GROwnership & classification
Founded: 1919
Ownership
ekathimerini.com is the English-language edition of the Greek daily Kathimerini, founded in 1919 by Georgios Vlachos. The paper has been owned since 1988 by the Alafouzos shipping family; after founder-buyer Aristides Alafouzos died in 2017 control passed to his sons, and the title sits within the family's Skai Group, whose media interests (Skai TV, radio, Kathimerini) are controlled chiefly by Giannis Alafouzos.
Funding
It is financed through advertising and subscriptions, and Kathimerini is one of the few Greek papers to have introduced a digital paywall. It is also sustained as part of the larger Skai/Alafouzos media group.
Affiliation & stance
Kathimerini and its English edition are editorially centre-right and consistently sympathetic to the governing New Democracy party, but the outlet is owned by a private business family rather than by a party or the state. Given that family-business ownership and its close alignment with the governing party, the INDEPENDENT label is defensible as a privately owned commercial paper, though its pro-government, owner-driven slant pushes it toward the DEPENDENT borderline; lean is CENTER_RIGHT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 790
83/100
Factual
81/100
Objective
995
Articles
982
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Crackdown on university ‘eternal students’ pays off
Greece has seen an increase in university graduates, attributed to a new law targeting 'eternal students' who exceed their program's maximum study time. According to the National Authority of Higher Education's annual report, the number of graduates rose from 54,203 in 2020-2021 to 58,415 in 2024-2025, representing a 7.7% increase. This growth is linked to reduced enrollment and students rushing to complete their degrees before being removed from the rolls, a policy implemented in 2025. Despite this rise, only 49.9% of enrolled students graduate within the allowed timeframe, and just 20% finish within the minimum required years, which delays their entry into the labor market.
Greece moves Patriot battery to Crete amid Iran tensions
Greece has relocated a Patriot air defense battery from Karpathos to Crete to enhance security around the strategic Souda Bay area. The move comes amid heightened tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, following threats against U.S. bases in Europe. The battery, which was previously deployed to Karpathos in March, is now expected to be stationed near the Souda military base. Greek authorities are monitoring potential threats to critical infrastructure and military installations, citing intelligence reports indicating Iran possesses ballistic missiles capable of reaching southeastern Europe. Greece is also engaging with the U.S. and Israel regarding security concerns and is considering support for Bulgaria's air defenses. Additionally, Athens is evaluating the continuation of its Patriot unit's deployment in Saudi Arabia.
Police officer arrested over former partner’s rape, abuse allegations
A 48-year-old police officer was arrested in Thessaloniki after a 51-year-old former partner accused him of multiple serious crimes including domestic violence, repeated rape, sexual assault, threats, verbal abuse, and unauthorized video recording. The victim reported that the officer forced her into sexual acts four times in July using violence and without her consent. She also claimed he secretly recorded her during their cohabitation and subjected her to verbal and emotional abuse. The arrest was made by a domestic violence unit in western Thessaloniki, and a case file has been forwarded to prosecutors for further legal action.
Cartoon (22/08/2026)
The provided text appears to be a subscription sign-up form for Kathimerini, a Greek newspaper, rather than a news article. It includes information about receiving weekly newsletters with insights, opinion pieces, and current events, along with mentions of terms of service and privacy policies. There is no substantive news content or article present.
Extended tourism season sends Greek island autumn hotel rates higher
Accommodation prices on Greek islands have more than doubled since 2019 for autumn stays, driven by extended tourism seasons and rising demand. Data from Virtuoso, a luxury travel advisory network, shows average daily rates at Greek island luxury properties are 131% higher than in 2019. Greece ranks eighth globally for autumn travel, behind major destinations like the U.S., Italy, and France. The trend reflects a broader shift toward autumn tourism across Europe and the Mediterranean, with luxury prices increasing significantly in regions such as the French Riviera and Italy’s Apulia. Globally, autumn travel sales and bookings have seen substantial growth, with Virtuoso noting a surge in high-net-worth travelers and increased spending on luxury vacations.
