

Despite being among the earliest teams to secure qualification for the World Cup, Iran's participation had faced uncertainty following West Asia conflict.

Russian army gets rid of Terminators

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:37:37 GMT

The specialized armored vehicle designed to support tanks has been rebranded, its producer says

Russia has renamed the BMPT Terminator, a specialized armored vehicle built to support tank operations, as 'Spiridon' in an effort to move away from its association with the Hollywood film franchise.

The infantry fighting vehicle features tank-grade protection and a broad range of heavy weapons.

Bulgarias Pensioner Population Grows Despite Higher Retirement Age

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 07:42:00 GMT

The number of pensioners in Bulgaria continued to grow during the first quarter of the year despite the gradual increase in the retirement age, according to data from the National Social Security Institute (NSSI). Compared with the same period last year, the total number of pension recipients increased by 0.7%.

NSSI figures show that between January and the end of March, a total of 27,616 new pensions were grante

BULGARIA-SOFIA-CHINA-COOPERATION ROUNDTABLE

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:45:19 GMT

(260602) -- SOFIA, June 2, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Alexander Poulev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry of Bulgaria's new government, speaks at a Bulgaria-China Trade and Investment Cooperation Roundtable in Sofia, Bulgaria, June 2, 2026. Bulgaria is committed to strengthening cooperation with China, Poulev said on Tuesday. (Photo by Marian Draganov/Xinhua)

Wider Europe Briefing: Why The EU Won't Name A Russia Envoy

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 09:59:12 GMT

Welcome to Wider Europe, RFE/RL's newsletter focusing on the key issues concerning the European Union, NATO, and other institutions and their relationships with the Western Balkans and Europe's Eastern neighborhoods.

I'm RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I am drilling down on two issues: Why the EU isnt naming a Russia envoy and the upcoming EU-Moldova summit.

Embed

Wider

GREECE-ATHENS-INT'L SHIPPING EXHIBITION

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:45:34 GMT

(260602) -- ATHENS, June 2, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (C) addresses the opening ceremony of the Posidonia International Shipping Exhibition in Athens, Greece, June 1, 2026. The Posidonia International Shipping Exhibition, one of the world's most influential maritime trade fairs, opened on Monday in Athens, drawing a record number of more than 2,200 exhibitors from 83 countries and region

FNC participates in International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace session in North Macedonia

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 05:48:13 GMT

SKOPJE, 2nd June, 2026 (WAM) -- Mohammed Issa Al Kashf, a member of the Federal National Council (FNC), participated in the 14th Plenary Session of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace held in Skopje, North Macedonia, under the theme "Advancing Tolerance and Peace: The Strategic Role of Parliaments in Shaping and Legislating Policies for the Future".

Addressing the session, Al Kashf said the theme

Matteo Arnaldi outlasts Frances Tiafoe in 5-set instant classic in Paris

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:05:05 GMT

(Photo credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images)

Matteo Arnaldi pulled off an incredible comeback to take down No. 19 seed Frances Tiafoe in five sets on Monday and place three Italians in the quarterfinals of the French Open.

Arnaldi defeated Tiafoe 7-6 (5), 6-7 (5), 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-4 in the final match of the night in Paris. At five hours and 26 minutes, it was the second-longest match of this year's tournament

Iran omits Sardar Azmoun from World Cup roster

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:25:11 GMT

(Photo credit: REUTERS via West Asia News Agency)

Striker Sardar Azmoun was omitted from Iran's 26-man World Cup roster announced on Monday.

Azmoun has scored 57 goals in 91 national team appearances, but the 31-year-old was dropped from the squad in March. That reportedly stemmed from a social media post that Iranian officials took issue with during the ongoing war with the United States and Israel, and Az

This crisis could make or break Trkiye

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:39:41 GMT

With rivals sidelined and the opposition shaken, the next vote may decide whether Ankaras current system survives

Türkiye's domestic political landscape has entered a phase in which judicial decisions, intra-party struggles and strategic calculations by the authorities are becoming increasingly intertwined.

The arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul from the center-left opposition

Bulgarian MP Says Retail Chains Plan Around 15% Price Cuts

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:15:00 GMT

Bulgarian MP from ?Progressive Bulgaria? Vladimir Nikolov said in a TV interview that major retail chains have indicated readiness to reduce prices by around 15% following discussions with authorities and stakeholders. He stated that the sector has already presented a framework for implementing lower prices across key goods.

?The chains have already come up with a plan on how to reduce prices by an average of abo

Kapil Dhiman Releases The Unmeasured Self, A Quantum-Era Inquiry into Selfhood, Algorithms, and the Soul

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:01:39 GMT

PNN

New Delhi [India], June 1: The growing global appetite for big-idea non-fiction that connects science, philosophy, and the human condition continues to reshape contemporary writing, and entrepreneur-author Kapil Dhiman is contributing to that evolving genre with the release of The Unmeasured Self: Reclaiming What Algorithms Cannot See, his second full-length work.

This book serves as a philosophical len

Italy's Cristian Volpato switches eligibility, named to Australia's World Cup roster

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 02:40:31 GMT

(Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)

Four years after declining an invitation to play for Australia, midfielder Cristian Volpato was named to the country's roster Sunday night for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Volpato, 22, was born in Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia, but is a dual citizen of Australia and Italy. Having played for Italy's junior national teams since 2022, Volpato changed his national el

Bulgaria Among EU Leaders in Working Hours

Sun, 31 May 2026 10:33:00 GMT

Average weekly working hours in the European Union stood at 35.9 hours in 2025 for employees aged 20-64, covering both full-time and part-time work in primary jobs. This marks a decline from 36.9 hours a decade earlier, according to Eurostat data.

Within the EU, Greece recorded the highest average working week at 39.6 hours. Bulgaria and Poland followed closely, both at 38.7 hours, while Lithuania registered 38.4

Bulgaria Sees Slight Rise in Life Expectancy

Sun, 31 May 2026 07:21:00 GMT

Life expectancy in Bulgaria has increased slightly, according to data released by the National Statistical Institute on May 29. For the 2023?2025 period, life expectancy at birth is calculated at 75.9 years, marking an increase of 0.3 years compared to the 2022?2024 period.

The NSI notes that differences in mortality rates across gender and place of residence continue to create clear gaps in life expectancy acros

Bulgaria Faces Criticism Over Lack of Ebola Preparedness Measures

Sat, 30 May 2026 11:23:38 GMT

As several countries introduce stricter controls for travelers arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, concerns are being raised about Bulgaria's lack of visible preventive measures. The World Health Organization declared a ?public health emergency of international concern? on May 17, following the spread of a new Ebola outbreak in Central and East Africa. Despite this, no clear institutional respons

EU agrees deal for deporting migrants to third-country 'return hubs'

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:30:11 GMT

European Unionlawmakers and governmentsagreed on Monday on new rulesallowing countries to deportmigrantsordered to leave the blocto centres in third countries, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from rights groups that warn it could enable abuses.

The deal is part of a broader tightening of EU migration policy amid pressure from right-wing parties, even as irregular arrivals fell 26 percent last year to their

French wine growers plant trees to protect vines from climate

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 05:33:11 GMT

Unlike others stretching far around, the vines in this particular spot are interspersed with maples and fruit trees designed to stimulate the grapes -- and protect them from the ravages of climate change.

Slowly, French winegrowers are experimenting with "vitiforestry".

It is a new word for an ancient practice: growing vines alongside trees, something Italy and Greece have never stopped doing.

"Here,

France's "Forward Deterrence" Vis--vis Russia Raises The Risk Of Nuclear War

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:04:35 GMT

France's planned deployment of nuclear-armed Rafale jets armed in the Arctic, Central Europe, and possibly also the Balkans poses a qualitatively new strategic threat to Russia.

