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ECONOMY
-The European Central Bank approved requests by Greece’s major banks to pay a dividend this year for the first time since 2008. Eurobank Ergasias Services and Holdings SA and National Bank of Greece SA will pay the largest amounts, with €342 million and €332 million respectively. Alpha Services and Holdings SA will distribute €122 million out of 2023 profit. For its part, Piraeus Bank will pay in cash an amount of €79 million. The return of dividend payments represents “a significant milestone”, the NBG said.
-In January–May 2024, the power thefts detected by grid operator DEDDIE crews increased by 50% compared to the corresponding period of 2023 and 2022, Kathimerini reported.
-In the first quarter of 2024, Greece’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in volume terms increased by 0.7% in comparison with the the 4th quarter of 2023, while in comparison with the 1st quarter of 2023, it increased by 2.1%, acording to the figures the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) released on Friday. Total final consumer spending increased by 1.1% on an annual basis, the gross fixed capital investment increased by 2.9%, exports of goods and services decreased by 5.7% and imports increased by 3.1%.
BUSINESS
Greece stands out as the most complex country to do business in, according to the 2024 iteration of the Global Business Complexity Index (GBCI) — a ranking published by global professional services firm TMF Group. Its findings are determined by indicators on key aspects of doing business, such as incorporation timelines, payroll and benefits, rules, regulations, tax rates, and other compliance factors.
REAL ESTATE
The majority of homebuyers in Greece (70%) prefer to invest in affordable older units (built over 20 years ago) within their financial abilities, according to a comprehensive Greek Real Estate study by RE/MAX Hellas.
CULTURE
-ERTFLIX International, the state broadcaster ERT’s movie and television series streaming platform, is participating as a communications sponsor in the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF), which is taking place on June 1-9, 2024, in the presence of important personalities of the film and television industry, AMNA reported.
-The Ministry of Tourism, the Greek National Tourism Organization and the Acropolis Museum present a photography exhibition by Robert McCabe titled “Χαίρε Ξένε. In the land of dreams” from 28 May 2024 until 8 September 2024, in the Temporary Exhibition Gallery at the Acropolis Museum ground floor. The exhibition features around 100 photographs by the American photographer that provide a historical glimpse into Greece’s post-World War II era.
TOURISM
-Analysts at the National Bank of Greece (NGB) estimate that Greek tourism is set to break the record of arrivals in 2024. A survey by NBG projects the number of visitors will exceed 35 million.
-More than 1,900 reports have been filed through myCoast app in nearly two months since its launch, To Vima reported. Most complaints concern unauthorized placement of sunbeds or umbrellas as well as illegal encroachment of public beaches mainly on the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands, and in the peninsula of Halkidiki in Northern Greece.
