Location:
United States
Description:
A podcast on Greece, Cyprus and the region brought to you by The Hellenic American Leadership Council and Kathimerini. Hosted by Thanos Davelis.
Language:
English
Website:
http://www.hellenicleaders.com
Episodes
A turning point for Europe? Hungary's election and the end of the Orban era
4/17/2026
All of Europe’s eyes were on Hungary this past weekend, where voters, in a historic election, brought Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's 16 years in power to an end.
Orban’s close relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and his blocking of multiple EU initiatives - including an urgently needed €90 billion loan for Ukraine - had frustrated many across Europe. At the same time, he presided over a system that saw his party gradually gain control of much of the judiciary, bureaucracy, media, universities, and the economy, which sounded alarms for those concerned about democratic backsliding.
Beyond Europe, this result was also on the White House’s radar, and Vice President J.D. Vance even traveled to Hungary to campaign for Orban - the European leader with the closest ties to President Trump. Orban’s sweeping defeat raises new questions for European far right populist parties, and its leaders are beginning to question the value of their ties to the MAGA movement.
Since our focus is on elections this episode, Greece, which is scheduled to hold national elections in 2027 is also gradually shifting into campaign mode. As parties jostle for a larger share of the electorate, the government looks to be bracing for a number of post-Easter challenges that include rising prices and the ongoing and evolving farm subsidies case.
Steven Erlanger, Simon Nixon, Jennifer McCoy, and Nick Malkoutzis join Thanos Davelis as we look at Hungary’s landmark election, breaking down what it means for Europe and for the war in Ukraine, the message it sends to those concerned about democratic backsliding in the West, and what takeaways there are for Greece as the country inches toward national elections next year.
A little more info on our guests:
Steven Erlanger is the chief diplomatic correspondent for The New York Times covering Europe.
Simon Nixon is an independent journalist, Kathimerini columnist, and the publisher of the Wealth of Nations newsletter.
Dr. Jennifer McCoy is a Nonresident Scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. She is also Regent’s Professor of Political Science at Georgia State University in Atlanta and a research affiliate at the Democracy Institute of Central European University, Budapest, Hungary.
Nick Malkoutzis is the co-founder and editor of Macropolis.gr.
You can support The Greek Current by joining HALC as a member here.
Duration:00:54:59
Is NATO's future in doubt, and what does this mean for Greece?
4/10/2026
Recently we marked 77 years since the NATO alliance was founded. Instead of celebrating this milestone, however, President Trump’s comments slamming NATO over its reluctance to help the US secure the Straits of Hormuz, including calling the alliance a “paper tiger” and saying NATO allies were “tested” and they “failed”, have left allies wondering if the future of the alliance is in doubt.
Given President Trump’s statements, could a US withdrawal from NATO be in the cards, and what would it mean for the US and for allied countries like Greece?
James Lindsay and Ino Afentouli join Thanos Davelis as we break down why NATO matters in a world of increasing great power rivalry, what’s at stake for the US, and why it’s critical for Greece, Southeastern Europe, and the Eastern Mediterranean.
This week we’re also digging into Greek history as Greece recently commemorated the 200th anniversary of the heroic exodus of the Greeks from the besieged city of Messolonghi during the Greek Revolution. We break down this story with Professor Alexander Kitroeff who explains why it was a pivotal moment for the Greek Revolution, how it galvanized philhellenes around the world, and why this story still resonates today.
Taking us to our “I am HALC” segment, we’re highlighting one of HALC’s earliest members, Harry Koulos. A distinguished attorney, Harry has been named one of Best Lawyers’ Ones to Watch since 2024. He honed his skills as a clerk in Federal court and at one of the biggest law firms in the US, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, before taking his expertise to Kibler Fowler & Cave, where he currently practices. A distinguished leader, Harry’s passion for the law is equal to his passion for his Hellenic identity and the community.
A little more info on our guests:
James Lindsay is the Mary and David Boies distinguished senior fellow in U.S. foreign policy at the Council on Foreign Relations.