The announcement in late April that France and Poland will carry out regular nuclear drills, which analysts reasonably believe are

Interview Mark Ellis

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:39:43 GMT

E-International Relations

Download PDF

Jun 4 2026

Mark Ellis

Mark Ellis is the Executive Director of the International Bar Association (IBA). He served as Legal Advisor to the Kosovo Commission and advised the OSCE on the creation of Serbias War Crimes Tribunal. Dr Ellis worked alongside the ICTY, the Iraqi High Tribunal, the Cambodia Tribunal and presently with the ICC. In 2015, he was appointed to th

Albania: Protests in Tirana Against Kushners Mega Tourism Project

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:57:04 GMT

For the second day in a row, thousands of people gathered in Tirana to protest a luxury tourism project on Sazan Island, a protected national park.

The project has been granted strategic investor status, which guarantees special privileges and expedited procedures under Albanian law. The designation was awarded to Atlantic Incubation Partners LLC, a company linked to the business network of Jared Kushner, Trumps

Climate Chaos: Planetary Dangers and Humanitarian Emergency

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 23:22:10 GMT

Prologue

Human activities such as deforestation, forest fires, mining, industrialized agriculture, the burning of fossil fuels (petroleum, natural gas, coal), and wars have been threatening nature, civilization, and humans. Those threats weaponize the planets temperature. Scientists describe that effect as climate change/climate chaos.

By Evaggelos G. Vallianatos

Climate change/chaos

Dimitrievski signs new two-year contract with Valencia

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:46:29 GMT

MADRID, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Valencia CF announced on Thursday that the La Liga club has extended the contract of goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski for two more years until June 2028.

"Valencia CF have exercised the contract extension option for Stole Dimitrievski for two more seasons, meaning the North Macedonia goalkeeper will remain linked to the Club until June 2028," informed the club on its official website.

Serbian accession affirmed by president, EU Council chief amid stagnation in talks

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:15:04 GMT

BELGRADE, June 4 (Xinhua) -- Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and European Council President Antonio Costa met in Belgrade on Thursday to discuss institutional reforms, economic integration, and regional security ahead of the EU-Western Balkans Summit in neighboring Montenegro.

During their joint press conference, Vucic reaffirmed that European Union (EU) membership remains Serbia's strategic objective - despi

What is 'strategic autonomy' - and why is everyone suddenly reaching for it?

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:57:22 GMT

Print article

Strategic autonomy is having a moment.

European leaders are invoking it to justify a historic defense buildup; India's foreign ministry has made it th

China Focus: Global mayors explore tech-empowered tourism at Beijing dialogue

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:47:28 GMT

BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) -- As Vasileios Vasileiadis slipped off the extended reality (XR) headset, the vibrant streets of Beijing's historic Dashilar district swirled into focus, colliding with the digital world he had just left behind.

"It's a wonderful experience. I never expected to embark on a 'space tour' right here in Beijing," said Vasileiadis, head of the director office of tourism department in Thessal

New Bulgarian government to boost cooperation with China: Deputy PM

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:15:08 GMT

SOFIA, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Bulgaria is committed to strengthening cooperation with China, the country's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Poulev said on Tuesday.

Poulev, who is also minister of economy, investment and industry in Bulgaria's new government, made the comments at a Bulgaria-China Trade and Investment Cooperation Roundtable. The event was jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria, and the Co

U.S. in talks to expand nuclear weapons deployments in Europe: FT

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:15:21 GMT

WASHINGTON, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The United States is discussing whether to deploy nuclear weapons in more NATO states, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday.

U.S. officials have signaled openness to additional deployments beyond six countries that currently host nuclear-capable bombers, the report said, citing three people briefed on the discussions.