Taxman to start looking into bank accounts
The Greek Independent Authority for Public Revenue has announced plans to scrutinize individuals' and businesses' bank accounts starting after the 2026 tax returns. The inspection will focus on identifying unusual financial activities such as irregular deposits, withdrawals, payments, and investment holdings that do not align with declared incomes. This initiative uses the BANCAPP system, requiring banks to submit relevant transaction data within two working days, except for transactions older than five years. Tax authorities must provide strong justification to bypass bank confidentiality rules. Additionally, the review will include examination of insurance policies, medical bills, and utility expenses, as these could conceal unreported assets like swimming pools. Undeclared income will face a 33% tax rate.
The invisible winters on the islands
The article discusses ongoing challenges faced by Greek islands beyond the summer wildfire season, highlighting persistent issues like inadequate healthcare staffing, housing shortages, and environmental concerns. While wildfires dominate media attention during summer, these deeper systemic problems persist throughout the year, affecting local residents. The piece notes that issues such as teacher shortages and poor infrastructure are often overlooked because they don’t impact tourists or 'embarrass' the country. It questions whether proposed solutions, like financial incentives for healthcare workers, will effectively address root causes. The article emphasizes the contrast between the visible summer crises and the 'invisible winters' of unresolved problems.
Climber found dead after fall into Mount Olympus ravine
A Polish climber in his 40s was found dead after falling into a ravine on Mount Olympus in northern Greece. The incident occurred early Saturday, prompting authorities to launch a search-and-rescue operation in a remote area at approximately 2,900 meters above sea level. The victim was recovered and transported via helicopter to Larissa Airport, where he was handed over to an ambulance for medical and forensic evaluation. The location was described as challenging to reach, highlighting the dangers of climbing in such terrain.
Greece, Egypt discuss strategic partnership, regional tensions
Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis spoke by phone with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to discuss strengthening their strategic partnership and expanding bilateral cooperation in areas such as the economy, investments, and energy. The two ministers also addressed regional issues, emphasizing the importance of increasing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the broader area. They expressed support for the trilateral cooperation framework involving Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt, and agreed to enhance coordination among the three nations.
Thessaloniki Fair opening draws heavy police security
The Thessaloniki International Fair is set to open with heightened security measures, including over 3,500 police officers and 55 riot police units deployed across the city center. The security operation, which begins on September 3, will peak during the fair’s opening weekend when the prime minister is scheduled to speak and hold a news conference. Police will station forces around the fairgrounds and key city locations to protect political figures, secure events, and monitor demonstrations. Traffic restrictions are anticipated, with the operation remaining active throughout the fair's duration.
Nine arrested as police dismantle alleged drug trafficking ring on Mykonos
Greek police conducted an operation on the island of Mykonos, resulting in the arrest of nine individuals suspected of being part of a drug trafficking organization. The suspects were allegedly involved in sourcing, transporting, and distributing narcotics, with some responsible for guarding proceeds and facilitating transactions. During searches of residences and vehicles, law enforcement recovered substantial amounts of drugs, including cocaine, MDMA, and cannabis, along with cash and other illicit items. The suspects are set to face judicial authorities, and the investigation continues.
Photographer Stella Nastou captures Ancient Messene’s beguiling silence
Photographer Stella Nastou captured the ancient city of Messene in Greece through a series of images that reflect its historical depth and quiet beauty. The archaeological site, located in the southwestern Peloponnese, dates back to 369 BC and was established after the region's liberation from Spartan rule. Nastou's photographic exhibition, titled 'Messene or The Power in the Silence of Time,' highlights the enduring presence of the ancient city's structures and their connection to both past and present. The site has been extensively studied by archaeologists like Petros Themelis, whose excavations over several decades revealed significant aspects of the ancient city, including its theater, stadium, and religious buildings. The landscape itself serves as a reminder of pivotal moments in Greek history, such as the founding of Messene and the 1827 Battle of Navarino during the Greek War of Independence.
Greece, India foreign ministers discuss bilateral ties, regional issues
Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis engaged in a phone conversation with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on August 22, 2026, discussing bilateral relations between Greece and India, as well as regional issues. During the call, Gerapetritis extended an invitation to Jaishankar to visit Greece and both ministers agreed to meet in New York during the United Nations General Assembly in September. The discussion reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries amidst broader geopolitical considerations.