A new European Parliamentary Research Service report shows that EU Member States collectively raised their defense spending from €218 billion in 2021 to €326 billion in 2024 — a 30% increase in real terms. But Greece, long accustomed to maintaining high defense outlays, stands out not just for meeting the 2% benchmark, but for consistently exceeding it — even during the depths of its financial crisis.
At the heart of the agreement is “BlueWhale,” a state-of-the-art autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) developed by Israel. Designed for various high-risk maritime missions, the unmanned system is capable of covert operations, including intelligence gathering, submarine and underwater target detection, acoustic surveillance, and minefield mapping on the seabed.
The official act establishing it was published today, following an initiative by the Ministry of Environment and Energy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other competent ministries.
While the plan signals Greece’s commitment to military modernization, critics might question whether such heavy spending prioritizes defense over social needs, especially post-austerity, and how it might escalate tensions with Turkey rather than foster dialogue.
Despite ongoing minor aftershocks, schools on Santorini and the neighboring islands of Anafi, Ios, and Amorgos reopened on March 4, signaling a return to normalcy.
Crete, Greece’s largest island, is renowned for its ability to balance the iconic and the remote, and Elafonissi Beach is a prime example of this harmonious blend. While the beach has been a favorite among travelers for decades, it has managed to maintain a sense of serenity and seclusion, despite the surge in visitors expected after its recent award.