Ino Afentouli is the Senior Policy Advisor and Head of the Observatory of Geopolitics and Diplomacy at ELIAMEP.
Alexander Kitroeff is a professor of history with an expertise in Greece and the diaspora.
You can support The Greek Current by joining HALC as a member here.
Duration:01:00:06
Is the future of Christians in the Middle East in doubt?
4/3/2026
This past weekend, with Easter celebrations around the corner, Christians in Syria were once again the target of attacks that have rocked their dwindling community. This was the latest in a string of attacks since the fall of the Assad regime that have targeted members of the country’s Alawite, Druze and Christian communities, and many minorities - indigenous to the region - are asking if there is space for them in the Syria that’s emerging under President al-Sharaa.
This attack also sounded alarms in Athens, and Greece is working to ensure that the protection of Christian populations in the Middle East remains on the international agenda. Aside from Syria, Greece is also concerned about Lebanon, where thousands of Christians have departed in recent years, and has raised the issue of access to the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem during Easter, which made international headlines recently.
These are all issues highlighted in the US Commission on International Religious Freedom’s (USCIRF) 2026 report, which also focuses on the troubling religious freedom conditions in another country in the region, Turkey. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, USCIRF is once again reiterating that the US place Turkey on its Special Watch List.
Vicky Hartzler, Nadine Maenza, Vassilis Nedos, and Alexia Kalaitzi join Thanos Davelis this week as we look into USCIRF’s 2026 report and Turkey’s problematic record on religious freedom, the plight of Christians in Syria in the wake of another attack on this vulnerable community, and how Greece is working to ensure that the protection of Christian populations in the Middle East remains on the agenda.
Taking us to our “I am HALC” segment, this week we’re putting the spotlight on Dean Alonistiotis, a long-time member of HALC with a strong commitment to public service and his Chicago community. Dean’s work has taken him from the city of Chicago, where he served as Director of Economic Development for the City Treasurer's Office, to his current position as Chief of Staff for Illinois State Representative Kim du Buclet.
A little more info on our guests:
Vicky Hartzler is the Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and a former member of the US House of Representatives.
Nadine Maenza is the co-chair of the International Religious Freedom Roundtable and a former chair of USCIRF.
Vassilis Nedos is Kathimerini's diplomatic and defense editor.
Alexia Kalaitzi is an award-winning journalist and features reporter for Kathimerini.
You can support The Greek Current by joining HALC as a member here.
Duration:01:00:52
Greece braces for the economic fallout from the Iran crisis
3/27/2026
Over the past weeks, Greece, like the rest of the world, has one eye on the ongoing war with Iran and is looking to see what this ongoing crisis, which continues to shake markets, will mean for the global economy. For Greece, these concerns include rising prices, the country’s dependence on imported gas and oil, and the possible impact this could have on the tourism sector as a prolonged crisis could affect the upcoming summer season. This has prompted Prime Minister Mitsotakis to announce a package of support measures early this week that seeks to address many of these concerns, especially the rising cost of fuel.
Nikos Vettas, John Psaropoulos, and Yiannis Tsakalos join Thanos Davelis as we take a closer look at how the ongoing crisis in the Middle East is impacting Greece’s overall economic outlook, what steps the government is taking in response to this crisis, and what this could mean for Greece’s tourism sector as tourists factor wider global uncertainty into their travel plans.
Taking us to our “I am HALC” segment, this week we’re putting the spotlight on Jonathan - or Jon - Vasdekas. Jon walked through HALC’s doors in 2013, and since then has distinguished himself not only as a leader in the Greek-American community, where he was part of HALC's original class of Leadership 2030 fellows, but as a recognized leader in the energy sector, where after stints at major players like Invenergy and Ørsted working on renewable energy projects, he now serves as Executive Vice President of Development at Linea Energy.
A little more info on our guests:
Nikos Vettas is the general director of Greece’s Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE) and a professor economics and business at Athens University.
