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ECONOMY
-As of Thursday (August 1) food service enterprises will be obliged to use machines to issue receipts, such as a registered till or tax receipt printer.
-The general government debt decreased to 159.8% of GDP from 169.4% a year earlier, latest data for the first quarter of 2024 showed.
CORRUPTION
Greece ranks first in corruption issues within the European Union, according to the Eurobarometer 2024 survey. 98% of Greeks believe that corruption is widespread in the country while 53% stated that it has increased over the last three years.
REAL ESTATE
The average rent for student accommodation in Attica is €10.80 per square meter per month, Kathimerini reported citing data from Spitogatos, the leading real estate website in Greece.
ENVIRONMENT
Twenty-two beaches that received the “Blue Flag” label earlier this year were removed from the 2024 list, according to the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF). (see full list here in Greek). The withdrawals are due to faulty organization and are not related to the quality of the swimming waters, which remains excellent according to the program’s standards, EEPF explained.
WEATHER
The heatwave of July was the longest in Greece since 1980, the meteo service of the National Observatory of Athens reported. Temperature consistently exceeded 37 degrees Celsius for sixteen consecutive days (8-23/07/2024).
TOURISM
-Greece’s passport has secured its position as the 6th most powerful globally, offering visa-free access to 188 countries and territories, according to the July 2024 Henley Global Mobility Report.
-The region of Peloponnese announced a new campaign to promote its wines with a “Protected Geographical Indication” (PGI) seal to international markets, including the UK and Canada.
-Attica allocates 48 million euros to enhance the region’s cultural offerings, aiming to attract culture and history enthusiasts seeking unique and thematic tourism experiences.
-In 2023, Igoumenitsa Port saw a 21% rise in ferry traffic while Corfu Port witnessed a 27% growth in cruise passengers, according to a report by Risposte Turismo.