NATO's nuclear sharing program involves six allies - B

Largest-ever Posidonia shipping exhibition opens in Athens

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 05:15:22 GMT

ATHENS, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The Posidonia International Shipping Exhibition, one of the world's most influential maritime trade fairs, opened on Monday in Athens, drawing a record number of more than 2,200 exhibitors from 83 countries and regions, including over 200 Chinese companies.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that amid a complex international environment, the

EU urges BiH to speed up reforms for EU membership

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:15:05 GMT

SARAJEVO, June 1 (Xinhua) -- European Council President Antonio Costa on Monday urged Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to accelerate key reforms required for European Union (EU) membership, saying the country is only a few steps away from opening accession negotiations and should seize the current momentum for enlargement.

Speaking after talks with members of the BiH Presidency in Sarajevo, Costa called on the count

2nd World Conference of Classics to be held in Greece

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:48:18 GMT

BEIJING, June 1 (Xinhua) -- The second World Conference of Classics will be held in Athens, Greece, on June 9 and 10, organizers announced at a media briefing in Beijing on Monday.

The conference will bring together leading scholars in classical studies, as well as experts in civilization, culture and archaeology from China and other countries, to discuss issues related to classical civilizations and promote aca

Egypt uncovers ancient Egyptian, Greco-Roman artifacts south of Cairo

Sun, 31 May 2026 19:45:03 GMT

CAIRO, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Egypt announced Sunday the discovery of artifacts dating back to the ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman eras in Beni Suef Governorate, south of Cairo.

A statement by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said the discovery, made by an Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities at the "Ihnasya al-Medina" site, shed new light on the religious and cultural prom

Greece intensifies crackdown on negligent arson as fire incidents decline

Sun, 31 May 2026 13:15:12 GMT

ATHENS, May 31 (Xinhua) -- During the 2026 fire season, Greek authorities have stepped up efforts to combat arson caused by negligence by imposing hundreds of fines and carrying out dozens of arrests, Greek national broadcaster ERT reported on Sunday.

According to the Directorate for Combating Arson Crimes, 365 administrative fines totaling more than 320,000 euros (about 365,000 U.S. dollars) were issued between

First contact: Cape Verde's rise to the global stage

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 18:16:13 GMT

Cape Verde will face World Cup regulars Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia during their debut at the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Head coach Pedro Leito Brito, also known as Bubista, a defender during a 10-year playing career at clubs in Spain, Angola and Portugal, was characteristically straightforward.

"Whenwe qualified,I said that we wanted to play the best teams at the World Cup

Players to watch: England'Harry Kane is chasing history

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 09:53:17 GMT

England fans will be hoping Kane has not peaked too early on the scoring front.

During the 2025/2026 season forBayern Munich,Kane scored 61 goals in 51 games across competitions including theChampions League,Bundesliga and DFB Pokal (German Cup).

The last three came in the DFB Pokal final on 23 May in Berlin against Stuttgart, making him only the fourth player after Uwe Seeler, Roland Wohlfarth and Robert L

Players to watch: England's Harry Kane is chasing history

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 09:53:17 GMT

England fans will be hoping Kane has not peaked too early on the scoring front.

During the 2025/2026 season forBayern Munich,Kane scored 61 goals in 51 games across competitions including theChampions League,Bundesliga and DFB Pokal (German Cup).

The last three came in the DFB Pokal final on 23 May in Berlin against Stuttgart, making him only the fourth player after Uwe Seeler, Roland Wohlfarth and Robert L

EU tightens migration rules, eyes strategic enlargement in Balkans

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:31:06 GMT

The agreement, struck on Monday between European lawmakers and member states, comes as Brussels is also looking eastwards with renewed urgency.

At aWestern Balkans summitin Montenegro later this week, EU leaders will seek to show Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia and Montenegro that enlargement is back on the table not as a vague aspiration, but as a strategic priority.

The timing

Africa's finest: Morocco, African champions by ruling

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:54:42 GMT

According to the Confederation of African Football (Caf), which oversees the sport on the continent, Morocco will go into the 2026World CupasAfrican champions.

