Hussein Makki, a top Hezbollah field commander, was killed in an IDF drone strike in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military stated that Makki was responsible for planning and executing numerous terror attacks as part of Hezbollah's 'Southern Front' unit. This incident is part of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, highlighting the continued tensions and military engagements in the region.

Archaeologists in Athens are working to reveal the city's numerous archaeological layers to both tourists and locals, highlighting that there is much more to discover beyond the well-known Parthenon.

The Pomak villages, located in the Rhodope Mountains at the Greece-Bulgaria border, are a culturally rich yet historically marginalized community. The Pomaks, of Slavic origin and converted to Islam during the Ottoman Empire, face ongoing challenges due to their minority status in Greece. Eminè Bouroutzì, a prominent figure in the community, leads efforts to preserve Pomak culture and improve social conditions. Historical neglect and geopolitical tensions have left the villages isolated, with inadequate healthcare and educational services. The article highlights the resilience of the Pomak people and their struggle for recognition and better living conditions.

The article discusses the transformation of the Piraeus port in Greece under the management of the China Ocean Shipping Company (Cosco). It highlights the historical context of the area, labor struggles, and the significant investments made by Cosco, which have led to both economic growth and labor disputes. The article also covers the recent signing of a collective labor agreement and the local opposition to further port expansion due to environmental and social concerns.

In Mykonos, the most cosmopolitan of the Greek islands, 80 percent of new constructions are irregular. Protesting against these irregularities comes with significant personal risk, indicating the influence of criminal organizations over the tourism sector.

Greek students and professors are protesting against a proposed law by the ruling New Democracy party to establish a university police force, fearing it will suppress freedom of expression. The law aims to address violence in universities by empowering a special police force to guard campuses and arrest troublemakers, and by creating a disciplinary council to suspend or expel students. Critics argue that the problem is not violence but chronic underfunding of education. Historical context is provided, referencing the violent suppression of student protests during the military dictatorship in the 1970s. The Ministry for Citizen Protection defends the reform, stating it will protect free flow of ideas from extremist groups. The Oxford UCU has shown solidarity with Greek professors, and Amnesty International has noted an increase in police abuses in Greece. The government also plans to increase police presence in other areas, such as public transport, despite Greece already having a high police-to-inhabitant ratio in the EU.

The article by Elena Kaniadakis discusses the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Rome's tourism-dependent economy, particularly in the Trastevere district. With a significant drop in tourist numbers, local businesses and residents are facing challenges. Housing expert Sarah Gainsforth and local residents like Roberta D'Onofrio are finding innovative solutions, such as converting holiday homes into workspaces. The article highlights the over-reliance on tourism and the need for economic diversification. It also touches on the broader issue of 'touristification' in cities worldwide and the potential for regulatory measures to balance tourism with local quality of life. The pandemic is seen as an opportunity to rethink and potentially revitalize local communities, but there is also a risk of increased speculation and loss of public assets if timely actions are not taken.

On April 2, Bulgaria, the most pro-Russian country in the European Union, goes to the polls under the influence of a massive Russian disinformation campaign. This could be a model for what might happen in next year's European elections.

The article by Elena Kaniadakis for Euronews explores the lasting impact of the Greco-Turkish War and the subsequent population exchange on the descendants of Greek refugees who fled Turkey nearly a century ago. It delves into the personal stories of these descendants, who maintain their cultural identity through associations and community activities in Athens. The article highlights the painful memories evoked by recent tensions between Greece and Turkey, and emphasizes the significant contributions of the Anatolian Greeks to Greek culture. It also discusses the geographical impact on Athens, where many districts are named after places in Asia Minor, reflecting the heritage of the refugees who settled there. The piece underscores the importance of remembering history while acknowledging the need to manage present-day challenges.

Elefsina, a city near Athens, aims to revive its cultural and economic fortunes through its designation as a European Capital of Culture for 2023. Historically significant as a sacred site, the city has faced economic decline due to industrial closures and the Greek debt crisis. The European project 2023 Eleusis seeks to transform former industrial spaces into cultural venues, promoting local heritage and addressing modern challenges like migration and economic sustainability. Key figures involved in the initiative express optimism about the city's future, emphasizing the potential for cultural activities to drive economic recovery.