John Psaropoulos is an independent journalist and Al Jazeera's correspondent in southeast Europe. He publishes Hellenica, a weekly deep dive into Greek current affairs and history that you can find on Substack.com.
Yiannis Tsakalos is a professsional with over 30 years of experience in tourism and hospitality. He has worked extensively with hotels and destinations across Greece, and played a key role in shaping tourism strategy at a national level, including contributing to the strategic planning of the Greek National Tourism Organization and the Ministry of Tourism during COVID, helping define the direction of the sector for the years that followed.
You can support The Greek Current by joining HALC as a member here.
Duration:00:58:55
Iran, the global energy crisis, and the case for permanently waiving the Cyprus arms embargo
3/20/2026
With the war in Iran dragging on, its ripple effects are being felt around the world. Beyond the clear questions around regional security, stretching from the Middle East to Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean, we are also in the midst of what could be an unprecedented and escalating global energy crisis as strikes on international shipping in the strait of Hormuz, which is critical to the oil and gas industry, have essentially shut this vital chokepoint.
The war is also testing transatlantic unity, as President Trump warned in a recent interview with the Financial Times that “it will be very bad for the future of NATO” if European nations do not join the US in reopening the strait of Hormuz. So far, the message from European leaders is that this isn’t Europe’s war.
Despite this message, developments in the Middle East impact Europe, and the case of Cyprus is not only raising questions in Brussels about the EU’s ability to defend its own members, but in Washington as well, where the recent targeting of Cyprus is renewing efforts to permanently end the Cyprus arms embargo.
Ian Lesser, Zissis Marmarelis, Damian Murphy, and Endy Zemenides join Thanos Davelis this week as we look into Trump’s calls for Europe to join the US in the Straits of Hormuz, the unfolding global energy crisis and what it means for Greece, and why now is the time to end the Cyprus arms embargo.
Taking us to our “I am HALC” segment, we’re highlighting Lexy Prodromos, an emerging leader in the Greek-American community, where she is part of HALC’s class of Leadership 2030 fellows, and a recognized leader when it comes to blockchain technology who is now making waves both in the US and internationally as COO at the Prodromos Stem Cell Institute.
A little more info on our guests:
Ian Lesser is the vice president and Brussels chief of the German Marshall Fund of the United States.
Dr. Zissis Marmarelis is a Stavros Niarchos Foundation Academy Fellow at Chatham House with a focus on the geopolitics of energy.
Damian Murphy is the senior vice president for National Security and International Policy at the Center for American Progress.
Endy Zemenides is HALC's executive director.
You can support The Greek Current by joining HALC as a member here.
Duration:01:09:24
Storm clouds in the East Med? Turkey's escalation in Cyprus, Israel's offensive against Hezbollah, and Imamoglu's trial
3/13/2026
This week kicked off with Turkey announcing the deployment of a number of fighter jets to the occupied part of Cyprus, a move that not only represents a significant escalation in the militarization of the Eastern Mediterranean, where Cyprus has already been targeted by Iranian-made drones, but that may also violate US law.
This isn’t the only thing putting Cyprus in the headlines this week. Axios and the Financial Times reported Cyprus could potentially mediate talks between Israel and Lebanon after violence broke out between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group.
Turkey’s moves in the Eastern Mediterranean aren’t the only thing worrying analysts and observers. Developments on the domestic front are also keeping those watching the region on alert, as the trial of Ekrem Imamoglu, the imprisoned mayor of Istanbul, kicked off this week. Imamoglu’s trial is largely seen as politically motivated and an effort to prevent him from challenging President Erdogan.
Sinan Ciddi, Elisa Ewers, Lisel Hintz, and Henri Barkey join Thanos Davelis this week as we take a closer look at Turkey’s decision to deploy fighter jets to the occupied part of Cyprus, Israel’s escalating offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the trial of Ekrem Imamoglu.
