Filippo Grandi takes helm as UN High Commissioner for Refugees

04/01/2016 ENstaff Filippo Grandi, refugeecrisis, UNHCR

Filippo Grandi, a UN official who has worked in refugee and political affairs in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, began his five-year term as UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

european union foreign affairs

The Netherlands: Europe’s Middleman [analysis]

04/01/201604/01/2016 ENstaff European Union, migration, refugeecrisis, Stratfor, The Netherlands

With the European Union threatened by waves of immigration and economic turbulence, the Dutch have a key role to play in maintaining the fundamental balance and structure of the EU. – Stratfor Global Intelligence

culture events

“The Spirit of Vienna”

04/01/201603/01/2016 ENstaff Athens Concert Hall, christmasinathens, Kamerata, operetta, waltz

Armonia Atenea -The Friends of Music Orchestra will perform works by Johann Strauss, Johann Strauss II, Josef Strauss on Monday, January 4th, at 20:30 at the Athens Concert Hall.

destinations

Finland: Wintertime magic of Porvoo

04/01/2016 ENstaff accommodation, cafes, Finland, Helsinki, National Urban Park, Porvoo, ski centre, skiing, walks

Old Porvoo is one of Finland’s most idyllic districts. The cobbled streets are lined with old, doll-house-like houses and on top of the hill a white stone church looks over the river valley. Wonderful in the summer, magical during wintertime. Only one hour East of Helsinki.

in brief

Canada Night by the Friends of Canada

04/01/201603/01/2016 ENstaff Canada Night, Friends of Canada, New Year

The Hellenic Canadian Friendship Association is organizing an event to welcome the New Year on January 4th, starting at 19:30.

culture events

“The Karamazovs” by Konstantin Bogomolov

31/12/201530/12/2015 ENstaff Chekhov Moscow Art Theatre, Konstantin Bogomolov, Onassis Cultural Centre, The Brothers Karamazov, The Karamazovs

The Onassis Cultural Centre will host ” The Karamazovs”, based on Dostoyevsky’s monumental swan song, in a subversive, five-hour, adults-only production from Konstantin Bogomolov, the enfant terrible of the Russian theatre.

econ/biz

European hotel industry shows increase in occupancy rates

30/12/201530/12/2015 ENstaff #ParisAttacks, European hotels, occupancy rates, terrorist attacks, tourism

Compared to November 2014, Europe reported a 0.8% increase in occupancy to 68.1%, a 4.1% increase in ADR to €107.74 and a 4.9% increase in RevPAR to €73.40.

culture events

New Year’s eve in the City of Athens

30/12/201530/12/2015 ENstaff christmasinathens, City of Athens, New Year's eve

Athenians will welcome the New Year in Thisio, were two stages will be set at the corner of Hraklidon and Apostolou Pavlou streets. A few minutes to midnight the City of Athens Symphony Orchestra and Philippos Pliatsikas will take the stage.

foreign affairs

Alternate Foreign Minister met with Indian Ambassador

30/12/201530/12/2015 ENstaff Foreign Ministry, India, Murugesan Manimekalai, Nikos Xydakis

The meeting reaffirmed the traditionally excellent bilateral relations between Greece and India, as well as Greece’s support for the dialogue between India and the EU.

european union foreign affairs

Europe’s political and financial challenges in 2016 [analysis]

29/12/2015 ENstaff debt crisis, France, Germany, Greece, political instability, refugeecrisis, Stratfor Global Intelligence, UK

Europe is currently confronted with major political, financial and social challenges that will put EU leaders under pressure, according to the “2016, Annual Forecast” by Stratfor Global Intelligence.

interviews people

Ambassador of Norway:”The challenge for the Greek economy is its competitive edge and its business climate” [interview]

07/06/2016 ENstaff

The Ambassador of Norway in Athens, His Excellency Jørn Eugene Gjelstad, spoke to EmbassyNews.net and commented on the current developments in Greek and European politics, the economy and the refugee crisis.