Latest news in Greece? September 20th, 2026

Leading headlines and developments in Greece around September 20, 2026:

• Parliament Lifts Immunity in Qatargate Case: The Hellenic Parliament voted to lift the parliamentary immunity of former European Commissioner and current New Democracy MP Dimitris Avramopoulos, permitting Belgian prosecutors to advance inquiries related to the ongoing Qatargate probe. Avramopoulos, who maintains his innocence, stated he intends to cooperate voluntarily with investigators.

• Maritime Search and Rescue: The Hellenic Coast Guard has been conducting search and recovery operations following the sinking of a migrant boat south of Gavdos and Crete, an increasingly strained maritime transit corridor. Dozens of passengers were rescued, while one fatality was confirmed and several remained missing.

• Defense & Regional Security: Greece, Egypt, Cyprus, France, and Italy concluded operations for the joint military exercise “Medusa-15” across Mediterranean air and naval sectors, focusing on maritime defense, electronic warfare, and anti-surface combat interoperability.

• Economic and Wealth Relocation Trends: Greek media and international financial outlets highlighted an uptick in foreign investors and ultra-high-net-worth individuals relocating tax residences to Greece, driven by flat-tax schemes, real estate expansion in the Athenian Riviera and Ellinikon, and favorable residency frameworks.

• Minor Seismic Activity: A minor, unconfirmed magnitude 2.1 tremor was recorded early on September 20 in the Thessaly region near Verdikoussa, resulting in no damage or disruption.