Taking us to our “I am HALC” segment, we’re spotlighting Eleni Delimpaltadaki Janis, a founding member of HALC with a career that spans across government and the private sector. This includes serving as Vice President at the New York City Economic Development Corporation, and working to transform and solve some of the world’s most persistent socio-economic problems as a founder of Equivico. Stay tuned as we dig into her story.
A little more info on our guests:
Sinan Ciddi is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and director of its Turkey program.
Elisa Ewers is a senior fellow for Middle East Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.
Lisel Hintz is an Assistant Professor of International Relations at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.
Henri Barkey is an adjunct senior fellow for Middle East studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and the Bernard L. and Bertha F. Cohen chair in international relations at Lehigh University (Emeritus).
You can support The Greek Current by joining HALC as a member here.
Duration:01:07:45
I am HALC: Dr. George Chiampas
3/6/2026
Given the incredible feedback we’ve gotten for our "I am HALC" profiles, we will re-release each feature as an individual episode so that you can easily find them and share them.
Today, we’re kicking off with our first “I am HALC” profile from January 15th, 2026, where we put the spotlight on Dr. George Chiampas, someone who is not just a national, but a global leader in emergency and sports medicine - whether it’s with US soccer, the Blackhawks, the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Marathon, and now the MLS - and is at the core of the work HALC does.
Duration:00:15:05
The Iran crisis, Cyprus on alert, and Macron's nuclear pivot
3/5/2026
On the last day of February the United States and Israel launched a major assault on Iran, killing the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and sounding alarm bells across the region. Those sirens also went off in Cyprus, which saw Iranian-made drones target Britain’s Royal Air Force base at Akrotiri, prompting a response from Greece and other European partners who deployed ships, jets, and air defense systems to Cyprus. The strikes on Iran also caught European leaders unprepared, and there are many questions - which we will dig into - about whether Europe can play a constructive role here, or whether Washington has relegated it to the role of spectator.
At the same time, in another major development this week, French President Emanuel Macron announced that France - one of only two nuclear powers in Europe - would boost its nuclear arsenal and extend deterrence to European allies - including Greece.
Laurence Norman, Max Bergmann, Nektaria Stamouli, Vassilis Nedos, and Eleni Ekmektsioglou, join Thanos Davelis this week as we look at the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, what this crisis means for Europe, Greece and Cyprus, while breaking down the significance of President Macron’s historic update of France’s nuclear strategy, including how it will impact Greece.
A little more info on our guests:
Laurence Norman is a reporter for The Wall Street Journal who has covered Iran, Europe, and this ongoing crisis.
Max Bergmann is the director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program and the Stuart Center in Euro-Atlantic and Northern European Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Nektaria Stamouli is the deputy editor in chief of Kathimerini's English Edition and Politico's Eastern Mediterranean correspondent.
Vassilis Nedos is Kathimerini’s diplomatic and defense editor.
Eleni Ekmektsioglou is a Policy fellow with the British American Security Information Council where she leads a project on emerging technologies and the future of anti-submarine warfare, is a non-resident fellow with ELIAMEP, and a member of the IFRI nuclear strategy network.
Duration:01:01:22
How Russia's invasion of Ukraine is changing Europe, reshaping the energy map, and affecting the Orthodox world
2/26/2026
This week marked 4 years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the start of a war that served as a wakeup call for Europe and the West. Since then, we’ve seen Europe take drastic steps to cut its ties to Russian gas, redrawing the region’s energy map. Greece has played, and continues to play, a key role in this story. At the same time, questions remain about European security, the continued Russian threat, and whether the Trump administration can deliver a negotiated peace. Finally, the war in Ukraine also brought the world’s attention to a murkier side of the Kremlin’s playbook, and that’s the weaponization of the Orthodox Church and its campaign to undermine the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt, Charles Kupchan, Elena Lazarou, and Aristotle Papanikolaou join Thanos Davelis this week for a deep dive into how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine four years ago has changed Europe, reshaped the region’s energy map, and impacted the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Orthodoxy around the world.
