Agricultural fund scandal keeps growing
Revelations about the OPEKEPE agricultural subsidy scandal continue to emerge. The case file sent to Parliament reveals a labyrinthine network of pressure and favoritism designed to secure subsidies for friends and associates while avoiding potential audits. Several regions are at the center of the investigation, with Crete appearing to hold the scepter of subsidies.
https://www.ekathimerini.com/politics/1274161/agricultural-fund-scandal-keeps-on-giving
Athens maps response to Libya flows
The National Security Council (KYSEA) convened on Wednesday under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to discuss strategies for protecting the country from increased migration flows south of Crete and potential assistance to Benghazi authorities.
https://www.ekathimerini.com/politics/foreign-policy/1274151/athens-maps-response-to-libya-flows
Hundreds of residents, tourists evacuated as wildfire rages in Lasithi
A major wildfire that broke out on Tuesday near Ierapetra in Crete’s Lasithi region continued to defy firefighting efforts on Thursday morning and prompted the evacuation of hundreds of residents and tourists.
Merkel: Referendum call in 2015 left her ‘speechless’
Almost 10 years to the day since the 2015 referendum in Greece, the woman who marked the era of the country’s debt crisis, former German chancellor Angela Merkel, was in Greece on Wednesday for a live discussion with Kathimerini Executive Editor Alexis Papachelas at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in southern Athens. In a candid conversation, Merkel talked about the discussions she had with former Greek prime ministers, the most “surprising” phone call of her political career, and her relationship with various world leaders.
https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1274190/merkel-referendum-call-in-2015-left-her-speechless
Unemployment falls to 7.9% in May, ELSTAT says
Greece’s unemployment rate decreased to 7.9% in May compared to the revised 10.5% in May 2024 and 8.3% in April 2025. The unemployed amounted to 370,369 people, marking a decrease of 128,709 people compared to May 2024 (25.8%) and a decrease of 19,260 people compared to April 2025 (4.9%).
https://www.amna.gr/en/article/915831/Unemployment-falls-to-79-in-May–ELSTAT-says
ATHEX: Index sets sights on 2,000 points
Boosted by the formal proposal of Europe’s biggest stock market company Euronext to the owner of the Greek stock market, Hellenic Exchanges, as well as other corporate news, local stocks continued their ascent on Wednesday. The main index at Athinon Avenue is now at its highest point since April 2010 and even closer to the 2,000-point milestone. It only appears to be a matter of time till it gets there too.
KATHIMERINI: Objective real estate values “freeze” until 2028
TA NEA: OPEKEPE scandal: preposterous events
EFIMERIDA TON SYNTAKTON: Who is profiteering from the genocide in the Gaza Strip
RIZOSPASTIS: Small farmers: Rage and indignation regarding the policy that eliminates them and creates scandals
KONTRA NEWS: The PM’s office has been exposed regarding the OPEKEPE scandal
DIMOKRATIA: More revelation on the OPEKEPE scandal: “Agriculture Minister Kellas can’t live without partisan dealings and special favors”
NAFTEMPORIKI: Data from OSDE-ELSTAT show a… super-surplus of sheep and goats
DRIVING THE DAY: ALL ABOARD THE HMS BERLAYMONT — BUT WILL VDL SINK?
COMMISSIONERS DESCEND ON DENMARK: The European Commission’s air taxi is wheels up today for the College’s visit to Aarhus, Denmark.
VDL under fire: What should be carefully choreographed diplomacy may well prove more awkward now that Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is facing a no-confidence vote in the European Parliament next week. While the motion is largely symbolic and isn’t expected to pass, it underscores the growing anger with her in Brussels after a string of controversial moves and scandals.
The worst-case scenario: If the no-confidence motion passes, it would lead to the resignation of the entire Commission and trigger the complex process of appointing 27 new European commissioners. So no tension at all for the group road trip, we’re sure!
The other queen: Von der Leyen’s court will rub shoulders with a real monarchy during the two-day trip, meeting the Danish king and queen along with the government and top diplomats. No aides are allowed, so the commissioners will have to resolve any beef over airplane armrests and coffee runs themselves. Most are attending, though Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič gets a pass while he’s focused on the unenviable task of averting a trade war with the U.S.
Boat diplomacy: The bureaucratic top brass will enjoy a swanky reception on the Danish royal yacht with King Frederik and Queen Mary this afternoon. Clearly, the Scandi nation isn’t as embarrassed about farming out its royal niceties as the U.K., which decommissioned its royal yacht after a row over taxpayer funding for the vessel. No press is allowed on the boat, though.
No Marilyn moments, please: According to an internal Commission agenda for the trip, seen by Playbook, commissioners are advised to wear “flat shoes” and “no skirts” for the voyage.
Then time for some mid-century modern: After the boats (they’re also being treated to a meeting with the Maersk CEO and a container ship tour) the commissioners are off to Aarhus City Hall, the hulking modernist structure designed by iconic Danish designer Arne Jacobsen (yes, he of the chairs), for a 300-person dinner. European Council President António Costa and von der Leyen will make speeches, along with Danish PM Mette Frederiksen.
