 | | |
On course for euro era with new capitalism
 For Greece more than most European countries, the millennium celebrations could truly mark the opening of a new era. Prime minister Costas Simitis and his governing Socialist party have brought about a remarkable shift in the country's fortunes. ...more
ECONOMY:
Euro-zone entry within sight
Greece is just a few strides away from the finish line marked eurozone. In February, or March at the latest, it should achieve the Maastricht treaty requirement on inflation, the last remaining hurdle to membership of the single European currency. Rising international oil prices have made it harder to trim average inflation to within 1.5 percentage points of the euro-club's three best performers. ...more
BANKING:
Growth set to continue as battle intensifies
The shake-up in Greece's banking sector caused by the launch of the euro appears set to continue. The dust has scarcely settled after two big takeovers, but Greek bankers are already predicting another round of consolidation. Competition is intensifying as Greece prepares to join the euro-club in January 2001. ...more
PAPADEMUS:
Personal odyssey with euro in sight
If, as Lucas Papademos fervently hopes, Greece adopts the euro in January 2001, the success will mark the culmination of a personal odyssey that began in 1985 when he started work at the national central bank. ...more
FOREIGN POLICY:
Dramatic shift in relations between old enemies
It would be hard to imagine a more dramatic shift taking place in relations between the old enemies Greece and Turkey.Tension flared sharply in February over Greece's failed attempt to shelter Abdullah Ocalan, the Kurdish rebel leader, at its embassy in Kenya. Turkey immediately accused Greece of supporting terrorism. ...more
BALKAN INVESTMENT:
Positioned to rebuild a battered region
Greece is poised for a bigger role in the Balkans as the international reconstruction effort for the region gets underway.As an important communications gateway and the only European Union member in south-east Europe, it stands to benefit from increased flows of western aid and investment in the region and from the expected lifting of trade barriers. ...more
EARTHQUAKE AFTERMATH:
Counting the costs of reconstruction
Christos Verelis, nicknamed Greece's "minister for earthquakes", ducks his head and wipes his feet in the doorway of a two-room prefabricated house. It will be home this winter for a four-member family whose house collapsed in Athens's worst quake in three centuries. ...more
|
|
 | |