Taking us to our “I am HALC” segment, we’re putting the spotlight on Andreas Akaras, looking at his time on Capitol Hill and his work bringing Turkey to justice over the attack by Turkish President Erdogan’s bodyguards against US protesters in Washington, DC.
A little more info on our guests:
Charles Kupchan is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and professor of international affairs at Georgetown University in the Walsh School of Foreign Service and Department of Government.
Elena Lazarou is the Director General of ELIAMEP and an expert specializing in EU foreign policy, global geopolitics, transatlantic relations, and security and defence issues.
Amb. Geoffrey Pyatt is former US ambassador to Greece and Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources.
Aristotle Papanikolaou is a Professor of Theology and the Archbishop Demetrios Chair in Orthodox Theology and Culture. He is Co-founding Director of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center at Fordham University.
You can support The Greek Current by joining HALC as a member here.
Duration:01:08:09
Greece looks east: Gaza, defense ties with Israel, and the 3+1
2/19/2026
Over the past weeks we’ve seen some major developments in the region, with Greece stepping into the limelight. These include Greece’s announcement that it will send a special battalion to participate in the International Stabilization Force in Gaza, its decision to join the Board of Peace as an observer, and a key briefing hosted by the Eastern Mediterranean Knesset Caucus bringing together legislators and experts from Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the US. At the same time, we’ve also seen Greece’s defense ties with Israel come under the spotlight as Athens looks to grow its own defense industrial base.
Tom Ellis, John Psaropoulos, Gregg Roman, and Endy Zemenides join Thanos Davelis this week as we dig into Greece’s decision to be part of the Gaza Stabilization Force and the Board of Peace, deepening Greek-Israeli defense ties, and the challenges and opportunities for the 3+1 partnership between Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the US.
Taking us to our “I am HALC” segment, we’re taking a look at one of HALC’s emerging leaders and Leadership 2030 fellows, Alexis Nash, exploring how advocacy - on Hellenic issues and in her professional life - has become a key part of her story.
A little more info on our guests:
Tom Ellis is the editor in chief of Kathimerini's English Edition.
John Psaropoulos is an independent journalist and Al Jazeera's correspondent in southeast Europe. He publishes Hellenica, a weekly deep dive into Greek current affairs and history that you can find on Substack.com.
Gregg Roman is executive director of the Middle East Forum.
Endy Zemenides is executive director of the Hellenic American Leadership Council.
You can support The Greek Current by joining HALC as a member here.
Duration:01:07:04
A new age of economic warfare?
2/12/2026
About a year into President Trump’s second term, it seems he is on a mission to rewrite the rules of trade, one deal at a time. His Liberation Day tariffs last year rattled markets, and his insistence on using them as a tool to pressure both adversaries and allies has left many - especially in Europe - in disbelief and wondering what’s next.
Experts Edward Fishman, Maria Demertzis, Yiannis Mouzakis and Nick Malkoutzis join Thanos Davelis this week to take a closer look at this new age of economic warfare, and break down what it means for America’s global standing, how it’s spurring Europe into action, and what impact all of this could have on Greece.
Taking us to our “I am HALC” segment, we’re putting the spotlight on HALC’s Bill Thanoukos, who is launching a campaign for alderman of Chicago’s 1st Ward, and looking to continue a long tradition of Hellenes committing themselves to public service.
A little more info on our guests:
Edward Fishman is a Senior Fellow and Director of the Greenberg Center for Geoeconomic Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, and is the author of the New York Times bestseller Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare.
Maria Demertzis is a Professor of Economic Policy at the European University Institute and leader of the Economy, Strategy, and Finance Center at the Conference Board Europe.
Yiannis Mouzakis and Nick Malkoutzis are the founders of Macropolis.gr, a political and economic analysis site that focuses on Greece.
You can support The Greek Current by joining HALC as a member here.