Mingling with the common folk: There’s a public concert happening outside the city hall at the same time as the dinner, and the Commission’s agenda says guests “might join the concert after the dinner.” Playbook will keep our eyes peeled for Valdis Dombrovskis or Teresa Ribera partying with the people.
Sore heads in the seminar: After an overnight stay, the commissioners will meet for their College seminar Friday morning. According to an agenda for that meeting, also seen by Playbook, they’ll prepare for this year’s State of the Union speech and have a working lunch with Costa before flying back to Brussels.
COPENHAGEN DISPATCH: Playbook’s Nicholas Vinocur is in Copenhagen for the presidency press trip, where it sounds like he’s having a very tough time touring the harbor and doing speed-dating-style interviews with ministers.
Money matters: Danish Economy Minister Stephanie Lose vented about the EU’s lack of economic reforms, noting “there hasn’t been much progress at all” since the Draghi report on competitiveness was released to great fanfare last year, and said Copenhagen wants to strike a deal on the digital euro during its presidency.
Immigration on the agenda: Meanwhile, Immigration Minister Kaare Dybvad said it’s unclear whether the Commission’s directive on migrant returns will get to a vote, although the EPP is in favor. He also shared that Copenhagen is currently paying Syrian families with Danish residency €70,000-€80,000 to repatriate. Some 800-900 families have opted into the scheme, which is open to other nationalities but mainly used by Syrians, he said.
VDL VOTE WATCH
HOW IT’LL PLAY OUT: The Schuman roundabout will be shaking next week as the choreography of the no-confidence vote against VDL swings into action, Max Griera reports. First, von der Leyen will be yanked in front of the Parliament in Strasbourg on Monday to appear in a debate about her leadership. The crucial vote will be held on Thursday — the first time in more than a decade that the head of the Commission has faced one.
Pressure mounts: Even if the motion is bound to fail, with a majority of groups having already stated they’re against it, the result of the secret vote will show to what extent lawmakers really back von der Leyen, versus how much damage her recent red-tape bonfire and green rules U-turns have done to her support base. “There is discontent, the vote is secret, so the question is if all MEPs will get in line. It will not go through, but the vote will be a scare,” an official from the centrist majority told Max.
Weber protection service: European People’s Party chief Manfred Weber, who hails from the same political family as von der Leyen, condemned the vote in comments to POLITICO. “In times of economic uncertainty and global turmoil, it is completely irresponsible to carry out such publicity stunts,” Weber said. “The MEPs who brought this forward are attacking the entire EU Commission here. They are pursuing one goal: an unstable and weak Europe. They will not succeed with this.”
And where was VDL while this coup was brewing? Spending time with 13 of Germany’s top industry bosses, as Francesca Micheletti reports in this piece. The Commission president’s schmoozing is riling climate folk, along with titans of industry elsewhere, who bemoan their lack of face time with the big boss.
GREEN DEAL WATCH
VDL VS. MACRON: Last week’s EUCO summit dinner was spicier than the menu hinted, according to one of many scoops in this detailed profile of EU green chief Teresa Ribera. French President Emmanuel Macron suggested during the meal that the Commission delay its 2040 climate target.
VDL was having none of it. She defended the target and insisted it needed to be proposed this week, three people briefed on the dinner discussions told my colleagues Zia Weise and Karl Mathiesen.
Ribera fights alone: Despite that boost from the boss, Ribera is increasingly isolated and under attack … much like the green agenda that von der Leyen has asked her to defend. A must-read.
WHAT’S HOT IN PARLIAMENT
FAT SALARY RAISES FOR TOP BRASS: Ten of the most senior officials atop the Parliament’s administration, including the almighty Secretary-General Alessandro Chiocchetti, have received promotions leading to salary increases of €2,700 a month each, which will cost a total of €324,000 annually. Max Griera has the details.
… While everyone else sweats: The Parliament’s air conditioning broke down due to hot weather on Wednesday.
BLUE BOOK SHAKE-UP
DIVERSITY DRIVE: Ah, the Blue Book traineeship. A hefty chunk of the Brussels bubble arrived here because of it. But anyone in the vicinity of the Schuman roundabout knows the typical profile of a trainee: middle-class graduates of elite universities with multiple degrees, languages and international experiences under their belts.
That tide could be turning, thanks to an initiative from the European Commissioner for Jobs Roxana Mînzatu, who wants to reform the Blue Book to open it up to candidates from vocational training backgrounds — unlike the current rules, which demand a three-year higher education degree.
Mînzatu, told Playbook that from 2026, the Commission will offer around 100 traineeship spots — roughly 10 percent of the total available — to graduates from vocational education and training. The Commission is “still working technically on exactly how it will happen,” but next year will be a pilot which could later be expanded, Mînzatu said.
