![Afghanistan – Athens on alert](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-08-15T062406Z_1419777463_RC2I5P97ZH0P_RTRMADP_5_AFGHANISTAN-CONFLICT-JALALABAD.jpg)
Athens is on alert after the rapid developments in Afghanistan and the Taliban invasion of the capital, Kabul.
In addition to the potential security issues that may arise, Athens has two main reasons to be concerned.
The first reason is immigration – refugees.
Taliban opponents will rush to leave the country, to find safe haven and be saved. And these are hundreds of thousands of citizens and officials, as well as locals who have worked with the Americans and the rest of the international community, taking on many roles, including liaisons, translators, members of anti-corruption and drug trafficking organizations, press freedom and more. And with them thousands of innocent citizens and civilians.
They will ask to move to neighboring countries such as Turkey and will feel safe when moving to Europe.
Thus, the country’s borders with Turkey will be under pressure from both sea and land.
However, government sources told in.gr that “there is full control of the border.”
“The crisis in Afghanistan, and beyond, shows with even greater clarity that this is the time for member states to agree on the approval of the new European Immigration Pact,” Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schoinas said in an interview today, in an Italian newspaper. There are still outstanding issues and disagreements between the Member States for a year now and it has not progressed.
The second reason Athens is worried is the role of Turkey.
Developments that destabilize the region could once again upgrade the role of Turkey, which has recently seemed to have lost significant ground following the change of government in the United States.
Erdogan is facing serious political and economic problems and it is not ruled out that he will seek to play a more mediating role, something he had clearly stated a few days ago on CNN Turk, noting that he may meet with the Taliban leader as part of his efforts to to end the fighting in Afghanistan. In fact, he had expressed his intention to take control of Kabul airport.
The Turkish leadership considers the Taliban “brothers” and with this as a weapon will try to reappear as the “gendarme” of the region.
The question is whether the international community – and especially the US – will want to accept such a permanent or temporary role for Turkey because of Erdogan’s “unarmed” strategy.
Thus, it is possible that Turkey has two means of pressure on the EU. Both immigrants and the mediating role, which is not in Greece’s best interests.
With these two facts, the government is closely monitoring the developments in order to intervene where necessary.
However, for a long time, the international community has been watching the Taliban taking strategic cities and hubs since the withdrawal of US troops – acknowledging that the operation in the country had failed miserably – but did not seem to expect an immediate invasion of the capital.
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
Latest News
![Critical Week for Greece-Cyprus Cable](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/kalodio_elladas_cyprus_israil.jpeg)
Critical Week for Greece-Cyprus Cable
The study concluded that the social benefits of the interconnection, totaling 8 billion euros, far outweigh its 1.9 billion euros construction cost, resulting in a net social benefit exceeding 6 billion euros.
![Roberta Metsola Re-elected President of European Parliament](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-07-16T110250Z_1107936467_RC2BW8AZP0U4_RTRMADP_5_EU-PARLIAMENT-2048x1366-1-600x400.jpg)
Roberta Metsola Re-elected President of European Parliament
Her second term will be for a period of two and a half years
![ELSTAT: 1.5% Increase in Business Turnover in May 2024](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/epixeiriseis_2-600x414.jpg)
ELSTAT: 1.5% Increase in Business Turnover in May 2024
The most significant increase in turnover in May 2024 compared with May 2023 was recorded from the enterprises of the Accommodation and Food Service Activities, sector which grew by 14.8%.
![Cosco: Container Traffic Decline at Piraeus Port Continues](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/olp1-scaled-1-2048x1312-1-600x384.jpg)
Cosco: Container Traffic Decline at Piraeus Port Continues
This strategic shift has diminished Piraeus's standing as a prominent Mediterranean port and a key transshipment hub post-Suez Canal.
![Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/power-lines-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates
According to reports, the government will resume an electricity subsidization program, given that forecasts cite disruptions – i.e. higher rates
![ELSTAT: 6.3% Increase in Output Price Index for Agriculture and Livestock](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ot_georg_PROIONTA_money-1-600x352.png)
ELSTAT: 6.3% Increase in Output Price Index for Agriculture and Livestock
The 6.3% rise in May 2024 is largely driven by an 8.8% increase in the crop output group, particularly due to changes in olive oil prices, and a 0.5% increase in the animal output group.
![Balkans Blackout Highlights Climate Threats to Power Grids](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/blackout-1-600x457.png)
Balkans Blackout Highlights Climate Threats to Power Grids
The surge in electricity demand during the heat wave and the power deficit in Balkan markets have driven up prices in the Greek wholesale electricity market.
![Greece in Top 4 Destinations Favored by European Tourists](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ploio-600x400.jpg)
Greece in Top 4 Destinations Favored by European Tourists
Greece was selected by 5.9% of respondents who were asked where they would vacation this year, up from 5.4% in the same survey last year
![Scope Affirms Greece’s BBB- Ratings; Revises Outlook to Positive](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/euros-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Scope Affirms Greece’s BBB- Ratings; Revises Outlook to Positive
The international ratings firm raised Greece to investment grade in early August 2023
![First Seaplane Test Flights to Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/hellenic-seaplanes-pilotikes-ptiseis-ydatino-pedio-lavriou-600x450.jpeg)
First Seaplane Test Flights to Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros
After decades of on-again, off-again efforts to schedule regular seaplane routes to Greece's numerous island and coastal destinations the prospect now appears within sight