Duration:01:05:30
DC turns its attention to Greece and Cyprus
2/6/2026
Greece and Cyprus took center stage this week in Washington, DC, as HALC, the Delphi Economic Forum, and Kathimerini’s english edition once again brought top officials and leading experts together to highlight the important role both countries are playing in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the major opportunities - and challenges - ahead for Greece, Cyprus and the US. A few of the headline attendees included Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos and Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, who engaged with leading think tanks, members of Congress, and US officials.
Lena Argiri, Nik Nanos, and Vassilis Nedos join Thanos Davelis this week as we give you an inside look at what took place in DC, break down what the Greek brand is today and how to strengthen it, and shift to the Aegean where we explore how the 30 year anniversary of the Imia crisis still impacts Greek-Turkish relations.
Taking us to our “I am HALC” segment, we’re putting the spotlight on Dimitri Eliopoulos, the CEO of Curi Capital and a national leader in finance and wealth management.
You can support The Greek Current by joining HALC as a member here.
Duration:00:58:31
Peace in the Middle East? From Trump's "Board of Peace" to Syria's Kurds
1/29/2026
Since its announcement, President Trump’s “Board of Peace” has made a number of headlines, and many in the region are asking if it can live up to its name, especially when it comes to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. As the President talks peace, he’s also raising the temperature with Iran, with a US aircraft carrier and warships approaching the region. More alarming however, is what seems to be an abandonment of Syria’s Kurds and the message it sends not just to America’s partners and allies, but to minorities in the region.
Thanos Davelis is joined by experts Aaron David Miller, Nadine Maenza, Sinan Ciddi, and Michael Rubin as we try to make sense of what’s going on in a region of particular importance to Greece and Cyprus.
Taking us to our “I am HALC” segment, this week we are dedicating it to the life and legacy of a giant in the Greek-American community, John Marks, who passed away this month. He was a man who not only poured himself into Greek causes, but helped build the community that we all cherish.
You can support The Greek Current by joining HALC as member here.
Duration:01:08:06
A new day for Greek and European security?
1/22/2026
Defense, security, peace, and alliances are top of mind these days. This is clear in Greece, where we saw Athens take a major step - one that Prime Minister Mitsotakis called historic - toward upgrading its defense capabilities as it welcomed its latest top of the line frigate. The move, however, comes as we see issues over Greenland raise new questions about European security and America’s commitment to the transatlantic relationship. This week, Thanos Davelis digs into what this means for Greece with Kathimerini’s Tom Ellis, ELIAMEP’s Elena Lazarou, journalist John Psaropoulos, and HALC’s Endy Zemenides. As we wrap up, pour yourself a glass as we’ll be highlighting the rise of Greek wines and the important role one of HALC’s very own - Ted Diamantis - has played in this story.
Duration:01:05:38
Is 2026 the year of uncertainty?
1/15/2026
The Greek Current is shifting from a daily show to a weekly program, allowing us to bring you deeper analysis and more cutting edge insights on Greece, Cyprus, our diaspora community, and the wider region. We’ll still bring you analysis from thought leaders on the breaking issues of the week, but will also introduce our very own “Meet the Press” roundtable featuring leading experts and journalists from around the world, and are introducing an “I am HALC” feature, where we put the spotlight on HALC members at the forefront of their fields.
This week we’re kicking off the year with a look ahead at 2026, featuring interviews with Kathimerini’s Editor in Chief Alexis Papachelas and the Council on Foreign Relations’ Steven Cook, analysis from Lena Argiri, Nektaria Stamouli, and Loukas Kozonis in our “Meet the Press” segment, and taking a closer look at someone who is not just a national, but a global leader in emergency and sports medicine - whether it’s with US soccer, the Blackhawks, the Chicago Bears, or at the Chicago Marathon - and is at the core of the work HALC does: Dr. George Chiampas.
An important note. As we move forward, access to our full episodes will be limited to paid HALC members and subscribers. If you’re not already a paid member of HALC, make sure to get your membership today so you don’t miss any of The Greek Current’s content. Also, please let us know what you think of the new format, and make sure to follow the Greek Current wherever you get your podcasts.