The match sheet from the Africa Cup of Nations final at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat on 18 January 2026 shows that Senegal won the game 1-0. But after an appeal over Senegalese players leaving the pitch towards the end of the 90 minutes and de

Hasan Piker blames Israel after UK bars him from entry, citing 'potential risk'

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:04:20 GMT

Hasan Piker blames Israel after UK bars him from entry, citing 'potential risk'

Trump says Netanyahu 'turned his Troops around' after he asked Israel not to bomb Beirut

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:04:06 GMT

Trump says Netanyahu 'turned his Troops around' after he asked Israel not to bomb Beirut

What the Hellenic! Why is Christopher Nolans new Greek epic entirely devoid of Greeks?

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:08:36 GMT

What the Hellenic! Why is Christopher Nolans new Greek epic entirely devoid of Greeks?

Three Royal Navy members killed in Devon helicopter crash - Royal Navy

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:05:43 GMT

Three Royal Navy members killed in Devon helicopter crash - Royal Navy

www.athensnews.net latest rss headlines

Global mayors explore tech-empowered tourism at Beijing dialogue

USMNT's Chris Richards trains individually with World Cup status in doubt

Iran to play closed-door FIFA World Cup warm-up against Mali before Mexico departure

Russian army gets rid of Terminators

Bulgarias Pensioner Population Grows Despite Higher Retirement Age

BULGARIA-SOFIA-CHINA-COOPERATION ROUNDTABLE

Wider Europe Briefing: Why The EU Won't Name A Russia Envoy

GREECE-ATHENS-INT'L SHIPPING EXHIBITION

FNC participates in International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace session in North Macedonia

Matteo Arnaldi outlasts Frances Tiafoe in 5-set instant classic in Paris

Iran omits Sardar Azmoun from World Cup roster

This crisis could make or break Trkiye

Bulgarian MP Says Retail Chains Plan Around 15% Price Cuts

Kapil Dhiman Releases The Unmeasured Self, A Quantum-Era Inquiry into Selfhood, Algorithms, and the Soul

Italy's Cristian Volpato switches eligibility, named to Australia's World Cup roster

Bulgaria Among EU Leaders in Working Hours

Bulgaria Sees Slight Rise in Life Expectancy

Bulgaria Faces Criticism Over Lack of Ebola Preparedness Measures

EU agrees deal for deporting migrants to third-country 'return hubs'

French wine growers plant trees to protect vines from climate

France's "Forward Deterrence" Vis--vis Russia Raises The Risk Of Nuclear War

Interview Mark Ellis

Albania: Protests in Tirana Against Kushners Mega Tourism Project

Climate Chaos: Planetary Dangers and Humanitarian Emergency

Dimitrievski signs new two-year contract with Valencia

Serbian accession affirmed by president, EU Council chief amid stagnation in talks

What is 'strategic autonomy' - and why is everyone suddenly reaching for it?

China Focus: Global mayors explore tech-empowered tourism at Beijing dialogue

New Bulgarian government to boost cooperation with China: Deputy PM

U.S. in talks to expand nuclear weapons deployments in Europe: FT

Largest-ever Posidonia shipping exhibition opens in Athens

EU urges BiH to speed up reforms for EU membership

2nd World Conference of Classics to be held in Greece

Egypt uncovers ancient Egyptian, Greco-Roman artifacts south of Cairo

Greece intensifies crackdown on negligent arson as fire incidents decline

First contact: Cape Verde's rise to the global stage

Players to watch: England'Harry Kane is chasing history

Players to watch: England's Harry Kane is chasing history

EU tightens migration rules, eyes strategic enlargement in Balkans

Africa's finest: Morocco, African champions by ruling

Hasan Piker blames Israel after UK bars him from entry, citing 'potential risk'

Trump says Netanyahu 'turned his Troops around' after he asked Israel not to bomb Beirut

What the Hellenic! Why is Christopher Nolans new Greek epic entirely devoid of Greeks?

Three Royal Navy members killed in Devon helicopter crash - Royal Navy