ECONOMY
-In January 2024, all the EU countries reported an increase in the annual inflation for olive oil. The highest increase was recorded in Portugal (+69% compared with January 2023), followed by Greece (+67%) and Spain (+63%), Eurostat data showed. The three countries together produce most of Europe’s olive oil.
-The share of the lowest income category “up to €750,” from 4.75% in 2008, increased to 12.75% in 2018, according to the latest available data from the family budget surveys of the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), as analyzed in the annual report by the Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (ESEE).
-Foreign direct investments (FDI) in Greece totaled 4.48 billion euros in 2023, a 40% drop on an annual basis, returning to 2019 levels, according to preliminary data from ELSTAT.
-Private building activity in Greece increased by 25.9% in terms of volume in November 2023, as 2,469 building permits were issued, ELSTAT said. They corresponded to 628,966 m2 of surface and 3,213,670 m3 of volume.
SHIPPING
British analyst company VesselsValue has unveiled this year’s top 10 shipowning nations, reviewing the total asset values for vessels by beneficial owner country. Greece has maintained its position as the third-ranked country by both total number of vessels in its fleet and overall value. Greek shipowners have ships with a total value of $169.39 billion.
GENERAL
Thousands of Greeks took to streets on Wednesday to mark the first anniversary of the country’s deadliest train crash at Tempi that claimed the lives of 57 people. Demonstrations were organized throughout Greece by students, unions and federations demanding justice for the victims. Scuffles broke out between police and protesters in the capital and in similar protests in Thessaloniki. Meanwhile, a 24-hour nationwide strike paralyzed public services including transport and hospitals. The trade union-led strikes were called to protest low salaries amid high living costs.