Sign up for your HALC membership here: https://hellenicleaders.salsalabs.org/membership/index.html
Duration:01:01:37
Greek concerns about Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine
12/15/2025
Since it was introduced, President Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine has put many European leaders in a bind. With Turkey’s occupation of Cyprus in its 51st year, and amid open Turkish threats against Greece’s Aegean islands, Greece is also worried about the precedent this plan would set. John Psaropoulos joins Thanos Davelis as we break down these concerns, the latest comments by US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack about resolving Greek-Turkish differences, and Greece’s efforts to aggressively court US investments.
John Psaropoulos is an independent journalist and Al Jazeera's correspondent in southeast Europe. He publishes Hellenica, a weekly deep dive into Greek current affairs and history. You can find it on Substack.com.
You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:
Why Trump’s plan for Ukraine alarms the Greeks
Cyprus pitches plan to untangle Turkey tensions
Farmers’ protests escalate into third week
Protesting farmers present their demands
Duration:00:13:07
Erdogan's vision for Syria and the region
12/12/2025
In a recent speech Turkish President Erdogan praised Syrians who were born and raised in Turkey, speak Turkish, and are now in Syria, saying, "Right next door to us… a brother nation that speaks our same language is rising anew from the ashes.” The quote has drawn the attention of experts like Ryan Gingeras, who joins Thanos Davelis as we look into what it tells us about Erdogan’s worldview, and why this is something to keep an eye on as we look at the shifting power dynamics in the Levant.
You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:
Erdogan praises Syrians born and raised in Turkey
From Grexit to Eurogroup chief: Greece’s recovery story
Pierrakakis elected Eurogroup chief
European Commission firmly behind Greece-Cyprus power link
Duration:00:14:59
A moment of truth for Europe?
12/11/2025
The Trump administration’s NSS - and its scathing critique of Europe - has drawn a lot of attention over the past days. Yet, this is only part of the big picture when we talk about the problems facing European leaders, which include everything from the war in Ukraine - where pressure is mounting - to a sluggish economy and the far right. Steven Erlanger, the chief diplomatic correspondent for The New York Times covering Europe, joins Thanos Davelis to look at the stakes Europe’s leaders face.
You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:
The Challenges to Europe’s Security Go Beyond Trump’s Lack of Support
Tom Barrack: Turkey has to give up the S-400 to return to F-35 program
Mounting pressure on farm policy
Blockades deepen political strain
PM holds talks with senior officials on farmer payments plan as protests escalate
Duration:00:13:37
Is Greece's digital transformation an example for others in Europe?
12/10/2025
The Economist just highlighted Greece as an example for countries looking to digitalize, recognizing the efforts Athens made between 2018 and 2024 to transform its public services and embrace the digital transformation. Diomidis Spinellis, a former Greek official now with the Athens University of Economics, joins Thanos Davelis as we take a closer look at this story.
You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:
Greece is teaching Germany how to get government online
The Greek economy’s drawbacks
Elefsina port tender coming
Duration:00:10:34
Is Turkey closer to F-35s and seeing CAATSA sanctions lifted?
12/9/2025
This weekend we heard Hakan Fidan say he believes Ankara and Washington will find a way to remove CAATSA sanctions "very soon". His comments echo those of US Ambassador Tom Barrack, who was quoted saying that the “hurdle” blocking F-35 access for Turkey might be resolved within 4 to 6 months. Sinan Ciddi, a non-resident senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and an expert on Turkish politics, joins Thanos Davelis as we look to break down why Barrack and Fidan insist a “solution” is within reach despite Turkey refusing to get rid of its Russian S-400s.
You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:
Turkey Closer to Clearing Way for F-35s, Says Trump Ally Barrack
Turkey, US will find way of removing CAATSA sanctions ‘very soon’, Turkish FM says
Berlin-Athens migrant returns ‘understanding’
Iraklio airport resumes flights after farmers end protest
Protesting Greek farmers swarm onto airport tarmac in Crete, forcing halt to flights
Duration:00:13:55