Come all ye vocational: The Commission wants to send “a very encouraging and clear message that VET is a type of education that is recognized and valued, including in the European institutions,” Mînzatu said. The Romanian Socialist commissioner said she wants to boost the prestige of vocational training in the EU, to show students “it’s a valid option. You are needed. You are recognized. We want you and you are valued in Europe’s economy.”
The VET grads could have places as financial assistants, communication assistants or other roles available in the Commission, or could go to the Joint Research Center, which often needs technical candidates.
Which means uni graduates vying for a spot had better sharpen their elbows. The scheme already attracts over 10,000 applicants annually for around 1,000 places, and that offering would drop 10 percent to make space for a separate strand of VET trainees.
BUDGET BLUES
COMMISSION MULLS CUTS: The Commission is considering cuts of up to 20 percent to its agriculture and cohesion programs in its new multi-year budget, three EU officials with knowledge of proceedings told my Pro colleagues Gregorio Sorgi and Bartosz Brzeziński.
Spare a thought for the Eurocrats: The Commission’s big idea is to redirect funding from old priorities, such as farmers’ subsidies and regional spending, to new challenges, including defense, innovation and enlargement. Commission mandarins face a tough budget equation as Germany and France are reluctant to cough up extra money.
The fight hasn’t started yet. With two weeks until the Commission presents its proposal on July 16, everything can still change. Difficult discussions among commissioners on the size of each allocation haven’t yet started. Agri chief Christophe Hansen did not confirm the 20 percent cut and told Bartosz he’s “still fighting for the best possible deal for farmers.” Separately, 14 governments, including Italy, Spain and Poland, rejected cuts to cohesion policy in a letter to von der Leyen.
BRUSSELS MELTS
WHERE ARE THE POOLS? Brussels has been sweltering during this week’s heat wave. But if you’re hoping to cool off in an outdoor pool, you’ll be disappointed. In this city of 1.2 million people, there are zero options.
RIP FLOW: One community-led initiative, the FLOW temporary outdoor pool in Anderlecht, closed its doors after five years and is currently being dismantled. The organizers, the Pool is Cool collective, cited a lack of action from the Brussels political system in addressing permanent solutions.
Nowhere to go: “No other city of similar scale in Europe” lacks outdoor swimming options the way Brussels does, one of the group’s coordinators, Paul Steinbrück, told Playbook. He pointed to Berlin, which has loads of options for outdoor swimming for its 3.9 million inhabitants. “This is not about [a single] swimming pool, this is about swimming culture, swimming opportunities for everyone in Brussels,” he said.
The issues: Steinbrück said “the way that Brussels is governed” is a major obstacle to making progress on outdoor swimming — with authorities responsible for sport and their funding sources too fragmented to make progress. Not to mention Brussels is grappling with a gaping hole in its budget, and government negotiations have been stuck in limbo for over a year.
Dangerous game: The lack of options is pushing some people to take matters into their own hands, swimming in outdoor spaces like the Brussels canal that aren’t set up or supervised for it, Steinbrück said. His advice: travel to the Belgian cities with available (and safe) outdoor swimming spots, such as Mechelen, Antwerp and Bruges.
Will FLOW ever flow again? The collective hopes it can provide another pool in the future, but that’s years down the line, Steinbrück said. In the meantime, keen swimmers can attend Pool is Cool’s events to push for policy change, he said.
PSA FOR THOSE HOPING TO ESCAPE THIS SUMMER: French air traffic controllers are planning to walk off the job today and Friday, signaling a summer travel season that threatens to be plagued with delays. Tommaso Lecca has the story.
IN OTHER NEWS
TRADE RIFTS LOADING: While Brussels tries to project unity as it races to negotiate a high-stakes trade deal with Washington, national divisions behind the scenes are threatening to weaken its negotiating hand, Antonia Zimmermann and Ari Hawkins write.
MORE HUAWEIGATE: Follow the Money published a deep dive into a Huawei lobbyist who boasted about having an MEP on their payroll.
GEORGESCU TO FACE TRIAL OVER FASCIST PROPAGANDA: Former Romanian presidential candidate Călin Georgescu was indicted on Wednesday for endorsing fascist propaganda. More from Elena Giordano here.
RUSSIA MEDDLING REPORT: A CIA review released overnight is critical of how the agency arrived at the assessment that Russia sought to sway the 2016 U.S. election in favor of Donald Trump — but found the overall conclusion was sound. Details here.
U.S. WEAPONS FREEZE LATEST: Ukraine summoned a U.S. diplomat on Wednesday to explain the Pentagon’s decision to withhold already-agreed military aid, Veronika Melkozerova reports. The Pentagon’s decision surprised even people who are usually closely briefed on such matters, my U.S. colleagues report.
Kyiv is also trying a different approach: Asking Washington to let Europe purchase U.S. weapons for Ukraine, six people with knowledge of the request told my POLITICO colleagues.
RUSSIA-AZERBAIJAN PRIMER: The New York Times has this explainer of the diplomatic crisis triggered by the deaths of two ethnic Azerbaijani brothers in Russian custody.